LastPass and 1Password are among the most recognized password managers available today. From strong encryption to advanced data management, each offers comprehensive features designed to protect your data and streamline your online activities. 

In this 1Password vs. LastPass comparison, we'll examine the two password managers and help you determine which one is better suited to your needs. If you're also concerned about the safety of your payment details, we'll introduce an effective way to protect your financial data when transacting online.

Disclaimer: The information in this article is valid as of August 2024. For more up-to-date information, please visit the official websites of the mentioned services.

LastPass vs. 1Password—In-Depth Comparison

To help you choose between LastPass and 1Password, we'll compare them across three essential areas: 

1. Security measures
2. Password and file management features
3. Device compatibility and support

Security Measures

LastPass and 1Password use AES-256 encryption to secure passwords and other information locally before transmitting it to their servers, protecting sensitive details in transit and at rest. 

Both services follow the zero-knowledge architecture principle. Only the user knows their account password, which is used to encrypt their vault. 

Other safeguards LastPass and 1Password have in common include:

• Support for various 2FA methods, including authenticator apps and services and hardware tokens
• Passwordless access to their respective apps by using biometrics 
• Regular external audits to ensure compliance with high security standards
• Participation in BugCrowd's bug bounty programs that encourage researchers to find and report vulnerabilities, contributing to continuous security improvements

1Password stands out by adding another layer of security with the Secret Key, which is a 34-character code that together with the account password creates the key used for encryption. The feature makes vaults harder to access even if the account password is compromised.

LastPass offers a broader range of 2FA options, allowing users to choose services that support sending authentication codes via SMS, for example. It also allows passwordless access via push notifications and hardware keys.

Due to the sensitive nature of the data they protect, password managers are frequent targets of hackers. For example, LastPass experienced two security incidents in 2022 that compromised customer and internal data. No master passwords were accessed, and LastPass has since taken significant steps to enhance security, including adding new technologies and updating its infrastructure^[1].

Password and File Management Features

LastPass and 1Password each offer a password generator that can create strong, unique passwords for every account, supporting better password usage practices across various platforms. Both services also use autofill to fill in login credentials across websites and applications and protect against phishing attacks. 

Password health checkers are integral to both services. LastPass's Security Dashboard evaluates the strength of stored passwords and monitors potential breaches. 1Password offers Watchtower, a feature that identifies weak, reused, or compromised passwords and alerts users if such passwords are found.

Additional features common to LastPass and 1Password include:

• Secure notes and document storage
• Secure storage of payment details, reducing the need for repeated data entry during online transactions
• Secure sharing of passwords and other data
• Automatic clearing of clipboard data after a set period, reducing the likelihood of pasting sensitive information in unintended locations

Both services can be used as authenticators—1Password allows users to store and manage one-time-passwords (OTPs) for websites with 2FA, while LastPass generates OTPs using its dedicated authenticator app.

While LastPass offers Emergency Access, allowing trusted individuals to access users' accounts during an emergency, 1Password offers an Emergency Kit—a PDF with account details and space to fill out the account password, helping individuals regain access if needed.

Distinct to 1Password is Travel Mode, which lets users remove sensitive vault data from their devices when traveling and restore it later. It also supports passkeys for more secure login to connected accounts and lets users create proxy emails via its Fastmail integration. 

Device Compatibility and Support

LastPass and 1Password have apps and extensions for most operating systems and browsers. Users can access their passwords with LastPass and 1Password on:

• Desktop—Windows, macOS, and Linux
• Mobile—iOS and Android devices
• Browsers—Chrome, Firefox, Safari, and Edge
• Smartwatches—Apple Watch

1Password also has an extension for Brave, while LastPass has it for Opera.

The password managers share some user support features:

• Support center—Both services provide a knowledge base with articles and FAQs to help users troubleshoot common issues.
• Community forums—Each service offers an active community forum where users can start discussions, ask questions, and share solutions.

For direct customer support, LastPass offers several options, including a chatbot to assist with issues like account recovery, login problems, and billing queries. Users can also submit tickets and manage cases through the My Cases portal. LastPass also offers phone support to paying customers. 

1Password offers direct support via email, chatbot, and their official X (formerly Twitter) account for customer inquiries. 

1Password vs. LastPass—Pricing and Plans

LastPass and 1Password provide several plans, from personal to business options. We'll compare their personal plans across three categories:

1. Free
2. Premium
3. Family

Free Plan

LastPass's Free plan offers core features such as unlimited password storage, secure notes, credit card storage, and a password generator. It also includes basic two-factor authentication (2FA) and one-to-one sharing, but access is restricted to one mobile or desktop device. 

Although 1Password does not have a free plan, it offers a 14-day free trial, allowing users to explore its features before committing to a subscription plan.

For individuals seeking free password management solutions for multiple device types, browser-based managers for Edge, Chrome, Safari, and Firefox provide convenient alternatives.

