With so many services and apps around, it’s wise to only invest in a reliable password manager. While the default options in Apple products like iCloud Keychain and Chrome password manager look good, they are never enough. Many third-party options are also available, such as LastPass, 1Password, Microsoft Password Manager, and others. Among these, Microsoft Authenticator and LastPass remain our top recommendations. We will compare them to help you choose the best one.
Microsoft recently added a password management feature to the Microsoft Authenticator app on iOS and Android. Even though the change is new, you can start using it as the feature evolves over time.
Now, let’s start the comparison with cross-platform usability.
Cross-Platform Availability
Accessing your passwords across multiple platforms is just as important as storing them. The Microsoft Authenticator app is available on iOS and Android. You can also access login information from the Edge desktop browser on Windows and Mac.
LastPass comfortably surpasses Microsoft’s solution, as it’s available on iOS, Android, Mac, Windows, Android Wear, and Apple Watch. It offers extension support for Chrome and Firefox.
user interface
Microsoft keeps things simple with a uniform interface in its app and additional password management in its two-factor authentication app. While it makes sense to keep password management and 2FA separate, Microsoft has taken a different direction.
To get started, open the Authenticator app on your iPhone or Android device and go to the Passwords menu. Here you will see all your login entries sorted alphabetically.
The LastPass app follows iOS design guidelines as it has a bottom tab bar with a few options at the top.
By default, it will send you to Bank, Post ID, Finance, Booking Sites, Online Storage, Social, etc. It takes you to the Safe section, which sets passwords on a department-by-section basis. Clean, but best Search function is the fastest way. to find an item.
From the bottom bar you can access various Security options and the Settings menu. The top bar offers quick access options such as Safe Notes and Form Fill option to add new items.
Add New Item
There is no way to create a new login entry in the Microsoft Authenticator app on iPhone or Android. Users can only view the login entries they have added through the Edge browser on the desktop.
LastPass offers custom fill options like Email, Password, secure note, create a strong password, auto login and more.
Security
Microsoft Authenticator app offers Face ID protection on iPhone. Microsoft stores all data on their servers and there is no way to sync login data with Google Drive or Dropbox. You will need to add a password to access the data, even on the desktop.
LastPass stores all data on its private servers. Due to this practice, the company suffered a great setback. We hope that they will allow consumers to store data in third-party cloud storage as well.
Autofill Functionality
With the release of iOS 12, Apple introduced autofill functionality for third-party password managers.
By default it’s on for iCloud Keychain, but you can change it in the Settings app. Go to Settings > Password & Accounts > AutoFill > and select LastPass or Authenticator from the list.
Now wherever you visit a website or app login page, a small prompt will appear allowing you to add login information from the chosen password manager. Any new login information will be added directly to the password manager.
We had no issues with the LastPass autofill functionality during our testing period, while Authenticator crashed a few times.
Extra Features
The biggest feature of Microsoft Authenticator is its ease of use. You won’t even notice that the application is adding information to the database and using it as needed. The app also offers 2FA plugin on the home screen.
When you try to login to any service in the Edge browser, the software provides a way to save the login in the Edge database. If you use Microsoft Edge as your daily driver, you’ll appreciate the close integration with the Microsoft password manager.
LastPass offers a password checking functionality that reveals weak/repeated passwords, secure notes, password sharing, browser integration, and more. With dark web monitoring, LastPass warns if your personal information is at risk.
In LastPass Premium (more on that later), you’ll also enjoy the multi-factor authentication option.
Price
Microsoft Authenticator is completely free to use. All you need is the Edge browser and a Microsoft Account.
LastPass follows the subscription model. Pay $3 per month and access the app on all platforms. LastPass also unlocks advanced features like vault sharing and priority support. The family plan is set at $4 per month and unlocks six premium keys.
Keep Your Online Identity Safe
Recent changes to the free LastPass offering have pushed many users to look for a capable alternative. Microsoft Authenticator does exactly that, but falls short in functionality. LastPass Premium users may find Microsoft Authenticator limiting and should look for other options like 1Password or Dashlane.
Next: 2FA applications offer users an extra layer of security. Read the post below to learn about the five best two-factor authentication apps for iPhone and Android.
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