NordPass vs. 1Password: Which password manager is better?

Struggling to remember all your online passwords? Learn how to manage them securely with auto-fill access in this NordPass vs. 1Password comparison.

Imagine a life where you don’t have to remember your online passwords. You access your site, and it auto-fills the logins.

Fortunately, a password manager can make it a reality, and two that have gained reputation are NordPass and 1Password. 

NordPass offers innovative encryption, while 1Password provides advanced password management. However, how do they compare?

Let’s see what makes each unique in this NordPass vs. 1Password comparison.

NordPass vs 1Password: At a Glance

Here is a table breaking down the factors we considered in this NordPass vs. 1Password comparison.

Criteria	NordPass	1Password	Winner
SMB Guide’s Rating	8.5/10	8.5/10	Tie
Multi-factor Security and Authentication	✅	✅	NordPass
One-time Passwords	✅	✅	NordPass
Password Capture and Generation	✅	✅	1Password
Password Sharing	✅	✅	1Password
Emergency Access	✅	✅	NordPass
Security Dashboard	✅	✅	1Password
Account Recovery	✅	✅	1Password
Browser Extensions	✅	✅	1Password
Data Privacy and Compliance	✅	✅	1Password
User Experience and User Interface	Easy to use	Feature-rich interface	1Password
Integrations and Compatibility	✅	✅	1Password
Customer Support	Email; live chat; DIY	Offers a forum, X (Twitter), and email	NordPass
Pricing	Free – $5.39/mo	$2.99/mo – $7.99/mo	NordPass
Scalability	✅	✅	NordPass

NordPass: Key Features, Pros, Cons, & Pricing

NordPass is an online secure solution for managing passkeys, passwords, and credit cards. One standout feature of NordPass is the focus on privacy, where it uses end-to-end encryption for password protection.

The best part is that it doesn’t track or store personal data, maintaining a no-log policy. Its interface is also easy to use and navigate, even for first-time users.

People looking for advanced password protection will find that NordPass now supports passkeys. It is a new authentication standard that’s more secure than traditional passwords.

Pros & Cons

Pricing

NordPass packages its pricing into two: Personal & family and Business. The personal and family package is the basic package offering scalable plans, including a free package. NordPass packages its pricing using annual and biannual billing cycles.

Here are the plans:

• Free: $0
• Premium: $25.35 yearly or ($32.13 bi-annual)
• Family: $44.28 annual or ($66.96 bi-annual)

1Password: Key Features, Pros, Cons, & Pricing

1Password is more than just a password manager. It offers filing systems, storage, and secure data systems. 1Password is also one of the best password managers on the market.

Users will find that 1Password also provides standard features like a password generator and autofill. However, adding advanced capabilities like Travel Mode, Watchtower and Secrets Automation make it stand out.

Pros & Cons

Pricing

The pricing model on 1Password is straightforward, offering four scalable plans. The plans come with a free trial period of 14 days but no money-back guarantee.

The billing cycle is annual, and here are the plans: 

• Individual: 35.88 annually
• Families: $59.88 annually
• Team Starter Pack: $239 annually
• Business: $95.88 annually

Multi-Factor Security and Authentication

Users will find NordPass offers more multi-factor security and authentication options than 1Password. It supports MFA via authenticator apps, backup codes, and security keys.

Users can pick from popular authenticator apps like Authy, Microsoft, and Google.

Setting them up is easy when you log into your account and follow the prompts for the preferred MFA method. Users who prefer a physical layer of security can opt for hardware tokens like YubiKey.

1Password emphasizes 2FA through email but also recommends using a separate authenticator app for storing the codes. Users can choose from authenticator apps like Authy, Microsoft, and Okta Verify.

1Password also supports hardware tokens like Titan and Yubikey for the physical layer of security. Setting the 2FA is straightforward, involving keying in a setup key or scanning a QR code.

With effectiveness, MFA methods such as security keys and authenticator apps are more effective than email or SMS.

They are less susceptible to sim swap scams and phishing attacks. Hardware tokens require physical possession, and authenticator apps offer a time-sensitive code that’s hard to intercept.

✅ Winner: NordPass

One-Time Passwords

Unlike 1Password, NordPass provides a built-in authenticator that generates one-time passwords directly. It simplifies the need for extra authenticator apps for the 2FA process.

