1Password vs Bitwarden: Which Password Manager?

Last checked · Based on published specs and vendor documentation. We did not test these tools ourselves.

1Password The password manager trusted by millions of developers and teams Security Paid vs Bitwarden Open-source password manager for individuals and teams Security Open source

1Password and Bitwarden are two of the best-known password managers, and both protect your vault with strong encryption and have been independently audited. The practical differences are in the model around them. Bitwarden is open source, offers a free plan and can be self-hosted. 1Password is a closed-source paid product known for its polished apps and extra features. So the decision is mostly about cost, transparency and how much polish you want.

Quick verdict

Choose Bitwarden if you want a free plan, open-source code or the option to self-host. Choose 1Password if you prefer a polished experience and are happy to pay for a subscription.

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Side-by-side

1PasswordBitwarden
CategorySecuritySecurity
Pricing modelPaidOpen source
Source codeClosed source, reviewed through formal auditsOpen source, so anyone can inspect it
Free planNo free plan; a free trial is offeredA free plan for individuals
Self-hostingNot offered for personal useSupported for people who want to run their own server
InterfacePolished apps and browser extensionsFunctional apps that have improved over time
Team featuresBusiness plans with sharing and admin controlsBusiness plans with sharing and admin controls
Security basicsStrong encryption and zero-knowledge designStrong encryption and zero-knowledge design

Choose 1Password if…

  • You want a polished experience across all your devices
  • You are comfortable paying a subscription for a password manager
  • You value extra convenience features over open-source transparency

Choose Bitwarden if…

  • You want a genuinely free plan that covers the basics
  • Open-source code and independent inspection matter to you
  • You want the option to host your own vault

Pricing

  • 1Password: Sold as a paid subscription with a free trial rather than a free plan; check 1Password's site for current plans.
  • Bitwarden: Has a free plan for individuals and low-cost paid tiers; check Bitwarden's site for current plans.

Frequently asked questions

Is Bitwarden as secure as 1Password?

Both use strong encryption with a zero-knowledge design and have been independently audited, so most reviewers treat them as broadly equivalent on security. The differences are mainly in openness, price and polish.

Is a free password manager safe to use?

A free plan from an established, audited manager can be a sound choice. Check that it supports the devices you use and that you can export your data.

Can I move from one to the other?

Yes. Both let you export and import vault data, but delete the exported file afterwards because it is not encrypted like your vault.

From our coverage

Sources

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