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1Password
Password manager and secure wallet
Security & Privacy
1Password — Official Website
Quick Take: 1Password
4.7
1Password remains a top-tier password manager in 2026, offering an exceptional blend of robust security, intuitive design, and comprehensive features. Its unique dual-key encryption and zero-knowledge architecture provide industry-leading protection, giving users profound peace of mind. Features like Travel Mode and the proactive Watchtower further enhance its value proposition, particularly for security-conscious individuals and organizations. While it operates on a subscription model without a free tier, the investment is justified by its seamless cross-platform experience, deep macOS integration, and readiness for future authentication methods like passkeys. It's an indispensable tool for simplifying digital security.
Best For
- •Security-conscious individuals and families
- •Businesses seeking advanced access management and team collaboration
- •Mac users prioritizing native integration and polished UX
Install with Homebrew
brew install --cask 1passwordWhat is 1Password?
1Password is a leading password manager developed by the Canadian software company AgileBits Inc., founded in 2005 on the principle that security is fundamentally a human challenge requiring a human-centric design approach. It securely stores a comprehensive array of sensitive information, including passwords, passkeys, credit card details, software licenses, and secure notes, within encrypted digital vaults accessible behind a single Master Password and a unique Secret Key. This dual-key encryption, combined with a zero-knowledge architecture, ensures that even in the highly unlikely event of a breach on 1Password's servers, user data remains unreadable to anyone, including AgileBits itself. In 2026, 1Password continues to be a cornerstone of digital security in the Mac ecosystem, offering seamless integration with macOS features like Touch ID and Face ID, alongside robust browser extensions for Safari, Chrome, and Firefox. Its relevance is underscored by its ability to simplify complex digital lives for individuals, families, and businesses by centralizing credential management, actively monitoring for threats via Watchtower, and adapting to emerging authentication standards like passkeys.
Deep Dive: 1Password Security Architecture
Understanding what makes 1Password stand out for developers and security-conscious users.
History & Background
1Password launched in 2006 by AgileBits, initially for Mac. It expanded to Windows, iOS, Android, and Linux. The company has remained privately held and security-focused, with regular third-party audits.
How It Works
1Password uses end-to-end encryption and zero-knowledge architecture. Your master password never leaves your device. The SSH agent runs locally, signing messages without exposing private keys. Only processes you explicitly authorize can access keys.
Ecosystem & Integrations
Developer ecosystem includes CLI tools, secret references in config files, CI/CD integration via 1Password Connect, and native Git commit signing. Integrates with Tower, VS Code, and popular terminals.
Future Development
Recent focus on passkeys, expanded SSH agent capabilities, and Developer Watchtower which scans local SSH directories for vulnerable keys following security best practices.
Key Features
Watchtower
Watchtower acts as 1Password's integrated security dashboard, continuously scanning your saved logins for vulnerabilities. It alerts you to weak, reused, or compromised passwords by checking against known data breaches on the dark web. Beyond just passwords, Watchtower identifies accounts lacking two-factor authentication and proactively flags websites that now support passkeys, encouraging users to adopt more secure, passwordless authentication methods. For instance, if a login stored in your vault is found in a public data breach, Watchtower will notify you and guide you to change the affected password, proactively safeguarding your digital footprint. This goes a step further than basic password strength checks, providing actionable insights for improving overall account security.
Travel Mode
Unique to 1Password, Travel Mode offers a critical layer of security for users crossing international borders or navigating situations where device inspection is possible. When activated from 1Password.com, it temporarily removes all vaults not explicitly marked as "Safe for Travel" from your devices. This means sensitive data, including encryption keys, is completely purged from local storage, making it inaccessible even if your devices are unlocked or confiscated. For example, a journalist traveling to a region with stringent digital surveillance can enable Travel Mode to ensure only non-sensitive login information remains on their devices, providing peace of mind without compromising crucial data.
Passkey Support
Embracing the future of passwordless authentication, 1Password provides comprehensive support for passkeys, allowing users to create, save, and seamlessly sign in to websites and applications. Passkeys offer enhanced security by eliminating traditional passwords, making phishing attacks virtually impossible as they don't work on counterfeit sites. 1Password ensures that your passkeys are synced across all your devices, providing a consistent and secure login experience whether you're on Mac, iOS, Windows, or Android. For instance, when encountering a website that supports passkeys, 1Password can generate and store a passkey for that service, enabling future logins with just a biometric scan (like Touch ID or Face ID) rather than a password.
