The enthusiast in me loves learning about and hosting new services all the time. However, more than the thrill of self-hosting, it is the cost savings over commercial subscription services that are a big reason why I got into this hobby. Over the last year or so, I've canceled a wide range of services without a second thought. The private, locally-hosted alternatives were good enough, and this includes streaming services, premium note-taking options, productivity enhancement tools, and, of course, backup services.
Now, I'm not saying there's no merit in commercial options. However, by and large, there is a point of diminishing returns and open-source options get you there. But between all those services, there is one subscription that I'm not ready to let go of just yet. And that's my password manager. It's the backbone of my digital existence and is the one paid tool that I need everywhere I go, with every device I use, and with as close to zero downtime as possible. I can deal with my Plex server being down for maintenance. My password manager? Not so much.
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Posts 8
By Megan Ellis
Feb 9, 2025
Remembering secure passwords is an impossible task
Making a case for a proper password manager
I don't need to reiterate the importance of passwords. Every app and service needs a secure password. But between 10+ characters, a mix of alphanumeric options, and special characters, there is simply no way I can remember a secure password for each and every service. Over time, as the number of accounts we sign up to has also exploded, so has the number of things we need to keep secure. And passwords are just the first step. You need things like two-factor codes, banking information, identity documents, and more.
Look, given the sheer number of passwords, permutations and combinations that you're expected to remember, it should be no surprise that people find it hard to remember them. At best, you'll change a single digit, and if you're anything like me, promptly forget about it and hit the forgot password option the next time you need to log in. That's almost as bad as keeping all your passwords saved in a note on your phone. All said and done, it's just poor password hygiene.
So, a reliable, feature-packed, password manager is non-negotiable for me. And as much as I love open-source alternatives to commercial apps, this is one category where commercial apps just make a lot of sense. For one, reliability and constant uptime are critical to me when it comes to password service. I've been in situations where I've tried logging in to a service at the airport in a foreign land and my self-hosted password manager just refused to sync across the latest passwords.
Yes, I'm aware that all password managers cache data locally but the reliability I'm seeking is of a commercially hosted app that reduces the chances of the latest data not syncing across. I need this data accessible across everything from my laptop to my tablet and smartphone, and that's where a commercial service's reliability comes in clutch. Moreover, I need this data synced across instantly and that's something that a self-hosted solution can't always promise.
Reliability matters more than anything in a password manager
High availability across every device I use
Like I mentioned earlier, the deciding factor for me is high availability. I depend on a password manager that works in every situation to be the backbone of my life as a journalist, my life as a business owner and my personal life as well. That high availability is what ensures that when I switch from my Mac to Windows or an Android phone, or perhaps even an iPad, all passwords are up-to-date without me having to tap a sync button. Moreover, the app needs to unlock quickly with biometrics, fill in credentials reliably and generate fresh passwords on the fly.
Okay, open-source solutions are rarely far behind commercial alternatives as far as the latest security standards go. But when it comes to uptake of the latest standards like passkeys that guarantee secure, passwordless logins, a commercial offering tends to be a bit better and well worth the monthly subscription. I also rely on my password manager for secure sharing. When you need to send a Wi-Fi password to a friend or share a login with a family member, you cannot rely on messaging apps. A secure vault makes this safe and simple. It also protects older accounts you no longer use but cannot delete because you might need them again. These forgotten accounts are often the weakest link in your security landscape. A manager helps you monitor them, update them when needed, and keep them separate from more critical logins.
If all of this sounds like a lot of responsibility to place on a single product, that is exactly why paying for it makes sense. Any interruption to this system would be disruptive. Losing access to my vault would cause utter chaos. That is why this subscription sits in a different category than entertainment or productivity apps. It is basic infrastructure for me because it holds the keys to access everything. The cost feels insignificant compared to the reliability I get in return.
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Posts 3
By Ty Sherback
Mar 14, 2025
My password manager is the only subscription I no longer question
Look, people often debate which subscriptions are worth holding on to. Broadly speaking, there's usually an alternative for most. But my password manager is in a different category. It's a purely functional tool that is worth its monthly fee in gold. There is freedom in knowing your digital life is backed by something stable and accessible at all times. That peace of mind is the product. The small subscription fee is just the way to keep it running. And for me, that makes this the only non-negotiable payment on my list.
1Password
1Password is among the most feature-rich password managers out there, and it comes with a free 14-day trial to let you experience them before spending money. It uses industry standard encryption to protect your passwords and other sensitive information, and you also get access to a neatly designed app with a user-friendly interface.
See at 1Password See at Apple App Store See at Chrome Web Store See at Firefox Add-ons
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