Apple Passwords vs. 1Password 2025: Can Apple’s Free App Stand Up to an Industry Leader?

Apple Passwords now makes it easier than ever to store your passwords on your Apple devices, so do you still need to pay for a third-party service like 1Password?

Apple’s Passwords app is a free resource for Apple OS and Windows users. While most features are the same as in the current iCloud Keychain, the new organizational system provides a cleaner user experience. The downside to relying on the native iOS app is that your passwords are only as secure as your device. So if you lose your phone or your device gets hacked, your passwords are at risk. 

1Password is a top-rated dedicated password management solution with unique features and extras, including digital legacy, Watchtower, and Travel Mode. 

Let’s discuss the pros and cons of each so you can see which password vault is best for you, as well as the top password manager alternatives.

Apple Passwords vs. 1Password at a glance

• Apple Passwords: Best for basic Apple OS password vault
• 1Password: Best for cross-platform security

	Our Pick
Star rating	4.4 AllAboutCookies writers and editors score products based on a number of objective features as well as our expert editorial assessment. Our partners do not influence how we rate products.	4.9 AllAboutCookies writers and editors score products based on a number of objective features as well as our expert editorial assessment. Our partners do not influence how we rate products.
Price	Free	Starts at $2.39/mo
Free version
Number of devices	Unlimited	Unlimited
Browser extensions		Chrome, Firefox, Edge, Brave, Safari
Password sharing	Yes — Unlimited (Apple OS only)	Yes — Unlimited
Encryption	Data Protection and File Vault	AES 256-bit
Password generator
Form filler
Password security tips
Learn more	Get Apple Passwords Read Apple Passwords Review	Get 1Password Read 1Password Review

Which password manager is the better value?

Since Apple Passwords come free with any Apple product, it's a better value for Apple users than 1Password.

	Our Pick
Price range	Free	$2.39-$7.99/mo
Best value plan	N/A	Individual for $2.39/mo
Money-back guarantee	N/A
Learn more	Get Apple Passwords Read Apple Passwords Review	Get 1Password Read 1Password Review

One of the biggest advantages of using the Passwords App is that it’s completely free. Passwords app replaced iCloud Keychain, which was a prior standard feature for all Apple OS users.

The non-business version of 1Password has two plans: an individual plan and a family plan. Both offer a budget-friendly monthly price, but we recommend the individual plan unless you have a family to cover. The features are the same between the two plans, with the only difference being the number of people covered.

Which password manager has the better features?

Apple Passwords is directly integrated into your Apple system, so it works seamlessly with everything on your devices, including existing authentication and digital legacy features. However, 1Password has better features overall because it offers Watchtower and Travel Mode. 

Feature		Our Pick
Password sharing
Two-factor authentication
Password generator
Autofill
Password strength report
Digital legacy
Learn more	Get Apple Passwords Read Apple Passwords Review	Get 1Password Read 1Password Review

Most of the features between these two are similar, but Apple’s approach is slightly different. Apple integrates a lot of these features into its entire operating system.

Rather than having two-factor authentication (2FA) in its Passwords app, it uses overall biometrics for passwordless authentication, like FaceID and Fingerprint, that aren’t exclusive to Passwords. Also, you don’t get standard password strength reports as you do with 1Password. Instead, there’s a security folder that has your weak or compromised passwords.

With 1Password, there is a section to find the digital legacy contact, but Apple integrates it into the settings on your device.

1Password has all its features built into the application itself, keeping your data safe while spreading them across the entire operating system. 

1Password also offers Watchtower, which scans the web for compromised passwords. There's an alerts dashboard that reports on the strength of your passwords and provides recommendations on how to secure your accounts. 

Additionally, 1Passwords is the only password vault to offer Travel Mode, which, when enabled, temporarily removes your sensitive information from devices as you travel. You can mark vaults as "safe" and have the peace of mind that your account credentials won't be exposed if your device is compromised while traveling. 

Apple Passwords vs. 1Password: Compatibility and customer support

While 1Password is available on more systems, Apple Passwords is a much smoother integration into your Apple products.

	Our Pick
Windows
macOS
Android
iOS
Browser extensions		Yes — Chrome, Firefox, Edge, Brave, Safari
24/7 customer support
Customer support options	Phone, chat, email, in-store, and more	Email, forums, online guides, X (formerly Twitter)
Learn more	Get Apple Passwords Read Apple Passwords Review	Get 1Password Read 1Password Review

We tested Apple Passwords on an iPhone, and it was simple to use. The one caveat is that not all the features available are found within the Passwords App. The legacy contact is located in Settings > Your Name > Sign in & Security from your iPhone’s main screen.

Also, to access your contact information for autofill settings, go to Phone > Contacts, and you’ll see your contact card at the top.

1Password contains all of its features within its main dashboard. The only hitch is that it might not always work seamlessly with every device. We’ve had a few issues with password managers being buggy on occasion. Since they aren’t built into the device's OS, they may not work as intended, especially on mobile devices.

When it comes to customer support, Apple is at the top. You can attend free in-store workshops to learn how to use your Apple products better, or connect via phone or chat with a live technician 24/7 if you run into issues.

1Password has 24/7 support plus plenty of options like community forums and X (formerly Twitter), where you can reach out for support.

Apple Passwords and 1Password alternatives

If Apple Passwords or 1Password doesn’t offer what you need, check out one of our other options below. These are some of the best password managers available and have options for individuals and families.

FAQs

Apple Passwords vs. 1Password: Which is better?

Apple Passwords is better for Apple users. It’s free, fully integrated into the operating systems present on Apple devices, and very secure. Of course, if you use a variety of devices or aren’t an Apple user, you’ll need a great password manager to sync between your devices. 1Password is a great option for those users.

Remember, your Apple Password app is only as secure as your device. So if you lose your phone, Mac, or iPad, your free password app could put your sensitive information at risk. So while we love the Apple Passwords app, we recommend using a dedicated password manager to ensure your passwords are secure across devices and platforms.