Become a MacRumors Supporter for $50/year with no ads, ability to filter front page stories, and private forums.
Thanks for posting this. I just got a MacBook and I'm wondering the same thing.
 
Paying 1password a subscription on a monthly basis or use the keychain for free? As long as you don't have cross-platform needs
Not OP, but I just came from an iPhone/Windows combo to a new iPhone/Mac combo. My understanding is that Keychain does the exact same thing if you are only using your own iCloud devices, yeah?

And having a 2FA app would be its own thing, even if using Keychain? Or is there some of 2FA system built into Keychain (for example, if I had 2FA enabled for my forum login here)?
 
Paying 1password a subscription on a monthly basis or use the keychain for free? As long as you don't have cross-platform needs
I input new passwords in LastPass and let the app update my Apple Keychain. That way I have convenient and seamless access on my various Apple devices (one Mac, one iPhone, one iPad). LastPass is indeed helpful for cross-platform situations as I use it on two Windows PCs (LastPass for Windows Desktop is free).

LastPass -- like 1Password -- also allows for storage of other data types like passports, Social Security Numbers, drivers licenses, financial institution account numbers, insurance policy numbers, loyalty programs, automobile VINs, serial numbers, etc. Easier to put everything in one place rather than spraying things around in separate text files, etc. even if I'm running iCloud for Windows on my two Wintel PCs (I can also access iCloud via a web browser).

Both password management programs also have handy notes fields. For some accounts, I have to set up security questions so I put those answers in the corresponding entry's notes field. For some sites, I'm unclear if the username is my e-mail address or the handle I picked when I signed up so I log the extra information in the notes field. In the passport number entry I put the corresponding Trusted Traveler ID (for my CBP Global Entry card) in the notes field.

You cannot annotate a Keychain password entry at this current time.

Like many I switched several years ago from 1Password to LastPass when the former moved to a subscription revenue model. Their functionality appears to have remained comparable over the years.

LastPass also has a useful password generator. Safari will generate strong passwords but the functionality is not available on an app. I generate 16-character passwords with special characters using LastPass since the special character requirement is pretty common these days.
 
Last edited:
I just made a list below summarizing my experience with the two. I've using 1Password for 3-4 years now and still enjoy using it. Based on my experience (and sadly I'm not alone) iCloud Keychain works, but when it messes up and doesn't sync correctly, you may have to delete all you passwords to get it going again as I did.

Advantages of 1Password:
1. More Functional UI to manage/update passwords
2. Works across all browsers and platforms (For macOS - iCloud Keychain just works on just safari and doesn't integrate with any other browsers)
3. Less chance of loosing passwords/having issues during password syncing - This was the main reason I switched as I lost all my passwords on iCloud Keychain (Multiple times, and apple support is not helpful). 1Password really just works
4. Can be used to store secure notes, credit cards, database passwords, etc
5. Has web interface to view and manage passwords (if you use the subscription)
6. Can have multiple vaults to share or group passwords as you'd like - iCloud Keychain has no way to share passwords
7. Can generate passwords with any combination you'd like (For those sites that have special requirements)
8. Has 2FA support built in so you don't need another app to store them

Advantages of iCloud Keychain:
1. It's free
2. Works slightly better with safari on MacOS (With the new safari extensions coming might not be too different)
3. 1Password builds in a master password that you have to remember - iCloud Keychain is typically linked with your Apple ID
4. iCloud Keychain works better with Apple TV

Both
1. Both have TouchID/FaceID integration
2. Work seamless on iOS due to the passwords API

Wirecutter has a great article on comparing password managers as well https://www.nytimes.com/wirecutter/reviews/best-password-managers
 
I went the other way, from Dashlane to 1password. The reason was because Dashlane lost all my logins. This was my experience, others may have a better experience. Yes, 1password is subscription and like many people I hate subscription services but for security I think the small price is worth paying.
 
  • Like
Reactions: serpico007
Like some others that have posted. I use both 1Password and Keychain. I am 90% Apple and 10% Windows. So having access to my passwords in Windows via 1Password is great. And Keychain for my Apple ecosystem is great too.
 
  • Like
Reactions: throAU
I also use both 1Password and Keychain. 1Password is used more for Storno secure notes and software license information, but also for autofilling passwords, especially on sites where Safari autofill doesn't work. I have been using 1Password for years, and I know that its importance has deteriorated in the last years, but I still want to have it. I store all my credit cards there, and many other things.
 
I'm about to fade out my usage of 1Password. I'm using Apple devices only, so Apple's Keychain is good enough for me when it comes to passwords. Other confidential notes, scans... go into a collection of locked Apple Notes.
 
