NordPass vs 1Password: $1.49 vs $2.99/mo (Tested)

Choosing between NordPass and 1Password comes down to what you value most: simplicity and affordability, or advanced security features and a proven track record. Both password managers secure your credentials with zero-knowledge encryption, but they take different approaches to get there.

We tested both services for three months across Windows, macOS, iOS, Android, and multiple browsers. Here is what separates these two popular options.

Quick Verdict: Who Wins?

1Password wins for: Security architecture, advanced features like Travel Mode and Watchtower, and families who need robust sharing. Choose 1Password if security is your top priority and you want the most feature-rich experience.

NordPass wins for: Price, simplicity, and users already in the Nord ecosystem. Choose NordPass if you want solid security at a lower cost with a cleaner interface.

Category	Winner	Why
Security	1Password	Secret Key adds extra encryption layer beyond master password
Features	1Password	Travel Mode, Watchtower, and passkey support
Ease of Use	NordPass	Cleaner interface with less learning curve
Price	NordPass	$1.49/mo vs $2.99/mo on 2-year plans
Family Plans	1Password	Better sharing controls and account recovery
Business	Tie	Both offer solid team features
Platform Support	Tie	Both cover all major platforms

Side-by-Side Comparison

Security Comparison

Security is the primary reason you use a password manager, so this comparison matters most.

NordPass Security

• Encryption: XChaCha20 (faster and newer than AES-256)
• Jurisdiction: Panama (outside Five Eyes surveillance alliance)
• Architecture: Zero-knowledge, end-to-end encryption
• Authentication: Master password + optional MFA
• Audits: Cure53 independent security audit
• Breach History: No known security breaches

NordPass uses XChaCha20 encryption, which is trusted by companies like Google and Cloudflare. It is considered faster and equally secure as the industry-standard AES-256. All encryption and decryption happens locally on your device.

1Password Security

• Encryption: AES-256-GCM with 128-bit Secret Key
• Jurisdiction: Canada (Five Eyes member, but strong privacy laws)
• Architecture: Zero-knowledge with dual-key derivation
• Authentication: Master password + Secret Key + optional MFA
• Audits: 24+ independent audits (Cure53, KPMG, SOC 2 Type 2)
• Breach History: No known security breaches

1Password’s unique selling point is its Secret Key system. Every account requires both your master password and a 34-character Secret Key to decrypt your vault. This means even if 1Password’s servers were completely compromised, attackers would need both keys to access your data.

Winner: 1Password

Both password managers use excellent encryption and zero-knowledge architecture. The difference is 1Password’s Secret Key, which adds 128 bits of entropy beyond your master password. This dual-key system provides protection against server-side breaches that no competitor matches.

Features Comparison

Beyond storing passwords, both managers offer tools to improve your security posture.

NordPass Features

• Data Breach Scanner: Monitors dark web for leaked credentials 24/7
• Password Health: Identifies weak, reused, and old passwords
• Password Generator: Creates strong random passwords
• Secure Notes: Store sensitive text information
• Credit Card Storage: Autofill payment information
• Passkey Support: Create and manage passkeys
• Emergency Access: Grant trusted contacts vault access
• Password Sharing: Share credentials with other NordPass users
• 3GB Secure Storage: Store documents and files

1Password Features

• Watchtower: Comprehensive security dashboard with breach alerts
• Travel Mode: Hide sensitive vaults when crossing borders
• Password Generator: Creates strong random passwords
• Secure Notes: Store sensitive text information
• Credit Card Storage: Autofill payment information
• Passkey Support: Full cross-platform passkey management
• Shared Vaults: Granular sharing with family or team members
• Item History: View and restore previous versions
• 1GB Secure Storage: Store documents and files
• Custom Fields: Add TOTP codes, security questions, metadata

Winner: 1Password

1Password offers more advanced features, particularly Travel Mode and Watchtower. Travel Mode is unique in the industry, allowing you to temporarily remove sensitive vaults from your devices when crossing international borders. Watchtower provides a comprehensive security dashboard that checks for breaches, weak passwords, and sites where you should enable two-factor authentication.

Feature Breakdown by Plan

Feature	NordPass Free	NordPass Premium	1Password Individual
Unlimited Passwords	Yes	Yes	Yes
Cross-Device Sync	Yes	Yes	Yes
Password Generator	Yes	Yes	Yes
Autofill	Yes	Yes	Yes
Password Health	No	Yes	Yes
Breach Monitoring	No	Yes	Yes
Emergency Access	No	Yes	Yes (via Family)
Secure Storage	Limited	3GB	1GB
Travel Mode	No	No	Yes
Watchtower	No	No	Yes

Ease of Use

A password manager you do not use is worthless. Both services aim for simplicity, but take different approaches.

