The next in our series of password manager reviews is LastPass. Like RoboForm, LastPass is an add-on to your browser, and offers many of the same core features. However, there are some obvious differences. LastPass will create secure passwords for you, as well as allow for secure password sharing, password import and export, secure note-taking, and password backup and restore. Because the data is stored on its encrypted servers, you can access your passwords remotely. If you’re worried about key logging, LastPass can make a single-serving-use password for you. You can manually add sites, like financial ones, that would otherwise prevent the in browser password manager from saving your password.

To this end, LastPass will work on Linux, OS X, and Windows. Firefox and Internet Explorer are supported, Safari support is on its way, and USB drives can be used for support without installing. Mobile support is available for $1 USD monthly, supporting Android, BlackBerry, and Windows Mobile. LastPass says iPhone support is coming, and YubiKey support is included in the monthly fee as well. RoboForm has more options, but LastPass compensates for this by offering easier to access central control. The standout difference between the two is the installation process. RoboForm installs quickly, and the main setup step is to create a master password and watch the tutorials. LastPass will require that you create a master password as well, which is actually the same password needed for your LastPass account, but there’s much more to do before the service is ready to use.

Installing LastPass:

Installing LastPass starts by selecting a language, followed by installing the components needed for Internet Explorer and Firefox. (Both were used during our test.) If you opted for the advanced install settings, the difference is that you have granular control over what browser is configured as well as desktop shortcuts for the Vault, and who the application is installed for, such as the currently logged in user, or everyone on the system.

Moving forward, you will need to create a master password as well as setup your LastPass account. The master password is used to access the account, offer layered security to various options, as well as unlock LastPass within the browser. The master password is also graded according to strength. If you need help, LastPass offers to generate one for you and allow you to pick from a list. However, while they offer this option, they would prefer you not use it, as it is best to pick a password on your own.