1Password vs Bitwarden
Choose Bitwarden if you want a capable free plan, open-source code and published audits. Choose 1Password if you are happy to pay for more polished apps, a Secret Key security design and a smooth family experience. Both cover every major platform and support passkeys.
1Password
Best for families
Bitwarden
Best overall1Password vs Bitwarden at a glance
| 1Password | Bitwarden | |
|---|---|---|
| Platforms | macOS, Windows, Linux, iOS, Android, browser, CLI | Windows, macOS, Linux, iOS, Android, browsers, web, CLI |
| Free plan | No; free trial | Yes, always-free personal plan |
| Security model | Account password plus Secret Key | End-to-end encrypted, open source |
| Audits (as stated) | SOC 2 Type 2; independent assessments | Publishes third-party audit results |
| Family plan | Families, five users | Families, up to six users |
| Passkeys | Supported | Supported |
| Our editorial score | 9.3 / 10 | 9.4 / 10 |
Which should you choose?
Pick 1Password if you want the most polished apps and a well-documented security design, and you are happy to pay.
Pick Bitwarden if you want a strong free plan, open-source code and published audits.
How they differ
1Password and Bitwarden are the two password managers we recommend most often, and both are excellent. The difference comes down to price model and philosophy. Bitwarden is open source and offers a personal plan it describes as always free. 1Password is a paid product, with a free trial, that puts a lot of effort into design and ease of use.
Security
Both encrypt your vault before it leaves your device. 1Password combines your account password with a Secret Key generated on your device, so someone who learns your password still cannot decrypt your data without the key. It says it is SOC 2 Type 2 certified and regularly assessed by independent experts.
Bitwarden takes a transparency-first approach. Its code is publicly available, and it says it publishes the results of its third-party security audits. Bitwarden also lets businesses self-host on premises or in a private cloud.
Everyday use
1Password's apps are among the most polished in the category, with Watchtower alerts for weak or reused passwords and smooth autofill. Bitwarden's apps are clean and dependable but more functional in feel. Both run on Windows, macOS, Linux, iOS and Android, in the browser and on the command line.
Families and teams
1Password Families covers five users, and Bitwarden Families covers up to six. Both offer business plans with admin controls. Bitwarden's Enterprise plan includes a free Families plan for every user, which can be a useful perk.
Cost
Bitwarden is the obvious choice if you do not want to pay at all. If you do pay, compare current prices on both sites, because plans and prices change.
The bottom line
If you want the best free password manager, or you value open-source code, choose Bitwarden. If you want the most refined experience and do not mind paying, 1Password is an excellent choice.
1Password vs Bitwarden FAQ
Is Bitwarden or 1Password more secure?
Both encrypt your vault on your device. 1Password adds a Secret Key and states SOC 2 Type 2 certification, while Bitwarden is open source and publishes third-party audit results. Either is a strong choice with a good master password and two-factor authentication.
Can I use Bitwarden for free instead of 1Password?
Yes. Bitwarden's free personal plan syncs your passwords across your devices. 1Password has no free plan, only a free trial.