Comparison: Bitwarden vs 1Password (2024) – Making the Right Choice

On August 6, 2024, 1Password revealed the discovery of a vulnerability in 1Password 8 for Mac (versions prior to 8.10.36), potentially impacting the platform’s security. According to 1Password, the flaw “allows a potentially harmful process operating locally on a device to circumvent inter-process communication safeguards.”
1Password for Mac issue. Image: 1Password
Thankfully, 1Password has fixed the issue with 1Password for Mac version 8.10.36 and confirmed no instances of exploitation by external parties. I commend 1Password for promptly and openly addressing the vulnerability in this case.

Lastly, the two password managers vary in software distribution. Bitwarden is open source, enabling public scrutiny of its source code for potential vulnerabilities. Conversely, 1Password is proprietary and keeps its complete source code undisclosed.

I, personally, prefer open-source applications due to their heightened transparency. However, I acknowledge the benefits of closed-source software, often providing enhanced customer support services.

Overall, I have no hesitation in recommending either Bitwarden or 1Password concerning security. Both password managers implement essential security protocols to safeguard your passwords effectively.

Options for Multi-factor Authentication

Champion: Bitwarden
Regarding multi-factor authentication or two-factor authentication, my preference leans towards Bitwarden. Bitwarden offers various 2FA choices. Its free edition supports 2FA via FIDO2 WebAuthn credentials, authenticator applications, and email.

The premium version includes 2FA with Duo Security featuring Duo Push, SMS, phone call, security keys, and YubiKey support. I value Bitwarden’s provision of MFA/2FA to free users, making it a genuinely secure option without compromising essential features like MFA.

This isn’t to imply that 1Password falls short. 1Password facilitates 2FA through authenticator apps and security keys like YubiKey and Titan. In particular, 1Password is compatible with popular authenticator apps such as Authy, Microsoft Authenticator, or Okta Verify.

With that said, if you seek a broader array of MFA options, I suggest opting for Bitwarden over 1Password.

User-friendliness and Performance

Champion: 1Password
In terms of user-friendliness and performance, 1Password takes the lead. 1Password’s desktop application features a modern and intuitive interface that I found pleasing during my evaluation.

1Password for Mac issue. Image: 1Password

Using 1Password felt like a well-crafted and meticulously planned experience. In my opinion, this is crucial for companies looking to incorporate 1Password into their operations, as it aids less tech-proficient users in adapting to the application and increases staff acceptance.

EXPLORE: The Top 5 1Password Alternatives for 2024 (TechRepublic)

On the contrary, Bitwarden showcases a more simplistic interface with an uncomplicated design. To me, Bitwarden’s UI doesn’t raise any major concerns. It’s satisfactory and fulfills its purpose.

Nevertheless, it’s evident that Bitwarden’s appearance is more outdated compared to 1Password. After trialing both password management tools, I personally favor 1Password’s more intuitive and polished interface.

In terms of performance, Bitwarden and 1Password delivered a comparable, if not flawless, password management service. Both platforms seamlessly generated new passwords and stored login information without any hitches.

However, I encountered some peculiarities with both tools in terms of their autofill functions.

With Bitwarden, I noticed that autofill was not enabled by default, which seemed unusual. Initially, I had to manually select the recommended password from the browser extension to enter my login credentials rather than having Bitwarden automatically populate them. While this feature can be adjusted in the settings, I would have preferred it to be enabled from the start.

Instances on the 1Password end, there were occasions where it simply did not automatically fill in my credentials, even after ensuring that it was activated.

Luckily, these minor issues from both services were primarily exceptions. Mostly, both Bitwarden and 1Password delivered a dependable password capture and repeat experience. It should be noted, however, that small idiosyncrasies are to be anticipated.

Additional functionalities

Champion: 1Password

When it comes to additional functionalities, I award 1Password the advantage. While both password managers offer secure password storage and password creation, 1Password comes with unique features that make it stand out.

One notable distinctive feature of 1Password was its implementation of Travel Mode. This mode allows users to eliminate a selected vault while traveling.

I imagine this can be beneficial for users who frequently embark on business trips and wish to safeguard certain logins when passing through customs or border agencies. 1Password also boasts a comprehensive Watchtower control panel that automatically assesses all your passwords regarding password quality and robustness.

I particularly appreciate how Watchtower also serves as a data violation monitor, notifying users if any of their credentials have been compromised or exposed in a breach. To Bitwarden’s merit, it also presents a variation of this feature called Vault Health Reports — which can generate summaries of exposed passwords, breach data, and similar information.

However, I discovered that Watchtower by 1Password is more user-friendly as it automatically generates all this information. On the other hand, Bitwarden users need to produce each Vault Report manually.

An evident benefit Bitwarden holds over 1Password is its specialized free version. Whereas 1Password completely lacks a free option, Bitwarden presents one of the most outstanding free password managers by providing unlimited password storage for countless devices.

This is crucial because other no-charge password management tools, such as Dashlane or McAfee True Key, impose a cap on the maximum number of passwords free users can store.

Furthermore, Bitwarden features Bitwarden Send, a text and file-sharing function that is encrypted end-to-end, enabling the sharing of passwords, financial or legal records, and other confidential data.

Even though both platforms offer exceptional features coupled with password storage, I believe 1Password’s Watchtower and Travel Mode capabilities, among others, deliver considerably more value than Bitwarden’s offerings.

