NordPass Review: A business password manager with strengths and weaknesses

Password security is of utmost importance for both consumers and businesses and organizations. Although new security technologies are available, passwords remain by far the most common authentication solution.

Password management services like NordPass offer a simplified option for anyone looking to improve their digital security. They reduce the risk of weak passwords and password reuse, offer secure storage and synchronization, and cross-platform compatibility.

Businesses and organizations can also benefit from NordPass thanks to its centralized management, regulatory compliance, integration of business-specific features such as SSO, granular and group-based controls, auditing and reporting, and more.

Our review of NordPass Enterprise Password Manager offers a summary of the strengths and weaknesses of the password management service, and how it compares to the competition.

Summary: NordPass has created a secure and balanced password manager with a focus on security and ease of use. It is ideal for small and medium-sized businesses, as it lacks some of the advanced features that large companies may require. 

What is NordPass for Business?

NordPass Business is a secure password manager designed for small and medium-sized businesses (SMBs) as well as large enterprises. From its user-friendly interface, you can manage and protect your company’s passwords, as well as other sensitive information such as customer details.

NordPass offers three business-focused plans: NordPass Teams, NordPass Business, and NordPass Enterprise. They share a common set of features but differ in price and functionality. The Teams plan, for example, only supports Google Workspace SSO, while the Enterprise plan supports Microsoft Entra ID and other SSOs as well.

Administration is centralized and options are available to set policies and settings at the company level. Business-specific features, such as the ability to transfer passwords from the account of a departing employee or account recovery, are also available.

From the user’s perspective: NordPass is easy to use and integrates with different browsers and device types. It supports password imports and the generation of unique, strong passwords, as well as autofill functionality to make the login process as smooth as possible.

All business plans support 24/7 live support. Enterprise plan customers get a dedicated account manager and personalized onboarding and training in addition to that.

Below is a summary of its main features:

• End-to-end encryption: protects passwords and other data against unauthorized access while in transit and storage.
• Zero-knowledge architecture with XChaCha20 encryption: only authorized users have access. Even NordPass employees do not have access.
• Compliance and certification: The password manager complies with HIPAA and GDPR and is certified under ISO 27001 and SOC 2 Type 2.
• Central management: a centralized administrative interface is provided to manage users, groups, and policies.
• Enterprise integrations: support for SSO, provisioning, Splunk and Vanta, APIs, and group management.

NordPass Features

NordPass offers a comprehensive set of features designed to store passwords and keep your digital valuables safe (such as access keys, personal data, or credit card details).

Have you ever wondered how NordPass can simplify your digital life? These are the basic features that make this software stand out from other password managers:

Save Passwords

NordPass makes password storage easier than ever by prompting you to save them each time you log into your accounts or create a new one. The software also reduces password fatigue by remembering them for later use.

Automatic Login Credentials

NordPass retrieves your login details and types them in for you, streamlining the process needed to access your accounts.

Import Passwords

Most users have their browsers set to remember their passwords, and businesses are no exception. Fortunately, NordPass can detect any credentials stored in it (or in a CSV file) and import them into its password storage with a single click.

Access NordPass From Your Browser

You can access all passwords stored by NordPass thanks to its browser extension. Once installed, you can enable its useful autofill and autosave features, directly linked to your personal web vault. The NordPass extension is currently available in Google Chrome, Mozilla Firefox, Edge, Opera, and Safari.

Sync Passwords

NordPass allows you to download, back up, and sync your passwords across multiple devices through its app (available on Windows, macOS, Linux, Android, and iOS). This way, you’ll have unlimited access to your credentials no matter where you are.

Web Vault

Thanks to the Web Vault feature, you won’t need to install any application on your device to access most of NordPass’s functionalities. This is perfect for any user using a shared device and unable to install browser extensions or desktop and mobile apps. Just open your browser, use your master password, and get instant access to your NordPass vault.

Unlimited Password and Access Key Storage

Every NordPass account comes with unlimited password storage. Here you can save as many passwords and access keys as you need, knowing they will always be safe from prying eyes.

XChaCha20 Encryption

NordPass excels in security, using cutting-edge encryption to protect your most sensitive information. While other password managers use the AES-256 standard, NordPass encrypts and decrypts all its data using the XChaCha20 algorithm. It supports two different key lengths, with 256-bit encryption being the strongest. XChaCha20 encryption is favored by companies like Google and Cloudflare, and it is not only faster and more secure but is gradually being adopted by most mobile platforms.

