NordPass vs 1Password: which should you choose?
Quick answer: NordPass is built for budget, while 1Password suits families. For most users 1Password is the stronger default, but NordPass can be the better fit depending on your budget and use case. NordPass has the lower entry price.
NordPass versus 1Password comes down to which trade-offs you can live with. Below we compare them on pricing, strengths and the use cases each one fits, then give a clear verdict.
Side-by-side
| NordPass | 1Password | |
|---|---|---|
| Category | Password Manager | Password Manager |
| What it's known for | XChaCha20 encryption, data-breach scanner and tight integration with the Nord ecosystem. | Travel Mode, Watchtower breach monitoring, secret-key zero-knowledge model and best-in-class UX. |
| Pricing | Free tier; ~$1.39-1.79/mo Premium on 2-year plan | ~$2.99/mo individual, ~$4.99/mo families (billed annually) |
| Best audience | Budget users, especially those already in the Nord ecosystem. | Families and teams wanting the most polished, security-forward password manager. |
| Best for | budget, nord-ecosystem | families, teams |
| Entry price | Free | ~$3.99/mo |
| Biggest strength | Modern XChaCha20 encryption. | Polished, best-in-class UX. |
| Main caveat | Free tier limits you to one active device at a time. | No free tier (trial only). |
Features compared
Beyond the spec sheet, these are the capabilities that define each tool:
NordPass key features
- XChaCha20 encryption (instead of AES-256)
- Data Breach Scanner and Password Health checker
- Passkey support and email masking
- Built-in NordPass Authenticator (TOTP)
1Password key features
- Secret Key (128-bit) combined with master password for dual-layer encryption
- Travel Mode wipes selected vaults from devices before border crossings
- Watchtower breach and weak/reused password monitoring (Have I Been Pwned data)
- Full FIDO2 passkey support
Pricing tiers side by side
NordPass plans
| Plan | Price | What's included |
|---|---|---|
| Free | $0 | One active device at a time |
| Premium (2-year) | ~$1.39-1.79/mo | Billed upfront |
| Family | ~$2.58/mo | Up to 6 users |
1Password plans
| Plan | Price | What's included |
|---|---|---|
| Individual | ~$3.99/mo | $47.88/year |
| Families | ~$4.99/mo | Billed annually, up to 5 users |
| Business | ~$7.99/user/mo | Adds SSO, SCIM, SIEM |
Tiers compiled from the vendors' published plans and independent reviews; prices are approximate and change often, so confirm current figures (and your region's taxes) on each vendor's site.
Strengths compared
Where NordPass wins
Uses next-gen XChaCha20 encryption and ties neatly into the wider Nord ecosystem.
- Modern XChaCha20 encryption.
- Independently audited by Cure53.
That makes it the stronger pick for budget users, especially those already in the Nord ecosystem.
Where 1Password wins
The Secret Key architecture means even a full server compromise leaves vaults unreadable.
- Polished, best-in-class UX.
- Secret Key model means a server breach alone can't unlock vaults.
That makes it the stronger pick for families and teams wanting the most polished, security-forward password manager.
Verdict: choose by fit
Both are good at the job, so let your priorities decide.
- Choose NordPass if you fit its core audience — budget users, especially those already in the Nord ecosystem.
- Choose 1Password if you fit its core audience — families and teams wanting the most polished, security-forward password manager.
FAQ
Is NordPass better than 1Password?
1Password is the stronger default for most users, but NordPass can be the better fit depending on your budget and use case.
What is the main difference between NordPass and 1Password?
NordPass is uses next-gen XChaCha20 encryption and ties neatly into the wider Nord ecosystem. 1Password is the Secret Key architecture means even a full server compromise leaves vaults unreadable.
Which is cheaper, NordPass or 1Password?
Entry pricing differs: NordPass offers a free tier, while 1Password starts at ~$3.99/mo. Compare the tiers above against your usage.
Sources
Facts above are drawn from these independent reviews and the vendors' own pages for NordPass and 1Password: