With password managers becoming increasingly popular and antivirus software adding built-in password management, many users wonder: do I need both? Let’s break down the relationship between these two essential security tools.

What Each Tool Does

Antivirus protects against malware, viruses, ransomware, and phishing websites. Password Manager creates, stores, and auto-fills strong, unique passwords for all your accounts.

The Synergy

Together, they provide complementary protection: antivirus blocks malicious software and phishing sites, while password manager ensures you never reuse passwords or use weak ones. This two-layer approach significantly reduces your attack surface.

Best Antivirus With Built-In Password Managers

• Norton 360 (Norton Password Manager)
• Bitdefender Premium (Bitdefender Password Manager)
• Kaspersky Total Security (Kaspersky Password Manager)
• McAfee+ (True Key)

Verdict

Yes, you need both. Choose an antivirus with a built-in password manager for convenience, or use a dedicated password manager like 1Password or Bitwarden alongside your antivirus.