Bitwarden vs LastPass
Last updated: 2026-08-18
Free open-source vs freemium — which password manager is better? — pricing, features, and our verdict.
Feature Comparison
| Feature | popular Bitwarden | best LastPass |
|---|---|---|
| Price from | $0 (Free) | See website |
| Free trial | Free plan available (unlimited passwords, unlimited devices) | Check website |
| Best for | Best free password manager | Various use cases |
| Free plan | Unlimited passwords, unlimited devices | Check website |
| Starting paid price | $10/year (Premium), $3/user/mo (Teams) | — |
| Encryption | AES-256, zero-knowledge, open-source | — |
| Self-hosting | ✓ | — |
| Platforms | iOS, Android, macOS, Windows, Linux, browser | — |
| Biometric unlock | ✓ | — |
| Password generator | ✓ | — |
| Breach monitoring | Premium only | — |
| API access | ✓ | — |
| Support | Community (Free), Email (Premium), Priority (Teams) | — |
| Pricing | — | See website |
Bitwarden Pros & Cons
Pros
- Most generous free plan — unlimited passwords and devices
- Open-source — code is auditable and transparent
- Premium only $10/year — incredible value
- Self-hosting option for organisations
- Cross-platform — iOS, Android, desktop, browser extensions
Cons
- Interface less polished than 1Password or Dashlane
- Auto-fill can be inconsistent on some sites
- No travel mode (like 1Password)
- Free plan lacks breach monitoring (premium only)
- Mobile app can be slow to load vault
LastPass Pros & Cons
Pros
- Good feature set
- Active user community
- Regular updates
Cons
- Learning curve required
- Some limitations on lower tiers
Final Verdict
Both Bitwarden and LastPass are solid choices in the Password Manager space. The right pick depends on your budget, team size, and specific feature needs. We recommend trying both via their free plans or trials before committing.
Our pick: LastPass
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is better for small businesses: Bitwarden or LastPass?
For small businesses, the better choice depends on your budget and specific needs. LastPass generally offers better value for money, while Bitwarden has more advanced features for growing teams.
Do Bitwarden and LastPass offer free trials?
Yes, both platforms offer ways to try before buying. Free plan available (unlimited passwords, unlimited devices) offers a trial, and LastPass also offers a trial. We recommend trying both before committing.
Can I switch from Bitwarden to LastPass (or vice versa)?
Yes, most platforms offer data export tools. Contact lists, settings, and historical data can usually be migrated, though some manual setup will be required. Check each platform's migration documentation before switching.
Ready to try?
Start with a free trial and see which tool fits your workflow.