LastPass Free is one of the better password managers. In the PC world, it runs on Windows, macOS, Linux, and its browser extensions like Chrome, Firefox, and Safari. In the mobile/tablet world, it runs on Android and iOS. All access a common cloud vault sharing data across all devices.
Starting 16 March, Lastpass Free users can only access it on PC or mobile – not both unless they pay for a premium licence. Damn. Now there is no limit to the number of PC or mobile devices, so if you use multiple PCs or mobiles, that won’t change. There is always a catch with any ‘freemium’ software like a restriction on features or nagging for in-app purchases. The idea is that after a trial and you become addicted, you decide to pay to get those features.
So happy LastPass Free users will pay $4.50 per month of $54 billed annually in advance to cover off both platforms. Note that the cost is per ‘vault’, so users cannot share an account unless they want to share passwords. Existing free users can access a 25% off upgrade deal for the first year. Families can get a 6-user deal for A$6 per month (less we presume any discount offered for existing users). This is better value for two or more people.
To be clear. LastPass Free remains free for one vault on either desktop or mobile – not both.
You won’t lose your data – it is always in the free vault.
How to export LastPass Free logins and passwords
Log in to LastPass. Click on the LastPass login icon … Select Account Options, Advanced, Export. You will see Last Pass CSV – select that. It should pop up a dialogue box that allows you to specify a file name and location. You can open a CSV file in Excel or Notepad. If this does not work, your browser settings may not allow pop-ups. Try another one – Chrome (or Microsoft Edge), Firefox or Safari.
It may be a good idea to print the data out and check it. But shred the document as soon as you can. You can import the CSV file into most other password managers.
Alternatives
First, we urge you to go to Premium – this is one of the best and has additional features that may be handy. Family pricing takes the sting out of it, and you can share it with five others. We have not tried other free password managers recently, but all have some catch. So here is what you need to look for
- At least 50 passwords for free (once you print out your passwords, it will tell you if you can live with this limit)
- Multiple device use and concurrent logins.
- Central cloud vault synced across Windows, macOS, Linux, Android, iOS and at least Firefox, Chrome and Safari browser extensions.
- The Cloud should have at least AES-256 bit encryption and be in a western country for data sovereignty.
- Complex password generation
- Two-factor-authentication (tells you when someone accesses your vault).
- Emergency access if you forget your master password
- Optionally secure vault storage of other sensitive information
Do not tie yourself to password managers that are part of a VPN, Antivirus/Malware, or other combination apps. Do not rely on browser password managers – they are not multi-operating system, store passwords locally and highly insecure once they have access to your PC.
At this stage, we tentatively recommend (like LastPass Free you also run the risk that and free app will stop being free on all devices). Bitwarden is a powerful open-source password manager with a generous free plan — it gives unlimited password storage and covers unlimited devices.
You can read more about LastPass in GadgetGuy’s review here.
