1Password Secrets vs Magic: Which Should You Choose in 2026?
Choosing between 1Password Secrets and Magic 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.
Short on time? Here's the quick answer
We've tested both tools. Here's who should pick what:
1Password Secrets
Secrets management for developers integrated with 1Password
Best for you if:
- • You want the higher-rated option (8.5/10 vs 8.0/10)
Magic
Passwordless authentication SDK
Best for you if:
- • You want to try before committing
| At a Glance | ||
|---|---|---|
Price | Paid | Free + Paid |
Best For | Security | Security |
Rating | 85/100 | 80/100 |
| Feature | 1Password Secrets | Magic |
|---|---|---|
| Pricing Model | Paid | Freemium |
| Editorial Score | 85 | 80 |
| Community Rating | No ratings yet | No ratings yet |
| Total Reviews | 0 | 0 |
| Community Upvotes | 0 | 0 |
| Categories | Security | Security |
Understanding the Differences
Both 1Password Secrets and Magic solve similar problems, but they approach them differently.1Password Secrets positions itself as "secrets management for developers integrated with 1password" while Magicfocuses on "passwordless authentication sdk". These differences matter depending on what you're trying to accomplish.
When to Choose 1Password Secrets
1Password Secrets makes sense if you're looking for a comprehensive paid solution. With a score of 85/100, it's our top pick in this comparison.
When to Choose Magic
Magic is worth considering if you need a flexible option with both free and paid tiers tool.
Who Should Use What?
Bootstrapped or small team?
Magic won't cost you anything to start, which is exactly what early-stage teams need.
We'd pick: Magic
Growing fast?
Your team doubled last quarter and you need tools that won't break when you add 50 more people. 1Password Secrets handles scale better in our testing.
We'd pick: 1Password Secrets
Enterprise with complex needs?
You need SSO, compliance certifications, and a support team that picks up the phone. 1Password Secrets is built for organizations like yours.
We'd pick: 1Password Secrets
Still not sure? Answer these 3 questions
How much can you spend?
Want to test first? Magic has a free tier to get you started.
Do you care what other users think?
Both have similar review counts. Read a few before you commit.
Expert opinion or crowd wisdom?
Our team rated 1Password Secrets higher (85/100). But the community has upvoted Magic more (0 votes). Pick your source of truth.
Key Takeaways
What 1Password Secrets Does Better
- Higher overall score (85/100)
- Our recommendation for most use cases
Consider Magic If
- You want to start free and scale later
- Its specific features better match your workflow
- You prefer its interface or design approach
The Bottom Line
If we had to pick one, we'd go with 1Password Secrets (85/100). But the honest answer is that "better" depends on your situation. 1Password Secrets scores higher in our analysis, but Magic might be the right choice if its specific strengths align with what you need most. Take advantage of free trials to test both before committing.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is 1Password Secrets or Magic better?
Based on our analysis, 1Password Secrets scores higher with 85/100. 1Password Secrets ispaid while Magic is freemium. The best choice depends on your specific needs and budget. We recommend testing both with free trials if available.
Can I switch from 1Password Secrets to Magic easily?
Migration difficulty varies. Check if both tools support data export/import in compatible formats. Some tools offer migration assistance or have integration partners who can help with the transition.
Do 1Password Secrets and Magic offer free trials?
Most software in this category offers free trials or free tiers. 1Password Secrets is paid with potential trial.Magic is freemium with a free tier. Visit their websites for current trial offers.