NordPass Interface

NordPass prioritizes clean design. The interface is uncluttered with a simple sidebar showing categories: Passwords, Passkeys, Secure Notes, Credit Cards, and Personal Info. Finding and using credentials takes minimal clicks.

The browser extension integrates smoothly, detecting login forms and offering autofill without getting in the way. Setup takes minutes, and the learning curve is minimal for anyone familiar with password managers.

Strengths:

• Cleaner, more modern interface
• Faster onboarding process
• Less overwhelming for beginners
• Standalone browser extension available (no desktop app required)

Weaknesses:

• Fewer organizational options for large vaults
• Less powerful search and filtering

1Password Interface

1Password offers more features, which means more complexity. The main view includes a sidebar with categories, favorites, tags, and vaults. Power users appreciate the organization options; new users may feel overwhelmed initially.

The browser extension works well but sometimes competes with desktop app for form detection. Setup requires copying the Secret Key to new devices, adding friction but also security.

Strengths:

• Better organization for large vaults
• More powerful search and filtering
• Tags and custom categories
• Item history and versioning

Weaknesses:

• Steeper learning curve
• Interface can feel cluttered
• Secret Key setup adds initial friction

Winner: NordPass (for beginners), 1Password (for power users)

NordPass gets you up and running faster with less confusion. 1Password rewards the time invested with more organizational power. If you have dozens of credentials, either works. If you have hundreds across multiple vaults, 1Password’s features justify the complexity.

Platform Support

Both password managers cover all major platforms. Here is the detailed breakdown:

NordPass Platforms

• Desktop: Windows 10+, macOS 11+, Linux (snap)
• Mobile: iOS 15+, Android
• Browsers: Chrome, Firefox, Edge, Safari, Brave, Opera, Vivaldi
• Web Vault: Access from any browser

1Password Platforms

• Desktop: Windows, macOS, Linux
• Mobile: iOS 17+, Android 14+ (for passkeys)
• Browsers: Chrome, Firefox, Edge, Safari, Brave
• Web Vault: Access from any browser

Winner: Tie

Both offer comprehensive platform support. NordPass has a slight edge with its standalone browser extension that works without a desktop app. 1Password requires the desktop app for full functionality but integrates more deeply with the operating system.

Pricing Breakdown

NordPass Pricing

Plan	Monthly Cost	Billed Annually	What You Get
Free	$0	$0	Unlimited passwords, 1 device at a time
Premium (2-year)	$1.49/mo	$35.76 total	All features, unlimited devices
Premium (1-year)	$1.99/mo	$23.88	All features, unlimited devices
Family (2-year)	$2.79/mo	$66.96 total	Up to 6 users
Family (1-year)	$3.69/mo	$44.28	Up to 6 users

1Password Pricing

Plan	Monthly Cost	Billed Annually	What You Get
Individual	$2.99/mo	$35.88	1 user, all features, 1GB storage
Families	$4.99/mo	$59.88	Up to 5 users, shared vaults
Teams Starter	$19.95/mo flat	$239.40	Up to 10 users
Business	$7.99/user/mo	Varies	Advanced admin controls

Winner: NordPass

NordPass costs significantly less at every tier. The Premium 2-year plan is $35.76 total versus 1Password’s $35.88 per year. The Family plan comparison is even more favorable: NordPass covers 6 users for $66.96 over two years, while 1Password covers 5 users for $59.88 per year.

The catch: 1Password has no free tier, only a 14-day trial. NordPass offers a functional free plan with unlimited passwords, making it easier to try before committing.

Price Per User (Family Plans)

Plan	Total Cost (Year 1)	Users	Cost Per User
NordPass Family	$33.48	6	$5.58/user/year
1Password Families	$59.88	5	$11.98/user/year

For families, NordPass offers dramatically better value: about half the per-user cost with one additional user slot.

Password Sharing and Family Features

NordPass Family

• Up to 6 users with separate accounts
• Each user gets full Premium features
• Share individual items between family members
• No shared vaults (items must be shared individually)

1Password Families

• Up to 5 users (additional users $1/month each)
• Shared vaults for family passwords (WiFi, streaming, etc.)
• Private vaults remain separate
• Account recovery for locked-out family members
• Guest accounts for limited sharing outside family

Winner: 1Password

1Password’s shared vaults make family password management significantly easier. Instead of sharing individual Netflix or WiFi passwords, you create a “Family Shared” vault that everyone can access. Account recovery is also valuable when family members forget their master password.

