LastPass Free Vs. Premium: A Comprehensive Comparison
Intro:
Choosing a password manager can be difficult, with various options and features to consider. In this article, we will compare LastPass Free and Premium to help you decide which option is best for your needs.
1. Pricing:
LastPass Free:
As the name implies, LastPass Free is a completely free version of the password manager, offering essential features without any financial commitment.
LastPass Premium:
LastPass Premium is available at a subscription rate of $3 per month, billed annually ($36/year). This version offers additional features and benefits that cater to users who need more advanced or professional security measures.
2. Features:
a. Password Storage and Autofill
Both LastPass Free and Premium come with unlimited password storage and autofill capabilities across all supported browsers (Chrome, Firefox, Safari, etc.). This feature allows users to securely store their passwords and automatically populate login fields.
b. Secure Notes
Secure Notes is a feature in both LastPass Free and Premium that allows users to safely store
encrypted notes about any topic or sensitive information they don’t want to store as plain text.
c. Multi-Factor Authentication (MFA)
LastPass Free provides multi-factor authentication using tools like Google Authenticator or Microsoft Authenticator. On the other hand, LastPass Premium supports advanced MFA methods, like YubiKey or Sesame USB devices for enhanced security.
d. Emergency Access
Emergency Access is exclusive to the Premium version. The feature enables users to grant access rights to designated trusted individuals in case they are unable to access their accounts personally, such as during an emergency.
e. Sharing Passwords
While both versions allow password sharing with other LastPass users in shared folders, LastPass Premium provides an unlimited number of shared folders while the free account is limited to 30 shares.
f. Customer Support
Premium subscribers enjoy priority customer support, meaning they receive assistance faster than Free users.
g. Additional Features
LastPass Premium users benefit from additional features, such as dark web monitoring, which
alerts them if their information appears on the dark web. Additionally, Premium users get 1 GB of encrypted file storage.
3. Which should you choose?
If you are looking for basic password management features and don’t need advanced security or sharing options, LastPass Free is a viable choice. However, if you need heightened security measures or frequently share sensitive information with multiple people, LastPass Premium may be worth the investment.
Conclusion:
Ultimately, the choice between LastPass Free and Premium depends on your personal requirements and preferences. Assess your needs and decide whether the additional features offered in the Premium version justify the annual subscription fee.