Many password managers have both free and paid versions, but it’s sometimes risky to upgrade without knowing what you’re getting extra. I’ve spent time using both over the years, and I have a pretty good idea if it’s worth using a paid password manager or sticking with the free version.
Reasons to Use a Free Password Manager
First, let’s look at some of the reasons why you should stick with a free password manager. You’ll want to pay attention to these in particular if you’re a complete beginner.
1. You Don’t Know Which Password Manager to Use
I always recommend trying the free version of any software you use before upgrading. By doing that, you’ll have a much better understanding of whether you can reasonably say that you’d use the paid edition. If you’re totally new to password managers and just observing what’s available, you should wait a few months before upgrading.
Some password managers also have free trials, which you should consider trying if you want to upgrade to the full version. You can always start with thesepassword managers for every occasionif you’re unsure where to start.
2. You Only Need a Basic Password Manager
Most of the time, you’ll only need a paid password manager if you need to upgrade for specific features. For example, Bitwarden Families—one ofBitwarden’s paid plans— has unlimited collections. However, the free version already lets you manage your passkeys without too much of a problem.
The majority of free password managers are more than fine if you only need to keep your details in one place. Always ensure that youtrust your password manager’s securityfirst; check to see what is offered before choosing.
3. You’re Using a Secure, System-Related Password Manager
You probably also don’t need a paid password manager if you’re already using something secure on your system. For example, as an Apple user, I’ve felt no reason to get a separate password manager. Passkeys is more than good enough, andthe Passwords app also has positive reviews.
If you’re using something like Passkeys or Apple’s Passwords app, ask yourself if a paid password manager is really necessary. For example, the Passwords app gives you categorization and other features you might have been about to pay for.
If you have devices across multiple operating systems (e.g., an iPhone but a Windows computer), you may find some benefits in paying for a password manager that allows you to keep everything in one place.
Reasons to Use a Paid Password Manager
While many users probably don’t need a paid password manager, having one is useful in some situations. Based on my comprehensive experience in using password managers, here are some occasions in which I think you should upgrade to a paid version.
1. More Features
Some password managers have features that aren’t available with their free version, but you would like to access them. For example, whileNordPass’s free version has the option to autosave and autofill passwords, it doesn’t have the option to mask your email.
If you’ve been using a password manager for a while and don’t want to change, you should consider upgrading. This is especially true if you want features that aren’t available with the free version. These might make it even easier for you tokeep your passwords safe.
2. Better Availability
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Another limitation of many free password managers is that you can only have one user account. In these instances, you might need to upgrade to a family plan.
Here are two examples. NordPass gives you up to six user accounts with its family subscription but only one with a free plan. Similarly, while Bitwarden has unlimited devices on a free account, you can only have one user. So, if you don’t want others to see your passwords, you should upgrade.
3. Storing Documents and Other Files
In addition to passwords, many password managers also let you store files. However, you often need to upgrade. For example, Bitwarden and NordPass allow you to add file attachments with a paid subscription. If this is important to you, and your chosen password manager only has these options with a paid plan, you should upgrade.
Needing to store documents might convince you to change your password manager altogether. For example, 1Password doesn’t have a free plan, but you do get 1-5GB of document storage space per user. In the same way that you’d look at cloud and hardware storage, you should consider looking athardware vs. software password storage for safety.
4. Improved Sharing Features
You might occasionally want to share passwords with others, such as details for your Wi-Fi or streaming subscription. In some cases, you’ll need a paid subscription before you may do that. You may also need to upgrade for encrypted sharing features (Bitwarden’s free plan lets you share encrypted text only, whereas the paid version allows you to share both text and files).
To determine whether it’s time to upgrade, you’ll need to look at what your password manager offers. Moreover, you should verify that you will actually use these features.
5. Reporting and Feedback
You’re probably using a password manager because you care about your online security, and if that’s the case, upgrading to a paid plan might be worth it for reporting and feedback. You don’t need to do this if you use Apple’s Passkeys or Passwords app because you’ll see when your password is compromised. However, it might be useful sometimes.
Some paid password managers, such as 1Password, have reporting controls (this is available with 1Password’s Business plan). Similarly, you’re able to get breach reports with Teams or above. Meanwhile, NordPass’s Premium plan scans for data breaches and will detect your reused passwords.
Free password managers offer basic security features that will be more than enough for many users. However, you’ll also need to upgrade to a paid subscription in some cases. This will largely depend on the specific password manager you use, as their features will differ.