I stopped using 1Password when they went subscription. There are lots of good alternatives - KeePass, Strongbox, Keychain etc
 
1Password is great. There are always cheaper options for things, but 1Password does a great job. In addition to the extra features that others mentioned, I use Shared Vaults. I have a virtual company and I allow the other folks to see specific passwords for projects as needed. It's essential, otherwise I get bothered all the time with how do I get into xyz and so on.
 
  • Like
Reactions: philosoraptor1
I have 1password when it was still standalone and it’s really useful. When they went subscription, I held on to the standalone until I had to upgrade, then I bought their gift card, it’s $125 for only $99. I’m on the first year and the gift card will last me about 3 yrs. Maybe after 3 years I might find a better alternative, but for now, it’s 1password and keychain until I use up the gift card.
 
  • Like
Reactions: cdcastillo
Paying 1password a subscription on a monthly basis or use the keychain for free? As long as you don't have cross-platform needs

1password still works better.

it has watchtower to alert of password breaches, a better password generator, easier password management on iOS, etc.

Keychain is a start, but it is WAY behind 1password in terms of ease of use, especially if you have a requirement to access passwords that aren't for web sites (e.g., copy/paste into macOS applications, etc.).
 
also allows for storage of other data types like passports, Social Security Numbers, drivers licenses, financial institution account numbers, insurance policy numbers, loyalty programs, automobile VINs, serial numbers, etc.
1. More Functional UI to manage/update passwords

There is really no comparison between keychain and 1password, as above. It automatically shows you entries for compromised websites, vulnerable and unused passwords, etc. Makes it easy to manage thousands of entries.

Screen Shot 2020-07-09 at 9.12.07 PM copy.jpg
 
I went the other way, from Dashlane to 1password. The reason was because Dashlane lost all my logins. This was my experience, others may have a better experience. Yes, 1password is subscription and like many people I hate subscription services but for security I think the small price is worth paying.
I stopped using 1Password when they went subscription. There are lots of good alternatives - KeePass, Strongbox, Keychain etc

You can still use the app without subscribing, you just buy a single license. I got mine for my Mac and we sync my iPhone, iPad, my wife's iPad and iPhone on the local network (our apt's wifi). There is no way I'm going to have my 1P vault on dropbox or google's servers.

I use both. There are lots of things I don’t want in Keychain, e.g. user passwords for the office NAS. You can still buy a 1Password license from within the app, look here. It still syncs and works with iOS.
For those who don’t want to pay a subscription for 1Password, you can still purchase the standalone directly from Agilebits. And for those looking for free, try Bitwarden. it is an excellent app with many features like 1Password has.

These!!
 
  • Like
Reactions: drsox and jagooch
1password is far superior than keychain.Its like you are asking should I use gas cylinder stove or the oven used in Wolfgang Puck restaurant.

Note there are many other options but I have yet to hear of one that is -better-than 1password. Some store your info only in the cloud, some require subscription, 1password gives all options. If you don't know what to choose you can't go wrong with 1password. There is a stand alone purchase.

I went the other way, from Dashlane to 1password. The reason was because Dashlane lost all my logins. This was my experience, others may have a better experience. Yes, 1password is subscription and like many people I hate subscription services but for security I think the small price is worth paying.
damn...you lost your logins? What did you do? So much for their SuperBowl ad. 1Password has standalone license purchase.

I stopped using 1Password when they went subscription. There are lots of good alternatives - KeePass, Strongbox, Keychain etc
I have 1password when it was still standalone and it’s really useful. When they went subscription, I held on to the standalone until I had to upgrade, then I bought their gift card, it’s $125 for only $99. I’m on the first year and the gift card will last me about 3 yrs. Maybe after 3 years I might find a better alternative, but for now, it’s 1password and keychain until I use up the gift card.

they still sell stand alone. The more people buy standalone the more they are likely to keep it around.
 
I switched from 1Password to Bitwarden. I had standalone licences for Mac and Windows but 1Password only syncs with iCloud or Dropbox and since Dropbox imposed a 3 device limit, I found I couldn't sync between devices/computers without paying more. This became worse when I switched from iPhones to Android. I always found 1Password's synching clunky at best. Too many duplicates or delays in synching between iCloud and Dropbox.

I don't like how Bitwarden has a central server to store data rather than how 1Password managed it and Lastpass has been compromised once already but them's the breaks etc.
 
Not sure if you have made a choice yet but look at enpass. I have been using it for years and syncs to your location, not some company that has to manage your passwords.

edit typo
 
I'm about to fade out my usage of 1Password. I'm using Apple devices only, so Apple's Keychain is good enough for me when it comes to passwords. Other confidential notes, scans... go into a collection of locked Apple Notes.

Great strategy. If I didn't buy into the Secrets applications on both iOS and macOS I believe this was the route I would have gone.. For the odd case of using Windows I have a KeeWeb database that I bring with me. It's not always up-to-date and some irritation can come from that.
 
Register on MacRumors! This sidebar will go away, and you'll see fewer ads.