Bitwarden vs. 1Password: Which password manager is best?

Whether you're new to password management or are considering an alternative to your current tool, it can be hard to sort out which password manager is best for your situation. Most do a decent job with saving, securely storing, and filling your credentials across devices and platforms, so the difference usually comes down to a combination of unique features, cost, and user experience. 

In our head-to-head comparison of Bitwarden and 1Password, the former wins out on affordability, while the latter has a superior user experience. When deciding between them, you'll want to consider which features matter most based on how (and where) you use password management. Here's a breakdown of two of the top password managers on the market to help you decide which one is best for you. 

Also: The best free password managers: Expert tested

Specifications

You should choose Bitwarden if…

1. You want a free password manager with unlimited syncing

Bitwarden's top selling point is actually its free plan, which has no limits on the number of credentials you can store or the number of devices on which you can access your vault at one time. The no-cost tier also comes with some premium features, such as text sharing, encrypted credential sharing, and vault health and data breach reports. 1Password doesn't offer a forever-free subscription after a 14-day trial. 

Also: Bitwarden review: Our favorite free password manager with low-cost premium features, too

2. You want premium features at a low cost

In addition to an excellent free tier, Bitwarden's paid plan -- which costs $10 per month for a single user -- is a steal, with the addition of emergency access, an integrated authenticator, secure file sharing and storage, more detailed security monitoring, and priority customer support. The comprehensive data breach report, which identifies compromised emails, password, credit cards, and other sensitive information, as well as the ability to set up vault inheritance, are especially noteworthy, though these features can only be used via the web app.  

3. You need a family account

Again, Bitwarden offers a lot of value with its family plan, which includes up to six users and unlimited sharing along with all premium features for just $40 per year. 1Password's family account allows up to five users for just under $60 annually. Note that 1Password has a slight edge in its new user experience, especially for those who aren't familiar with how password managers work, but Bitwarden is solid for those who just need the basics done well. 

You should choose 1Password if…

1. You are new to password management

Those who haven't used a fully-featured password manager before should consider 1Password for its onboarding tutorials and comprehensive support pages, which guide you through the setup process and key features, and the intuitive interface that's consistent across platforms. 1Password also offers a 14-day trial, so you can test it out before committing to an annual subscription. 

Also: 1Password review: A premium password manager well worth the money

2. You need a password manager for your mobile device 

Both Bitwarden and 1Password can save and autofill credentials across browsers and apps on iOS and Android devices, but 1Password's mobile experience is exceptional with a fully featured app, including Watchtower vault health reports and secure credential sharing. You can also customize the homepage on the mobile app to quickly view frequently- and recently-used and recently-created logins. 1Password is an especially great pick for iPhone users. 

Also: The best password manager for iPhone: Expert tested

3. You use your password manager to store (and share) other data

Most password managers worthy of consideration, including Bitwarden, will save usernames and passwords, credit cards, and identities -- and the option in some cases to create a custom record or secure note -- but 1Password has an extensive list of template types ranging from logins and credit cards to medical records and rewards programs. You also get 1GB of secure storage and the ability to share saved credentials, such as streaming service logins, with anyone (even if they don't have 1Password) and customize viewing options and expiration times. 

Alternatives to consider

If neither Bitwarden nor 1Password meets your needs, there are other solid password managers worth considering: