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?

Mary James, Author

Jordan Stevens, Editor

Last updated Oct 11, 2024

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3.9

Editorial Rating

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

4.5

Editorial Rating

On 1Password's website

Password Manager

1Password

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

Apple Passwords now makes it easier than ever to store your passwords on your Apple devices, so do you still need to pay for a third party service like 1Password?

Apple’s new Passwords app debuted this September and is 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.

While 1Password is one of the best password managers available and does offer some extras like digital legacy and Watchtower, Apple Passwords is free and just as safe — and now, it's more convenient too.

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

In this article

At a glance
Prices
Features
Compatibility and customer support
FAQs
Which is better?

Apple Passwords vs. 1Password at a glance

For most people, Apple Passwords is all you need. It's free and integrated easily across your Apple devices (and Windows!), making it easy to save your passwords.

Apple Passwords: Best for people who only need the basics
1Password: Best for people who want extra features

Apple Passwords vs. 1Password


Star rating	3.9 AllAboutCookies writers and editors score products based on a number of objective features as well as our expert editorial assessment. Our partners do not influence how we rate products.	4.5 AllAboutCookies writers and editors score products based on a number of objective features as well as our expert editorial assessment. Our partners do not influence how we rate products.
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
Password security tips
Learn more	Get Apple Passwords Read Apple Passwords Review	Get 1Password Read 1Password Review

Don't stop at passwords — keep all your personal data safe

You work hard to keep safe online, but tech companies everywhere are selling your info to data brokers for the highest bids. And with identity theft draining $10.3 billion from American wallets in 2023, keeping your data safe is more important than ever.

But you can safeguard your data with all-in-one identity theft protection services from Aura. For only $9 a month, Aura will automatically force data brokers to stop selling your info and cover you for the worst case scenarios with up to $1 million in insurance.

Learn how to keep all aspects of your digital life safe:

4.9

Editorial Rating

On Aura Identity Theft's website

Identity Protection

Aura Identity Theft

Automatically remove your data from dozens of the top data brokers
Monitor every aspect of your digital footprint, including your SSN and bank accounts, and get up to $1 million in coverage
Get a full security suite for only $9 a month, including password manager, antivirus, spam call protection, and VPN all in one

Which password manager is the better value?

Since Apple Passwords come free with any Apple product, it's an overall better value than 1Password.

	Our Pick
Price range	Free	$2.99-$4.99/mo
Best value plan	N/A	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.

Which password manager has the better features?

Apple Passwords is directly integrated into your Apple system, which means that it works seamlessly with everything on your devices, including existing authentication and digital legacy 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: Apple Passwords. The features are directly integrated with your device.

Apple Passwords vs. 1Password: Compatibility and customer support

While 1Password is available on more systems, Apple Passwords is a much smoother integration into your Apple products.

	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 has 24/7 support plus plenty of options like community forums and X (formerly Twitter) where you can reach out for support.

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

Winner: Apple Passwords. It works flawlessly with Apple products, where you may run into bugs with third-party apps like 1Password.

Apple Passwords and 1Password FAQs

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 was released to the public in fall 2024, it included Windows integration but still omit Android and Linux.

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

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.

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?

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.

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

Author Details

Mary James

About the Author

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.