NordPass vs 1Password
1Password is Wirecutter’s top password manager and the easier one to set up across devices. NordPass is PCMag’s Editors’ Choice for premium features and is about $12 a year cheaper.
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Quick answer
Choose NordPass (from $36/yr) if you want the lower price, you want email masking and breach scans included or you might use a free plan. Choose 1Password (from $3.99/mo) if you want the most polished apps, you travel and want Travel Mode or you want Wirecutter’s top pick.
Last updated Prices checked Oct 2026
Check NordPass pricing (opens in a new tab)Check 1Password pricing (opens in a new tab)
Key facts at a glance
| NordPass | 1Password | |
|---|---|---|
| Individual price | $36/yr Premium (Wirecutter) | $3.99/mo billed yearly ($2.99 promo) |
| Family plan | $72/yr for up to six people | $5.99/mo for five ($4.49 promo) |
| Free plan | Yes, but one device at a time (PCMag) | No; 14-day free trial |
| PCMag | Editors’ Choice; best premium password manager | Best for frequent travelers |
| Wirecutter | Not a pick; confusing multistep login | Top pick |
For more options, see best password managers.
Get NordPass if you want lower prices and extras like email masking and breach scans: PCMag[1] rates it an Editors’ Choice. Get 1Password if you want the most polished apps, Travel Mode and Wirecutter’s[2] top pick.
NordPass vs 1Password: side-by-side
| NordPass | 1Password | |
|---|---|---|
| Individual price | $36/yr Premium (Wirecutter) | $3.99/mo billed yearly ($2.99 promo) |
| Family plan | $72/yr for up to six people | $5.99/mo for five ($4.49 promo) |
| Free plan | Yes, but one device at a time (PCMag) | No; 14-day free trial |
| PCMag | Editors’ Choice; best premium password manager | Best for frequent travelers |
| Wirecutter | Not a pick; confusing multistep login | Top pick |
| Standouts | Email masking, breach scanning, emergency access | Travel Mode, Secret Key, phishing alerts, smartwatch support |
| Masked email | Included | Paid add-on (PCMag) |
How much do they cost?
NordPass plans
| Option | Price | Note |
|---|---|---|
| Premium | $36/yr | 1 user |
| Family | $72/yr | Up to 6 users |
| Free | $0 | One active device at a time |
1Password plans
| Option | Price | Note |
|---|---|---|
| Individual | $3.99/mo billed yearly | $2.99/mo first-year promo |
| Families | $5.99/mo billed yearly | 5 users; $4.49/mo promo |
What are the pros and cons?
NordPass: pros
- Cheaper
- Free plan available
- Email masking and breach scans included
NordPass: cons
- Free plan limited to one device at a time
- Wirecutter found the login confusing
- Shared-password recipients need an account
1Password: pros
- Easy apps on every platform
- Travel Mode
- Phishing alerts and smartwatch support
1Password: cons
- Price went up
- No free plan
- Masked email costs extra
Which should you choose: NordPass or 1Password?
Both are strong. 1Password is the safer default for most people and families. NordPass costs less and bundles more extras, which suits people who want breach scanning and email masking without add-ons.
Choose NordPass if…
- You want the lower price
- You want email masking and breach scans included
- You might use a free plan
Choose 1Password if…
- You want the most polished apps
- You travel and want Travel Mode
- You want Wirecutter’s top pick
Security
Alternatives
Bitwarden has the best free plan, according to Wirecutter[2], and Proton Pass costs about the same as NordPass. See best password managers. NordPass comes from the company behind NordVPN; see our NordVPN review.
Frequently asked questions
Is NordPass better than 1Password?
Does 1Password have a free plan?
How much does NordPass cost?
Sources
Pricing and plan details were checked on the official pages below as of Oct 2026. Vendors change prices, credits and plan names often, and some show regional pricing at checkout, so confirm on the vendor’s site before you buy.
- PCMag: The best password managers (pcmag.com)
- Wirecutter: The best password managers (nytimes.com)
- 1Password: Pricing (1password.com)
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