LastPass vs Proton Pass: Time to Switch After the Breaches?
LastPass was once the most popular password manager. Then came the breaches. In 2022-2023, LastPass suffered multiple security incidents that exposed user data and shattered trust. Proton Pass offers a fresh start with open-source code and a security-first approach.
In this comparison, we'll examine LastPass vs Proton Pass on security track record, transparency, features, and whether it's time to make the switch.
⚠️ LastPass Security Breaches
In August 2022, LastPass disclosed a breach where hackers accessed source code and proprietary information. In December 2022, they revealed a second, more severe breach where attackers stole encrypted password vaults, unencrypted URLs, and customer metadata.
Users with weak master passwords had their vaults cracked. LastPass's delayed disclosure and initial downplaying of the severity eroded trust significantly.
Security & Trust
LastPass: Multiple Breaches
LastPass has suffered multiple security incidents. The 2022 breaches were particularly concerning because attackers gained access to encrypted password vaults. While strong master passwords kept those vaults secure, many users with weaker passwords had their credentials compromised.
What made things worse was LastPass's communication. They initially downplayed the severity, then slowly revealed more concerning details over several months. This pattern of delayed disclosure destroyed trust among security professionals.
LastPass is also closed source, so you cannot independently verify their security claims or audit how they've addressed vulnerabilities.
Proton Pass: Built on Privacy Principles
Proton Pass is fully open source, meaning anyone can audit the code for vulnerabilities. It's built by the same team behind Proton Mail, which has a strong track record of defending user privacy.
Based in Switzerland with strong privacy laws, Proton Pass benefits from a jurisdiction that prioritizes user rights. The open-source code means security researchers can verify encryption is implemented correctly.
Encryption Architecture
Both use end-to-end encryption, but LastPass's implementation has raised questions. During the 2022 breach, attackers also stole unencrypted URLs, which revealed what websites users had accounts for even though the passwords remained encrypted.
Proton Pass encrypts everything: passwords, usernames, URLs, and notes. Nothing is stored in plaintext on their servers. The encryption is standard, auditable, and implemented in publicly available code.
Feature Comparison
| Feature | LastPass | Proton Pass |
|---|---|---|
| Free Plan | ✅ Limited (1 device type) | ✅ Unlimited passwords |
| Open Source | ❌ No | ✅ Yes |
| Security Breaches | Multiple (2015, 2021, 2022) | None |
| Jurisdiction | US | Switzerland |
| Password Health | ✅ Security Dashboard | ✅ Yes (Plus) |
| 2FA Authenticator | ✅ Yes (Premium) | ✅ Yes (Plus) |
| Email Aliases | ❌ No | ✅ Hide-my-email |
| Emergency Access | ✅ Yes | Coming soon |
Pricing Comparison
| Plan | LastPass | Proton Pass |
|---|---|---|
| Free | Limited (1 device type) | Unlimited passwords |
| Premium | $3/month | $1.99/month |
| Family | $4/month (6 users) | $9.99/month Unlimited (6 users + Mail, Drive, VPN) |
Proton Pass is cheaper and offers a better free tier. LastPass's free plan restricts you to either mobile OR desktop, not both, which is frustrating.
Migration from LastPass
Switching from LastPass to Proton Pass is straightforward. Export your LastPass vault as a CSV file, then import it directly into Proton Pass. The process takes just a few minutes.
Given LastPass's security issues, migration is highly recommended if you're still using it. The risk of staying with a compromised password manager outweighs the minor inconvenience of switching.
Trust & Transparency
LastPass is owned by LogMeIn/GoTo, a large company that has prioritized growth over security transparency. Their handling of the 2022 breaches showed a company more concerned with PR than user safety.
Proton is an independent company founded by CERN scientists specifically to provide privacy tools. Their entire business model is built on user trust and transparency. The open-source code reflects this commitment.
LastPass Pros
- Mature platform
- Emergency Access feature
- Large user base
- Extensive third-party integrations
LastPass Cons
- Multiple security breaches
- Closed source code
- Poor breach communication
- Free plan very limited
- Lost user trust
Proton Pass Pros
- Fully open source
- No security breaches
- Better free plan
- Cheaper ($1.99 vs $3)
- Swiss privacy protection
Proton Pass Cons
- Newer service
- Fewer features (no emergency access yet)
- Smaller user base
- Less third-party integrations
Who Should Stay with LastPass?
Honestly, it's hard to recommend LastPass after the breaches and poor communication. If you have a very strong, unique master password and need specific LastPass features like Emergency Access, you might stay for now.
But the security incidents and loss of trust make it difficult to justify continuing with LastPass when better alternatives exist.
Who Should Switch to Proton Pass?
Anyone concerned about LastPass's security track record should seriously consider switching. Proton Pass offers:
Better transparency through open-source code, no history of breaches, Swiss privacy protection, and a lower price. For privacy-conscious users, journalists, security professionals, or anyone who lost trust in LastPass, Proton Pass is the obvious choice.
The migration process is simple, and the peace of mind from using an auditable, breach-free password manager is worth the small effort to switch.
Ready to Leave LastPass Behind?
Switch to Proton Pass for open-source security you can verify and trust.
Migrate to Proton PassFinal Verdict
LastPass has lost the trust of the security community. Multiple breaches, closed-source code, and poor communication make it hard to recommend.
Proton Pass offers what LastPass should have been: transparent, auditable, secure password management from a company that prioritizes privacy over profit. The open-source code means you can verify security claims instead of blindly trusting them.
If you're still on LastPass, it's time to make the switch. Your passwords are too important to trust to a company that's already been breached multiple times.