1Password vs Bitwarden
Updated October 2026 · AppBreakup editorial

1Password
Polished password manager for individuals, families and businesses.

Bitwarden
Open-source password manager with a generous free plan.
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
| Attribute | 1Password | Bitwarden |
|---|---|---|
| Pricing | Paid | Open source |
| Open source | No | Yes |
| Self-hostable | No | Yes |
| Platforms | Windows, macOS, Linux, iOS, Android, Browser extension | Web, Windows, macOS, Linux, iOS, Android, Browser extension, Self-hosted |
| Best for | Families and businesses that want the most polished experience | Anyone who wants a free, open-source password manager |
| Status | Active | Active |
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 pageBitwarden: open source
We couldn't verify Bitwarden's plan details on its own site yet, so we don't list them.
Bitwarden pricing pagePlatforms
| Platform | 1Password | Bitwarden |
|---|---|---|
| Web | ||
| Windows | ||
| macOS | ||
| Linux | ||
| iOS | ||
| Android | ||
| Browser extension | ||
| Self-hosted |
1Password facts
2 of 3 verified- 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- 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
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
Other apps to consider





VaultwardenInstead 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.