NordPass vs. 1Password 2024: Putting Two Top Options Head-To-Head

During our testing, we found that, while 1Password has unique features, NordPass is a better choice in almost every other category.
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Best overall

5.0
Editorial Rating
Learn More
On NordPass's website

Password Manager
NordPass
Up to 56% + 3 extra months
  • #1 ranked password manager with a strong history
  • Trusted Nord name backed by above industry standard encryption
  • Grab NordPass on its own or opt for a fully-featured security bundle
  • Free version limited to one device at a time

Best for unique features

4.9
Editorial Rating
Learn More
On 1Password's website

Password Manager
1Password
  • Secure password manager with no history of being hacked
  • Unique features, like Travel Mode
  • No free version or money-back guarantee

We found that NordPass and 1Password are both solid options during our hands-on testing, but ultimately NordPass offers better prices, ease of use, and customer support. ​​

In this article, we’ll break down NordPass vs. 1Password based on features, pricing, security, and more to help you make an informed decision about which password manager is best for your cybersecurity needs.

In this article
Comparison at a glance
Prices
Features
Safety and security
Compatibility and customer support
FAQs
Which is better?

NordPass vs. 1Password review at a glance

NordPass is an excellent choice for both individuals and families. It offers a free version as well as economical long-term plans, making it easily affordable on a tight budget. With Nord, you get a user-friendly interface, helpful customer support around the clock, and full feature access in its mobile apps.

On the other hand, 1Password is a better choice if you’re seeking unique features. 1Password provides useful organization tools for your stored passwords, including tags, categories, and collections. It also has a Travel Mode, which keeps your sensitive data safe when you’re on the go, and Watchtower, which provides actionable security alerts.

NordPass vs. 1Password compared


NordPass
Our Pick

1Password
Star rating
5.0
4.9
Price Free–$3.69/mo $2.99-$4.99/mo
Free version
Number of users 1-6 1-5
Number of devices Unlimited (paid plans only) Unlimited
Compatibility Windows, macOS, Linux, Android, iOS Windows, macOS, Android, iOS, Linux, CLI
Browser extensions Chrome, Firefox, Edge, Safari, Opera Chrome, Firefox, Edge, Safari, Brave
Password sharing
Encryption XChaCha20 AES-GCM-256
Password generator
Password strength report
Autofill
Digital legacy
Cloud storage Up to 3GB
Learn more Get NordPass

Read NordPass Review

Get 1Password

Read 1Password Review

How we test and rate password managers

We put every password manager through vigorous hands-on testing by downloading the software to our own devices. We test how the product works on both mobile and desktop, evaluating how well we're able to save, share, and use passwords across a variety of situations.

By taking a fine-tooth comb through all available features and settings, we carefully compare each product using our proprietary grading rubric. The star ratings take into account price, features, extras like cloud storage and data breach alerts, plus looks at security and privacy features like encryption levels and past data breaches. 

To learn more about how we test, check out our full testing methodology here.

NordPass pros and cons

NordPass is a reputable, secure password manager from the maker of some of the best security products around. We found the program to be intuitive and seamless during our testing, backed by a reasonable price.

The major downside to the product is a lackluster free version, which only allows you to be logged in to one device at a time. 

Pros
  • Trusted Nord name
  • Reasonably priced
  • Multiple security features
Cons
  • Free version has annoying restrictions

1Password pros and cons

We found 1Password to be a user-friendly option that hit all the marks we were looking for, plus added some extra bells and whistles on top. Everything worked seamlessly during our testing and we were happy with its history.

When it comes to downsides, 1Password doesn't have a free version at all. This is really the only thing that stopped it from getting a full 5-star score.

Pros
  • No history of being hacked
  • Unique features, like Travel Mode and Watchtower
  • Customizable and compatible with many operating systems and browsers
Cons
  • No free version or money-back guarantee
  • 24/7 support is only available via email

Which password manager is the better value?

Overall, NordPass offers the better value thanks to lower monthly fees and the option of a free plan.

Our Pick

Price range Free–$3.69/mo $2.99-$4.99/mo
Best value plan NordPass Family 2-year plan for $2.79/mo (billed every two years) 1Password Individual for $2.99/mo (billed annually)
Money-back guarantee Yes — 30 days
Learn more Get NordPass

Read NordPass Review

Get 1Password

Read 1Password Review

NordPass offers a budget-friendly range of plans, with the lowest starting at just $1.29/mo (billed every two years). This entry-level plan is an excellent value for those who want essential password management features at an affordable price. Nord also offers a free version.  