Secure Sharing
1Password facilitates the secure sharing of credentials and other sensitive information, catering to both family and team environments. Users can share individual items or entire vaults with other 1Password users within their family or business plan, with granular control over access permissions. Additionally, for one-off instances, 1Password allows sharing items via secure, expiring links, even with individuals who do not have a 1Password account. This feature is invaluable for scenarios like granting a temporary vendor access to a specific service or sharing Wi-Fi credentials with a guest, ensuring sensitive data doesn't end up in insecure channels like email or chat messages.
Secure Notes & Payment Info
Beyond logins, 1Password serves as an encrypted digital vault for a wide array of sensitive data. Users can store secure notes for confidential text, software license keys, IDs, and critical documents like passport scans or medical records. It also provides a secure repository for credit card details and bank account information, enabling swift and secure autofilling during online checkouts. For example, instead of manually typing in a 16-digit credit card number or digging out a physical document, 1Password can fill this information with a single click, all while maintaining the same robust, end-to-end encryption as your passwords.
Who Should Use 1Password?
1The Remote Developer
A remote developer working on multiple client projects often juggles dozens of API keys, SSH keys, database credentials, and various SaaS application logins for different environments. Without 1Password, they might resort to insecure methods like spreadsheets or sticky notes. With 1Password for Mac, they can store all these sensitive items in separate, organized vaults, easily switching between client-specific credentials. For a new project, the team lead securely shares a vault containing essential development logins via 1Password's shared vaults feature, instantly granting the developer access without exposing raw passwords. The developer also uses 1Password to generate strong, unique passwords for each service and leverages its built-in authenticator for two-factor authentication, streamlining their workflow while adhering to strict security protocols for client data.
2The Creative Professional
A freelance graphic designer frequently collaborates with clients and other creatives, requiring access to project management tools, cloud storage, stock photo subscriptions, and client-specific FTP servers. They also manage numerous software licenses and subscriptions. Using 1Password, the designer centralizes all these credentials. When onboarding a new client, they generate a secure, unique password for the client's asset portal and save it in a dedicated vault. If they need to temporarily share access to a specific cloud folder with a fellow freelancer, they can use 1Password's secure sharing feature to create a time-limited link, ensuring sensitive client files remain protected after the collaboration ends. Furthermore, all their design software licenses and activation codes are stored as secure notes, making reinstallation on a new Mac a breeze.
3The Family Manager
A busy parent manages the digital lives of their entire family, including streaming service accounts, online banking, school portals, and various app subscriptions. Remembering unique, strong passwords for each is a daunting task. With a 1Password Families plan, they can create a shared vault for common household logins like Netflix or the utility company, allowing all family members to access them without knowing the actual passwords. Individual vaults for each family member keep personal accounts separate. If a child forgets their school portal password, the parent can easily retrieve it or use the Family Organizer recovery feature to regain access. The Watchtower feature also helps ensure that no family member is using weak or compromised passwords, promoting good security habits across the household.
How to Install 1Password on Mac
Installing 1Password on your Mac is straightforward, providing immediate access to its robust password management features. While a direct download from their website is common, using Homebrew offers a convenient and scriptable method for installation and updates.
1
Install Homebrew
Open Terminal (Applications > Utilities > Terminal) and run the following command to install Homebrew, if you don't already have it: `/bin/bash -c '$(curl -fsSL https://raw.githubusercontent.com/Homebrew/install/HEAD/install.sh)'`. Follow the on-screen instructions, which may include entering your macOS user password and installing Xcode Command Line Tools.
2
Install 1Password
Once Homebrew is installed, return to Terminal and execute the command: `brew install --cask 1password`. This command uses Homebrew Cask to download and install the 1Password application, placing it in your Applications folder.
3
Verify Installation
After installation, open your Applications folder and launch 1Password. You should be prompted to sign in to your 1Password account or create a new one. Ensure the browser extension is also installed for your preferred browser (Safari, Chrome, Firefox) by navigating to 1Password > Settings > Browsers within the app and enabling it, then verifying autofill functionality on a known website.
Pro Tips
- • Upon first login, 1Password will prompt you to set up Touch ID or Face ID (on compatible Macs) for quick and secure unlocking – always enable this for convenience and security.
- • Install the 1Password browser extension for all your web browsers (Safari, Chrome, Firefox) to enable automatic saving and autofilling of credentials on websites.
- • Print your Emergency Kit from 1Password.com and store it in a secure, physical location. This document contains crucial information (like your Secret Key) needed to regain access to your account if you forget your Master Password or lose your devices.
