Password managers and access tools.
Passwords & security: build, buy or switch?
1 tool compared on 3-year cost, cheaper options and risk. Prices checked October 2026.
| Tool | Verdict | From | Buy, 3 yrs | Build, 3 yrs | Cheapest option |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1Password | BUY | $24.95/mo | $898 | $7,705 | KeePassXC (open source) |
3-year costs use each tool’s typical plan and team size and $30/hour for your time. Open a tool to change them.
Paying for more than one of these?
Stack Scan spots tools that do the same job and shows what you’d save by keeping one.
Verdict key: BUILD = Build it · BUY = Buy it · HYBRID = Hybrid · SWITCH = Switch. How we score.