Apple Passwords vs. 1Password 2024: Can Apple’s Free App Stand Up to an Industry Leader?

Apple’s Passwords App is a redesign of iCloud Keychain, but does the updated software compare to an industry leader like 1Password?
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Best for Apple users

3.9
Editorial Rating
Learn More
On Apple Passwords's website

Password Manager
Apple Passwords
  • Free and integrated with Apple products
  • Easy to use
  • 1 account per Apple ID
  • No Android or Linux integration

Best for people with multiple devices

4.5
Editorial Rating
Learn More
On 1Password's website

Password Manager
1Password
  • Password manager with no history of being hacked
  • Unique features, like Travel Mode
  • No free version

If you’re excited about Apple’s new app Passwords but are wondering how it compares to 1Password, we have a side-by-side breakdown of the two. Passwords is a more organized version of iCloud Keychain, which currently houses login credentials for Apple customers.

Competitors like 1Password, which is a leader in the field, cater to every device and allow you to share across a variety of operating systems.

We found these two to have many similar features and functionalities, but Apple Passwords definitely integrated better into its operating system. 1Passwords was much more useful for a variety of operating systems but didn’t always run smoothly.

Let’s discuss the pros and cons of each so you can see which one is best for you.

In this article
Apple Passwords vs. 1Password review at a glance
Apple Passwords vs. 1Password: prices
Apple Passwords vs. 1Password: features
Which is safer, Apple Passwords or 1Password?
Apple Passwords vs. 1Password: compatibility and customer support
Apple Passwords and 1Password FAQs
Apple Passwords vs. 1Password: Which is better?

Apple Passwords vs. 1Password review at a glance

Apple’s new Passwords app debuts this September and will be a free resource for Apple OS and Windows users. While most of the features are the same as the current iCloud Keychain, the new organizational system provides a cleaner experience for the user.

1Password, on the other hand, has many built-in features and broad compatibility, so anyone who uses multiple devices themselves or across their family can store, sync, and share data with this password manager.

Apple Passwords vs. 1Password

Price Free Starts at $2.99/mo
Free version
Number of devices Unlimited Unlimited
Browser extensions Chrome, Firefox, Edge, Brave, Safari
Password sharing Yes — Unlimited (Apple OS only) Yes — Unlimited
Encryption Data Protection and File Vault AES 256-bit
Password generator
Form filler
Learn more Get Apple Passwords
Read Apple Passwords Review
Get 1Password
Read 1Password Review

Apple Passwords vs. 1Password: prices

Our Pick
Price range Free $2.99-$4.99/mo
Best value plan There are no plans Individual for $2.99/mo
Money-back guarantee N/A
Learn more Get Apple Passwords
Read Apple Passwords Review
Get 1Password
Read 1Password Review

One of the biggest advantages of using the Passwords App is that it’s completely free. Passwords is replacing iCloud Keychain, which is a standard feature for all Apple OS users.

The non-business version of 1Password has two plans: an individual plan and a family plan. Both offer a budget-friendly monthly price, but we recommend the individual plan unless you have a family to cover.

The features are the same between the two plans with the only difference being the number of people it’ll cover.

Winner: Apple Passwords. The app and all its features come standard with your macOS Sequoia 15 or iOS 18 update.

Apple Passwords vs. 1Password: features

Feature
Our Pick
Password sharing
Two-factor authentication
Password generator
Autofill
Password strength report
Digital legacy
Learn more Get Apple Passwords
Read Apple Passwords Review
Get 1Password
Read 1Password Review

Most of the features between these two are similar, but Apple’s approach is slightly different. Apple integrates a lot of these features into its entire operating system.

Rather than having two-factor authentication (2FA) in its Passwords app, it uses overall biometrics for passwordless authentication like FaceID and Fingerprint that aren’t exclusive to Passwords.

Also, you don’t get standard password strength reports like you do with 1Password. Instead, there’s a security folder that has your weak or compromised passwords.

With 1Password, there is a section to find the digital legacy contact, but Apple integrates it into the settings on your device.

1Password has all of its features in the application itself, which keeps your data safe but spreads the features throughout the entire operating system.

Apple tips for the new Passwords app
In the beta version of the Passwords app, Apple offers user tips

1Password's Watchtower feature with its password strength report.

Winner: 1Password. The features are kept in a central location that is easy to find.

Which is safer, Apple Passwords or 1Password?

Software that stores your sensitive information needs to be secure, and privacy policies should state that your data isn’t sold, shared, or logged. Additionally, you’ll want a password manager that hasn’t been hacked.

Third-party audits are also essential to make sure a product works the way it claims.

Apple Passwords vs. 1Password privacy and security

Our Pick
Most recent security audit Not yet released Summer 2023
Most recent data breach Not yet released None

It’s hard to compare these two because Apple Passwords has yet to be officially released to the public. Technically, it should fall under Apple’s umbrella of products, but until we have a full release, we won’t know for sure — it’s best not to make assumptions.

