Who Is 1Password For?
1Password is a password manager—software that generates, stores, and fills unique passwords for every site you use. The question isn't really "is a password manager worth it?" (yes), but "is 1Password specifically worth paying for?"
The ideal 1Password user:
- Uses the internet — If you have online accounts, you need good password hygiene
- Values polish and UX — 1Password is the most refined option
- Has a family — Family plan is excellent value
- Uses multiple devices — Syncs everywhere seamlessly
Almost everyone should use a password manager. 1Password is one of the best.
Pricing Breakdown
| Plan | Monthly | Annual | What's Included |
|---|---|---|---|
| Individual | $3 | $36/yr |
|
| Families | $5 | $60/yr |
|
| Teams | $8/user | $96/user/yr |
|
Hidden Costs: None.
Refund Policy: 30-day money-back guarantee.
The Family Plan Value
$5/month for up to 5 people = $1/person/month
At $12/year per person, there's no reason for a family not to have proper password management.
Time vs. Money Tradeoff
| Factor | Details | |--------|---------| | Setup Time | 30-60 minutes (initial import/setup) | | Learning Curve | Low—browser extension handles most things | | Time to Value | After setup, saves time on every login |
The upfront investment is real—you'll spend an hour importing passwords and learning the interface. After that, it saves time daily.
Why Pay When Browsers Remember Passwords?
Chrome, Safari, and Firefox all offer built-in password managers. They're free. Why pay?
| Feature | Browser Built-in | 1Password | |---------|-----------------|-----------| | Price | Free | $3/mo | | Cross-browser | ❌ | ✅ | | Cross-platform | Limited | ✅ All platforms | | Password sharing | ❌ | ✅ | | Secure notes | ❌ | ✅ | | Security alerts | Basic | ✅ Watchtower | | Family management | ❌ | ✅ | | Travel Mode | ❌ | ✅ | | 2FA codes | ❌ | ✅ Built-in |
Browser password managers work for simple use cases. 1Password is better for:
- Multiple browsers/devices
- Family password sharing
- Storing more than passwords (documents, cards, notes)
- Security monitoring
Alternatives Comparison
| Product | Price | Best For |
|---|---|---|
| 1Password (This review) | — | — |
| Browser Built-in | $0 | Single browser, single device users |
| Bitwarden | $0-10/yr | Budget-conscious, open source preference |
| Dashlane | $5-8/mo | VPN bundled, simpler interface |
| LastPass | $3-4/mo | Legacy users (we recommend switching) |
| Apple Keychain | Free | Apple-only users |
1Password vs. Bitwarden
Bitwarden is the main competitor:
- Bitwarden: Free tier available, open source, $10/year for premium
- 1Password: More polished, better UX, $36/year individual
If budget is the primary concern, Bitwarden is excellent. If you value polish and can afford $26/year more, 1Password is worth it.
Avoid LastPass
LastPass has had multiple serious security breaches. We recommend migrating away from it, not toward it.
When 1Password Is NOT Worth It
❌ Skip If:
- You only use one browser on one device — Browser built-in works fine
- You're in the Apple ecosystem exclusively — iCloud Keychain is solid
- Budget is extremely tight — Bitwarden's free tier is good
- You want open source — Bitwarden is open source; 1Password is not
- You distrust cloud password storage — Consider KeePass (offline)
When 1Password IS Worth It
✅ Buy If:
- You use multiple browsers/devices — Cross-platform sync is seamless
- You have a family — $1/person/month is nothing
- You want the best UX — 1Password is the most polished
- You store sensitive documents — Beyond just passwords
- You travel internationally — Travel Mode hides sensitive vaults
The Security Argument
Good password hygiene prevents:
- Account takeovers
- Identity theft
- Financial fraud
- Credential stuffing attacks
The cost of one compromised account (time, money, stress) far exceeds $36/year.
Final Verdict
BUY
1Password is worth it for most people. Password security is genuinely important, and 1Password is the most refined solution available. The Family plan at $5/month for 5 people is exceptional value.
If you're extremely budget-conscious, Bitwarden is a solid free alternative. But if you can afford $3/month, 1Password's polish and features justify the cost.
Bottom Line: If you're not using a password manager, start now. 1Password is our recommendation for most users.
FAQ
Is 1Password safe? Can they see my passwords?
1Password uses zero-knowledge encryption. They cannot see your passwords—only you can decrypt them with your master password. Even if 1Password's servers were breached, attackers couldn't read your data.
Is 1Password worth it vs. Bitwarden?
Both are excellent. 1Password is more polished and easier to use. Bitwarden is cheaper (free tier available) and open source. Choose 1Password for UX, Bitwarden for budget or open source preference.
What happens if I forget my master password?
1Password gives you a recovery kit during setup. Store it securely offline. Without your master password OR recovery kit, your data is unrecoverable—that's the security tradeoff.
Can I try 1Password before paying?
Yes, there's a 14-day free trial. Use it to import your passwords and evaluate the experience before committing.