Password managers

A password manager stores your passwords so you can use strong, different ones for each account. That is a smart habit, and you may not need to pay for it. Apple, Google and most web browsers include free password managers. Some paid services are well worth it for families or many devices, but others push upgrades with scare tactics. Here is what to know and how to cancel.

Common problems to watch for

Scary warnings that you will be hacked unless you upgrade today
Free versions limited so tightly, like one device only, that you must upgrade
A low first-year price that renews at a higher price
Auto-renewal turned on by default and hard to find
Making it hard to export your passwords if you want to leave

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Free and low-cost alternatives

Apple Passwords appiPhones, iPads and Macs include Apple's Passwords app, which stores and fills passwords and passkeys, can create strong passwords, and syncs across Apple devices with your Apple Account.

Google Password ManagerBuilt into Chrome and Android, Google Password Manager saves and fills passwords and passkeys, can warn you if saved passwords appear online, and is viewable at passwords.google.com.

Your web browser's password managerMajor browsers, such as Microsoft Edge and Firefox, include a free built-in password manager that saves and fills passwords when you sign in to websites.

Availability depends on your device and model. AblePro has no relationship with any company named here.

What fair pricing looks like

Basic password storage and autofill are free from Apple, Google and major browsers. A paid plan can be reasonable for sharing with family, mixing many device types, or extra security features, but check the renewal price.

Before you pay

Check whether your phone or browser already saves your passwords.
Make sure the service works on every device you use.
Look up the renewal price, not just the first-year price.
Confirm you can export your passwords if you leave.
Turn on two-step sign-in for your email and the password manager itself.

How to cancel

Before cancelling, export your passwords and import them into your new password manager so you do not lose access.
If you subscribed in the app, cancel in App Store or Google Play subscription settings. Deleting the app does not cancel it.
If you subscribed on the company's website, sign in there and turn off auto-renewal in billing settings.
After moving, securely delete any exported password file, since it is not protected.

Step-by-step cancel guide for iPhone, Android and PayPal →

Common questions

Is the free password manager on my phone good enough?

For many people, yes. Apple's Passwords app and Google Password Manager can save and fill passwords, create strong ones, and sync across your devices. A paid service may help if you use a mix of Apple, Windows and Android devices, or want to share passwords with family. Either way, using one is better than reusing passwords.

What happens to my passwords if I stop paying?

It depends on the service. Some move you to a limited free version, while others may restrict access. Before cancelling, export your passwords and move them into your new manager. Read the service's help pages about what happens when a plan ends so you are not locked out of your accounts.

A pop-up says my passwords were exposed. Should I pay to fix it?

Do not pay because of a pop-up alone. Free tools from Apple and Google can warn you if saved passwords appear in known data leaks. If a password was exposed, change it on that website and anywhere else you used it, and turn on two-step sign-in. Be wary of alerts pushing an immediate purchase.

General consumer information, not legal or financial advice. Reports reflect the experiences and opinions of their writers, not AblePro, Inc. We check reports against our posting rules but do not verify them.