In the summer of 2023, 1Password underwent its most recent evaluation by a third party. Even though 1Password’s internal systems were part of a larger security incident, its user accounts weren’t accessed, and therefore, they don’t constitute a breach.

Winner: 1Password. Apple Passwords is unreleased to the public and hasn't been evaluated.

Apple Passwords vs. 1Password: compatibility and customer support

Our Pick
Windows
macOS
Android
iOS
Browser extensions Yes — Chrome, Firefox, Edge, Brave, Safari
24/7 customer support
Customer support options Phone, chat, email, in-store, and more Email, forums, online guides, X (formerly Twitter)
Learn more Get Apple Passwords
Read Apple Passwords Review
Get 1Password
Read 1Password Review

We tested Apple Passwords on an iPhone, and it was simple to use. The one caveat is that not all the features available are found within the Passwords App. The legacy contact is located in Settings > Your Name > Sign in & Security from your iPhone’s main screen.

Also, to access your contact information for the autofill settings, you’ll need to go to Phone > Contacts, and you’ll see your contact card at the top.

1Password contains all of its features within its main dashboard. The only hitch is that it might not always work seamlessly with every device. We’ve had a few issues with password managers being buggy on occasion. Since they aren’t built into the OS of the device, there may be instances where they don’t work as intended, especially on mobile.

As far as customer support is concerned, Apple is at the top. You can attend free workshops in store to learn how to better use your Apple products or connect via phone or chat to a live technician 24/7 if you run into issues.

1Password doesn’t have 24/7 support, but there are still plenty of options like community forums and X (formerly Twitter) where you can reach out for support.

Apple Passwords Family Group

The Yahoo account creation page with 1Password's autofill not working.

Winner: Apple Passwords. Even though features are in different locations, the seamless integration and 24/7 customer support make it much easier to use.

Apple Passwords and 1Password FAQs


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What are the disadvantages of the Apple Keychain?

The Apple iCloud Keychain doesn’t have broad compatibility with other operating systems like Android, Windows, and Linux. When Apple Passwords is released to the public this fall, it will include Windows integration but still omit Android and Linux.

If you need compatibility with those operating systems, you’ll likely need a separate password manager.


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Is it safe to store passwords in Apple Passwords?

Yes, it’s safe to store passwords in Apple Passwords since it’s backed by Apple’s excellent security. As long as your phone remains intact and you don’t jailbreak it, you shouldn’t have to worry about security issues.


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Can I trust 1Password?

Yes, you can trust 1Password. Although there have been claims that the Okta breach affected 1Password, 1Password’s customer information was never compromised. Instead, a hacker accessed some employee information, but it was housed on different servers than 1Password’s customer data.

Apple Passwords vs. 1Password: Which is better?

No matter what your operating system is, you should be using a password manager. The technology allows you to securely store passwords, create strong passwords, and store other forms of data that can be safely stored then passed to loved ones.

Keeping your passwords safe is a big step toward avoiding hackers and identity thieves, and you deserve privacy.

1Password is a staple in this space, and since Apple Passwords hasn’t been released yet, it wins this head-to-head matchup.

Apple Passwords is better for Apple users. It’s free, fully integrated into the operating systems present on Apple devices, and very secure.

Of course, if you use a variety of devices or aren’t an Apple user, you’ll need a great password manager to sync between your devices. 1Password is a great option for those users.

4.5
Password Manager
1Password
  • Password manager with no history of being hacked
  • Unique features, like Travel Mode
  • No free version
Learn More

Apple Passwords and 1Password alternatives

If Apple Passwords or 1Password doesn’t offer what you need, check out one of our other options below. These are some of the best password managers available and have options for individuals and families.


Best for Best overall password manager Simple password management High-end security
Starting price Starts at $1.49/mo (billed biannually) for the first two years Starts at $0.99/mo Starts at $2.92/mo (billed annually)
Compatibility Windows, macOS, Linux, iOS, Android, Chrome, Firefox, Edge, Safari, Opera Windows, macOS, Linux, iOS, Android, Chromebook, Chrome, Firefox, Edge Windows, macOS, Linux, iOS, Android, Chrome, Firefox, Edge, Safari, Brave, Opera
Learn more Get NordPass Get Roboform Get Keeper

4.5
Editorial Rating
Learn More
On 1Password's website
Password Manager
1Password
  • Password manager with no history of being hacked
  • Unique features, like Travel Mode
  • No free version
Author Details
Mary is a seasoned cybersecurity writer with over seven years of experience. With a B.S. in Liberal Arts from Clarion University and an M.F.A. in Creative Writing from Point Park University, she educates audiences on scams, antivirus software, and more. Her passion lies in educating audiences on helpful ways to protect their data.