With so many services and applications, it is wise to invest in a trusted password manager. Although the default options (such as iCloud Kitchen and Chrome Password Manager on Apple products) look good, they are far from enough. Several third-party options are also available, such as LastPass, 1Password, Microsoft Password Manager, and other options. Among them, Microsoft Authenticator and LastPass are our main recommendations. We will compare them to help you choose the best.
Microsoft recently added a password management function to the Microsoft Authenticator app on iOS and Android. Although the changes are still fresh, you can start using it and improve this feature over time.
Now, let’s start the comparison with cross-platform usability.
CROSS-PLATFORM AVAILABILITY
Accessing passwords on multiple platforms is as important as storing passwords. The Microsoft Authenticator app is available on iOS and Android. In addition, you can access the login information from the Edge desktop browser on Windows and Mac.
Since LastPass is available on iOS, Android, Mac, Windows, Android Wear, and Apple Watch, it beats Microsoft’s solution. It provides extended support for Chrome and Firefox.
USER INTERFACE
Microsoft has made things simple through its application’s unified interface and has added password management to its two-factor authenticator application. Although it is reasonable to separate password management and 2FA, Microsoft has chosen a different direction.
First, please open the Authenticator app on your iPhone or Android, and then go to the password menu. Here, you will sort all login entries in alphabetical order.
The LastPass app follows the iOS design guidelines because there is a tab bar at the bottom and some options at the top.
By default, it will take you to the Vault section, which will adjust the password according to the section, such as a bank, mail ID, finance, reservation site, online storage, social, etc. Very clean, but the top search function is the fastest way. To find an item.
You can access various security options and settings menus from the bottom bar. The top bar provides quick access options for adding new items, such as “Security Notes” and “Form Filling” options.
ADD A NEW ITEM
Unable to create a new login entry on the Microsoft Authenticator app on iPhone or Android. Users can only see the login entries they add to the desktop through the Edge browser.
LastPass provides custom filling options, such as email, password, security note, strong password, automatic login, etc.
SECURITY
The Microsoft Authenticator application provides Face ID protection on the iPhone. Microsoft stores all data on its servers and cannot synchronize login data to Google Drive or Dropbox. Even on desktop computers, a password must be added to access the data.
LastPass stores all data on its dedicated server. As a result of this approach, the company suffered a major setback. We hope that they will also allow consumers to store data on third-party cloud storage.
AUTOFILL FUNCTIONALITY
With the introduction of iOS 12, Apple introduced an autofill function for third-party password managers.
By default, iCloud Kitchen is turned on, but you can change it in the Settings app. Go to Settings> Passwords and Accounts> Autofill> and select LastPass or Authenticator from the list.
Now, wherever you go to the login page of the website or application, a small prompt will appear telling you how to add login details from the password manager of your choice. Any new login information will be added directly to the password manager.
During our test time, the LastPass autofill function was fine, but the authenticator made one or two mistakes.
EXTRA FEATURES
The biggest highlight of Microsoft Authenticator is its ease of use. You don’t even notice that the application adds information to the database and uses it when needed. The app also provides a 2FA add-on on the right side of the main screen.
Whenever you try to enter the service on the Edge browser, the software provides a way to save the entry in the Edge database. If you use Microsoft Edge as your daily driver, then you will appreciate the tight integration with Microsoft Password Manager.
LastPass provides a password audit function, which can display weak passwords/repeated passwords, security notes, password sharing, browser integration, etc. If your personal information is threatened, Lastpass will issue an alert through the dark web monitoring function.
In LastPass Premium (more on that later), you can also enjoy the multi-former authentication option.
PRICE
Microsoft Authenticator is completely free to use. All you need is an Edge browser and a Microsoft account.
LastPass follows a subscription model. You can access the application on all platforms for a monthly payment of $3. LastPass also unlocks advanced features, such as vault sharing and priority support. The family plan is set at $4 per month and unlocks another six premium keys.
SECURE YOUR ONLINE IDENTITY
The recent shift to free LastPass offers has prompted many users to look for powerful alternatives. Microsoft Authenticator can do this, but it lacks functionality. LastPass Premium users may find that Microsoft Authenticator is restricted, so they should look for other options, such as 1Password or Dashlane.
