Bitwarden vs 1Password: Which Password Manager Is Better?

A password manager is an essential software that everyone should have on their devices. While many users rely on default password managers like Chrome or iCloud Keychain, there are other options available that offer more features and cross-platform compatibility. LastPass used to be a popular choice, but recent news has raised concerns about its reliability. In this article, we will compare Bitwarden and 1Password, two other major players in the password management space.

Cross-platform Availability

One of the main reasons to invest in a third-party password manager is the lack of cross-platform availability in default options. Fortunately, both Bitwarden and 1Password offer support for multiple platforms. Bitwarden is available on iOS and Android, with native desktop applications for Windows, macOS, and Linux. It also integrates seamlessly with popular browsers like Chrome, Safari, Firefox, and Edge. Similarly, 1Password supports Android, iOS, Windows, Mac, Chrome, and Linux, with browser extensions for Chrome, Firefox, and Edge.

User Interface

When it comes to user interface, both Bitwarden and 1Password have their unique approaches. 1Password uses a simple and intuitive macOS menu for navigation, with password vaults, favorites, watchtower, and categories neatly organized on the left menu. On the other hand, Bitwarden may seem more plain at first glance but offers customization options like dark themes. While 1Password provides a more fluid user experience with its animations, Bitwarden focuses on a safer and more secure design.

Adding a New Item

Adding new items to both Bitwarden and 1Password is straightforward. 1Password allows you to choose from templates such as login information, credit cards, or secure notes. It also generates complex passwords for you or lets you create your own. Bitwarden, on the other hand, offers limited item types like logins, cards, identities, and secure notes. It also allows you to add an authenticator key for two-factor authentication.

Security and Backup

Security is of utmost importance when it comes to password managers. 1Password offers password hints for cases when you forget your password. It also provides backup options to cloud services like iCloud, Google Drive, and Dropbox. However, storing data on third-party servers can pose risks in case of breaches or system failures.

Bitwarden takes a different approach by fully encrypting all data on your device before it leaves. Even the Bitwarden team cannot access your data due to end-to-end AES-256 bit encryption. It also supports two-factor authentication for added security. As for backup, Bitwarden stores user data on the Microsoft Azure Cloud platform.

Features

Both Bitwarden and 1Password offer a wide range of features. 1Password includes auto-generated passwords, app categorization, tags, Apple Watch support, TOTP, and the ability to create multiple vaults. Multiple vaults are particularly useful for families, allowing different members to have their own secure spaces within the app.

Bitwarden also has a robust feature set, including encrypted file attachments, security audit reports, two-factor authentication, user groups, and shared items. One unique feature of Bitwarden is the ability to self-host the app data on your own server, making it an excellent choice for tech-savvy users.

Price

In terms of pricing, 1Password operates on a subscription model. Their personal plan starts at $3 per month or $36 per year. The family plan offers attractive pricing, starting at $5 per month for up to 5 members, with an additional cost for each additional member.

Bitwarden, on the other hand, is more affordable, with a cost of $10 per year for individuals and $3.33 per month for the family plan.

Mobile Apps

Both 1Password and Bitwarden offer support for biometric authentication, such as Face ID on iPhone and fingerprint on Android. They also work seamlessly with the auto-fill function. While 1Password provides a better UI, navigation, and smoother animations on mobile devices, Bitwarden offers a more secure and polished experience.

Wrap Up: Bitwarden vs 1Password

Both Bitwarden and 1Password have their strengths and weaknesses. Bitwarden is open-source, cost-effective, and allows self-hosting for advanced users. On the other hand, 1Password offers a robust feature set and a seamless experience across all platforms. Ultimately, the choice depends on your specific needs and preferences.