WIRED's 2026 buying guide rounds up the password managers it recommends after hands-on testing, aimed at helping people move away from weak, reused passwords like "123456" and "password" towards long, randomly generated credentials stored securely. The guide argues that using a dedicated password manager is far more practical than trying to memorise dozens of strong passwords, and notes that built-in browser password managers, while better than nothing, remain less full-featured than dedicated tools.

The guide names Bitwarden as the best option for most users, citing that it is free with no limits, open source, and independently audited, with apps across Windows, macOS, iOS, Android and Linux plus browser extensions. It highlights features such as biometric login support, passwordless and passkey authentication, secure file sharing, and a semi-automated autofill tool. Other categories covered include Proton Pass as the best free option, Keeper for sharing, 1Password as a premium upgrade, Dashlane for full features, NordPass for bundled services, and self-hosted DIY alternatives.