1Password vs Apple’s Password Manager: Features Compared

By Hongkiat.com. in Desktop. Updated on October 4, 2024.

Apple has recently introduced the Passwords app to macOS, offering a free solution for managing login credentials and syncing them across devices -assuming the user is also using other devices within Apple’s ecosystem.

In this post, I’ll be comparing Apple’s Passwords app with 1Password, a well-known password management tool that requires a paid subscription in terms of features both offers.

First, let’s take a look at the features and options of both apps when it comes to adding and storing usernames and passwords.

Credentials-Related Features

First, let’s take a look at features and options of both apps when it comes to when comes to adding and storing usernames and passwords

	1Password	Passwords
Add unlimited Username and password	✅	✅
Generate strong passwords	✅	✅
Verification code support	❌	✅
Add Notes	✅	✅
Add website	✅	✅
Add multiple websites	✅	❌
Add/move to group	❌ (1Password uses Vaults)	✅
Add to favorites	✅	❌
Share credentials	✅ (via link)	✅ (via AirDrop)
Version history	✅	❌
Archive credentials	✅	❌

Other Password Management Features

Here’s a comparison of both apps in terms of additional features they offer as password management tools.

	1Password	Passwords
App lock when inactive	✅	✅
Credential security check	✅	✅
Search and autofill	✅	✅
Secure Notes	✅	❌ (use Notes app)
Add credit cards	✅	❌
Passkey support	✅	✅
Add documents	✅	❌ (use Notes app)
Add bank accounts	✅	❌
Add identities	✅	❌
Add crypto wallets	✅	❌
Add passport	✅	❌
Add app credentials	❌	✅
Add memberships	✅	❌
Software licenses	✅	❌
Wi-Fi passwords	✅	✅

Platform Compatibility

	1Password	Passwords
Import/export password list	✅	✅
Browser support	✅	✅
macOS	✅	✅
Windows	✅	❌
Linux	✅	❌
iOS	✅	✅
iPadOS	✅	✅
Android	✅	❌

Pricing

Passwords app is free, but only available on iOS, iPadOS, and macOS.

1Password, on the other hand, is a subscription-based app. It has a personal plan starting at $2.99/month and a family plan at $4.99/month for up to 5 members.

Final Thoughts

For macOS users, if your main concern is storing credentials in one place, Passwords is ideal since it’s free. However, if you need advanced features for sensitive documents, 1Password is a better option. For Windows users, Apple’s Passwords app is not available.