The best value is the NordPass Family plan for $2.79/mo (billed every two years), which covers six Premium user accounts. It's perfect for families who need secure password management without straining their budget. NordPass also sweetens the deal with a 30-day money-back guarantee, providing added peace of mind.

1Password skips the free plan and starts at $2.99/mo (billed annually) for its individual plan and $4.99/mo (billed annually) for a family plan. Unfortunately, 1Password doesn’t offer any refund or money-back guarantee in its policy, and only a 14-day free trial.

Winner: In terms of value, NordPass comes out on top, offering a family plan that combines essential features at an excellent price point, along with a money-back guarantee.

Which password manager has the better features?

Both NordPass and 1Password have all the major features we're looking for in a password manager. So what it comes down to is what extra bells and whistles can it offer, and NordPass takes the edge here.

Feature
Our Pick

Import/export tool
Password sharing
Password generator
Autofill
Password strength report
Digital legacy
Cloud storage Up to 3GB
Extra features Data breach scanner, email masking, ability to bundle with NordVPN Data breach scanner, travel mode
Learn more Get NordPass

Read NordPass Review

Get 1Password

Read 1Password Review

NordPass and 1Password both offer a comprehensive set of features for effective password management. As far as standard password manager features, both include password sharing, a password generator, autofill, and data breach scanner, and password strength reports. Both password managers also allow you to save unlimited passwords, as well as credit card details and secure notes.

To protect your account, NordPass and 1Password both offer two-factor authentication (2FA). NordPass’s multi-factor authentication options include authenticator apps, security keys, and backup codes. 1Password allows you to protect your account with authenticator apps and physical security keys.

1Password does provide some extra security features that may be enticing. 1Password’s Travel Mode allows you to mark vaults as safe for travel and removes the rest from your devices when you cross country lines. In addition, 1Password has extensive options for organizing your password vault with tags, categories, and collections.

1Password's instructions for its Travel Mode feature.

But NordPass has some extra features up its sleeve as well. With email masking, you can create a fake email to use on websites so you don't have to give out your real one (all email will be forwarded to your real email). You can also grab NordPass Plus, Complete, or Prime to get the password manager bundled in with top security products like a VPN, ad blocker, and more.

NordPass email masking

Winner: NordPass is the winner here, thanks to its included features like email masking and also the ability to get an all-in-one security bundle with other Nord products.

Which password manager is safer?

Both password managers have top-of-the-line security features and military-grade encryption, but NordPass offers newer and slightly more secure encryption methods.

Feature
Our Pick

Encryption XChaCha20 AES-GCM-256
Password hashing Argon2id PBKDF2-HMAC-SHA256
Two-factor authentication
Most recent security audit June 2022 May 2023
Most recent data breach Never Never
Learn more Get NordPass

Read NordPass Review

Get 1Password

Read 1Password Review

Regarding password manager safety, we're primarily concerned with how NordPass and 1Password handle your data, their commitment to your privacy, past data breaches, and the encryption methods they use to protect your information.

While NordPass processes this data for essential purposes like providing its service and ensuring its security, it doesn’t retain logs of your online activities or browsing history. NordPass also complies with General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR) and uses XChaCha20 encryption, providing high-level security for your information. 

1Password is equally committed to user privacy and security. It proudly upholds a no-logs policy and is GDPR-compliant. Regarding encryption, 1Password uses advanced methods like PBKDF2-HMAC-SHA256 and AES-GCM-256, along with a 128-bit Secret Key.

While AES-256 encryption is much more common, XChaCha20 is actually a newer version of the encryption method that has less room for error. While both are considered military-grade and extremely secure, XChaCha20 does take a bit of an edge. The same can be said of the password hashing encryption the two password managers use — both are good, but Argon2id is slightly newer and better.

In May 2023, 1Password underwent independent security audits by Secfault Security and Recurity Labs, affirming its strong commitment to user safety. 1Password also has no history of data breaches.

NordPass completed and passed its SOC 2 Type I audit in June 2022, and its customer support team confirmed it’s SOC 2 Type II compliant. Like 1Password, NordPass also hasn’t suffered a data breach.

Winner: While NordPass takes the edge here, both options have clean security records that make them both trustworthy choices for safeguarding your sensitive information.

Which password manager has better compatibility and customer support?

