1Password Review
Verdict: 1Password is one of the most polished password managers available: reliable autofill, excellent apps on every platform and a Secret Key that adds a second layer of protection to your vault. The trade-off is price — there is no free plan, only a 14-day trial.
At a Glance
| Price | From $2.99/mo |
| Free plan | No free plan (14-day trial) |
| Platforms | Win / Mac / Linux / iOS / Android / Browser |
| Encryption | AES-256 + Secret Key, end-to-end |
| 2FA | Yes — authenticator apps, hardware keys, passkeys |
| Zero-knowledge | Yes |
Pros
- Best-in-class apps and autofill
- Secret Key adds protection against server-side breaches
- Strong family and business tools
Cons
- No free plan, only a 14-day trial
- Pricier than Bitwarden and NordPass
- Not open-source
Security & Encryption
1Password encrypts every vault with AES-256 on your device before anything is synced. Your encryption key is derived from two secrets: your master password and a 128-bit Secret Key that is generated on your first device and never sent to 1Password. Even if someone copied 1Password’s servers, they couldn’t start guessing your master password without that Secret Key, which makes offline cracking impractical.
The company publishes the results of independent security audits and runs a public bug-bounty programme. Your account can be protected further with an authenticator app, a hardware security key or a passkey.
Features
Watchtower continuously checks your vault for weak, reused and breached passwords, sites that support two-factor authentication you haven’t enabled, and expiring cards. You can store passwords, passkeys, secure notes, cards, documents and one-time 2FA codes in the same app.
Sharing is flexible: shared vaults for families and teams, plus single items shared through a secure, expiring link — even with people who don’t use 1Password. Travel Mode temporarily removes chosen vaults from your devices when you cross a border, and developers get extras such as an SSH agent.
Pricing
Plans start from $2.99 a month for an individual, billed annually. The Families plan covers five people with private vaults for each member and shared vaults for the household, and business plans add an admin console, provisioning and activity reports. There is no permanent free tier — new users get a 14-day trial instead, which is enough to import your passwords and test autofill on your own sites.
Ease of Use
Ease of use is 1Password’s biggest strength. Its browser extension fills logins, addresses, payment cards and one-time codes, offers to save new logins as you create them, and works in Chrome, Firefox, Edge, Brave and Safari. The apps look and behave the same on Windows, macOS, Linux, iOS and Android, so moving between devices doesn’t mean relearning anything.
Setup is guided: you create your account, save your Emergency Kit with the Secret Key, then import passwords from a browser or another manager. Treat the Emergency Kit seriously — without the Secret Key and your master password you can’t sign in on a new device, so keep a copy somewhere safe offline.
Customer Support
The help centre is detailed and well organised, with migration guides for every major manager. Email support is available on all plans, business customers get priority handling, and the community forum is actively monitored by 1Password staff.
Who 1Password is best for
1Password suits people who want their password manager to stay out of the way: busy professionals, families with a mix of devices and businesses that need a capable admin console. If a few dollars a month for very reliable autofill and some of the best-designed apps is worth it to you, it’s one of the most comfortable choices available.
It’s a weaker fit if you need a permanent free plan or want open-source software you can inspect or self-host.
How we evaluated 1Password
This review is based on 1Password’s own security documentation, its published independent audit and penetration-test reports, the plans and prices listed on its website, its official list of supported platforms and browsers, and its public security record, including any disclosed incidents. Every manager is scored with the same weighted criteria described in our methodology. Prices are list prices at the time of our last update — plans and introductory offers change often, so always check the vendor’s site before you buy.
Alternatives to consider
- Bitwarden — similar security with a genuinely free plan; see 1Password vs Bitwarden.
- NordPass — cheaper and simpler; see NordPass vs 1Password.
Published August 4, 2026 · Updated November 6, 2026
Frequently Asked Questions
Does 1Password have a free plan?+
No. 1Password offers a 14-day free trial, after which you need a paid plan. If you need a permanent free option, Bitwarden is our top pick.
What is the 1Password Secret Key?+
A 128-bit random code created on your first device and combined with your master password to derive your encryption key. It never leaves your devices, so stolen server data alone can’t be cracked.
Does 1Password work on Linux?+
Yes. 1Password has a native Linux desktop app, plus browser extensions for Chrome, Firefox, Edge and Brave.
Can 1Password store passkeys?+
Yes. It can save, sync and autofill passkeys across all your devices and browsers.