LastPass, a widely used cross-platform password organizer, will soon impose additional limitations on its free tier of service. One of these adjustments, limiting access on the free membership tier, goes into effect on March 16 and requires Free users to select a default device category for future use of LastPass. However, the second update, which would remove email support from the Free subscription, won’t go into effect until May 17.
In terms of the former adjustment, LastPass Free plan customers will now be required to select one device type from among smartphones and tablets (Android, iOS, and Apple Watch) and desktop computers (Linux, macOS, and Windows). And further future, customers will have access to various gadgets of the same type depending on the category they choose. By selecting “mobile devices,” for instance, your LastPass account will be accessible from any mobile device. However, you wouldn’t be able to use a computer to get to it like you once could. LastPass, however, claims it will give its users three opportunities to change their preferred active device type.
LastPass will still be free, but it will lose a lot of potential customers because it doesn’t work across platforms. If you’re using LastPass for free, you now have a choice between two services. If you want to keep using the service on numerous devices after March 16, you can upgrade to their Premium subscription. Alternately, you can use any other free password manager you like.
If you’re considering the latter, though, you might be overwhelmed by the sheer number of free password managers available. We’ve compiled a list of some of the top free password managers as alternatives to Lastpass to help you narrow down your options and settle on the perfect one. All of the password managers on this list support several platforms, which is likely why you’re in the market for a new one, and they also come equipped with the other necessary features and tools.
Why is it necessary to use a Password Manager, and what exactly is it?
A password manager is a helpful tool that may help you keep track of all of your different login credentials. One of the best ways to protect the many accounts you have across websites, applications, and services is to use a password manager. In layman’s terms, password managers facilitate the management of multiple account passwords by requiring you to remember only one password, the master password. Access to the vault containing your login information (username/email and password) for all of your stored accounts is protected by a master password.
Some password managers include additional security features, such as the ability to generate difficult passwords from scratch. Passwords that contain complexity are far harder to crack than the passwords most people typically use for their accounts. [For more information, read our in-depth article on password managers.]
Open-Source Password Safes
There are both free and paid password managers available. Despite common belief, free services are not always less reliable or secure than their commercial equivalents. There are a plethora of free password managers that provide a comprehensive service, covering all of your needs in terms of functionality and security.
The problem with most of these password managers is that you can only use the software on one device at a time, thus they can’t all be considered viable alternatives to LastPass. And while though some services claim to be compatible with several devices, you can typically only be signed into a single one at a time.
Free Alternatives to LastPass
Taking everything into account, here are some excellent free options for replacing LastPass.
One of the greatest password managers for advanced users is KeePass.
KeePass is the safest password manager available. Enhanced security requirements and the fact that it’s free and open source have made it a favorite among power users. You can take it a step further by storing your password database in your own cloud, which is far safer than leaving it on a third party’s servers. KeePass is your best chance for complete anonymity and security. If you’re not good with tinkering, though, you might want to look into one of the other password managers we’ve included.
Due to the password manager’s nature as an open-source project, various forks (unofficial programs) have emerged throughout time. If you’re having trouble installing KeePass on your computer, one of these forks may help. KeePass was designed for the Windows platform, and it remains far simpler to get it up and running on Windows than on macOS or Linux. Some additional software may need to be installed on your Mac before you can use KeePass. However, with so many forks available, it’s easier than ever to simply download and run an application. For desktop computers, we advise using KeePasXC; for mobile devices, we suggest Strongbox, KeePassium, or KeePas2Android.
In terms of functionality, KeePass is essentially an offline password manager that keeps your passwords in an encrypted 256-bit AES database on your device. To achieve cross-platform support, however, database synchronization via services like Dropbox and Drive is required. The site uses encrypted storage for any passwords you enter. These storage units are password-protected and accessible only to you. A key file or two-factor authentication technique might provide additional protection for your database if you so want.
