Choosing an open-source password manager often comes down to two leading contenders: Bitwarden and Proton Pass. Both offer excellent free versions and affordable premium plans, making the decision tricky. This comparison dives into the details of each, highlighting key features, pricing, and security to help you choose the best fit.
Pricing and Plans
Both Bitwarden and Proton Pass provide generous free tiers. Each allows unlimited login storage across Windows, macOS, Linux, Android, and iOS devices, syncing seamlessly.
Bitwarden and Proton Pass pricing in a split-screen comparison.Bitwarden and Proton Pass pricing comparison (Image: MaagX)
Proton Pass Free offers unlimited vault sharing but limits users to two vaults. It includes time-based one-time passwords (TOTP), eliminating the need for a separate authenticator app. This is perfect for a personal and shared family vault. Bitwarden’s free version, while also robust, limits sharing to individual items (logins, notes, cards) or two collections with one other person. Encrypted text sharing offers a workaround for larger groups.
Paid plans unlock additional features. Bitwarden Premium, at $10/year, adds 1GB of encrypted file storage for attachments and built-in TOTP generation. Bitwarden Families ($40/year) extends premium features to six accounts. Proton Pass Plus, priced at $24/year, expands vault sharing to 10 vaults and allows secure sharing of individual items via links.
Feature Comparison
I can store encrypted logins, notes, files, and more in my Bitwarden vault.Bitwarden Vault Functionality (Image: MaagX)
Autofill functionality is seamless with both. Importing and adding credentials is straightforward. Bitwarden Premium’s 1GB encrypted storage allows for attaching scanned documents to entries, a feature Proton Pass Plus lacks. However, Proton’s free 5GB Proton Drive can be used as a workaround.
While both offer quick launch capabilities, their implementations differ. Bitwarden’s launch button requires extra clicks to access favorites or other passwords, while Proton Pass displays all logins or the last used vault immediately. Neither excels as a primary launcher.
Sharing is where Proton Pass Plus shines. Secure links with customizable expiration dates and view limits offer granular control. Entire vaults can also be shared with any Proton user. Bitwarden Premium’s sharing remains limited, even with the Families plan.
Proton Pass Plus let me set sharing permissions and a link expiration time.Proton Pass Sharing Options (Image: MaagX)
Support and User Experience
Bitwarden and Proton Pass apps maintain excellent App Store ratings.App Store Ratings for Bitwarden and Proton Pass (Image: MaagX)
Both enjoy high App Store ratings, reflecting positive user experiences. Email support is responsive for both, though NordPass offers a compelling alternative with 24/7 live chat at a similar price point to Proton Pass Plus.
Security and Privacy
Both Bitwarden and Proton Pass prioritize security. They utilize robust AES-256 encryption and undergo third-party audits. Both companies’ privacy policies emphasize user data protection, with no data selling or sharing with advertisers.
The Verdict
Proton Pass edges out Bitwarden with its intuitive interface and superior sharing capabilities. Its integration with the Proton ecosystem (VPN, Mail, Drive) makes Proton Unlimited an attractive bundle. However, Bitwarden Families remains a compelling value proposition for family sharing. Ultimately, the best choice depends on your individual needs and priorities. If sharing is paramount, Proton Pass excels. For budget-conscious families, Bitwarden Families provides an excellent balance of features and affordability.