NordPass’s per-user cost is lower, but the lack of shared vaults means more manual sharing for household credentials.

Who Should Choose NordPass?

Choose NordPass if you:

• Want the lowest price for premium password management
• Prefer a simpler, less cluttered interface
• Already use NordVPN or other Nord Security products
• Need a functional free tier before committing
• Value XChaCha20’s speed advantage
• Do not need Travel Mode or advanced family sharing

Who Should Choose 1Password?

Choose 1Password if you:

• Prioritize security above all else
• Need Travel Mode for international border crossings
• Want shared vaults for family or team password management
• Appreciate comprehensive security auditing (Watchtower)
• Manage hundreds of credentials across multiple vaults
• Want the most thoroughly audited password manager available

Frequently Asked Questions

Is NordPass safer than 1Password?

Both are highly secure, but 1Password has an edge with its Secret Key system. NordPass uses excellent XChaCha20 encryption and zero-knowledge architecture, but relies solely on your master password for protection. 1Password’s dual-key system (master password + Secret Key) provides an additional layer that protects against server-side breaches.

Does NordPass have a free version?

Yes. NordPass Free includes unlimited password storage, autofill, and a password generator. However, you can only be logged in on one device at a time, and premium features like Password Health and Data Breach Scanner are not included. It is functional for basic use but limited compared to the Premium tier.

Does 1Password have a free version?

No. 1Password offers a 14-day free trial with full feature access, but no permanent free tier. After the trial, you must subscribe to continue using the service.

Which is better for families?

1Password is better for families despite the higher price. Shared vaults allow the whole household to access common credentials (WiFi passwords, streaming services, utility accounts) without manually sharing each item. Account recovery also helps when family members forget their master password.

Can I import passwords from another manager?

Yes, both support importing from other password managers and browsers. NordPass imports from 1Password, LastPass, Dashlane, Chrome, Firefox, and CSV files. 1Password imports from similar sources with a dedicated import tool.

Which has better browser extension support?

Both support Chrome, Firefox, Edge, Safari, and Brave. NordPass has a slight advantage with its standalone browser extension that works without installing the desktop app. 1Password’s extension works best when paired with the desktop application.

Is NordPass owned by NordVPN?

Yes. NordPass is developed by Nord Security, the same company behind NordVPN, NordLocker, and NordLayer. This means you may find bundle deals if you already use Nord products.

Which is better for business use?

Both offer solid business plans. NordPass Teams starts at $1.79/user/month with SSO support. 1Password Business costs $7.99/user/month but includes free family accounts for all employees. For smaller teams on a budget, NordPass wins on price. For larger organizations needing robust admin controls, 1Password may justify the premium.

Do both support passkeys?

Yes. Both NordPass and 1Password support creating, storing, and using passkeys across all platforms. 1Password has slightly better cross-platform passkey sync, but the difference is minimal for most users.

What happens if I forget my master password?

For NordPass, you can use account recovery through email verification and trusted devices. For 1Password, recovery requires your Secret Key and either a trusted device or your Emergency Kit. If you lose access to all of these, 1Password accounts are unrecoverable by design (this is a security feature).

Final Verdict

This comparison comes down to priorities. Both NordPass and 1Password are legitimate, secure password managers that will protect your credentials far better than reusing passwords or trusting browser storage.

Choose 1Password if security is your primary concern. The Secret Key system provides protection against server-side breaches that no competitor matches. Travel Mode is unique for international travelers. Watchtower gives you a comprehensive view of your security posture. The higher price buys genuine security advantages and the most thoroughly audited password manager available.

Choose NordPass if value and simplicity matter more. At $1.49/month with a functional free tier, NordPass makes premium password management accessible to everyone. The interface is cleaner, the learning curve is shorter, and the XChaCha20 encryption is excellent. You sacrifice some advanced features, but for most users, NordPass covers everything needed.

Our recommendation: Security-focused users and families should choose 1Password. Budget-conscious individuals and those who prefer simplicity should choose NordPass. Both are good choices. You cannot go wrong with either.

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Last updated: December 2025. We re-test all password manager recommendations quarterly. Pricing and features may change. Visit each provider’s website for current offers.