NordPass has evolved dramatically since its launch six years ago. Initially a basic add-on to NordVPN, it lacked essential features and struggled to compete. Today, it’s a strong contender in the password management space, offering robust security and usability. While not perfect, NordPass provides an excellent core service with features like autofill and email masking, making it a serious alternative to established players.
The Core Strengths: Security and Functionality
NordPass excels at what matters most: securely storing and automatically filling your passwords. It uses the xChaCha20 encryption cipher, which some experts consider more secure than the widely used AES-256 due to its simpler implementation and potentially stronger safety margins. Crucially, NordPass employs a zero-knowledge architecture, ensuring that only you have access to your master password, backed by an audit from Cure53.
The service offers strong operational security features, including recovery codes, auto-lock settings (configurable down to five minutes), and automatic clipboard clearing. The platform is available on desktop (Windows, Linux, macOS) and mobile (Android, iOS) with reliable browser extensions for Chrome, Firefox, Safari, Edge, and Brave.
The Free Plan: A Lifeline Post-LastPass
NordPass’s free plan is a standout feature, especially after the turmoil surrounding LastPass. While Proton Pass remains a top choice for free users due to its cross-device sync, NordPass still allows unlimited logins and browser/mobile autofill without requiring a credit card. The free tier includes the same robust encryption and biometric authentication as the paid version, though it restricts simultaneous device access to one at a time.
Premium Perks: Beyond the Basics
The paid Premium plan unlocks additional convenience, including breach monitoring, a password health dashboard, secure document storage, sharing capabilities, and email masking. The email masking feature, which hides your real address, is particularly valuable, and NordPass executes it seamlessly.
Pricing is competitive. Annual subscriptions cost around $45 for renewals (though initial terms are cheaper, at $21 for 15 months). Family plans are available for six users at $72 per year after the initial discount.
Import and Organization: Where NordPass Could Improve
Importing passwords from other managers is straightforward; NordPass successfully migrated over 600 entries from Proton Pass without issues. However, it lacks support for Time-Based One-Time Password (TOTP) codes (like those from Google Authenticator), forcing users to rely on separate apps.
Organization is also limited. Folders are functional but cannot be nested, and tagging is absent. This may not be a problem for users with fewer entries, but those managing hundreds of logins will find the system restrictive. The interface itself is clean and easy to navigate, though.
Autofill Performance: Mostly Smooth
Autofill works reliably in most fields, including text boxes for credit card details. However, NordPass occasionally struggles with dropdown menus for expiration dates or address fields. Mobile autofill is generally solid, though occasional glitches are inevitable.
The Bottom Line
NordPass has matured into a compelling password manager. Its combination of strong security, competitive pricing, and a generous free plan makes it a viable option for both casual and power users. While the lack of TOTP support and limited organization features are drawbacks, they don’t overshadow the overall value. If you’re looking for a secure and user-friendly alternative to established password managers, NordPass is worth serious consideration.