KeePass has a password generator like other password managers. What sets it apart from the competition, though, is the extensive freedom it offers its customers to select both the password’s length and the technique used to generate it. Finally, KeePass is extensible through the use of plugins, which may be installed to add new capabilities and improve the program overall. You can even make your own addon if you can’t locate one that fits your needs.
Android and iOS; Linux, macOS, and Windows; Browser Add-on; KeePassX; KeePassC; Web Get KeePass; and KeePass
Bitwarden is the premier self-hosted alternative to LastPass.
Similar to KeePass, Bitwarden is a free and open-source password manager. Because it is open source, the service provides complete visibility into its inner workings, and a team of developers from all over the world is always working to enhance the user interface and add new functionality. Bitwarden is one of the finest free password managers since it is open source and provides useful features like robust end-to-end (AES-256 bit) encryption, cross-platform accessibility, and third-party security assessments.
Bitwarden is an attractive replacement for LastPass because it supports multiple platforms, but it also has a few other advantages over other password managers. Having the option to save your credentials locally on a server or in the cloud is one such function. Those who choose not to save their credentials on third-party servers can use the latter method with no problems. The password manager provides additional features such as a safe password generation, two-factor authentication (2FA), comprehensive event logging, and API integration.
Get Bitwarden for Android and iOS; Linux, macOS, Windows, and the Web; and a Browser Extension.
Thirdly, the finest free password manager is Zoho Vault.
The free password manager Zoho Vault has several useful features. When compared to the other two choices, it requires less effort to implement and utilize. However, Zoho Vault does not skimp on the essentials, such as multi-factor authentication and powerful AES 256-bit encryption, despite its user-friendliness. The platform’s password generator serves a similar purpose, providing a rapid and secure method of creating passwords without risking your access to anything sent from LastPass.
As an example of a convenient addition, similar to LastPass, Zoho Vault’s password manager lets you store files and documents in a locked vault. It also has the ability to work with third-party apps. With the free plan, however, you can only use apps that Zoho provides. In addition, a password-assessment report allows you to view weak passwords in your vault, check the health of your vault, and take any necessary steps to secure it, and cross-platform support allows you to access your passwords on multiple devices.
Both Android and iOS, as well as the Web and a browser add-on, are supported.
Download Zoho Vault
LogMeOnce 4 is the most feature-rich and reliable free password manager
In terms of available features, LogMeOnce is the password manager that stands out the most. It has many features, including methods for verifying your identity within the program. LogMeOnce provides many modes of authentication and login into your vault, as opposed to relying just on the master password like most other password manager apps. Among these are picture login, facial ID, fingerprint scans, and personal identification numbers. You can use a conventional password as your master password, though, if that’s what you’re more comfortable with.
Moving right ahead, LogMeOnce provides not just simple access but also the ability to store and sync passwords across an infinite number of devices and use two-factor authentication for added security. In addition, there are the standard features, like a password generator, autofill for passwords, a secure wallet and notes, and a password scorecard. Despite the amazing nature of these features, there is a catch. LogMeOnce distributes advertising in its free plan to generate income, allowing it to offer such a wide range of services and functionalities without charging anything. commercials in the user interface (UI) are acceptable to certain users, but if you have a low tolerance for commercials and would rather not be constantly interrupted by them, you may want to look into one of the three alternatives to LastPass we’ve already discussed.
Both Android and iOS, as well as the Web and a browser add-on, are supported.
Download LogMeOnce
These are our top choices for excellent, free replacements for LastPass. You won’t be missing out on anything by switching to one of the four apps on the list, but Zoho Vault and LogMeOnce in particular offer many of the same features and functionalities as LastPass. Those looking for a streamlined experience will appreciate both password managers’ intuitive interfaces and streamlined onboarding processes. Bitwarden and KeePass, in descending order of security, are safer alternatives, however, if you require more control over your passwords and are willing to go the extra mile for security.
It is recommended that before switching password managers, all account passwords be changed.