Multifactor Authentication (MFA) and Biometrics

NordPass lets you add an extra layer of security to your password vault thanks to its Multifactor Authentication (MFA) capabilities and advanced biometric support. Thanks to these, you can keep your private information secure by adding an additional step to access your vault, such as using the Google Authenticator app or scanning your fingerprint to access the NordPass mobile app.

Password Generator

Weak passwords are the gateway for hackers to access your personal details. The Password Generator can create new strong passwords with a single click and then securely store them in your NordPass account. This feature is essential for businesses of all sizes, ensuring all employees have strong passwords, protecting their company accounts.

NordPass Premium Features

NordPass also offers a wide range of additional features locked behind a paywall. To access them, users need to obtain a premium subscription in addition to their current user plan.

While not all companies will have to budget to cover this additional cost, it is advisable to take a look at the exclusive features that premium users receive. These are:

NordPass Data Breach Scanner

Have you wondered if any of your accounts have been compromised on the dark web? NordPass’s data breach scanner is constantly scanning the Internet and will alert you if your email addresses, passwords, or credit card data have been leaked. Based on the leaked data, NordPass offers recommendations and best practices for affected accounts.

Password Health

More than 80% of current data breaches involve weak or stolen passwords. Thanks to NordPass’s Password Health tool, you can know if your credentials are exposed or weak, as well as if you have reused passwords across multiple accounts. This is especially useful for companies, as it allows owners and administrators to identify if any of the company’s passwords are vulnerable and take proactive measures before a potential breach.

Password Sharing

NordPass allows you to securely share your passwords with other users, either for temporary collaboration or personal use. All shared credentials are managed, controlled, and securely encrypted, keeping your information always protected. This feature is excellent for companies working with freelancers who need access to company data while keeping passwords secure.

Emergency Access

Last but not least, NordPass lets you create a list of trusted contacts, such as friends or family members, who will be able to access your passwords and secure notes in case of an emergency.

Advantages and Disadvantages of the NordPass Password Manager

Like any other password management service, NordPass has its strengths and weaknesses. Here is a breakdown of the main advantages and disadvantages.

Advantages

• Strong overall security with regular third-party security audits: The 256-bit XChaCha20 zero-knowledge encryption protects data and ensures that only authorized users can access passwords.
• Easy to set up and use for users and teams.
• Cross-platform support: compatible with Windows, Linux, macOS, ChromeOS, Android, and iOS.
• NordPass browser extensions: access NordPass features from Google Chrome, Mozilla Firefox, Edge, Chrome, Opera, and Safari.
• Centralized administrative management of the entire service.
• Support for multifactor authentication and SSO.
• High user satisfaction.
• Attractive pricing.

Disadvantages

• Enterprise features are limited compared to other password management services that target that audience more specifically.
• Common features, such as data breach scanner, are limited to higher-priced plans. 
• Offers basic reports, but lacks in-depth analysis functions and advanced reports that some competitors provide.

Target Audience: Who Benefits Most from NordPass?

NordPass offers some flexibility with its three business plans, but the password management service is more suitable for certain types of businesses than others. 

Below is what we suggest:

• Small and Medium Businesses: The Business plan is suitable for small and medium businesses, as long as managing five or more users is needed. It offers all the security and compliance features of the Enterprise plan and only lacks support for specific Enterprise features that small businesses generally do not require.
• Teams: NordPass is ideal for teams that require an intuitive password management solution with a set of secure sharing and management options. It is worth noting that the “Teams” plan does not support shared folders, so in that case, the Business plan may be the best option.
• Remote Workforce: A centralized password management solution for remote workers using different devices and systems. NordPass offers excellent platform compatibility and synchronization features. This allows remote workers to access their passwords regardless of location or device.

Who Might Need a Different Password Manager?

Large companies that require advanced security and password policy controls, deeper integration into applications and services, or enhanced reporting and analytics functionality may find that NordPass Enterprise Password Manager falls short.

How much does NordPass cost?

NordPass offers three plans for businesses, organizations, and corporations. All are per-user plans, provide free trials, and differ in terms of functionality.