Both NordPass and 1Password are available across a wide range of devices, but the customer support offered by NordPass is slightly better.

Our Pick
Windows
macOS
Android
iOS
Browser extensions Chrome, Firefox, Edge, Safari, Opera Chrome, Firefox, Edge, Safari, Brave
24/7 customer support
Customer support options Live chat, email, help center Email, help center, community forum, X (formerly Twitter)
Learn more Get NordPass

Read NordPass Review

Get 1Password

Read 1Password Review

Both 1Password and NordPass offer relatively user-friendly interfaces, but there are some differences in their performance. When we tested 1Password on our PC running Windows 10, there was an issue with its password generator not populating on certain websites, which could be frustrating. However, this wasn’t an issue on all the sites we visited.

As for customer support, 1Password provides support through its Support Community Forum, Support Hub, email, and X (formerly Twitter). Unfortunately, it doesn’t offer live chat for instant help. On the other hand, NordPass offers a Help Center, live chat, and email, making it easier to get help quickly. If you like having support available 24/7, this is critical.

Winner: NordPass has the upper hand in customer support. Its 24/7 availability and various support options make it more convenient for users to seek help and assistance.

FAQs


+

Is NordPass worth it?

NordPass is a smart choice for a reliable password manager. A trusted name backs the product, which offers XChaCha20 encryption across all versions, and is fully GDPR compliant.


+

What are 1Password’s benefits?

1Password is an excellent choice for security and valuable features. It’s serious about keeping your data safe with a no-logs policy, GDPR compliance, and no past data breaches. Its robust encryption methods, like PBKDF2-HMAC-SHA256 and AES-GCM-256 with a 128-bit Secret Key, add extra security.

Plus, you get handy features like a password generator, secure notes, and easy password sharing. It's a complete and reliable way to manage your digital security.


+

What are NordPass’s negatives?

Two things that bum us out with NordPass are its limited free version and lack of phone support. The free plan allows only one user/device at a time, and from what we can tell, there is no direct number for customer service.


+

What is better than 1Password?

Our vote is for NordPass because it offers better pricing, a user-friendly interface, and extensive customer support.

NordPass vs. 1Password: Which is better?

NordPass is the superior option for all users, from families to budget-conscious users seeking password management solutions. Even if the free version is limited, NordPass caters to individuals on a tight budget. 1Password offers valuable features, but it's behind Nord in pricing and support. 

NordPass wins for its helpful 24/7 support, affordable pricing, advanced encryption, a clean track record, and an intuitive interface.

Our Pick
Value
Features
Safety
Compatibility & customer support
Learn more Get NordPass

Read NordPass Review

Get 1Password

Read 1Password Review

5.0
Editorial Rating
Learn More
On NordPass's website
Password Manager
NordPass
Up to 56% + 3 extra months
  • #1 ranked password manager with a strong history
  • Trusted Nord name backed by above industry standard encryption
  • Grab NordPass on its own or opt for a fully-featured security bundle
  • Free version limited to one device at a time

Top alternatives

Haven’t entirely found what you’re looking for? There are password managers other than NordPass and 1Password that we highly recommend. Take a look at three of the best password managers that we’ve vetted and tested: 


Star rating
4.6
4.5
4.6
Starting price Starts at $2.66/mo (billed annually) Starts at $2.92/mo (billed annually) Starts at Free
Compatibility Windows, macOS, Linux, iOS, Android, Chromebook, Chrome, Firefox, Edge Windows, macOS, Linux, iOS, Android, Chrome, Firefox, Edge, Safari, Brave, Opera Windows, macOS, Android, iOS, Linux, Chrome, Firefox, Edge, Safari, other Chromium browsers
Autofill
Password sharing
Password generator
Digital legacy
Learn more Get Roboform Get Keeper Get 1Password

5.0
Editorial Rating
Learn More
On NordPass's website
Password Manager
NordPass
Up to 56% + 3 extra months
  • #1 ranked password manager with a strong history
  • Trusted Nord name backed by above industry standard encryption
  • Grab NordPass on its own or opt for a fully-featured security bundle
  • Free version limited to one device at a time
Author Details
Cheyenne Lightfoot is a freelance content writer specializing in the intersection between identity and access management and user privacy. As an account executive, she has helped small-to-medium-sized businesses prevent data breaches, safeguard sensitive information, and achieve compliance with passwordless multi-factor authentication software.