If you are seeking a more comprehensive analysis of 1Password’s top functions, you can explore TechRepublic’s Top 5 1Password Features video here.

Support for Customers

The Victor: 1Password

Despite Bitwarden and 1Password providing a range of support choices, I noticed that 1Password slightly outshines Bitwarden in the customer support arena. Bitwarden offers its specialized Help Center that includes informative articles and tutorials, an email and ticketing system, as well as the Bitwarden Community Forum.

Conversely, 1Password provides a similar customer support system by having a 1Password Support page that contains official guides, an email and ticketing system, and the 1Password Community customer forum.

Regrettably, both password managers do not offer live chat support for direct assistance from a support representative. Nevertheless, 1Password provides an AI chatbot which serves as a reasonably helpful alternative.

Most of my queries were satisfactorily addressed by it, with a fairly good level of precision. While a human support representative is ideal, I believe that having the chat assistant to handle quick inquiries is an underestimated advantage. This can be particularly beneficial when time is limited and you’re not keen on searching through support documentation to find a simple answer.

I also admire how the chatbot can be accessed by non-1Password users as well, without the need for an active 1Password subscription.

Worth and cost

Victor: Bitwarden

Bitwarden shines in its economical pricing. Priced at $0.83 per month, its basic premium plan is almost three times more budget-friendly than an equivalent plan from 1Password, which costs $3.99 per month. The Families plan is also more economical, priced at $3.33 per month for six users compared to 1Password’s Families option at $4.99 for five family members.

This is not to suggest that 1Password lacks any valuable plans. 1Password’s Teams Starter package at $19.95 per month caters to up to 10 users, averaging around $2 per user. This is a good offer considering Bitwarden’s Teams plan would need around $40 for the same number of users.

Regarding business plans, Bitwarden is once again more cost-effective with its $6 per month Enterprise plan compared to 1Password’s corresponding Business subscription at $9.99 per month, per user.

I would also like to highlight Bitwarden’s free version, which includes unlimited password storage and support for unlimited devices, making Bitwarden a top choice for users on a budget. If affordability is a key consideration, then Bitwarden is the obvious selection.

Bitwarden advantages and disadvantages

Advantages

• Utilizes open-source software.
• Offers reasonably priced subscriptions.
• Provides a free version with unlimited storage and device compatibility.
• Offers extensive MFA/2FA options and supports various platforms.
• Subjected to independent audits.

Disadvantages

• Has a less sleek user interface.

1Password advantages and disadvantages

Advantages

• Offers a refined and intuitive user experience.
• Features unique Travel Mode and Watchtower functionalities.
• Underwent 24 third-party audits since May 2024.
• Includes an AI chatbot for customer assistance.
• Valuable Teams subscription available.

Disadvantages

• Doesn’t have a free version.

Is Bitwarden or 1Password suitable for your organization?

While this comparison between the two quality password managers was close, 1Password emerges as the better choice over Bitwarden. Based on my assessment, I found that 1Password’s refined user experience, unique features, and slightly superior customer support give it a significant edge over Bitwarden.

SEE: How to Run a Cybersecurity Risk Assessment in 5 Steps (TechRepublic Premium)

Despite the higher subscription costs, I believe that 1Password’s more user-friendly interface justifies the extra spending. This is especially crucial for businesses aiming to implement a password manager across their organization, as it simplifies the learning curve for less tech-savvy individuals and employees.

Nevertheless, Bitwarden is also a commendable password manager in its own right. Its open-source property will be valued by privacy enthusiasts and developers alike. Furthermore, its generous free version and affordable paid plans cater well to those with tighter financial constraints.

Opt for Bitwarden if:

• You desire an open-source password manager.
• You seek a free password manager offering unlimited password storage.
• You are a budget-conscious user looking for an economical yet high-quality password manager.
• You require an array of MFA options.

Opt for 1Password if:

• You want an all-encompassing password manager delivering a well-crafted and intuitive user experience.
• You prefer closed-source software solutions.
• You need an affordable Teams plan that accommodates up to 10 members.
• You want a seamless password health and data breach monitoring system.
• You frequently travel and need a way to secure passwords while abroad.

Explore our detailed assessments of Bitwarden and 1Password for further insights.

Methodology for assessment

My evaluation of Bitwarden and 1Password involved an extensive examination of each password manager’s functionalities, pricing, and real-world efficacy.

Both password managers were evaluated on diverse criteria, from their MFA alternatives to their additional security attributes. In particular, we considered five primary aspects with their respective weights:

• Pricing (25%).
• Core password management features (35%).
• User-friendliness (15%).
• Customer service (15%).
• Professional critiques (10%).

To complement my findings, I incorporated real-world user feedback and insights from reputable review platforms to furnish well-rounded recommendations.

For more details on our approach to password manager reviews, refer to our comprehensive Review Methodology for Password Managers.

About Author

AndyC

Andy Curtis is an award-winning security consultant, researcher and public speaker. He has been working in the computer security industry since the early 1990s, having been employed by state and federal government, leading healthcare and banking providers across three continents. He has given talks about computer security for some of the world’s largest companies, worked with law enforcement agencies on investigations into hacking groups, and is a regular voice on TV and radio explaining IT security threats.

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