Everything you need to know about 1Password 8 and 4 good alternatives

Password manager 1Password users are not happy with the latest developments around 1Password 8. Here’s what’s going on and these are the best alternatives.

1Password 8: Fuss and Alternatives

If you want to use a password manager as an Apple user, you will quickly end up with 1Password. on iPhoned We have recommended the service many times. Still, there is now a lot of criticism about the future plans of the app.

What is 1Password 8?

This criticism is specifically about 1Password 8, the latest version of the app that is now available as a test version for Mac. “1Password 8 is our best Mac app yet,” 1Password’s Dave Teare wrote in a blog post.

Among other things, the update offers users a dark mode and improved search. You can also create collections to organize your passwords. In addition, the entire design will receive a small upgrade.

What is the criticism of 1Password 8?

Many users who have already tried the test version of 1Password 8 have criticized it. They share that on Reddit, among other things. Most of the criticism comes from the fact that 1Password 8 has become an Electron app. In short, this means that one web app has been created that is downloaded in a box on your computer. This app looks exactly the same on all systems. Apps like Slack, Microsoft Teams, Discord, and Twitch are already using this technology.

The advantage for app makers is that an Electron app can be easily updated on all systems. The major disadvantage of this technology is that the app does not run optimally on all these systems. The app can feel a bit slower, requires more memory and the interface can feel awkward compared to the other ‘native’ apps on your computer.

“People who ask for native apps are asking for applications that look and feel like the operating system, follow standard conventions and behave consistently,” concluded a Reddit user in an Ask Me Anything on the platform where people can ask questions. behind 1Password.

And why is it a criticism of 1Password’s subscription?

Although 1Password has been focusing on subscriptions for a while, it was also possible to purchase a license to use the app. People who have been using the application in this way for a long time are now obliged to take out a subscription.

In a post on 1Password’s Support Community page, Teare writes that the license dates back to a time when subscriptions for apps were not common, and the app was only available for mac OS X 10.4.

When 1Password went multiplatform, users had to buy a new license for each platform and also pay for major updates. In addition, new features such as two-step verification had to be linked to a server that had to be maintained.

Is there a reason to switch?

If you already have a subscription, there is no reason to look for an alternative yet. 1Password 8 is still running as a test version and is not yet rolling out to all users. Also, the fact that an Electron app is now being used does not necessarily mean that the app works worse. There has been a lot of criticism of the test version, but it is quite possible that the majority of this criticism will be addressed before 1Password 8 rolls out to all users.

What Are Good 1Password Alternatives?

Don’t like the direction 1Password is taking? Then of course there are alternatives that you can use.

1. iCloud Keychain

If you think it’s important that a password manager is made for Apple products, with the corresponding speed and design agreements, then there is nothing better than Apple itself. You may miss some of the features you’ve come to expect from 1Password with the iCloud Keychain, but there’s no better and more practical password manager available within the Apple ecosystem. A big plus of the iCloud Keychain is that you are guaranteed good privacy.

2. 1Password 7

You don’t need to update to 1Password 8, of course, as you can just stick with 1Password 7. However, that is only a short-term solution and not a long-term one. Only 1Password 8 will receive updates in the future that improve security.

3. Bitwarden

If you find it especially annoying that your 1Pass becomes mandatory for you to take out a subscription, then you can consider Bitwarden. Bitwarden is a very solid password manager that you can use for free. For 1 dollar per month you do get more options, but the basic functions are completely free. Please note: Bitwarden also uses Electron.

4. Enpass

If you want an alternative that is most similar to 1Password, Enpass is an interesting option. The native app is an offline password manager, but uses your iCloud (or other cloud service) to sync your passwords between devices. The advantage is that your passwords are not stored on the Enpass server. It is also possible to pay once, after which you can use the app for the rest of your life.

Also check out our other tips about password apps. And did you know that there is now an iCloud app for Windows?