LastPass is a password manager that integrates with web browsers and other applications to securely save and autofill passwords. LastPass Free is free and offers features like unlimited password management and dark web monitoring. LastPass Premium costs $3 per month and offers additional features like unlimited device access and personal support.
Continue reading to compare the features of the LastPass Free and Premium plans.
LastPass Free vs. LastPass Premium: Comparison
| Characteristics | ||
|---|---|---|
| LastPass Vault | ||
| Access across multiple devices | ||
| Save password and autofill | ||
| Share password | ||
| Dark Web Security and Monitoring | ||
| Storing encrypted files | ||
| Advanced multi-factor authentication options | ||
| emergency access | ||
| Personalized customer service |
Feature Comparison: LastPass Free vs LastPass Premium
LastPass Vault
Both the LastPass Free and Premium plans allow you to generate, save, and autofill an unlimited number of passwords on websites and online apps in the LastPass Vault. Both plans provide a single user account. To create multiple linked LastPass accounts, you must upgrade to a Family, Teams, or Business plan.
Share password
LastPass Free users can share individual passwords and other vault items (such as credit card numbers and identification documents) with one other person at a time. LastPass Premium users can share vault items with multiple people at the same time.
Dark Web Security and Monitoring
All LastPass users get a personalized Security Dashboard that provides at-a-glance information about weak or reused passwords and compromised accounts that require action.
The Security Dashboard also includes dark web monitoring, alerting you if your email is on any breached credentials lists.
Number of devices
Free users can only install LastPass on a single device, while Premium accounts work on unlimited devices.
Storing encrypted files
LastPass Free accounts get 50 MB of secure note storage, while Premium accounts get 1 GB. This feature digitally backups and encrypts critical documents, such as tax forms and insurance cards.
Advanced MFA Options
All LastPass users get MFA through LastPass Authenticator or other popular authenticator apps. LastPass Premium users also get advanced tools like fingerprint authentication and third-party integrations.
emergency access
LastPass Premium users can grant one-time vault access to another user in the event of an emergency.
Personalized customer service
Both LastPass plans provide access to a 24/7 self-help support center, but Premium users also get personalized support from the LastPass customer service team.
Read our guide on how to use LastPass for additional assistance.
Pros and cons of LastPass Free
Advantages of free LastPass
- Provides unlimited password generation, saving and autofill.
- The Security Dashboard displays account monitoring information and password recommendations.
- Monitors dark web lists of compromised accounts and notifies you if your email is found.
Cons of Free LastPass
- It can only be accessed and used on one device.
- Limited to 50MB of encrypted file storage.
- The only support option is a self-help knowledge base.
Pros and cons of LastPass Premium
Advantages of LastPass Premium
- It can be accessed and used on unlimited devices.
- More encrypted file storage and advanced MFA options.
- Personalized customer service and technical support.
Cons of LastPass Premium
- Only one user account.
- It cannot be linked to other family or business accounts.
Methodology
We thoroughly reviewed the LastPass website to get a basic understanding of the core capabilities and features of the free and premium versions. This was followed by an analysis of customer reviews to find out which features make the biggest difference and which plans are used most frequently. We then tested both versions of the software to get first-hand experience with the products. In our full review, LastPass received 3.4 stars out of 5.
Check out our list of LastPass alternatives to see how they compare.
Should your organization use LastPass Free or LastPass Premium?
LastPass Free and LastPass Premium offer very similar user experiences, with many overlapping features. Both options are for home environments and lack the ability to manage multiple users. The free plan works best for someone who has a single device and limited support needs. If you regularly access multiple devices, want more encrypted file storage, and prefer human tech support, the LastPass Premium plan is the best option.
LastPass and other password managers eliminate poor security practices like reusing, sharing, or typing passwords. However, because they contain so much sensitive and valuable data, password managers are also high-value targets for cybercriminals. Before choosing a plan, you should review LastPass' recent security incidents and weigh the pros and cons of trusting them with your private data.