It also adds another layer of security by requiring biometrics to unlock the (TOTP).

The OTPs are time-based, changing depending on a set period, a standard security practice that helps prevent the reuse of passwords. Setting the OTPs is simple; users can add the 2FA to their accounts on NordPass.

After enabling, logging follows a pre-filled password and a prompt for the TOTP, which the user biometrics unlocks.

On the other hand, 1Password allows users to manage and store OTPs for websites that support 2FA. A user can enable 2FA for a site, and 1Password can store the OTP and auto-fill the password when required.

It adds a layer of convenience with quick logins. One thing to note is that the OTPs expire after 30 seconds, guaranteeing no re-use.

1Password also simplifies the management and generation of OTPs. The software requires users to pick a login item for their site and edit it to add an OTP. From there, they can key in a string of characters or scan a QR code to set the OTP.

It is important to note that 1Password and NordPass encrypt the OTPs and add an expiration time for protection.

✅ Winner: NordPass

Password Capture and Generation

NordPass provides a powerful generator that creates customizable random and strong passwords. Users can set them using uppercase, lowercase, symbols, digits, or length (8 – 32 characters).

Not only that, NordPass offers it as a browser extension and mobile app, adding convenience for users. NordPass also provides a simple password import process. It scans the browsers for saved logins and securely imports them to the vault.

Like NordPass, 1Password also provides a cryptographic password generator to create secure or random passwords. It offers customization options similar to NordPass, such as symbols, digits, and length. 

The generator integrates with browser extensions and mobile apps for easy password capture from browsers. The best part is that 1Password has an edge, allowing users to create memorable passwords for memorization.

✅ Winner: 1Password

Password Sharing

Users can share their credentials with other NordPass users, giving them full or limited access. Full access allows the recipient to edit, while limited access gives read-only capability.

Unlike 1Password, NordPass lacks granular permission control besides these two. It lacks options like sharing vaults for specific purposes and more.

Something to note is that NordPass allows users to designate someone as the primary owner of shared items (Make Owner) option.

With encryption, NordPass uses XChaCha20 to protect the passwords in transit and rest. The software further secures the passwords through a one-time access link that expires after 21 hours for the free plan.

With audit logs and trails, NordPass doesn’t explicitly say if they audit them. It’s one drawback we encountered.

1Password offers more password-sharing permissions and granularity than NordPass. Users can share their logins without revealing the password. Not only that, the recipients get permission to log in without seeing it.

Users can create vaults for specific purposes, such as work or family. In addition to vault creation, users can allow full or limited access, giving them more control than NordPass.

For security, 1Password uses a ’Zero-knowledge encryption’ architecture to secure passwords and other sensitive login data.

It means 1Password doesn’t store a user’s encryption keys or master password. Instead, all the decryption happens on the recipient device or computer.

Unlike NordPass, 1Password provides a basic audit log on when and for whom logins got shared. It displays the timestamp details and any changes made.

✅ Winner: 1Password

Emergency Access

NordPass provides emergency access as a premium feature in the paid plans. Creating the setup requires a user to designate trusted contacts and provide them with a recovery code.

The code allows them to access your vault without restrictions.

1Password, on the other hand, includes emergency access in the Families plan. Creating the setup requires an emergency kit (instructions) and a secret key for your designated contacts.

Unlike NordPass, on 1Password, the secret key gets derived from your master password.

With security measures, NordPass recommends users store the recovery code separately from emergency contacts. 1Password emphasizes keeping the emergency kit confidential.

The reason is that the secret key from the master password can create a security risk. Revoking or modifying emergency access on both software differs.

NordPass allows users to remove designated contacts from their accounts, offering an easy revocation. 1Password requires regenerating the emergency kit from scratch and providing a new secret key to your other contacts.

The 1Password process is more complex and takes time.

✅ Winner: NordPass

Security Dashboard

Users will find that NordPass provides a clear security dashboard that displays an overall password health score. It shows the number of reused, old, and weak passwords.

NordPass security dashboard also displays breach notifications and highlights dark web monitoring results.

Unlike NordPass, 1Password offers a more comprehensive security dashboard. Users can view their weak, reused passwords and security alerts for breaches.

Not only that, but 1Password offers a Watchtower feature that provides advanced breach alerts.

