Our verdict: NordPass Free stores as many passwords and passkeys as you want and fills them in for you, with no credit card needed. The catch is that multi-device access, Password Health, the breach scanner and file attachments are Premium features. It suits one-computer users; anyone who wants free sync should look at Bitwarden.
About NordPass
NordPass is made by Nord Security, the company behind NordVPN. Your vault is encrypted on your device with the XChaCha20 algorithm and a Master Password, and NordPass describes its design as zero-knowledge, so its staff cannot read your items. The desktop app and browser extension have been audited by Cure53. The code is not open source.
The free personal plan has no limit on passwords, passkeys, credit cards or secure notes, and includes autosave, autofill and import from other password managers. The plans page lists access on multiple devices, Password Health, the Data Breach Scanner and file attachments as paid Premium features. You need a Nord Account to use the app.
What it does well
- Unlimited vault items. The free plan does not cap passwords, passkeys, cards or notes.
- Autosave and autofill. Browser extensions save new logins and fill them in on Chrome, Edge, Firefox, Brave, Opera and Safari.
- XChaCha20 encryption. The vault is encrypted locally and unlocked with a Master Password only you know.
- Password import. Brings in logins exported from browsers and other password managers.
- Password generator. Creates strong passwords and stores them in the vault right away.
Who it is for
Good fit
People who use one computer and want a polished password manager with autofill at no cost.
Look elsewhere
Anyone who needs free sync between PC and phone, or prefers open-source software.
Pros and cons
Pros
- No limit on stored passwords on the free plan
- Clean, simple apps and browser extensions
- Desktop app and extension audited by Cure53
Cons
- Free plan does not include access on multiple devices
- Password Health, breach alerts and file attachments need Premium
- Closed source and requires a Nord Account
How to install NordPass
Run the installer, then sign in with a Nord Account or create one. Next you set a Master Password that unlocks the vault; it is separate from the account password and NordPass cannot recover it, so write it down somewhere safe. Install the browser extension to get autofill.
Questions about NordPass
Is NordPass free?
Yes. NordPass Free has no time limit and no cap on stored passwords. Premium and Family are optional paid plans that add multi-device access and security reports.
Is NordPass open source?
No. NordPass is closed-source software, although its apps have been independently audited.
Can NordPass staff see my passwords?
No. The vault is encrypted on your device with your Master Password before it is synced, so Nord Security cannot read it.
