Managing passwords can be difficult, but a secure password manager can help you be more efficient by generating, remembering, organizing, and filling in your passwords. LastPass is a password manager application owned by GoTo (formerly LogMeIn Inc.), and this app and its best alternatives can help beef up your security.
The standard version of LastPass comes with a web interface but also includes plugins for various web browsers and apps for many smartphones. It also includes support for bookmarklets.
Getting started with LastPass
To sign up for LastPass, enter an email address and create a strong master password. You only know the master password, so if you forget it, LastPass cannot help you access your vault.
After you create your account, LastPass offers to install its browser extension, which is how you log in to the service. If you choose to skip this setup, you can always use the LastPass Universal Windows, macOS, or Linux installers to add the LastPass extension to the browsers on those platforms. LastPass offers Chrome, Firefox, Edge, Safari, and Opera browser extensions.
Once you log in, LastPass walks you through saving a password for Google, Facebook, PayPal, or Netflix. Pop-up notifications explain that you first login as usual and then click the Add button when LastPass offers to save it. LastPass also takes you on a quick tour of the Web Vault.
During installation, LastPass used to offer to import passwords from your browsers and turn off password capture in the browsers. This feature is still available; it just doesn’t happen as part of the installation.
LastPass can import from six competing products: 1Password, Bitwarden, Dashlane, KeePass, Keeper, and Roboform. It can also import passwords stored in Chrome, Edge, Firefox, Internet Explorer, Opera, and Safari.
LastPass features
Multi-factor security
It doesn’t matter how complex your master password is if a thief gets it. This is why LastPass requires email verification the first time you log in from a new device. However, you can seriously enhance your security using the available multi-factor authentication options.
To set up multi-factor authentication, head to Account Settings > Multifactor Options tab in the Web Vault.
The available multi-factor authentication options depend on your subscription tier. Free users can use an authenticator app. Setting up an authenticator app requires snapping a QR code using the app of your choice. Each time you log in, you’ll need to supply a time-based one-time password (TOTP) generated by the app (essentially a six-digit code that typically changes every 30 seconds) in addition to your master password.
LastPass also offers authentication through its LastPass Authenticator app, which lets you accept or reject a login attempt via a push notification without entering the six-digit code.
Web vault and browser extension
LastPass offers desktop apps for Windows (via the Microsoft Store) and macOS, but you can manage all your passwords and personal data on the web. LastPass’ Web Vault uses a red, gray, and white color scheme and a straightforward layout.
At the top of the interface, there’s a search bar for sifting through all your saved data. A right-hand drop-down menu lets you access your Account Settings and other helpful resources. In the Account Settings section, you can define equivalent domains such as youtube.com, google.com, and gmail.com. A password for one is suitable for all.
You navigate the experience via a left-rail menu that includes All Items, Passwords, Notes, Addresses, Payment Cards, and Bank Accounts sections. Secure notes store and sync sensitive information, optionally with an attachment. Addresses are similar to what previous editions called Form Fills. Payment cards and bank accounts are self-explanatory.
If you add one of LastPass’ item types, such as driver’s licenses, passports, or Social Security Numbers, those categories also appear in this menu. You add entries and folders via the red plus button at the bottom of the page. The left-hand menu includes the Security Challenge, Sharing Center, Emergency Access, and Account Settings sections.
Hovering over a password entry reveals three icons for editing, sharing, and deleting. We will discuss sharing options in a later section. Right-clicking on the item allows you to clone it, copy the username or password, launch the associated site, or move it to a new folder. LastPass supports dragging and dropping items into folders. When you edit an item, you can change its displayed name, add a note, or add it to your favorites.
Advanced options let you reenter the master password for the item, autofill it without waiting, and keep the entry but disable autofill entirely.
LastPass plans and pricing
Unlike most password managers, LastPass offers two distinct products for those looking to secure and automate password and credential management for their businesses. The first is the Teams plan, which costs $4 / £4 / AUD$6 per user/month. It offers a vault for every user, 2FA, a security dashboard, and Dark Web monitoring, but is restricted to 50 users or less.
The upgrade plan is the Enterprise plan that costs $6 / $6 / AUD$9 per user/month which can support an unlimited number of users, and includes all the Teams plan features. This plan also adds over 100 customizable policies, 3 SSO apps with MFA, and 1,200+ pre-integrated SSO apps.
The multi-factor authentication or MFA plan, however, is less a password management service and more a multi-factor, biometric credential solution for businesses. This plan is an add-on that costs an additional $3 / £3 / AUD$5 user/month.
There are also individual plans that start with a free tier that’s limited to one device per month. It has dark web monitoring, sharing, and all the other features you would expect, but that device limit will see many people needing to upgrade.
