1Password vs AWS Secrets Manager: Which is Better in 2026?
Choosing between 1Password and AWS Secrets Manager comes down to understanding what each tool does best. This comparison breaks down the key differences so you can make an informed decision based on your specific needs, not marketing claims.
Bottom line: 1Password wins this matchup. LastPass is our overall Identity & Access pick. LastPass is our free Identity & Access pick. Pick AWS Secrets Manager if you need security.
Short on time? Here's the quick answer
We've tested both tools. Here's who should pick what:
1Password
Securely store passwords, cards, and docs with end-to-end encryption
Best for you if:
- • You want excellent security
- • You want easy to use
AWS Secrets Manager
AWS service for storing and rotating secrets securely
Best for you if:
- • You want managed secrets storage
- • You want automatic rotation
| At a Glance | 1Password | AWS Secrets Manager |
|---|---|---|
Starts at | $2.99/moIndividual | $0.05/10,000 callsAPI Calls |
Best For | Password Managers | Security |
Rating | 4.7/5 | 4.5/5 |
Free plan | No | No |
Choose 1Password or AWS Secrets Manager?
Choose 1Password if
Securely store passwords, cards, and docs with end-to-end encryption
- You want excellent security
- You want easy to use
- Your work is password managers-shaped, not security-shaped
Choose AWS Secrets Manager if
AWS service for storing and rotating secrets securely
- You want managed secrets storage
- You want automatic rotation
- Budget matters ($0.05/10,000 calls vs $2.99/mo)
- Your work is security-shaped, not password managers-shaped
| Feature | 1Password | AWS Secrets Manager |
|---|---|---|
| Pricing Model | Paid | Paid |
| User Rating | ★4.7/5 3,945 reviews | ★4.5/5 18 reviews |
| Categories | Password ManagersSecurity | SecurityCloud & Infrastructure |
In-Depth Analysis
1Password
Securely store passwords, cards, and docs with end-to-end encryption
1Password is the premium option in password management, no free tier, starting at $2.99/mo (annual).
Watch out
No free tier at all, even personal use starts at $2.99/mo (annual) or $3.99/mo (monthly)
Strengths
- +Excellent security
- +Easy to use
- +Family sharing
- +Watchtower alerts
Weaknesses
- -No free plan
- -Subscription required
- -Can be expensive for families
Key features
AWS Secrets Manager
AWS service for storing and rotating secrets securely
AWS Secrets Manager offers fair pricing, with a clear per-secret cost of $0.40/month and API calls at $0.05 per 10,000.
Strengths
- +Managed secrets storage
- +Automatic rotation
- +Audit logging
- +Integration with AWS services
- +Cross-account access
Weaknesses
- -Per-secret pricing adds up
- -AWS only
- -Less flexible than Vault
- -Rotation setup complex
- -Region-specific
Key features
Pricing: 1Password vs AWS Secrets Manager
| Plan | 1Password | AWS Secrets Manager |
|---|---|---|
| Tier 1 | $2.99 Individual | $0.4 month per secret Per Secret |
| Tier 2 | $4.99 Families | $0.05 /10,000 calls API Calls |
| Tier 3 | $19.95 Teams Starter Pack | N/A |
| Tier 4 | $7.99 Business | N/A |
| Tier 5 | Free Enterprise | N/A |
Pricing verified from each vendor's public pricing page. Compare in detail on 1Password pricing and AWS Secrets Manager pricing.
Who Should Use What?
On a budget?
Both are paid. Compare plans on their websites.
Go with: 1Password
Want the highest-rated option?
1Password: 4.7/5 (3,945 reviews). AWS Secrets Manager: 4.5/5 (18 reviews).
Go with: 1Password
Value user reviews?
1Password: 3,945 reviews (4.7/5). AWS Secrets Manager: 18 reviews (4.5/5).
Go with: 1Password
3 Questions to Help You Decide
What's your budget?
Both are paid. Pricing won't help you decide here.
What's your use case?
1Password is a password managers tool. AWS Secrets Manager is in security. Pick the category that matches your needs.
How important are ratings?
1Password is rated higher: 4.7/5 vs 4.5/5.
Key Takeaways
1Password
- Higher user rating: 4.7/5 vs 4.5/5
- Larger review base (3,945 reviews)
- Our pick for this comparison
AWS Secrets Manager
- Better fit for security
The Bottom Line
1Password wins this matchup. LastPass is our overall Identity & Access pick. LastPass is our free Identity & Access pick.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is 1Password or AWS Secrets Manager better?
1Password is rated in our evaluation. Both are paid.
What are 1Password and AWS Secrets Manager used for?
1Password: Securely store passwords, cards, and docs with end-to-end encryption. AWS Secrets Manager: AWS service for storing and rotating secrets securely.
What does 1Password cost vs AWS Secrets Manager?
1Password is a paid tool. AWS Secrets Manager is a paid tool. Visit their websites for detailed pricing.