Test 1 Log in and set up
How easy is it to get started?
When it comes to setup, iCloud Keychain
is the easiest. You just log into iCloud and
set up a security code. You need to have
two–factor authentication (2FA) enabled,
which uses Touch ID/Face ID or sends a six–
digit code to devices without those systems.
1Password, Dashlane, LastPass and RoboForm
all ask you to create an account and set up a master password.
Keeper goes one step further and also asks you to create a
security question.
Keeper also offers an import tool, a feature none of the
others offer, that makes it far easier to populate login
information if you already have saved passwords in other
password management apps. All the others on test require
you to enter them manually, either in the app or online, which
can be pretty time–consuming.
Test 3 Features
What do they provide?
iCloud Keychain stores your data and allows
you to view it — handy but basic. 1Password
offers Watchtower, a feature that scans the
web for reused and weak passwords, as well
as compromised websites, multiple vaults,
and document storage. Dashlane provides
a health score for your passwords and web
monitoring, and has tags to help you sort your login details. Tags
are also available in 1Password and Keeper.
Keeper offers Breach Watch, which lets you know if stolen
credentials match your passwords so you can safeguard
your data. It also offers users storage for files and photos,
with 10GB, 50GB, and 100GB options available. RoboForm has
a Contacts feature, and enables you to set a trusted contact
who can access your data in case of an emergency. LastPass falls
down here, because it offers nothing beyond password storage
and management.
Test 2 Syncing
Do they work across devices?
Since iCloud Keychain is linked to your Apple
ID, it works seamlessly across all of your
Apple devices, and requires no effort to
update. Any changes are updated across
iCloud, and are instantly available. However,
Keychain doesn’t work on Android devices,
Windows systems or indeed Chrome, as they
don’t sync with iCloud. This is where all the others on test do well
— 1Password, Dashlane, LastPass, RoboForm and Keeper all boast
native apps for Windows 8 or later, as well as Chrome extensions
and apps for Android.
Other than iCloud Keychain, RoboForm and LastPass are
the only two apps to offer an Apple Watch app. While all the
managers on test here offer iOS and macOS versions, you’ll need
to opt for the subscription versions we’ve tested (not the free
tiers) to sync between your devices.
Test 4 Usability
How easy are they to use?
iCloud Keychain stands out as the easiest
to use, since it’s baked right into iOS and
macOS. You can view and edit your details
manually from Settings on iOS and Safari on
Mac without having to install anything else.
1Password and Dashlane are the most
feature–rich and, as a result, tend to have
more bloated interfaces with options hidden under multiple
menus and submenus. It’s great to have the features but there’s
a bit of a learning curve to finding them.
LastPass, RoboForm and Keeper all offer simpler interfaces,
with a sidebar that’s less populated. It’s easier to navigate the
options in these apps, and view your data.
All the apps on test here offer pop–ups when logging in or
creating accounts that allow you to quickly enter or create
a password, and all support Face ID/Touch ID for quick and
easy access.iCLOUD KEYCHAIN1PASSWORDDASHLANE PREMIUMLASTPASS PREMIUMROBOFORM EVERYWHEREKEEPER UNLIMITEDiCLOUD KEYCHAIN1PASSWORDDASHLANE PREMIUMLASTPASS PREMIUMROBOFORM EVERYWHEREKEEPER UNLIMITEDiCLOUD KEYCHAIN1PASSWORDDASHLANE PREMIUMLASTPASS PREMIUMROBOFORM EVERYWHEREKEEPER UNLIMITEDiCLOUD KEYCHAIN1PASSWORDDASHLANE PREMIUMLASTPASS PREMIUMROBOFORM EVERYWHEREKEEPER UNLIMITEDImage rights from top left to bottom right: AgileBits, Siber System, Dashlane, Keeper Security.
Reviews
58 MAR 2020 maclife.com