Lastpass to restrict Multi Device usage on the Free Plan starting March 16th

FloRolf · February 17, 2021

Summary

LogMeIn, the company behind the popular Password Manager Lastpass decided to restrict the usage to one type of device for their Free plan. That means you'll only be able to either use the Desktop (or Laptop etc...) version or the App based Version.

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Beginning March 16, LastPass Free users will no longer be able to sync their passwords, credit-card numbers, notes, addresses and bank-account information across all their devices.

Instead, they'll be restricted to syncing within a class of device: either desktop and laptop computers, Windows tablets and the browsers running on them, or mobile devices such as smartphones, Android tablets and iPads and smart watches.

Additionally you won't be able to contact their support anymore.

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Free users will also no longer be able to query tech support via email after May 17. Instead, they'll be relegated to forums and FAQs.

The reason behind the changes is, like always, money. It is true though, that their premium plan doesn't offer many useful upgrades over free.

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To be fair, there hasn't been much reason to upgrade from LastPass Free to LastPass Premium. You do get to use physical security keys for two-factor-authentication, to share items with multiple people, to use 1GB of encrypted file storage and to have someone monitor the "dark web" for your information, but most people won't need those features.

We also get that LastPass owner LogMeIn has to make money. LogMeIn made that clear when hiked LastPass's paid yearly rates from $12 to $24 and finally to $36 in less than three years. But with the first rate hike, LogMeIn also unleashed free unlimited syncing across all devices.

My thoughts

As someone who finally managed to get himself and even more important, my Tech-Noob GF to use LastPass, this is very disappointing. We regularly use LastPass on both Mobile and Desktop, so we definitely have to switch the password manager or go Premium.

I think instead of taking away Free functions they should've rather made their Premium better and more attractive, maybe add a bigger Cloud drive or include a desktop app that allows login to third party apps without the copy/paste hassle.

Sources

https://www.tomsguide.com/amp/news/lastpass-free-cutbacks