Comparisons Password Manager Comparison 2026
Proton Pass vs 1Password: which password manager is better?
Two password managers side by side. They differ in 13 of 24 criteria. Here you can see where, and which one suits whom.
- Updated October 2026
- Compare all 12 providers
At a glance
Proton Pass
Best for: Anyone who values privacy and prefers a European provider.
- Unlimited passwords and devices even on the free plan
- Open source, based in Switzerland
- Built-in email aliases
Better than 1Password at: Free plan, Open source, Emergency access, Email aliases
Price: from €2.99/month
Visit Proton PassAd1Password
Best for: Families and businesses that value ease of use and are willing to pay for it.
- Very well thought-out, simple interface
- An additional Secret Key protects the vault
- Travel Mode hides vaults at border crossings
Price: €3.65/month (€2.74 in year 1), plus VAT
Visit 1PasswordAll criteria compared
Highlighted rows show where the two differ.
| Criterion | Proton Pass | 1Password |
|---|---|---|
| Price | ||
| Free plan | Yes, unlimited passwords and devices, 10 aliases | No |
| Price for one person | from €2.99/month | €3.65/month (€2.74 in year 1), plus VAT |
| Family plan | €4.99/month for 6 people | €5.75/month for 5 people (€4.31 in year 1) |
| Business plan | Yes | Yes |
| Free trial | Free plan, 30-day money-back guarantee | 14 days |
| Provider | ||
| Headquarters | Switzerland | Canada |
| Open source | Yes | No |
| Independent security audit | Yes | Yes |
| Known security incidents | None known | No vault data affected |
| Security | ||
| End-to-end encryption | Yes | Yes |
| Stores passkeys | Yes, also on the free plan | Yes |
| Built-in 2FA code generator | Yes, from Pass Plus | Yes |
| Data breach alerts | Yes, from Pass Plus | Yes (Watchtower) |
| Emergency access | Yes, from Pass Plus | Only recovery by a family organiser |
| Local storage or self-hosting | No | No |
| Features | ||
| Secure password sharing | Yes | Yes |
| Email aliases | Yes, 10 free, unlimited from Plus | Via Fastmail integration |
| Stand-out feature | File attachments, command-line tool | Travel Mode, additional Secret Key |
| Platforms | ||
| Windows | Yes | Yes |
| macOS | Yes | Yes |
| Linux | Yes | Yes |
| Android | Yes | Yes |
| iPhone and iPad | Yes | Yes |
| Browser extension | Yes | Yes |
Strengths and weaknesses
Proton Pass
Open-source password manager from Switzerland with a generous free plan and built-in email aliases.
- + Unlimited passwords and devices even on the free plan
- + Open source, based in Switzerland
- + Built-in email aliases
- + Affordable family plan for 6 people
- – 2FA codes, emergency access and breach alerts only in Pass Plus
- – Still fairly young compared with 1Password or Bitwarden
1Password
Very polished and particularly easy to use, with many convenience features. Costs a bit more and has no free plan.
- + Very well thought-out, simple interface
- + An additional Secret Key protects the vault
- + Travel Mode hides vaults at border crossings
- + Good family and business management
- – No free plan, only a 14-day trial
- – No classic emergency access
- – Not open source
Our verdict
Both are a good choice, but for different needs. Proton Pass is best for: anyone who values privacy and prefers a European provider. 1Password is best for: families and businesses that value ease of use and are willing to pay for it.
All information comes from the providers’ websites and the sources listed in the full comparison, as of October 2026. Links marked “Ad” are affiliate links.