Configuration Tips
Enable Biometric Unlock (Touch ID/Face ID)
For swift and secure access to your 1Password vaults on your Mac, enable Touch ID (or Face ID on newer Macs). Go to 1Password > Settings > Security and toggle on the option for Touch ID/Face ID. This allows you to unlock your vault with a fingerprint or face scan instead of typing your Master Password, significantly enhancing convenience while maintaining strong security by leveraging hardware-backed authentication.
Customize Watchtower Alerts
Tailor Watchtower's notifications to prioritize the most critical security alerts. Within the 1Password application, navigate to Watchtower settings to customize which types of alerts you receive (e.g., weak passwords, compromised websites, missing 2FA) and their frequency. By adjusting these settings, you can ensure you're promptly informed about pressing security concerns without being overwhelmed by less critical notifications, allowing for focused remediation.
Configure Travel Mode Safely
Before traveling, meticulously configure your 'Safe for Travel' vaults on 1Password.com. Go to Vaults in the sidebar, select a vault, and toggle 'Safe for Travel' if it contains information you're comfortable having on your device during border crossings. Only mark essential, non-sensitive vaults as safe. Activating Travel Mode will then remove all other vaults from your devices. Remember to deactivate it from 1Password.com after your travels to restore all your data.
Alternatives to 1Password
The password manager market is competitive, with several strong alternatives to 1Password, each offering a distinct set of features and pricing models. While 1Password stands out for its robust security architecture and polished user experience, evaluating competitors can help users find the best fit for their specific needs.
L
LastPass
LastPass is a widely used password manager known for its user-friendly interface and comprehensive feature set, including autofill, password generation, and secure sharing. However, it has faced public security incidents in the past, leading some users to seek more robust security assurances. While it offers a free tier, 1Password is generally perceived to have a more advanced security model, particularly its unique Secret Key and zero-knowledge architecture, which differentiates it in terms of data protection.
B
Bitwarden
Bitwarden is highly regarded for its open-source nature, strong encryption, and a generous free tier that includes unlimited password storage and device syncing. It's a favorite among privacy-conscious users and those on a budget. While Bitwarden offers excellent security, its user interface, particularly on desktop, is often considered less polished and intuitive compared to 1Password's premium experience. For enterprise features, Bitwarden's paid plans offer comparable functionality but may require more IT expertise for deployment and management than 1Password's more adoption-focused approach.
D
Dashlane
Dashlane offers a feature-rich password management solution with a strong emphasis on privacy and ease of use, often including a VPN service and dark web monitoring in its premium plans. Its autofill capabilities are highly praised. While Dashlane provides robust security, 1Password's unique Travel Mode and its long-standing, unblemished security record are key differentiators. Both offer excellent user experiences, but 1Password's deep integration within the Apple ecosystem often gives it an edge for dedicated Mac users.
Pricing
Subscription
1Password operates on a subscription-based model, offering various plans tailored to individuals, families, and businesses. There is no permanent free plan, but a 14-day free trial is available for all tiers. The **Individual plan** costs approximately $2.99 per month (billed annually), providing unlimited password storage, secure notes, 1GB of encrypted document storage, and cross-device syncing. The **Families plan**, priced around $4.99 per month (billed annually), covers up to five users with all Individual plan features, plus shared vaults and account recovery options, with additional users available for an extra fee. For businesses, the **Teams Starter Pack** is around $19.95 per month flat for up to 10 users, offering secure sharing and basic support. The **Business plan** is typically $7.99 per user per month (billed annually), adding advanced functionalities like custom roles, VIP support, integration with collaboration tools, and free Family accounts for business users. Enterprise plans offer customized pricing for larger organizations with bespoke needs, including Active Directory integration and dedicated support.
Pros
- ✓**Unrivaled Security Architecture:** Features dual-key encryption (Master Password + Secret Key) and a zero-knowledge design, making stored data exceptionally secure.
- ✓**Innovative Travel Mode:** Allows temporary removal of sensitive vaults from devices, offering peace of mind during travel and border inspections.
- ✓**Comprehensive Watchtower:** Proactively monitors for weak, reused, or breached passwords and identifies sites supporting passkeys, guiding users to better security.
- ✓**Excellent User Experience:** Offers a highly polished, intuitive interface and seamless integration across macOS, iOS, and major browsers.
- ✓**Robust Passkey Support:** Fully supports creating, storing, and using passkeys across all devices, streamlining passwordless logins.
