How many times have you had to sit there when logging into a site that you know you have an account on, but you can’t remember which of your super-secure passwords goes with it and you don’t have it written down anywhere? So many times, right? It happens to the best of us! This is just one of the many reasons that a password manager can come in handy. Most of these will not only keep track of your passwords on each site but also help protect your other sensitive information in secure vaults. There are plenty of options out there for password managers, but for this article, we’ll be taking a look at two of the top options in the industry: LastPass and Bitwarden.
LastPass vs Bitwarden: Main Differences
While very alike in most of their respects, LastPass and Bitwarden do have a few key differences. One of the biggest differences is the transparency level of the company and its product, in which Bitwarden appears to be the winner.
A side-by-side look at what reviewers are saying:
| LastPass | Bitwarden | |
| Source Type | Closed source | Open source |
| Overall Cost | More expensive | Less expensive |
| Ease of use | Easier to set up/use | A little more complicated |
| Audited | No | Multiple 3rd party audits |
» MORE:
LastPass vs Bitwarden: Features & Capabilities
LastPass and Bitwarden, being made for the same function, share many features and capabilities across the board. Both have a plethora of functions that are employed for their users and have similar ratings for quality. Below are the features highlighted on each of their respective sites.
LastPass Features
- Autofill
- Password vault (keeps all of your passwords in one place)
- Family Manager dashboard
- LastPass Authenticator
- Digital wallet (holds onto your card info in a secure location)
- Password manager
- Password generator
- Dark Web monitoring (available with higher levels of account)
Bitwarden Features
- Open source (all the better for bug fixes)
- Unlimited devices and syncing (use across all your devices)
- Password & username generator (for those days when you don’t feel creative enough)
- Free Cloud hosting
- Basic two-step login
- Store notes, credit cards, identities, etc.
- Encrypted export
» MORE: LastPass vs Dashlane: Which Is Better For You?
LastPass vs Bitwarden: Pricing
Pricing for these two password managers is pretty neck-and-neck, but Bitwarden has a clear advantage. Let’s break it down a bit:
LastPass has a pretty conventional pricing system. It starts off its prices at free for a single user/device and moves up to its Premium Package at $3/month for single user/unlimited devices (which has some extra features). Then they have their Family package is $4/month for 6 users/unlimited devices. They also offer business plans: Teams at $4/month for up to 50 users and Business at $6/month for unlimited users!
Bitwarden has a similar set-up on their platform: $0/month for 2 users, >$1/month for 2 users (extra features), and $3.33/month for 6 users. Their business pricing is $3/month/user and $5/month/user (with some extra features). The prices are definitely lower for Bitwarden, and the free option is a great bonus.
» MORE: Which Is Better For You, LastPass or 1Password?
Why Choose LastPass over Bitwarden?
From reviewer reports, LastPass has more features available for its users. They have slightly wider app compatibility than Bitwarden, but not by a large margin. Ease of use is also on the side of LastPass, as is scalability. It’s more accessible for users, as it can be run with any device or browser. LastPass provides its users with a wide list of entry types, as well as being able to create custom entries (meaning you can store anything you want)! Essentially, if you are looking for an abundance of features and scalability for personal or business reasons, then LastPass may be the choice for you.
Why Choose Bitwarden over LastPass?
The more cost-effective option is absolutely Bitwarden. Their package costs are much lower than LastPass, and for the almost same features…sometimes more. Example: Bitwarden’s free option is fully functional, while LastPass has a limited free option. This company has also undergone rigorous 3rd party testing as to its security levels. They are also open code, which makes it much easier to be improved their security. On a side note, LastPass did suffer a hack back in 2015. Something to keep in mind. To sum up, if you would like cost-efficient with top-rated security, Bitwarden is a solid choice for you.
» MORE: Which Is Best for You, Lastpass or Nordpass?
Similarities Between LastPass & Bitwarden
Being made for the same purpose, LastPass and Bitwarden obviously have many similarities. They both provide military-level security for their users. They have similar package set-ups and features, as well as biometric login options and comparable processes for handling passwords and vaults. Bitwarden, according to some of the review sites, has better support than LastPass. Honestly, there are so many similarities between these two that it would basically be its own article to cover them all. Suffice to say that they have pretty similar functions.
» MORE: Is RoboForm or LastPass Better for You?
LastPass & Bitwarden Alternatives
If neither LastPass nor Bitwarden seems like the choice for you, there are definitely other options out there. Shop around, do your research, and don’t be afraid to ask questions! We’ll highlight a few of your choices below.
Alternatives for either:
- 1Password
- Enpass
- Keeper
Alternatives for LastPass:
- Dashlane
- RoboForm
- PassCamp
Alternatives for Bitwarden:
- KeePass
- Authy
- Spectre
» MORE: Which Is Better for You, LastPass or Google Password Manager?
LastPass vs Bitwarden: Final Verdict
As with all software choices, it truly comes down to personal preferences and needs. It does seem, according to reviewers on most of the review sites, that Bitwarden is the clear winner. With a higher rating in most function categories, from security to support to pricing, Bitwarden has taken in its users with a great product and works to keep them as happy as possible. It has its code reviewed by 3rd party auditors and independent contractors, and the fact that it is open code means that bug fixes are quicker and easier. That being said, keep in mind that you must do your research and factor in what your needs are before making a decision. You can shop around, and you’ll find the right choice for you!
» MORE: Top Most Secure & Inexpensive LastPass Alternatives
FAQs
What does a password manager do?
A password manager can help create and store passwords, making your life a little easier.
Are there any risks to using a password manager?
Technically, yes. If someone, by some extraordinary happenstance, got your master password they would be able to access everything. But most password managers have built-in protections against this.
How do security experts feel about password managers?
They like them! They actually tend to recommend using one.
Can you use multiple password managers?
Sure! It can be useful if you have a password manager that only works on certain platforms.
Can my password manager see my passwords?
Nope. The system encrypts your data for you before it even leaves your computer.
» MORE: Term Vs. Whole Life Insurance: What’s the REAL Difference?
Sources
- https://www.lastpass.com/
- https://bitwarden.com/
- https://cybernews.com/best-password-managers/bitwarden-vs-lastpass/#:~:text=Bitwarden%20and%20LastPass%20both%20offer,winner%20for%20value%20for%20money.
- https://www.passwordmanager.com/bitwarden-vs-lastpass/
- https://www.cloudwards.net/bitwarden-vs-lastpass/