1Password vs Bitwarden
Which should you use? A side-by-side look at what each one does, who it suits, what it costs, how hard it is to set up, and where each falls short.
AI tool · Paid
A password manager for individuals and businesses, with passkeys, secrets management and agent credential tools.
AI tool · Open source
An open-source password manager with a generous free plan, passkeys and self-hosting.
The short answer
Choose 1Password if you need…
- Teams sharing credentials
- Developers managing secrets
Choose Bitwarden if you need…
- Free password management
- Self-hosted vaults
Side-by-side
| 1Password | Bitwarden | |
|---|---|---|
| Type | Security & privacy · Password managers | Security & privacy · Password managers |
| Price | Paid | Open source |
| Platforms | macOS, Windows, Linux, iOS, Android, Chrome | macOS, Windows, Linux, iOS, Android, Chrome |
| Works with | Chrome, Slack, GitHub | Chrome |
| Hands-on tested by us | Not yet | Not yet |
| Last checked | 2026-10-29 | 2026-10-29 |
What each one is
1Password
A password manager for individuals and businesses, with passkeys, secrets management and agent credential tools. Polished and secure. No free tier.
Bitwarden
An open-source password manager with a generous free plan, passkeys and self-hosting. Best value and transparent. The interface is less refined than paid rivals.
Best for
1Password
- Teams sharing credentials
- Developers managing secrets
Bitwarden
- Free password management
- Self-hosted vaults
Strengths
1Password
- Password and passkey vaults
- Watchtower breach alerts
- Developer secrets and SSH
- Browser extension
Bitwarden
- Unlimited passwords free
- Passkeys
- Secrets manager
- Self-hosting
Frequently asked questions
What is the difference between 1Password and Bitwarden?
1Password: A password manager for individuals and businesses, with passkeys, secrets management and agent credential tools. Bitwarden: An open-source password manager with a generous free plan, passkeys and self-hosting. 1Password suits teams sharing credentials, while Bitwarden suits free password management.
Are 1Password and Bitwarden free?
1Password: Paid. Bitwarden: Open source.
What are other alternatives to 1Password and Bitwarden?
Other options people compare them with include Nightfall AI.
Keep comparing
Built from our catalogue entries for both products: open-source details come from each project's README (AI-assisted, refreshed weekly) and GitHub data; AI-tool details are editorial. Spotted something wrong? Let us know from either product's page.