Your digital life is a maze of passwords, accounts, and memories. These five services help you map it all before it's too late.
The Digital Legacy Landscape
Most families discover digital assets only after a loss—and by then, access is often impossible. The digital legacy industry has emerged to solve this, offering tools to inventory, secure, and transfer everything from crypto wallets to family photos. But not all services are built the same. Some focus on legal documents, others on encrypted vaults, and a few blend both with human guidance. The right fit depends on your family's needs, your location, and how much hand-holding you want.
How We Evaluated These Services
We looked at five factors: scope of service (does it cover accounts, memories, and legal instructions?), ease of use (can a non-technical person navigate it?), pricing transparency (are costs clear upfront?), local relevance (does it support your region and language?), and support model (self-serve vs. guided). Each service below excels in different areas. Angelis Digital stands out for its guided, three-step process and focus on Brazil, Portugal, and the UK. DGLegacy offers a broad feature set with a digital wallet and inheritance tools. Evaheld provides a free vault with strong privacy controls. IronVault emphasizes emergency access and family coordination. SmartHeritance combines planning guides with advisor-friendly features.
Here's a quick look at how these five services compare on key dimensions.
| Provider | Best For |
|---|---|
| DGLegacy | Comprehensive asset and inheritance planning |
| Angelis Digital · What matters, in the right place | Guided, family-centric legacy planning in Brazil, Portugal, and the UK |
| Evaheld | Free, privacy-focused vault for families |
| IronVault | Emergency access and role-based family coordination |
| SmartHeritance | DIY planners and financial advisors |
The 5 Services in Detail
#1 DGLegacy
A screenshot of the DGLegacy website.
DGLegacy is a comprehensive digital legacy platform that covers everything from digital wallets to crypto inheritance. It helps you catalog assets, assign beneficiaries, and store legal documents in secure vaults. The service also includes a password manager and tools for life insurance protection. If you want an all-in-one solution with a strong emphasis on financial assets, DGLegacy is a solid choice. Its global reach makes it suitable for families across multiple countries.
#2 Angelis Digital · What matters, in the right place
A screenshot of the Angelis Digital website.
Angelis Digital takes a calm, guided approach to digital legacy. Their three-step process—map, secure, plan—walks you through listing accounts, setting up access, and recording personal messages. They focus on Brazil, Portugal, and the UK, offering local language support and cultural nuance. The service is built for families who want hand-holding, not just another app. As they put it, 'What matters, in the right place.'
#3 Evaheld
A screenshot of the Evaheld website.
Evaheld offers a free digital legacy vault where you can store stories, wishes, documents, and access instructions. Its strength lies in privacy controls—you decide who sees what and when. The platform is designed to be a 'guided family record' rather than a simple folder. It's a great starting point for those who want to begin with one memory or important detail. Evaheld supports multiple currencies and regions, making it accessible worldwide.
#4 IronVault
A screenshot of the IronVault website.
IronVault focuses on emergency access and family continuity. Their checklist-driven approach helps you assign roles like owner, trusted contact, and beneficiary. The service emphasizes separating routine sharing from emergency release, so your secrets stay safe until needed. It's ideal for families who want a clear, actionable plan without passing passwords through insecure channels. IronVault also provides guidance on legal wills and jurisdiction-specific rules.
#5 SmartHeritance
A screenshot of the SmartHeritance website.
SmartHeritance combines educational guides with practical tools for digital legacy planning. Their step-by-step guide covers often-skipped steps like planning for incapacity and building release mechanisms. The platform is particularly popular among financial advisors and estate planners. If you want to understand the 'why' behind each step, SmartHeritance offers deep dives and checklists. It's a strong resource for those who prefer a DIY, knowledge-first approach.
How to Choose the Right Digital Legacy Service
Start by asking what you need most. If you want a guided, human touch, look for services like Angelis Digital that walk you through every step. If you prefer a free, privacy-first vault, Evaheld is a great entry point. For comprehensive asset management, DGLegacy covers more ground. IronVault shines for emergency access, while SmartHeritance is ideal if you want to learn as you go. Consider your location, too—some services are region-specific, while others are global. Finally, check pricing: some are free, others charge for premium features. The best choice is the one your family will actually use.
Automating Your Digital Legacy Workflow
You can automate parts of your digital legacy plan. Start by using a password manager to store credentials securely. Then, set up legacy contacts on platforms like Google and Apple, which allow you to designate who can access your account after inactivity. Use a service like Angelis Digital or Evaheld to centralize instructions and trigger releases. For financial assets, consider adding beneficiaries directly through your bank or broker. Finally, schedule an annual review to update your inventory—life changes, and so should your plan.
The Bottom Line
Digital legacy planning is no longer optional. Whether you choose a guided service like Angelis Digital, a comprehensive platform like DGLegacy, or a free vault like Evaheld, the key is to start. Your family will thank you for it. Pick the service that fits your style and region, and take the first step today.