Remember the frustration passwords used to cause? If you're still grappling with them, keep reading.

These days, we all juggle numerous passwords, which would be manageable if we weren't required to create unique combinations of letters, numbers, and symbols for every site we access. Adding two-factor authentication and excessive login prompts (looking at you, Adobe Reader) creates a chaotic situation.

This is where password managers come into play. If you’re not using one, you’re likely wasting significant time and leaving yourself vulnerable to cyber threats.

Last year, I decided to shift my approach to password management, and it significantly improved my digital interactions.

A Cautionary Note: This Topic Sparks Debate

Some subjects I cover tend to evoke the most negative responses from individuals who struggle to consider perspectives outside their own.

Consider headphones as an example; if you venture into tech content creation, be prepared for backlash if you share a positive opinion about a particular brand.

And then there’s the classic Apple versus Android, Apple versus Microsoft, and Apple versus Linux debates (pronunciation matters, folks).

Password managers also generate strong opinions.

I was taken aback by the fervor surrounding this topic. While it might not seem particularly exciting, there are devoted advocates for specific platforms.

Some enthusiasts are pleasant, sharing their preferred methods for securing digital information. Others, however, can be rather hostile, suggesting that you mislead your audience or demanding corrections if you don’t mention their favored manager.

The Best Password Managers of 2022

Let me be clear: there are numerous password management options available, from simple memory techniques to widely used, venture capital-backed services. Additionally, many open-source, free-to-use managers cater to users, especially those who passionately advocate for them.

This diversity is a positive aspect of our world. You get to choose, and this choice is deeply personal due to the sensitive nature of the information involved.

The best strategy is to select the option that feels right for you. While I can offer guidance, I won’t try every password manager out there; frankly, I’d find that tedious.

However, I do have a favorite that has completely transformed my experience.

A Brief Word on Apple Keychain

For years, I relied on Apple Keychain, and I loved it.

For those unfamiliar, Keychain is Apple's password management tool, introduced in 1999. It allows users to store passwords, network details, credit card information, and more.

Crucially, it enables sharing access to sensitive information across all Apple devices. Need to log into a site? Keychain can autofill your details, provided you authenticate. It even suggests new passwords and simplifies payment entries at checkout.

It’s a fantastic tool, especially for Apple users seeking basic password management without additional costs.

However, as I expanded my tech experience, Keychain became less of an asset and more of a limitation.

I needed an alternative.

Transitioning to 1Password

I had been aware of 1Password for some time, having tried it years ago, but I always returned to Keychain due to my reliance on Apple products and the belief that it was the safest option.

Then, I launched a tech review brand and explored beyond the Apple ecosystem, leading me back to Windows and a more fulfilling experience with Android.

The issue arose when I used non-Apple devices; I frequently found myself retrieving login credentials from Keychain manually. This was a cumbersome experience and contradicted the principles of secure password management.

So, I decided to give 1Password another try, and I was blown away by how much I had missed.

Switching from Keychain to 1Password is straightforward. While 1Password provides a migration guide, I opted to build my database manually as I encountered new sites. This process, while seemingly tedious, was actually quite simple; I added sites as needed, resulting in a streamlined database of only the services I frequently use, avoiding the clutter of legacy entries from Keychain.

Full disclosure: I now collaborate closely with 1Password, receiving early access to updates and occasional sponsorships (though not for this article). This relationship blossomed after a 2021 blog post titled "The 1Password Disaster (And Two Brilliant 1Password Alternatives)."

That post led to a conversation with one of the co-founders and a deeper understanding of the company’s mission. They genuinely care about their product. While they make mistakes, like anyone, it makes them relatable.

I appreciate software that transcends its technical components, and 1Password’s response to my critique was commendable.

How I Use 1Password

I am not a power user of 1Password; I utilize it primarily for storing login details, credit card info, and confidential notes.

I occasionally include software licenses and ensure my passport and driver's license details are securely stored, but I don’t go beyond that.

What’s great about 1Password is its flexibility—you can use it as extensively as you wish. If you want to integrate Fast Mail for masked emails, you can. If you're managing a team, 1Password can help ensure everyone adheres to proper cybersecurity practices. There’s even a family plan for those wanting to enhance their household's digital security.

But for me, 1Password is simply an excellent cross-platform password manager. Whether I'm setting up a new Mac, changing phones, or revisiting Windows, it’s always there.

Hello, 1Password 8

I’ve been using the beta version of 1Password 8 for Mac for some time now, and I love it.

Two initial points to address: the shift to a subscription-only model and the use of Electron.

Subscription pricing models are often contentious, especially when a developer has previously offered one-time purchases. Personally, I have no issues with this. Having worked in the software industry for nearly two decades, I understand the challenges behind such decisions.

This change may not please everyone, and I know 1Password has lost long-time users due to this transition. However, they anticipated this, and sometimes the most challenging decisions are the bravest.

Regarding Electron, I must admit I was unaware of its existence until recently. Simply put, Electron is a framework aimed at expediting native app development. In its simplest form, it’s a quick method for converting web apps into macOS applications. 1Password describes their implementation as 'hybrid', combining Rust, Typescript, React, and Electron.

What matters most is real-world performance, and I’m pleased to report that using 1Password 8 on my M1 MacBook Air has had no noticeable impact on performance or battery life. In fact, if I hadn’t discovered the Electron aspect, I wouldn’t have given it a second thought. 1Password 8 runs smoothly, with minimal resource consumption.

Exciting Updates for 1Password 8 on iOS

With that settled, users can appreciate the enhancements AgileBits has made to 1Password 8 on Mac. The new interface is refreshing—well-organized and user-friendly. The introduction of a Categories dropdown significantly enhances usability.

There’s improved universal search, an upgraded version of the Watchtower feature, easier editing options, and the ability to unlock via Apple Watch (which I frequently use when my MacBook is closed), among other improvements.

I’ll dive deeper into 1Password once it’s publicly available, but I recommend checking out Dave Teare’s overview of 1Password 8’s features.

Conclusion

As I’ve mentioned before, I can’t dictate which password manager is right for you, but I can share what works for me.

As always, the real conversation happens in the comments. I learn from your insights, and if you’d like to share your favorite password manager, feel free to do so—just don’t suggest Bitwarden, please!

Try 1Password for FREE + get 25% off your first year.

Before You Leave

Join my behind-the-scenes mailing list.

If you enjoy my writing, there's much more on Medium. I’m a paying member and highly recommend joining. [Click here to join](#) (a portion of your membership will support my work!).

This post includes affiliate links.

Originally published at https://markellisreviews.com on April 23, 2022.