It monitors the dark web for any compromised emails and provides in-depth information and remedial steps to follow. Unlike NordPass, 1Password allows users to customize the dashboard for specific security metrics.

NordPass is easy to navigate, but its lack of customization hinders granular insights. 1Password offers users a richer experience and customization options. It enhances usability, which provides better decision-making.

✅ Winner: 1Password

Account Recovery

NordPass account recovery relies on a 24-character recovery code provided when signing up. It is an essential unique code, especially when resetting the master password. 

NordPass doesn’t offer users an alternative recovery method on the free plan. Users subscribed to the paid plans can designate emergency contacts but with read-only access.

Something to note is that this doesn’t recover the master password directly.

Unlike NordPass, 1Password uses a powerful account recovery system. It uses a secret key created when signing up and an emergency kit. The printable emergency kit contains information for recovering an account without the secret key. 

Not only that, but 1Password allows users to designate emergency contacts to recipients who can give access in specific situations. The flexibility of this multi-layered approach leaves no room for redundancy.

With backup, NordPass lacks traditional vault use methods. Instead, users can export the data in CSV format. One thing to note is that it’s not an encrypted backup, so it’s best to handle it with extreme caution.

On the other hand, 1Password offers cloud storage or local file backups to back up data. Unlike NordPass, the backups get encrypted with a user’s master password, adding a layer of protection.

✅ Winner: 1Password

Browser Extensions

Users will find NordPass provides solid functionality with secure password generation, autofill, and capture. The software is also compatible with Edge, Chrome, Safari, and Firefox.

However, the extension often has autofill and password capture issues on complex websites. Like NordPass, 1Password provides excellent password capture, autofill, and generation functionality.

It also integrates with standard browsers, including Brave (not on NordPass). With security measures, NordPass stores passwords within the browser extension through zero-knowledge encryption.

It means the passwords never get decrypted on your device locally. 1Password uses local encryption and a secret key that never leaves your device.

It is an approach that provides transparency and control over password protection, unlike NordPass.

✅ Winner: 1Password

Data Privacy and Compliance

NordPass uses XChaCha20 encryption for data at rest and TLS 1.3 for data in transit. The industry standard is AES-256, but XChaCha20 is a fast and secure alternative.

1Password uses the industry-standard AES-256 encryption with a PBKDF2-HMAC-SHA256 key for data at rest and TLS 1.2 for data in transit.

Regarding data storage and management, NordPass offers unlimited storage for individuals and stores the data on servers located in Panama.

1Password, on the other hand, stores its data in multiple data centers globally. A user can pick a 1Password data center based on preference or proximity. The best part is that, unlike NordPass, 1Password emphasizes its “zero-knowledge“ architecture.

It means that the software cannot decrypt personal data even when compelled by authorities.

NordPass is GDPR compliant with compliance certification and undergoes SOC 2 Type 1 audits. However, experts recommend software with SOC 2 Type II audits.

1Password is CCPA and GDPR-compliant and has undergone an audit by Recurity Labs and Secfault Security. Not only that, 1Password has a SOC 2 Type II certificate.

✅ Winner: 1Password

User Interface and User Experience

NordPass has a modern interface that’s easy to navigate, even for first-time users. Users can easily find standard tasks like logging on to a website and adding a password.

It suits users looking for a budget-friendly option offering unlimited password storage and next-gen encryption.

1Password also offers a feature-rich interface with cross-platform support. One thing to note is that it has a steeper learning curve than NordPass.

The reason is that it provides more features and customization tools.

NordPass has limitations regarding customization. The only options offered include picking between dark and light themes. 

1Password, on the other hand, provides a broader range of customization options. Users can use the Travel mode or organize items with favorites and tags.

Users can also adjust settings, personalize layouts, and choose themes.

✅ Winner: 1Password

Integrations and Compatibility

NordPass integrates with common OSs like iOS, Windows, Linux, Android, and macOS. NordPass also offers extensions for Safari, Firefox, Chrome, Edge, and Opera. 

Something to note is that NordPass integrates with business management tools through an open API. It helps in reporting password usage, whether daily or monthly. Not only that, but it also integrates ConnectWise PSA and SSO with Okta.

1Password is compatible with major OSs and provides a browser extension for Edge, Brave, Chrome, Safari, and Firefox. Unlike NordPass, 1Password offers a Connect Server API that allows access to the software’s vaults within a company’s cloud and app infrastructure.

