NordPass vs 1Password: Which Is Better for Gifting?

NordPass: The Security-First Value Pick

NordPass comes from the same team behind NordVPN, one of the most trusted names in online privacy. Launched in 2019, it uses next-generation XChaCha20 encryption—the same algorithm used by Google—which is considered more future-proof than traditional AES-256.

What Sets NordPass Apart

• XChaCha20 encryption: While both AES-256 and XChaCha20 are considered unbreakable with current technology, XChaCha20 is faster on devices without hardware AES acceleration and has a larger nonce, reducing collision risk.
• Best pricing: At $1.49/month on the 2-year plan ($35.76 total), NordPass is significantly cheaper than 1Password's $35.88/year. You get two years for what 1Password charges for one.
• Free plan available: NordPass offers a genuinely usable free tier with unlimited passwords on one device. 1Password only offers a 14-day trial.
• Built-in email masking: NordPass includes email aliases to protect your real address from spam and data breaches, without needing a separate service.
• 3 GB secure storage: Triple the storage of 1Password for securely storing documents, IDs, and sensitive files alongside passwords.
• Nord ecosystem: If the recipient already uses NordVPN, NordPass integrates seamlessly into the same account and interface.

NordPass Considerations

• Newer in the market: Launched in 2019, NordPass has a shorter track record than 1Password (founded 2006). Some users prefer proven longevity.
• No Travel Mode: 1Password's unique Travel Mode lets you hide sensitive vaults when crossing borders—a feature NordPass lacks.
• Less polished form filling: 1Password's autofill is generally considered smoother and more reliable across different websites and platforms.

1Password: The Polished Veteran

1Password has been protecting passwords since 2006 and is widely regarded as the gold standard for password management. It's trusted by over 150,000 businesses, has never been breached, and offers one of the most intuitive interfaces in the category.

What Sets 1Password Apart

• Travel Mode: Temporarily removes sensitive vaults from your device when crossing international borders. Customs officials can't access what isn't there. A unique feature no competitor matches.
• Watchtower: Comprehensive security dashboard that alerts you to weak passwords, reused passwords, compromised websites, and expiring credit cards—all in one view.
• Superior form filling: 1Password's browser extension autofills more reliably and handles complex forms (addresses, credit cards, identity info) better than most competitors.
• Secret Key + Master Password: Dual-layer protection means even if someone learns your master password, they still can't access your vault without the Secret Key generated at signup.
• Broader platform support: 1Password has native apps for macOS, Windows, Linux, iOS, Android, and browser extensions. The experience is consistently polished across all platforms.

1Password Considerations

• No free plan: Only a 14-day free trial. This makes it harder to "try before committing" as a gift recipient.
• Higher price: At $2.99/month, 1Password costs roughly double NordPass's 2-year plan on a per-month basis.
• Less secure storage: Only 1 GB of document storage vs NordPass's 3 GB.

Winner by Use Case

Security

Both password managers are secure enough for everyday use. The encryption difference is technical:

• NordPass (XChaCha20): A newer cipher that's faster on mobile devices and has inherent protection against certain timing attacks. Endorsed by Google for use in TLS.
• 1Password (AES-256): The industry-standard cipher used by governments and banks worldwide. Battle-tested for decades. Combined with 1Password's unique Secret Key for dual-layer protection.

Verdict: Both are effectively unbreakable. NordPass has a slight theoretical edge with newer encryption; 1Password has a proven 18-year track record with zero breaches.

Ease of Gifting

Both can be gifted digitally, but NordPass has a slight edge for gifting:

1. NordPass can be purchased as a subscription and the login shared, or you can buy a gift card. The free plan means the recipient can test it immediately before activating your gift.
2. 1Password offers gift cards and direct gifting options. However, the lack of a free plan means the 14-day trial is all they get to evaluate before your gift activates.

Our Recommendation for Gifting

For most gift-givers, NordPass is the better choice. At roughly half the per-year cost of 1Password, you can gift 2 years of premium password protection. The XChaCha20 encryption is cutting-edge, the free plan lets the recipient try it risk-free, and if they already use NordVPN, it's a natural addition to their security toolkit.

Choose 1Password if the recipient is a frequent international traveler (Travel Mode is genuinely useful) or if they're a tech-savvy power user who would appreciate the most polished autofill experience in the industry.

Either way, you're giving someone a practical gift that protects their digital life. Most people reuse weak passwords across dozens of sites—a password manager is a gift that genuinely improves their security.