How to Migrate from LastPass to 1Password

Looking to migrate to 1Password? You’re not alone — consumers and businesses alike continue to embrace the platform due to its strong security features, affordable plans, and intuitive user experience. In fact, Forrester Research found that organizations using 1Password for business see a 206% ROI on average.  

For those wanting a secure password manager with minimal friction, 1Password is a great option, and transitioning from LastPass to 1Password is quick and simple. In this guide, we’ll explore the steps required to achieve this goal:

• Understanding the need for migration.
• How to Migrate from LastPass to 1Password in five Steps.
• Best practices for a smooth transition.
• Leveraging Vendr in your software management strategy.
• Migrate from LastPass to 1Password FAQs.

Understanding the need for migration

While their features are broadly similar, you may choose to migrate from Lastpass to 1Password due to differences in security, cost, and functionality. 

In fact, 1Password was the top-ranked supplier in the identity and access management category on Vendr’s Buying Platform in 2023 and has been named the Top Purchased Password Manager in previous Software Trends Reports. Vendr data also shows that 1Password had the most new purchases of any product on Vendr’s platform (in any category) and had 3x the purchases of other top competitors in 2023. 

Security

People use a password manager for one primary reason: to keep their passwords safe. 1Password implements extra security measures to keep your information secure. Whereas LastPass requires only a master password to access your vault, 1Password requires an account password and a unique Secret Key to log in. Additionally, LastPass suffered a security breach in 2022 where a malicious actor accessed its development environment through an employee’s account. As a result, some potential buyers are wary of the platform's security abilities. 

Cost

1Password does not offer a free plan for business users, but they do offer a 14-day free trial. Their team starter pack is $19.95 monthly for up to ten users and business plans start at $7.99 per month per user. 

In contrast, LastPass offers a 30-day free trial and a free plan. However, the capabilities of that free plan are limited. With a free plan, you can only access your passwords on a computer or laptop, not mobile devices. The pricing for a paid LastPass membership ranges from $4 per user for a team plan to $7 per user for a business plan that includes advanced functionality and security features.

Interestingly, 1Password offers to cover the remainder of your invoice with a competitor if you switch to their services.

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Features

Both platforms have valuable features and an intuitive user interface. Both platforms provide an auto-filling feature via a browser extension and a desktop app for Microsoft Windows and Mac OS. This means you can access your passwords from a desktop application or in your browser of choice (e.g., Chrome, Firefox, Safari, etc.). 

If either platform recognizes the website you’re trying to sign in to, they will prompt you to autofill your saved credentials. One key differentiator is that 1Password provides a Quick Access menu where users can quickly search through all passwords with just a few clicks.

LastPass and 1Password provide password generators to help users easily create new and complex passwords. Both apps also make it easy to generate secure passwords for new accounts. However, only LastPass allows you to customize the generated passwords. With 1Password, you can’t customize them.

Another difference to consider is security monitoring. 1Password Watchtower, a feature recently added in the upgrade from 1Password 7 to 8, can be accessed on any device to receive automatic notifications if actions can be taken to strengthen security, such as flagging weak passwords or prompting you to update passwords if they’ve been compromised in a breach. While LastPass has a security dashboard with similar features, it is unavailable on mobile systems such as iOS and Android. 

Vendr has written a comprehensive guide comparing 1Password vs. Lastpass, check it out for a more detailed feature comparison. We also have a 1Password vs. Bitwarden guide if you're interested in seeing how 1Password measures up to other popular software in this category.

How to migrate from LastPass to 1Password in five steps

If you’re ready to transition from LastPass to 1Password, here are five crucial steps to make your transition as smooth as possible.

1. Communicate with your team

Open communication with your team is essential for a smooth transition. To get your team fully on board with the migration process, tell them why you’ve made this decision and how switching to 1Password will benefit them. 

2. Prepare for migration

To fully prepare for your migration, inform everyone affected about when it will occur and how to ensure their passwords are preserved. Instruct these employees and stakeholders to back up their data and temporarily save their passwords in another area to ensure that if any passwords are lost during the transition, they will still be able to access their accounts. They can do this by downloading their personal passwords in a CSV file and storing this information on a secure device. 

3. Export data from LastPass

Although you can import your data directly from one platform to another, it’s a good idea to download your information as an XML or CSV file first as a backup precaution. 

Here’s how to safely export your data from your LastPass account:

1. Open the LastPass browser extension and go to your account settings.
2. Navigate your settings menu to the “Fix a problem yourself” tab.
3. Click the “Export vault items” tab.

After completing these steps, all your data from LastPass will be exported and saved on your computer in either an XML or CSV format.

4. Importing data into 1Password

Here are the steps you need to take to import your data from LastPass into 1Password:

1. Purchase and install the 1Password platform.
2. Navigate the menu bar to the File>Import>LastPass tab.
3. Enter your LastPass account credentials. 
4. Choose the 1Password account you’d like to import your data into from the dropdown menu at the bottom of the window.
5. Click “Next” and then “Import.”
6. If you have a LastPass business or family account, click “Optional LastPass Admin Import Tools.”
   ‍
   • To update your permissions for shared folders you’ve imported but don’t want to change, select “Only import older sharing permissions.”
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   • For users who will use different email addresses in 1Password, then in LastPass, select “Map user email addresses.”

5. Verifying data post-migration

Once you have migrated your data from LastPass to 1Password, communicate to all team members that the transition is complete. Ask them to review their account to ensure no information has been lost. If any data is missing, try following the export/import steps again or contacting customer support to help resolve the issue. Once you’ve validated that all data has been transferred, you can deactivate your LastPass account.

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Best practices for a smooth transition

To ensure your migration is as seamless as possible, here are some valuable best practices to remember during your transition. 

Ensure security during migration

Before the migration begins, remind your team members of all relevant security protocols to ensure no one’s sensitive information can fall into the wrong hands. This might include encouraging password updates, picking a strong master password, and enabling two-factor authentication.

Training and support for users

A big part of a successful transition is ensuring your team members know how to use their new platform. Provide training and informational videos to help users adjust to 1Password and maximize their new tool. Fortunately, 1password.com provides many useful training resources. 

Enable easy access 

To take advantage of 1Password’s multiplatform approach to security, snstall the browser extension for seamless integration with your daily workflows and download the application on your mobile devices for access on the go. 

LastPass to 1Password migration FAQs

How long does the LastPass to 1Password migration process take?

The entire migration process is estimated to take about 25 minutes for each user. However, that could change depending on any potential speed bumps, such as losing data during the transition or team members needing help with the migration process. 

What should I do if data appears to be missing after migration?

If any data appears missing after migration, try importing the information again. You can manually input the missing information from your initial LastPass data export if that doesn't work.

How can I ensure my passwords remain secure during the transition?

You can ensure security during the transition from LastPass to 1Password by educating team members on proper security protocols during the migration. Additionally, make sure that you completely delete your LastPass account and any files containing passwords once all necessary data is in your 1Password platform. 

What is the typical cost of 1Password for a business? 

Vendor data indicates that the median average contract value for a 1Password business plan is $16,000 with a median buying cycle of 37 days. Additionally, Vendor customers see a median savings of $2,800 on their subscription. You can read more about pricing, negotiation insights, and the best time to buy in our 1Password Buyer’s Guide.

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