AppBreakup

1Password vs Bitwarden

Updated October 2026 · AppBreakup editorial

1Password logo

1Password

Polished password manager for individuals, families and businesses.

Paid
Bitwarden logo

Bitwarden

Open-source password manager with a generous free plan.

Open sourceSelf-hostable

The short answer

1Password offers the most polished apps, Travel Mode and a strong Secret Key security model, but it has no free plan. Bitwarden is open source, independently audited, free on unlimited devices and can be self-hosted, with a low-cost Premium tier for extras like built-in two-factor codes. Choose 1Password for the smoothest family or business experience; choose Bitwarden if price, transparency or self-hosting matter most.

Which should you pick?

Choose 1Password if…

  • Families and businesses that want the most polished experience
  • Excellent apps on every platform
  • Watchtower breach alerts

Choose Bitwarden if…

  • Anyone who wants a free, open-source password manager
  • You want open-source software
  • You need to host it on your own servers
  • You want a free option (1Password is paid only)
  • You need Web and Self-hosted, which 1Password doesn't list

About each app

What is 1Password?

1Password stores passwords, passkeys, credit cards, documents and secure notes in encrypted vaults that sync across every device. It is known for a polished experience, Watchtower alerts for weak or breached passwords, and Travel Mode, which hides sensitive vaults when crossing borders. Business plans add admin controls, single sign-on integration and secrets management for developers. Data is protected by your account password plus a Secret Key, so the company cannot read your vaults. There is no free plan, but a free trial is available before choosing an individual, family or business subscription.

What is Bitwarden?

Bitwarden is an open-source password manager that offers unlimited passwords on unlimited devices in its free plan. Vaults are end-to-end encrypted and regularly audited by third parties, and the source code is public. Premium adds built-in two-factor codes, encrypted file attachments and emergency access at a low yearly price, while business plans add admin controls and single sign-on. Organizations that need full control can self-host the server. Bitwarden is a common destination for people leaving LastPass or looking for a free alternative to 1Password.

Side by side

Attribute1PasswordBitwarden
PricingPaidOpen source
Open sourceNoYes
Self-hostableNoYes
PlatformsWindows, macOS, Linux, iOS, Android, Browser extensionWeb, Windows, macOS, Linux, iOS, Android, Browser extension, Self-hosted
Best forFamilies and businesses that want the most polished experienceAnyone who wants a free, open-source password manager
StatusActiveActive

1Password vs Bitwarden pricing

1Password: paid

We couldn't verify 1Password's plan details on its own site yet, so we don't list them.

1Password pricing page

Bitwarden: open source

We couldn't verify Bitwarden's plan details on its own site yet, so we don't list them.

Bitwarden pricing page

Platforms

Platform1PasswordBitwarden
Web
Windows
macOS
Linux
iOS
Android
Browser extension
Self-hosted

1Password facts

2 of 3 verified
Free trial
Yes
Not checked yet1password.com(opens source in a new tab)
Platforms
Windows, macOS, Linux, iOS, Android, browsers
Checked Oct 24, 20261password.com(opens source in a new tab)
“Operating Systems macOS Windows Linux Browser Extensions Chrome Firefox Safari”
Passkeys
Supported
Checked Oct 24, 20261password.com(opens source in a new tab)
“Management Password sharing Two-factor authentication Passkeys Solutions AI spend management Zero standing privileges”

Bitwarden facts

2 of 3 verified
Free plan
Yes, unlimited devices
Not checked yetbitwarden.com(opens source in a new tab)
Open source
Yes
Checked Oct 24, 2026bitwarden.com(opens source in a new tab)
“Stories Comparison Security & Trust Security Compliance Open Source Bug Bounty Program Open Source Security Summit Bitwarden”
Self-hosting
Yes
Checked Oct 24, 2026bitwarden.com(opens source in a new tab)
“as PDF Business sales Get started Log In Docs Courses Self-host Deploy & Configure Deploy with Docker Docs Courses Home”

Pros and cons of 1Password

  • Excellent apps on every platform
  • Watchtower breach alerts
  • Strong security model with Secret Key
  • No free plan
  • Not open source
More 1Password alternatives

Pros and cons of Bitwarden

  • Free on unlimited devices
  • Open source and audited
  • Can be self-hosted
  • Interface is less polished than 1Password
  • Some features require Premium
More Bitwarden alternatives

Other apps to consider

  • Proton Pass logo
    Proton Pass

    Instead of 1Password

    Free plan with built-in email aliases and open-source apps.

  • LastPass logo
    LastPass

    Instead of 1Password

    Familiar browser-based manager with a free tier.

  • KeePassXC logo
    KeePassXC

    Instead of 1Password

    Free, offline password database with no account at all.

  • KeePass logo
    KeePass

    Instead of Bitwarden

    No server or account: one encrypted file you control.

  • Passbolt logo
    Passbolt

    Instead of Bitwarden

    Open-source, self-hosted vault designed around team sharing.

  • Vaultwarden logo
    Vaultwarden

    Instead of Bitwarden

    Self-host a lightweight Bitwarden-compatible server and keep using the same apps.

1Password vs Bitwarden: common questions

Is 1Password better than Bitwarden?

1Password offers the most polished apps, Travel Mode and a strong Secret Key security model, but it has no free plan. Bitwarden is open source, independently audited, free on unlimited devices and can be self-hosted, with a low-cost Premium tier for extras like built-in two-factor codes. Choose 1Password for the smoothest family or business experience; choose Bitwarden if price, transparency or self-hosting matter most.

Is 1Password free?

No. 1Password is paid, though it may offer a trial.

Is Bitwarden free?

Yes. Bitwarden is free, open-source software you can host yourself.

Is 1Password or Bitwarden open source?

Bitwarden is open source; 1Password is not.

Which platforms do 1Password and Bitwarden support?

1Password: Windows, macOS, Linux, iOS, Android and Browser extension. Bitwarden: Web, Windows, macOS, Linux, iOS, Android, Browser extension and Self-hosted.