1Password — Independent Software Review

Modern identity security for modern work

Compliance Transparency Index

Grade: A — Score: 95/100

Best For

Not Ideal For

Operational Overview

1Password employs advanced technology to secure credentials and secrets, utilizing a zero-knowledge architecture with dual-key encryption to ensure data privacy and integrity. This approach allows organizations to manage access effectively while maintaining a high level of security.

The platform streamlines workflows by automating user provisioning and de-provisioning, integrating seamlessly with existing IT and security tools. With features like granular vault permissions and audit-ready reporting, teams can operate efficiently without compromising security.

As modern work introduces new risks, 1Password addresses challenges such as shadow IT and unauthorized app usage. By providing visibility into SaaS applications and enforcing strong access policies, organizations can mitigate risks associated with identity security and ensure compliance with regulatory standards.

Pricing Structure

Individual: $3.99/month (billed annually) or $4.99/month (billed monthly)

Families: $5.99/month (billed annually) or $7.99/month (billed monthly)

Teams Starter Pack: $19.95/month for up to 10 users (billed annually) or $24.95/month (billed monthly)

Business: $7.99/user/month (billed annually) or $9.99/user/month (billed monthly)

Alternative Consideration

Consider switching to LastPass: LastPass offers similar password management features but may lack the extensive access governance capabilities of 1Password.

Frequently Asked Questions

How does 1Password compare to Bitwarden?

Both 1Password and Bitwarden are zero-knowledge password managers with cross-platform support. 1Password differentiates with its Two-Secret Key Derivation (2SKD) architecture, Watchtower breach alerts, Travel Mode for hiding vaults at borders, and the Extended Access Management platform (Device Trust, SaaS Manager) for enterprise organizations. Bitwarden offers a free personal tier and a self-hosted deployment option, making it a stronger fit for budget-conscious teams or organizations that require on-premises hosting.

How does 1Password compare to LastPass?

1Password and LastPass both offer personal and business password management with SSO integration and SCIM provisioning. 1Password differentiates with its 2SKD dual-key encryption model, Watchtower credential monitoring, developer tools (SSH key signing, CLI, SDKs), and a free Families account for every Business plan user. LastPass experienced security incidents in 2022-2023 that led some organizations to migrate, while 1Password has maintained unqualified SOC 2 Type II opinions since 2018.

What is 1Password Extended Access Management (XAM)?

1Password Extended Access Management is an enterprise platform with three modules: Enterprise Password Manager (credential governance for apps outside SSO), Device Trust (health monitoring and compliance enforcement for managed and BYOD devices), and SaaS Manager (discovery, access governance, and spend optimization with 350+ integrations). Each module can be purchased separately or as a unified suite, with custom pricing available through 1Password sales.

What security certifications does 1Password hold?

1Password holds SOC 2 Type II (since 2018), ISO 27001:2022, ISO 27017, ISO 27018, ISO 27701, TISAX, CSA STAR Level 1, TX-RAMP, VPAT, and PCI DSS certifications. The platform is HIPAA compliant, GDPR compliant, and DORA compliant. 1Password states it is the only enterprise password manager to have achieved ISO 27001, 27017, 27018, and 27701 certifications together.

How does 1Password encryption work?

1Password uses a zero-knowledge architecture called Two-Secret Key Derivation (2SKD) that combines your account password with a device-generated Secret Key to encrypt all vault data with AES 256-bit encryption. Even when using SSO, decryption happens locally on trusted devices. 1Password cannot access, decrypt, or view anything stored in your vaults, and this architecture has been independently audited through regular SOC 2 Type II evaluations and penetration tests.

What is the difference between 1Password Teams Starter Pack and Business?

The Teams Starter Pack covers up to 10 users at $19.95/month billed annually ($24.95/month billed monthly) and includes password sharing, Watchtower alerts, role-based permissions, developer tools, and 5 guest accounts. The Business plan at $7.99/user/month billed annually ($9.99/user/month billed monthly) adds SSO integration (Okta, Entra ID, OneLogin, Duo), SCIM provisioning, SIEM event streaming, custom business reports, 20 guest accounts, and a free Families plan for every user.

What platforms does 1Password support?

1Password runs on macOS, iOS, watchOS, Windows, Android, and Linux with browser extensions for Chrome, Safari, Edge, Firefox, and Brave. The app auto-saves and auto-fills passwords, passkeys, addresses, payment details, and one-time passwords across all devices. Developer tools include SSH key signing, Git commit signing, a CLI, and SDKs for secrets management in CI/CD pipelines.

Does 1Password support AI agent credential management?

Yes. 1Password's Unified Access product governs credential and secret usage by both humans and AI agents. The 1Password SDK supports securely storing secrets used by AI agents, scripts, and service accounts. The platform provides visibility into which AI applications are accessing credentials, with audit-ready reporting for compliance requirements.