Premium Plan

LastPass Premium, at $3 per month (billed annually), enhances the Free plan with unlimited device access, dark web monitoring, a security dashboard, 1 GB of encrypted file storage, emergency access, and advanced 2FA options, including biometrics.

1Password's Individual plan, available for $2.99 per month (billed annually), offers features such as use across all devices, unlimited item storage, 1 GB of secure file storage, a password generator, autofill, secure notes, Watchtower alerts, and 2FA. 

Family Plan

LastPass Families, at $4 per month (billed annually), supports up to six users. It provides all Premium features alongside tools for managing shared items within the family.

1Password Families, at $4.99 per month (billed annually), supports up to five members and includes all Individual plan features, with added options for shared vaults and straightforward family management.

Want To Shop Around Some More?

LastPass and 1Password are password managers that offer industry-standard security and comprehensive password management features. If you're interested in exploring additional options before making your choice, here are some password managers you could look into:

• Dashlane—Offers a sleek interface with dark web monitoring and a built-in VPN for added privacy
• NordPass—Provides strong encryption and a range of password management features
• RoboForm—Known for its extensive form-filling capabilities and secure password storage across devices
• Bitwarden—An open-source solution with strong security features and transparent operations
• Proton Pass—An open-source solution with a generous free plan

You might also review how LastPass or 1Password differentiate from competitors in direct comparisons, including: 

• 1Password vs Bitwarden
• LastPass vs Bitwarden
• LastPass vs Keeper
• LastPass vs Google Password Manager 

Should I Trust Password Managers With My Payment Card Numbers?

Standalone password managers like LastPass and 1Password can secure your payment card numbers. Features like AES-256 encryption, two-factor authentication (2FA), and secure vault storage are designed to safeguard your sensitive financial information while it remains within the password manager.

However, once you share your payment details with a merchant, the security of that information is no longer within your control—it depends on the security measures implemented by the merchant. If their systems are compromised, your payment details could be exposed to cybercriminals.

To reduce the risk of your payment details being stolen in a data breach, consider using virtual cards for online purchases. They come with unique card numbers you can use to shield your actual payment information at checkout. While financial institutions like American Express® and Capital One® offer virtual cards, independent virtual card providers like Privacy offer advanced customization options, flexible card controls, and robust security measures.

Privacy—Protect Your Financial Information

If you have a bank account or debit card, you can connect it to a Privacy account and create virtual cards for your online transactions. Privacy Cards come with a unique 16-digit card number, security code, and expiration date that you can use the same way you use your regular payment card. 

As a PCI-DSS-compliant service provider, Privacy uses advanced security measures to protect your information. For instance, it leverages military-grade encryption standards to secure your data. Privacy also undergoes regular external audits, ensuring it complies with strict industry regulations and best practices.

Additional safeguards Privacy offers include:

• Two-factor authentication (2FA)—Enhances security by requiring a second form of verification before accessing your Privacy account
• Transaction alerts—Notifies you of any approved or declined charges on your virtual cards, allowing you to monitor your card activity in real time
• Fraud protection—Investigates disputed transactions and, if warranted, files a chargeback against the merchant the same way a bank or another financial institution would

Privacy Card Types and Features

Privacy offers three types of virtual cards:

1. Single-Use Cards—Designed for one-time transactions, Single-Use Cards become invalid shortly after the first purchase is completed. This makes them ideal for use on unfamiliar websites. Because the card closes soon after the first use, it becomes useless to those who may steal it.
2. Merchant-Locked Cards—These cards "lock" to the first vendor you use them with, making them ideal for recurring payments with your favorite merchants and subscription services. Once locked, the card cannot be used with any other merchant.
3. Category-Locked Cards—These cards "lock" to a specific merchant category, such as digital goods, dining, or entertainment. If a transaction attempt isn’t part of the designated category or is above the limit you've set, Privacy will block it, allowing you to budget securely.
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You can pause or close your Privacy Card at any time, blocking further transactions. This feature protects against accidental charges, such as those that might happen when unsubscribing from services like Dropbox, Kindle Unlimited, and Philo TV. 

Privacy also allows you to set spending limits on your virtual cards. If a merchant attempts to charge more than the maximum amount you've specified, Privacy will automatically decline the transaction, protecting you from accidental overcharges, unexpected price increases, and hidden fees.

Additional Convenience Features

To ensure you have a seamless experience using virtual cards, Privacy offers several additional features:

How To Join Privacy

To get a Privacy Card, follow four steps:

1. Register
2. Complete the required Know-Your-Customer (KYC) process
3. Connect your bank account or debit card to your Privacy account
4. Request your first virtual card
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Privacy offers four plans:

Privacy Virtual Cards are available to U.S. residents aged 18 and over with checking accounts at U.S. financial institutions. These cards are accepted by most merchants and websites that process payments through U.S. Visa® and Mastercard®, including subscription services like Shopify, Amazon Music, and NordVPN.

References

^[1] LastPass. https://blog.lastpass.com/posts/2023/03/security-incident-update-recommended-actions, Sourced August 23, 2024.

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