By Sandra R. Verified by Mary P.
Last updated: March 10, 2023
Over 50 million passwords were stolen in the first seven months of 2022 around the world – that’s an alarming 1.6 million passwords per week. If yours becomes one of them, you want to be informed and change it right away. You also want to make sure the password is unique, so other accounts can’t be accessed using it. That’s why it’s so important to use a password manager, like iCloud Keychain or 1Password. Both store data securely and ensure it’s always easily accessible. While the former is built into iOS and free for Apple users but not available on all devices, the latter can be accessed anywhere, but requires a paid subscription. Before deciding which one is the right for you, it’s essential to understand their key features.
| Main Features | iCloud Keychain | 1Password |
|---|
| Logo |  | |
| Lowest Price | Free | $2.99/mo |
| Encryption | AES-256-GCM | AES-256 |
| Password Generator | | |
| Form Filling | | |
| Device Support | macOS, iOS, Windows (limited) | Browser, Windows, macOS, iOS, Android, Linux |
| Cloud Syncing | | |
| Password Sharing | Limited | |
iCloud Keychain
Apple’s password manager is a feature of the system that doesn’t require installation or a subscription – it just needs to be activated. It stores website and app logins, Wi-Fi passwords, and personal information like addresses and credit card details. It also autofills this information whenever required and instantly syncs it across all authorized devices. Moreover, it suggests a strong and unique password when registering for a new website or app, making it harder to guess.
But is it safe to trust Apple with your data ? The answer is yes. iCloud Keychain uses end-to-end encryption to secure your credentials, protecting them with a key made from information unique to your device, combined with its passcode, which only you know. It also monitors passwords to check if they have appeared in a data leak. If they have, the user is alerted and advised to update their passwords accordingly. Although iCloud Keychain is free, it’s limited to Apple devices. There’s an application for Windows, but it’s restricted to website logins, meaning you can’t save other type of information, such as credit card details.
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1Password
1Password also keeps your data safe, easily accessible, and updated across all your devices, regardless of which operating system you use. It stores all kinds of logins and personal information, allowing you to create separate vaults, add tags, and categorize your credentials. This helps organize your data, especially if you need to share it with others, which is possible with a Families or Teams account.
Regarding safety, 1Password also uses end-to-end encryption. As an extra safety measure, in addition to a master password, accounts are protected with a secret key, which is necessary to reset master password or log in from new devices. Additionally, Watchtower is always there to make sure you’re following good password hygiene by tracking compromised, duplicated, weak, and old passwords. Despite 1Password being one of the most complete and helpful password managers, it requires a subscription, with plans starting at $2.99 per month. The good news is that you can try it for free for 14 days. The company offers 24/7 support through email and Twitter, but several articles on its page might help solve issues or answer questions without reaching out to an agent.
DesktopPassword Generator
Generating Random Password
Conclusion
iCloud Keychain and 1Password do an excellent job of storing and protecting data. Both come with a password generator, autofill, syncing, and support several types of information. However, as an iOS feature, iCloud Keychain is convenient and free. On the other hand, 1Password allows you to create vaults and share them with your family or team members. Also, it can be accessed from every device, so if you use devices that aren’t part of Apple’s ecosystem, you may prefer 1Password. Both password managers are equally safe to use, so whichever you choose will help you take quick actions if your password gets stolen.
Best Password Managers of 2024
| Rank | Provider | Info | Visit |
| Editor's Choice 2024
| - Effective security center
- Passkey compatibility
- Intuitive and organized interface
- Affordable prices
- Review:
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| | - End-to-end encryption
- Secure authentication method
- Data breach alarms
- One-time password support
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| | - Robust security
- Wide range of platform support
- Budget friendly
- Great customer support
- Review:
| Visit Keeper30-Day Free Trial |
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FAQs
Really, if you only use Apple devices, iCloud Keychain does more than enough and is a super solid default choice (especially since it's free). But if you want more control over your account security and cross-platform support, then 1Password is the best bet, as long as you're prepared to pay.
What are the disadvantages of iCloud Keychain? ›
Finally, the iCloud Keychain only lets you store certain items, like passwords, passkeys , and credit cards. It won't let you add secure notes or let you add custom entries. This lack of flexibility can get constrictive when you have something that needs secure storage yet does not fit neatly into Apple's structure.
