Bitwarden and 1Password are two of the best-known password managers, and they make different trade-offs. The short version: Bitwarden has a free plan and is open source, while 1Password is paid-only and adds a Secret Key to your account security.
Plan details were checked against each provider's own pricing page on October 27, 2026. Prices and limits change, so confirm on the provider's site before you buy.
The short answer
- Choose Bitwarden if you want a free plan that covers unlimited devices and passwords, or you care about open-source software and self-hosting options.
- Choose 1Password if you are happy to pay and like its Secret Key design and Watchtower alerts.
Free plan and pricing
Bitwarden's Free plan includes unlimited devices, unlimited passwords and passkey management. Its Premium plan adds an integrated authenticator, file attachments, emergency access and security reports, at $19.80 per year at the time of writing.
1Password does not list a free plan. It offers a 14-day free trial with no credit card required, then a paid subscription. Check its pricing page for the current price, because new-customer promotions change it.
Security design
- 1Password protects your account with your account password plus a Secret Key, a second, device-held secret. It also runs Watchtower, which alerts you to weak or reused passwords and breached websites.
- Bitwarden is open source, so its code can be inspected, and it offers options to run the Bitwarden server on your own network or server. Its security reports are part of Premium.
Passkeys and authenticator codes
Both support passkeys. Bitwarden's integrated authenticator for one-time codes is a Premium feature. If one-time codes in your vault matter to you, check that the plan you pick includes them.
Side by side
| Feature | Bitwarden | 1Password |
|---|---|---|
| Free plan | Yes: unlimited devices and passwords | No, 14-day trial |
| Passkeys | Yes | Yes |
| Open source | Yes | Not stated on its pricing page |
| Self-hosting option | Yes | Not stated on its pricing page |
| Secret Key | No | Yes |
| Breach and weak-password alerts | Security reports (Premium) | Watchtower |
A Third Option: DroidPass
If you mainly use a phone, DroidPass is a smaller alternative worth a look. It has a free tier, with Pro for unlimited entries, and works on Android and iPhone (and on Apple-silicon Macs as an iPad app). It includes a built-in 2FA authenticator, passkeys and AutoFill, and can import from other managers. Entries are encrypted with AES-256 on your device before they sync, and the app is available in 29 languages.
It is newer and smaller than the apps above, so if you need team features or a long track record, stay with one of them. See the full side-by-sides: DroidPass vs Bitwarden, DroidPass vs 1Password and DroidPass vs LastPass.
Want to try a different password manager?
DroidPass has a free tier, a built-in 2FA authenticator and passkeys, and imports from Bitwarden, 1Password and LastPass.
Frequently asked questions
Is Bitwarden free?
Yes. The Free plan includes unlimited devices, unlimited passwords and passkey management. Premium adds an integrated authenticator, file attachments, emergency access and security reports.
Does 1Password have a free plan?
1Password does not list a free plan. It offers a 14-day free trial with no credit card required.
Which is more secure, Bitwarden or 1Password?
Both are established password managers with different designs: 1Password adds a Secret Key to your account password, and Bitwarden is open source. Pick on features and how you will use it, and protect your account with a strong, unique password either way.