Cons
- ✗**No Free Tier:** Lacks a permanent free plan, which can be a barrier for users seeking basic, no-cost password management.
- ✗**Higher Cost:** Generally more expensive than some competitors, particularly for individual and family plans, reflecting its premium feature set.
- ✗**Secret Key Management:** While a security strength, the Secret Key can be cumbersome to manage or recover if lost, potentially leading to lockout without the Emergency Kit.
- ✗**Limited Immediate Support:** Primarily relies on email support and community forums for assistance, with no direct phone support for immediate issues.
Community & Support
1Password boasts a vibrant and active community, offering multiple avenues for support and engagement. The official 1Password Community forums serve as a central hub where users can ask questions, share tips, get updates on new features, and interact directly with AgileBits staff and fellow experts. This platform is particularly valuable for administrators deploying 1Password in business environments, providing resources and a space to share solutions. Additionally, 1Password offers a comprehensive support site with extensive how-to guides, troubleshooting articles, and FAQs. For immediate assistance, a 24/7 chatbot is available to help users quickly find answers to common queries. While direct phone support is generally not offered, the combination of community, detailed documentation, and chatbot aims to provide thorough assistance to its user base.
Video Tutorials
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Frequently Asked Questions about 1Password
1Password employs a multi-layered security model that combines your Master Password with a unique, 128-bit Secret Key, neither of which are ever known or stored by AgileBits. This dual-key derivation process encrypts all your data using AES-256 GCM authenticated encryption, ensuring end-to-end encryption from your device to 1Password's servers. This zero-knowledge architecture means that even if 1Password's servers were compromised, your data would remain unreadable and useless to attackers. Furthermore, 1Password uses Secure Remote Password (SRP) for authentication, preventing your credentials from being sent over the network, mitigating the risk of interception.
Our Verdict
4.7/5
1Password remains a top-tier password manager in 2026, offering an exceptional blend of robust security, intuitive design, and comprehensive features. Its unique dual-key encryption and zero-knowledge architecture provide industry-leading protection, giving users profound peace of mind. Features like Travel Mode and the proactive Watchtower further enhance its value proposition, particularly for security-conscious individuals and organizations. While it operates on a subscription model without a free tier, the investment is justified by its seamless cross-platform experience, deep macOS integration, and readiness for future authentication methods like passkeys. It's an indispensable tool for simplifying digital security.
Best for:Security-conscious individuals and familiesBusinesses seeking advanced access management and team collaborationMac users prioritizing native integration and polished UX
About the Author
Related Technologies & Concepts
macOSTouch IDFace IDPasskeysEnd-to-end encryptionZero-knowledge architectureAgileBits Inc.HomebrewTOTP
macOS (Primary operating system supported with deep integration.), Touch ID (Biometric authentication method used to unlock 1Password on compatible Macs.), Face ID (Biometric authentication method used to unlock 1Password on compatible Macs and iOS devices.), Passkeys (Modern passwordless authentication method fully supported by 1Password.), End-to-end encryption (Core security principle ensuring data privacy from sender to receiver, central to 1Password's architecture.), Zero-knowledge architecture (Security model where 1Password cannot access user data, differentiating it from many competitors.), AgileBits Inc. (The Canadian software company that develops 1Password.), Homebrew (A package manager for macOS that provides a convenient way to install 1Password.), TOTP (Time-based One-Time Password, supported by 1Password's built-in authenticator.)
Related Topics
Password Management
Comprehensive solutions for generating, storing, and organizing strong, unique passwords and other digital credentials securely across all devices and platforms.
Digital Security & Privacy
Tools and practices focused on protecting sensitive personal and organizational data from unauthorized access, cyber threats, and ensuring online privacy.
Identity & Access Management (IAM)
Systems and processes for managing digital identities and controlling user access to resources, crucial for enterprise security and compliance.
Sources & References
Fact-CheckedLast verified: Feb 15, 2026
Key Verified Facts
- 1Password was founded in 2005 by AgileBits Inc.[cite-4, cite-15]
- 1Password uses a unique dual-key encryption (Master Password + Secret Key) and a zero-knowledge architecture.[cite-9, cite-16, cite-17, cite-23]
- 1Password offers a Travel Mode feature that temporarily removes sensitive vaults from devices.[cite-8, cite-10, cite-11]
- 1Password provides comprehensive support for creating, saving, and using passkeys.[cite-5, cite-14]
- 1Password has introduced an enhanced phishing protection feature that warns users when trying to paste a password into a site with a mismatched URL.[cite-32]
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