What is better than keychain? ›
Depending on your needs, Keeper, 1Password, or Dashlane could all be considered better than iCloud Keychain because of their other properties. If you're looking for a free password manager that syncs across all your Apple ID devices, Apple iCloud Keychain is effective — and has never been hacked.
Is the iCloud Keychain reliable? ›
iCloud Keychain is a built-in password manager in all Apple devices, like iPhones, iPads, and MacBooks. This password manager is very safe, as it comes with AES-256 encryption, two-factor authentication, biometric verification, and a user-friendly platform.
Why use 1Password instead of Apple keychain? ›
iCloud Keychain works great, and it's available where you need it. But if you have an old Windows PC that you use from time to time, or an Android smartphone that you need for work, 1Password is the better option.
What is better than 1Password? ›
Keeper is a super-popular password manager and is one of the best 1Password alternatives you can find. It's a great, affordable option for single users or business needs.
What password manager does Apple recommend? ›
iCloud Keychain is Apple's password management system. It is designed to securely store and automatically fill in passwords, credit card and shipping information, and other sensitive data across all of a user's Apple devices.
Why not use Apple keychain? ›
Others can access password data
The Apple password manager automatically syncs logins between your compatible devices. This includes credit card numbers and other personal information you've stored in the Keychain. Syncing introduces security risks when your MacBook, iPad, and iPhone are in different locations.
Is iCloud Keychain a good password manager? ›
Is iCloud Keychain a Good Password Manager? While iCloud Keychain can be a convenient password manager because it comes with all Apple devices, it does present a security risk. A dedicated password manager uses a unique master password that works like a key to unlock your vault.
Can you trust Apple keychain? ›
Keychain items are transferred from device to device, traveling through Apple servers, but are encrypted in such a way that Apple and other devices can't read their contents.
Your local keychain is stored on your Mac and is only available to you while logged into your account on your Mac. The iCloud keychain is stored on Apple's servers and is shared among all of your devices. Your local keychain is as secure as your keychain password.
What is the cost for an iCloud Keychain? ›
iCloud Keychain is free for all Apple device owners. You can enable it in the iCloud's settings to save many types of personal information. Currently iCloud Keychain supports Internet accounts, Wi-Fi passwords, secure notes, and credit cards.
Can Apple read iCloud Keychain? ›
Keychain items are transferred from device to device, travelling through Apple servers, but are encrypted in such a way that Apple and other devices can't read their contents.
Is 1Password safe? ›
To protect your data in and outside the vault, 1Password uses end-to-end encryption and complies with industry-standard security controls. The information is encrypted using AES-256 cipher, and you can also use multi-factor authentication that supports security keys or biometrics.
Do I need a password manager if I have iCloud Keychain? ›
A Password Manager Is the Best Choice for Your Passwords
Not only does a dedicated password manager offer the convenience of being able to access your sensitive data whenever and wherever you need, but it also offers a lot more features that iCloud Keychain doesn't.
What is the best app for storing passwords on iPhone? ›
5 best password managers for iPhone in 2024
- NordPass – best password manager for iPhone in 2024.
- 1Password – best iPhone password manager for multiple devices.
- Keeper – extra secure password app for iPhone.
- RoboForm – iOS password manager with the best autofill feature.
login: The login keychain stores any passwords, certificates, etc that your account needs. iCloud: The iCloud keychain is everything synced in your iCloud Keychain. System: The System keychain is where system passwords are stored. System Roots: This is where system certificates are stored.
What is the difference between iCloud Keychain and Mac login? ›
Your local keychain is stored on your Mac and is only available to you while logged into your account on your Mac. The iCloud keychain is stored on Apple's servers and is shared among all of your devices. Your local keychain is as secure as your keychain password.
Apple’s password manager is a feature of the system that doesn’t require installation or a subscription – it just needs to be activated. It stores website and app logins, Wi-Fi passwords, and personal information like addresses and credit card details. It also autofills this information whenever required and instantly syncs it across all authorized devices. Moreover, it suggests a strong and unique password when registering for a new website or app, making it harder to guess.