Below is a summary:

• Teams: The Teams plan is only available as a 10-user package, making it less flexible than the other two plans. It does not offer support for advanced Single Sign-On (SSO) services, group provisioning, and advanced sharing features.
• Business: The Business plan includes all the features of the Teams plan. Additionally, it has group management functions that allow companies to grant access permissions to all members of a group, shared folders, and access to password health tools and data breach scanners. 
• Enterprise: The Enterprise plan includes all the features of the Business plan. It is the only plan that supports additional SSO services, user and group provisioning, and the Sharing Center, which allows centralized access to all shared credentials and access details. Support is expanded, as Enterprise customers have access to a dedicated account manager and additional training.

Regarding personal plans, there are also three:

• NordPass Free: This free plan is a good starting point for testing. It supports the main security and usage features but is limited to a single device and lacks advanced features.
• NordPass Premium: For €1.29 per month, subscribers can access the password manager on all their devices. Other features include support for securely storing files and access to security tools such as the data breach scanner.
• NordPass Family: Offers the same functionality as the premium plan but supports up to six different user accounts.

Our opinion on the offered plans: Business requirements play a key role in selecting the right plan. Teams is the most economical option but is available only in packages of ten users, which could make it more expensive than other plans. It lacks advanced features, but not all organizations may need them.

Business offers a good compromise between the other two plans. It provides organizations with access to advanced features missing from the Teams plan but is less expensive than the Enterprise plan. 

Some companies may prefer the Enterprise plan due to the dedicated account manager that comes with it. This can improve communication with NordPass as well as significantly enhance support.

If you are unsure which NordPass plan is best for your business, we recommend trying their 14-day free trial for all their plans.

NordPass Security and Compliance

NordPass uses a zero-knowledge architecture and end-to-end encryption to protect user data. User data is isolated and not even NordPass employees can access a user’s vaults or stored data.

NordPass is certified by ISO 27001 and SOC 2 Type 2, and complies with HiPAA and GDPR. The service is regularly audited by external organizations.

All NordPass business plans share a set of security features:

• Password policy: set password rules that apply to all employees within a group or the organization.
• Password generation: one-click creation of unique and secure passwords.
• Enterprise-level settings: set rules that apply to all employees.
• NordPass Authenticator: support for the authentication app.
• Multi-factor authentication: support for a second layer of security when signing in. NordPass supports two-factor authentication, security keys, and backup codes.
• Email masking: identity protection with generated email addresses.
• Biometrics: support for biometric authentication.
• Activity logging: logs all user activity within an organization.
• Secure sharing: share passwords and data with individual users or groups. Supports time limits.

Business and enterprise users access additional security features. Highlights include access to a data breach scanner and password health information, and shared folders. The latter adds support for sharing passwords with a team using a centralized sharing folder to improve visibility and access.

Implementation, Training, and Documentation

NordPass is managed through a centralized administrative dashboard. Client installation is simple and there are deployment options through Group Policies.

Administrators and users can access training and help documents in the Business Help Center. However, the documentation is not as comprehensive as that of some NordPass competitors.

NordPass offers 24/7 support for all users and account types. A dedicated account manager is assigned for Businesses. Businesses also receive personalized onboarding and training.

Clients rated the ease of setup and NordPass support highly in enterprise password management solutions.

Personnel and Management

NordPass Enterprise Password Manager is typically managed by IT teams in medium-sized companies or the IT person responsible in smaller companies.

The service requires some administrative oversight and management, for example, to monitor activity history or respond to password incidents.

Alternatives to NordPass

There are other popular password managers that are excellent alternatives to NordPass. Companies that require more customization features and specific business functions might consider 1Password Business.

The business plan is more expensive, at $9.99 per user per month, but supports the following features that larger companies or businesses may require:

• Advanced reporting.
• Granular administrative controls.
• Extended integration with third-party services like Elastic, Panther, or Sumo Logic.
• Custom pricing based on volume

Final opinions on NordPass: Is NordPass one of the best password managers?

NordPass is an excellent password management solution for small and medium-sized businesses seeking an affordable solution with robust security features. 

Administrators manage users and security from a centralized dashboard to streamline onboarding, user management, and security.

Employees get a comprehensive and easy-to-use password manager they can use across all their devices. Thanks to NordPass’s interface, they hardly experience a learning curve and can start using its security features immediately.

However, large companies or dedicated IT teams may find NordPass lacking in customization, integrations with third-party services, reporting, and administrative controls.

Final verdict: We highly recommend NordPass for small and medium-sized businesses that need a secure, centrally managed password manager that is easy for their employees to use.