Pay $3 / £3 / AUD$5 for the Premium option and you can add access across all of your devices, emergency access, and 1GB of encrypted file storage. There’s also a $4 / £4 / AUD$6 family package that allows users to deploy six encrypted vaults, a family manager, beefed-up sharing options, and personal dashboards.
The best LastPass alternatives
Norton Password Manager
Norton Password Manager distinguishes itself through its holistic integration with Norton’s wider cybersecurity portfolio. This means that when you opt for Norton, you’re getting more than just a password manager. Unlike LastPass, Norton brings an array of unique, smart features to the table. The Safety Dashboard, for instance, proactively pinpoints vulnerabilities in your password choices, encouraging safer practices. The Autochange function goes one step further, assisting users with the creation and implementation of robust new passwords.
Additionally, Norton starts the encryption process right on your device, prior to any data transmission. This offers an added layer of security that’s especially important in our increasingly digital world. Norton’s biometric authentication offers quick, secure access to your vault across all mobile devices, which simplifies usability.
Each of these elements contributes to why Norton Password Manager is one of the best LastPass alternatives for integrated cybersecurity solutions.
1Password
1Password has positioned itself as a highly adaptable and comprehensive password management tool. It sets itself apart from LastPass through its emphasis on cross-platform compatibility. This commitment is visible in its compatibility with macOS, iOS (and watchOS), Windows, Android, Linux and the Command Line.
Additionally, it offers browser extensions for lesser-known browsers, such as Edge and Brave.
1Password goes beyond just password management, focusing on creating an ecosystem for all kinds of secure data, including medical records, sensitive documents and software licenses. This holistic approach to data security reflects a growing need in the industry.
Its robust sharing capabilities, such as the ability to set up shared vaults and share any 1Password item with anyone, are not just convenient but also enhance security, particularly in a team or family setting.
1Password also leverages its industry expertise to offer risk monitoring and mitigation features. These range from keeping an eye on shadow IT and potential breaches to reducing IT support tickets. Its integrations with commonly used tools for automated provisioning, log activity reporting and SSO sign-in security make it a solid option for users looking for a cross-platform compatible password manager.
Bitwarden
Bitwarden is a viable open-source alternative to LastPass. Its open-source approach is a rarity in the industry and promises more transparency, flexibility and user control. This ethos extends to its security architecture, inviting independent assessments to enhance user trust.
Bitwarden’s emphasis on ease of use and security combines with cross-platform access, supporting mobile, web and desktop apps across over 50 languages. This is a boon for users seeking versatility in their password management solution.
A standout feature is Bitwarden’s dedication to data security, adopting zero-knowledge, end-to-end encryption protocols. This ensures only users have access to their sensitive information. In a field crowded with proprietary software, Bitwarden’s commitment to an open, secure and accessible solution sets it apart.
Dashlane
Dashlane shines when it comes to team-focused functionality, making it a standout pick among LastPass alternatives. The platform goes beyond individual password management and brings a host of team-centric features to the table. It offers different plans tailored to teams of various sizes, from startups to large organizations.
Its end-to-end protection is comprehensive, offering two layers of security, monitoring for breaches and alerts for weak passwords. Their easy deployment, integration with multiple Identity Providers and award-winning user experience contribute to an efficient and secure team environment. This earns it a spot among the best LastPass alternatives out there.
Keeper Password
Keeper Password is an optimal choice for individuals and organizations prioritizing multifaceted security via multifactor authentication. Its powerful framework provides diverse tools to manage and protect your digital identities efficiently. Compared to LastPass, Keeper Password offers superior features such as comprehensive Secrets Management and Connection Management.
Secrets Management targets the reduction of vulnerabilities by eliminating hard-coded credentials, thereby safeguarding critical infrastructure. Connection Management, on the other hand, offers zero-trust security for accessing infrastructure remotely without a VPN, a feature that’s particularly beneficial in distributed work environments.
Keeper Password also distinguishes itself through the inclusion of BreachWatch, which scans the dark web to ascertain if your passwords are compromised. This software goes beyond simple password protection to unify the critical components of Identity and Access Management, enabling a zero-trust transformation.
Such a comprehensive, high-security approach makes Keeper Password a top choice for those seeking best-in-class multifactor authentication.
KeePass
KeePass provides a compelling solution for Windows users seeking an alternative to LastPass. Its unique selling point is the superior security it offers.
An open-source software, KeePass employs the Advanced Encryption Standard (AES) and the Twofish algorithm for its password databases, adding a layer of security that is approved even for top-secret information by the National Security Agency (NSA). It also uses SHA-256 for hashing master key components.
Its robust architecture wards off dictionary and guessing attacks, adding further to its security.
KeePass is also portable and does not require installation, making it handy for those on the go. It supports multiple user keys, allowing flexibility in how you access your password database. Furthermore, KeePass allows easy database transfer and features time fields, auto-type functions and a plugin architecture.
This makes it an excellent option for users who prioritize advanced, user-friendly security features.
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