Password managers · Head to head
1Password vs Bitwarden
The two best password managers for most people, and the definitive polish-versus-value contest in the category.
1Password
9.0/10vs
Bitwarden
8.8/10| 1Password | Bitwarden | |
|---|---|---|
| Best for | Maximum polish and business depth | Maximum value and transparency |
| Security model | AES-256 + Secret Key | AES-256/XChaCha20, open source |
| Free tier | No | Excellent — unlimited devices |
| Individual price | ~$2.99/mo | Free; Premium ~$10/yr |
| Family price | ~$4.99/mo (5) | ~$3.33/mo (6) |
| Self-hosting | No | Yes |
| Business admin | Deeper — SCIM, policies, Travel Mode | Capable, improving |
Where 1Password wins — and where Bitwarden wins
1Password
- Secret Key architecture removes whole attack classes
- The most refined apps and autofill on every platform
- Deeper business administration and support
Bitwarden
- Open source and fully auditable
- Free tier plus ~$10/yr Premium — unbeatable economics
- Self-hosting for ultimate control
Our verdict
If you will pay for the smoothest, most protective experience — especially for a business — choose 1Password. If budget or open-source transparency leads, Bitwarden is astonishingly close for a tenth of the price. There is no bad answer here.
How we compare: assessments draw on vendor documentation, published pricing, product testing where noted, and our published methodology. Prices are indicative entry-level figures — confirm current plans with vendors. We may earn commission from links on this page; it never affects our verdicts.