1Password vs. Bitwarden: Compare Password Managers

With the addition of 1Password’s full support for Linux on desktop, the two password managers are comparable in compatibility with major platforms, though Bitwarden also names Unix, Homebrew, Docker, CLI managers for Windows, and Snap.

Because 1Password supports the latest versions of Linux, I think these two services are comparable, and you can use either with modern platforms. 1Password does not support Tor, but Bitwarden does.

Bitwarden’s free version is compatible with nearly every platform, which is a huge selling point. Often, the free plans are limited in platforms. Also a bonus, Bitwarden is accessible in more than 50 languages, making it highly accessible.

1Password also earns accolades for its compatibility across operating systems and browsers. This is convenient and important if you use various platforms and browsers like I do. I also like that 1Password includes single sign-on (SSO) with its Business and Enterprise plans, while Bitwarden offers it only with Enterprise subscriptions.

While both password managers offer full functionality via their websites and browser extensions (especially with the updated 1Password X), you’ll also need to download the desktop app, which I found was the best way to get started with both password managers.

1Password’s desktop is minimal but concise, so I was not overwhelmed when finding my way around the dashboard and features. Bitwarden’s desktop app is also clean and user-friendly. Again, both are minimal — and this is a good thing.

For 1Password, the current desktop dashboard, the left navigation acts as a main menu, with categories organized in the next column, such as Google, Dropbox, Netflix, and so on. When I click on the category — say Evernote — the third column on the screen displays all of the details and allows me to easily edit. It’s plug and play.

With the 1Password Mac version, the dropdown menu installs directly into the Mac menu bar so it’s one more way to access your 1Password vault without going on the desktop app.

Moving my way around the Bitwarden desktop app was also a cinch. It feels a lot like navigating my email inbox, making it highly intuitive. You don’t need to be a technophile to work with either of these password managers. Adding and editing the vault was simple.

Bitwarden’s browser extension made it easy to add vault items, which is a feature many free password managers don’t offer. With Bitwarden, you can do this with the forever free plan, which goes back to the reason this password manager won for plans and pricing.

Both 1Password and Bitwarden mobile apps were equally easy to navigate, with main sections in the left toolbar so I could easily manage my account.

1Password and Bitwarden offer comparable form-filling, but 1Password edges ahead a bit because Bitwarden does not have a vault template for addresses. You can store them in a custom vault entry but they do not work with autofill. This is a pain when dealing with shipping and billing information, but it’s not a deal-breaker by any means since Bitwarden is a mint password manager in pretty much every other category.

Another point: Bitwarden’s autofill must be triggered by its browser extension. On the other hand, 1Password (and many others) display an icon in unfilled fields. So basically, you’ll do a little more clicking with Bitwarden, but don’t let this dissuade you from selecting one of the best password managers.

Most password managers, including Bitwarden and 1Password, use powerful 256-bit AES encryption, and both password managers’ vaults are unlocked on your device only after you’ve entered your master password.

1Password adds an extra layer of security with a 34-character Secret Key that works alongside your master password. 1Password Watchtower sifts through information to see if information has been compromised, that way I am alerted directly if there is a red flag so I can change the affected password before a cybercriminal lays hands on it.

Bitwarden provides vault health reports. If I reuse a password or create a password that Bitwarden thinks is weak, I get a report of these items before Bitwarden even accesses encrypted versions. Basically, this puts up a stop sign that says, “Wait a minute. This password is vulnerable.”

Both 1Password and Bitwarden have built-in password generators, offer 1GB of secure online storage, and operate on a zero-knowledge model to protect your personal information. I appreciate knowing that not even the password manager can access my data.

Both 1Password and Bitwarden support 2FA via authenticator apps (which use time-based one-time passwords, or TOTPs) and physical security keys.

Let’s hash out 1Password’s 2FA skills. It is compatible with Authy, Microsoft Authenticator, and Okta Verify, and you can access single sign-on (SSO) with business plans. Like Bitwarden, there’s a simple QR code setup, and both provide biometric unlock capabilities.

I like how Bitwarden offers 2FA via YubiKey and FIDO which are highly secure. You can choose a free authenticator app, including Authy and Google Authenticator. Email is another 2FA option. But other features are only available as a Premium subscriber. As a Premium subscriber, Bitwarden allows you to enable 2FA with Duo Security with Duo Push, SMS, phone call, and security keys. The FIDO WebAuthn Authenticator is also a Premium privilege only.