It can include SDK libraries for existing app integration and more.

✅ Winner: 1Password

Customer Support

The support channels on NordPass include live chat and email, offered round the clock. The live chat gives NordPass an edge over 1Password since it delivers fast and instant responses. 

Like 1Password, the support from the reps is helpful and responsive, and they understand how to solve complex inquiries. NordPass also provides an FAQ, a help center, and tutorials for self-help. The content is in-depth, quality, and comprehensive.

1Password support is through a forum and email. Unlike NordPass, it lacks live chat support. The support team is responsive, offering comprehensive replies that are satisfactory.

The reps also address technical issues with expertise, offering a good experience. Users will also find a forum, podcast, webinars, and a knowledge base with self-help resources.

The content is high-quality and thorough enough to solve complex issues.

✅ Winner: NordPass

Pricing

NordPass offers three pricing plans, including a forever-free package limited to 1 device. The paid plans start at $25.35, billed annually, and provide advanced features, including dark web scanning. 

Unlike 1Password, the plans include a money-back guarantee of 30 days, which is a nice touch. The value proposition on NordPass is high, given that it consists of a bi-annual billing option. The free plan also provides low-budget individuals a basic entry point.

1Password offers four plans but no free package. The plans start at $35.88, billed annually, and provide features like travel mode and more. Unlike NordPass, 1Password offers a decent free trial period of 14 days.

The lack of a free plan lowers its value proposition, even though it includes a free trial period. The individual plans are also slightly higher than those of NordPass.

✅ Winner: NordPass

Scalability

The pricing plans offered by both NordPass and 1Password can handle an extensive number of accounts and users. Their paid plans can comfortably accommodate a personal user base.

With business scalability in mind, NordPass provides dedicated business pricing plans with features like priority support, team management, and more. The pricing rises in tiers depending on the size of the team, offering transparency on upfront costs.

1Password offers a single business plan with advanced protection, admin control, and more features. The pricing requires contacting sales for a custom quote, making it less transparent for large teams.

Something to note is that both software lack public data on performance under load to compare the benchmarks.

Given that their underlying infrastructure is scalable, they use providers like AWS or Azure. The platforms have the capacity for scaling and offer reliability to meet user needs.

✅ Winner: Tie

Standout Features of NordPass

NordPass offers one of the best digital solutions for securing passkeys, credit cards, and passwords. Here are three features that make it stand out.

• Email Masking – It helps users create a disposable email to sign up for online services. The trick is that it doesn’t disclose a user’s identity, making you stay incognito.
• Biometrics – Users can use their fingerprints or faces to secure their vaults. It adds a layer of protection since no one can hack personal biometrics.
• XChaCha20 encryption – NordPass uses a fast and secure encryption model to protect vaults. Unlike traditional methods, it uses fewer computing resources.

Standout Features of 1Password

1Password goes beyond providing standard password manager capability. Here are three features that we found that make it stand out.

• Travel Mode – It’s a mode that helps secure sensitive data when on the go or traveling. It removes password access, making it accessible only through a secret passkey.
• Watchtower – It is a suite of security tools that scans and checks for security threats to your websites. It is handy in protecting all your accounts and keeping them safe.
• Privacy Cards – 1Password allows users to create virtual credit cards when shopping online. It helps secure their accounts from hacking or credit card theft.

NordPass vs. 1Password: SMB Guide’s Verdict

Our NordPass vs 1Password comparison evaluation shows that each password manager suits different users. NordPass suits individuals on a budget who prioritize encryption tech, while 1Password suits businesses and families looking for advanced protection.

However, after a thorough evaluation, 1Password wins this duel. Here is why:

1Password offers a broader set of features, including a better password generator. It also provides a more efficient auto-fill and advanced features like a watchtower and travel mode.

Users will also find a feature-rich browser extension, including Brave. A combination of all these features makes it narrowly edge out NordPass.

On the other hand, NordPass offers a capable password manager with innovative technology. Its XChaCha20 encryption and free plan make it an excellent alternative for individuals and families.

However, the lack of recognition of fillable fields and limited feature sets make it lose this duel.

Choose 1Password If:

You need an advanced password manager offering comprehensive emergency access at a premium.

Choose NordPass If:

You need an affordable password manager with fast and superior encryption features.