1Password and Bitwarden are two widely used password managers, each with a different approach to pricing and feature access. This comparison lays out the factual differences in pricing, free-tier availability, and core features so you can judge which fits your situation — there is no single “best” password manager for everyone.
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Quick Comparison
| 1Password | Bitwarden | |
|---|---|---|
| Free plan | No permanent free tier (14-day trial only) | Yes, a permanent free tier with core features |
| Starting paid price | $2.99/month billed annually (Individual) | $1.65/month billed annually (Premium) |
| Open source | No | Yes |
| Self-hosting option | No | Yes |
| Family/multi-user plan | Families: $4.49/month billed annually, up to 5 members | Families: $3.99/month billed annually, up to 6 users |
Pricing
1Password does not offer a permanent free tier; new users get a 14-day free trial before choosing a paid plan. Individual plans start at $2.99/month billed annually ($3.99/month billed monthly), and Families plans start at $4.49/month billed annually for up to 5 members. See the full breakdown on the 1Password profile.
Bitwarden offers a genuinely free tier with core password-manager functionality at $0/month. Its paid Premium tier is $1.65/month billed annually ($19.80/year), and its Families plan is $3.99/month billed annually ($47.88/year) for up to 6 users. See the full breakdown on the Bitwarden profile.
Key Differences
- 1Password has no permanent free plan; Bitwarden does.
- Bitwarden is open-source and offers self-hosting; 1Password is closed-source and cloud-only.
- 1Password’s interface and features like Travel Mode and Watchtower are generally considered more polished.
- Bitwarden’s paid tiers are substantially cheaper than 1Password’s equivalent plans.
Who Each Tool Is Best For
1Password tends to suit individuals and families who want a polished, fully-supported experience and don’t mind paying from day one. Bitwarden tends to suit users who want a genuinely free option, value open-source software, or want the flexibility of self-hosting.
FAQ
Does either tool have a free plan?
Bitwarden has a permanent free plan. 1Password offers only a 14-day free trial, after which a paid plan is required.
Which is cheaper?
Bitwarden’s paid plans are cheaper than 1Password’s equivalent tiers at every level, based on current published pricing.
Can I self-host either tool?
Bitwarden offers a self-hosting option for its open-source server. 1Password does not offer self-hosting.
Are there other password manager alternatives?
This site currently profiles 1Password and Bitwarden. Other well-known options such as Dashlane and NordPass are not yet covered here.
For a full breakdown of current plan prices and what’s included, see 1Password Pricing Explained.