Bitwarden vs LastPass
Updated October 2026 · AppBreakup editorial
Bitwarden
Open-source password manager with a generous free plan.
LastPass
Long-standing password manager with free and paid plans.
The short answer
Bitwarden suits almost anyone who wants a free password manager that works on every device, with open-source, audited code and a self-hosting option. LastPass suits existing users attached to its browser-based workflow, but its free plan is limited to one device type and its 2022 security incidents still weigh on trust. The biggest difference is a generous open-source free plan versus a restricted closed one.
Bitwarden or LastPass: our take
Both cover the essentials: encrypted vaults, password generation, autofill through browser extensions and mobile apps, sharing in family and business plans, and apps for the web, Windows, macOS, iOS and Android. Bitwarden also runs on Linux and can be self-hosted. LastPass offers dark web monitoring and a familiar extension-first workflow that many people have used for years.
The free plans are where they split. Bitwarden's free plan offers unlimited passwords on unlimited devices. LastPass's free plan is limited to one device type, either computers or mobile devices, so using it on both a laptop and a phone requires Premium or Families. Bitwarden Premium adds built-in two-factor codes, encrypted file attachments and emergency access at a low yearly price.
Trust is the other factor. In 2022 LastPass disclosed security incidents in which encrypted customer vault backups were stolen, which led many users to migrate. Bitwarden's vaults are end-to-end encrypted, its source code is public, and it is regularly audited by third parties; organisations that need full control can run their own server. Bitwarden's interface is less polished than some commercial apps, and a few features sit behind Premium.
For most people choosing today, Bitwarden is the safer default, especially on a budget or across several devices. LastPass makes sense mainly for people or companies already settled in it who are comfortable with its history; for those considering a move, Bitwarden is one of the most common destinations.
Which should you pick?
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 need Linux and Self-hosted, which LastPass doesn't list
- Free on unlimited devices
Choose LastPass if…
- Existing users who prefer its familiar browser-based workflow
- Familiar browser-extension workflow
- Dark web monitoring
About each app
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.
What is LastPass?
LastPass is one of the longest-running cloud password managers, storing passwords, notes and payment details in an encrypted vault with browser extensions and mobile apps. It offers password generation, autofill, dark web monitoring and sharing in family and business plans. In 2022 the company disclosed security incidents in which encrypted customer vault backups were stolen, which led many users to migrate to other password managers. The free plan is limited to one device type, either computers or mobile devices, while Premium and Families remove that restriction.
Side by side
| Attribute | Bitwarden | LastPass |
|---|---|---|
| Pricing | Open source | Free plan + paid |
| Open source | Yes | No |
| Self-hostable | Yes | No |
| Platforms | Web, Windows, macOS, Linux, iOS, Android, Browser extension, Self-hosted | Web, Windows, macOS, iOS, Android, Browser extension |
| Best for | Anyone who wants a free, open-source password manager | Existing users who prefer its familiar browser-based workflow |
| Status | Active | Active |
Bitwarden vs LastPass pricing
Bitwarden: open source
We couldn't verify Bitwarden's plan details on its own site yet, so we don't list them.
Bitwarden pricing pageLastPass: free plan + paid
We couldn't verify LastPass's plan details on its own site yet, so we don't list them.
LastPass pricing pagePlatforms
| Platform | Bitwarden | LastPass |
|---|---|---|
| Web | ||
| Windows | ||
| macOS | ||
| Linux | ||
| iOS | ||
| Android | ||
| Browser extension | ||
| Self-hosted |
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”
LastPass facts
2 of 3 verified- Dark web monitoring
- Yes
- Checked Oct 24, 2026lastpass.com(opens source in a new tab)
- “and autofill Password generator Password sharing Passkeys Dark web monitoring Security dashboard All features Get Personal”
- Security incident
- Disclosed in 2022
- Checked Oct 24, 2026blog.lastpass.com(opens source in a new tab)
- “12-22-2022: Notice of Security Incident New in Business Max: 5 features for more AI visibility and”
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
Pros and cons of LastPass
- Familiar browser-extension workflow
- Dark web monitoring
- Family and business sharing
- 2022 security incidents hurt trust
- Free plan limited to one device type
Other apps to consider
DashlaneInstead of LastPass
Polished paid manager with phishing alerts and an easy import from LastPass.
Bitwarden vs LastPass: common questions
Is Bitwarden better than LastPass?
Bitwarden suits almost anyone who wants a free password manager that works on every device, with open-source, audited code and a self-hosting option. LastPass suits existing users attached to its browser-based workflow, but its free plan is limited to one device type and its 2022 security incidents still weigh on trust. The biggest difference is a generous open-source free plan versus a restricted closed one.
Is Bitwarden free?
Yes. Bitwarden is free, open-source software you can host yourself.
Is LastPass free?
LastPass has a free plan, with paid plans for more features. See its verified pricing facts above for current limits.
Is Bitwarden or LastPass open source?
Bitwarden is open source; LastPass is not.
Which platforms do Bitwarden and LastPass support?
Bitwarden: Web, Windows, macOS, Linux, iOS, Android, Browser extension and Self-hosted. LastPass: Web, Windows, macOS, iOS, Android and Browser extension.