Given the past instances of data breaches involving LastPass, it poses challenges in being endorsed as a reliable password manager in 2025. Nonetheless, for individuals inclined to try LastPass, this guide demonstrates the setup process and ways to optimize the range of features it offers.
Procedure for Initialization and Utilization of LastPass
1. Opt for a LastPass Membership Plan
LastPass offers two subscription options: Single Users & Families and Business.
Within the realm of Single Users & Families, you have the choice between Free, Premium, and Families packages. The Free version grants unlimited password storage along with a password generator for those simply requiring fundamental password management.
However, the Free version lacks features like advanced multifactor authentication, emergency access, and limitless device connectivity, which are exclusive to the Premium tier.
For groups or families desiring a centralized solution for password management, LastPass Families, accommodating up to six users, may be the more suitable option.
Business entities have the option to select either LastPass Teams or LastPass Business. Teams is intended for groups of up to 50 users, while Business is tailored to suit larger corporations, offering business-centric features including collaborative folders and an administrative hub.
Thankfully, LastPass extends generous trial periods for both categories. Notably, LastPass Premium and Families feature a 30-day trial, while LastPass Teams and Business offer a 14-day trial.
I suggest opting for one of these trials as per your requirements. Notably, LastPass does not mandate users to furnish payment details for accessing any of these trial offers. For the purpose of this article, I utilized the 30-day free trial of LastPass Premium.
To initiate one of these trial periods, simply click the “Try” button associated with your chosen subscription.
2. Configure the Web Application and Browser Extension
Post selecting a plan, you will be directed to create your LastPass account. At this stage, you will be prompted to provide an email address and your Master Password.
According to the theory, your primary key will be the sole password you must personally generate. It is arguably the most crucial one as it acts as the access to your treasure chest, which holds all your other keys and authentications. Thus, retaining memory of your primary password is paramount.
Subsequent to completing the registration process, LastPass will prompt you to add its browser expansion. This is the primary method through which you’ll engage with the solution. I prefer Google Chrome, so LastPass forwarded me to the Chrome Web Store.
After you’ve embedded the browser expansion, you can log in to LastPass’ web vault application. It is recommended to pin the LastPass extension to your browser’s toolbar for quick access.
Now that you have the expansion functioning, it’s time to reach the LastPass web vault. Visit the official LastPass site and click on Log In. Then, input your email and primary password to navigate to the LastPass web vault application.
Your LastPass vault is the location where all your keys, logins, and other keys will be saved.
3. Benefit from LastPass
The primary rationale for using a key manager is to categorize and guard your keys. To depict how to do this, I have formulated a new account on LinkedIn.
When visiting LinkedIn’s registration page, you’ll notice that there is a LastPass symbol near the username and access code fields.
LastPass’ password generator can be accessed by clicking the LastPass icon within the password field. This feature automatically creates a unique password for your new login.
By default, LastPass generates a password with 16 characters. You have the flexibility to customize the password with uppercase and lowercase letters, numbers, and symbols, with the option to create a password up to 99 characters. In this instance, I chose the initial suggestion from the LastPass password generator.
When the generated password is clicked, LastPass will inquire if you wish to save the new login. Click “Add password,” and voila! You have successfully generated and stored your first LastPass login details.
This login is now stored in your vault and will be automatically filled in the next instance you visit LinkedIn’s login page.
Thus, we have successfully retained our initial login with the assistance of LastPass!
SEE: IT Leader’s Guide to Cybersecurity Awareness Training (TechRepublic Premium)
Frequently Asked Questions about LastPass
Is LastPass still secure nowadays?
Given the recent security incidents, LastPass is no longer considered a reliable password management tool for 2025. To elaborate, there were two unauthorized breaches in 2022 that compromised encrypted user data.
While LastPass has made security enhancements, the inherent risk of using this platform remains. Other leading password managers without such breach histories are a more prudent choice to safeguard your data.
Does a free version of LastPass exist?
A free edition of LastPass is available, though it offers limited functionalities compared to the premium version. With LastPass Free, users can access the password vault on one device type at a time, either on a computer or a mobile device, but not simultaneously on both.
Exclusive features like One to Many Sharing, encrypted file storage, advanced multi-factor authentication, and emergency access are only available in the paid plans.
Refer to the comparison between LastPass Free and Premium for further details.
How can LastPass be added to Chrome?
To integrate LastPass into Chrome, navigate to the Chrome Web Store, look up LastPass, and select “Add to Chrome.”
Subsequently, LastPass will offer detailed instructions on installing and setting up the service in your Chrome browser. Alternatively, you can download the browser extension from the LastPass Download page.
Which platforms does LastPass support?
LastPass is compatible with Windows, Mac, and Linux through their browser extensions. Specifically, extensions are available for Chrome, Safari, Firefox, Microsoft Edge, and Opera.
Dedicated mobile apps for both iOS and Android are also provided by LastPass.
Our Evaluation of LastPass
In our comprehensive evaluation, LastPass received a rating of 3.4 out of 5 stars. Given the breaches in 2022, especially considering the primary purpose of a password manager is data protection, we do not recommend LastPass.
Despite enticing features in the free version and a broad array of multi-factor authentication choices, there are several alternatives to LastPass that we believe offer a better investment for your data and finances.
For further insights, you can read our detailed review of LastPass or explore our comparison between Keeper and LastPass.
This piece was originally published in December 2023. Luis Millares revised and updated it in March 2025.
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