Bitwarden is the leading open-source password manager, offering free end-to-end encrypted vault storage for unlimited devices and passwords. Unlike 1Password or Dashlane, Bitwarden is fully open-source and can be self-hosted. The free tier is genuinely unlimited, and the premium plan at $10/year adds advanced 2FA, encrypted file storage, and Vault Health Reports. Trusted by millions of individuals and security-conscious teams.
Cybersecurity & PrivacyVerified listing
Bitwarden
Open-source password manager with AES-256 encryption, unlimited free tier, and optional self-hosting.
Best for: Privacy-conscious users who want open-source security, self-hosting, or the most generous free password manager available
- Free plan
4.6/5 ratingEditorial score 88/100Last reviewed Sep 22, 2026bitwarden.com
Entry plan
Free forever
Get started free
Opens the official website in a new tab.
Editorial score88/100
The editorial note
What to know about Bitwarden
Is it right for you?
Who Bitwarden suits
Choose it if
- Privacy-conscious users who want open-source security, self-hosting, or the most generous free password manager available
Look elsewhere if
- Users who need a more polished UI or premium family plans — 1Password offers a smoother experience for families and power users
What you get
Key features
- Unlimited password and note storage on all plans
- End-to-end AES-256 encryption
- Browser extension for all major browsers
- Mobile apps for iOS and Android with biometric unlock
- Secure password sharing with organizations
- Vault Health Reports — detect weak/reused/breached passwords
- TOTP authenticator (premium)
- Self-hosted deployment option
Works with
Integrations10
What it costs
Pricing
| Plan | Price | What it includes |
|---|---|---|
| Free | Free forever | Unlimited passwords, unlimited devices, secure notes, and two-step login. |
| Premium | $1.65/month (billed annually at $19.80/year)Billed monthly (billed annually at $19.80) | Integrated TOTP authenticator, vault health reports, emergency access, and 5 GB file attachments. |
| Families | $3.99/month (up to 6 users, billed annually)Billed monthly (billed annually at $47.88) | Six Premium accounts with unlimited vault sharing and organization storage. |
Prices are recorded from the vendor's public pricing page and can change. Check before you buy.
The trade-off
Pros and cons
Pros
- Completely free for unlimited passwords on unlimited devices — unmatched free tier
- Open-source and audited — code is publicly reviewable for security
- Self-hosting option for teams with strict data residency requirements
- Premium plan at $10/year — most affordable password manager
- Business plans with directory sync and SSO at $3/user/month
Cons
- UI is less polished than 1Password or Dashlane
- Self-hosting requires technical knowledge to set up and maintain
- Emergency access and some advanced features require premium
- Mobile auto-fill can be less smooth on some Android setups
Quick read
At a glance
- Category
- Cybersecurity & Privacy
- Pricing model
- Freemium
- Entry plan
- Free forever
- Free plan
- Available
- Free trial
- Not listed
- Platforms
- macOS, Web, Windows, iOS, Android, Linux
- Website
- bitwarden.com
- Last reviewed
- Sep 22, 2026
Head to head
Bitwarden compared
The verdict
Our take on Bitwarden
Bitwarden is the strongest case for paying nothing—or very little. The free plan is genuinely full-featured, the source code is audited and public, and self-hosting is straightforward. Premium features like TOTP and vault health reports cost just $20/year, making it hard to beat on value.
Editorial review
From the journal
Editorial review of Bitwarden
Bitwarden is the strongest case for paying nothing—or very little. The free plan is genuinely full-featured, the source code is audited and public, and self-hosting is straightforward. Premium features like TOTP and vault health reports cost just $20/year, making it hard to beat on value.
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