Bitwarden vs LastPass
A source-aware comparison of pricing, documented capabilities and workflow fit.
Short answer
- Price: not directly comparable — Bitwarden is free tier available, LastPass is pricing not verified.
- How to start: Bitwarden is free tier available, LastPass is pricing not verified.
- Where they differ: on what we checked they match — both offer mobile app and sso (saml).
These lines are generated from the pricing we track, not from a paid placement. How we score tools.
What Bitwarden is
Bitwarden is an open-source password manager that can be used as a hosted service or run entirely on your own server, with clients on every major platform. Being open source and self-hostable means the vault can stay on your own server and the client can be audited by anyone. The interface is plainer than its commercial rivals, which is the usual reason non-technical teams pick something else.
What LastPass is
LastPass is a password manager with browser-first design and business features. Browser-first design and long market presence mean most people can use it without training. Its security incident history is part of any honest comparison, and it is the reason a number of teams migrated away. Weigh that history against the convenience it still offers.
Side by side
| Bitwarden | LastPass | |
|---|---|---|
| Category | Productivity | Productivity |
| How to start | Free tiernot a monthly price | Not verifiednot a monthly price |
| Public API | Yes | not checked |
| Mobile app | Yes | Yes |
| Open source / self-hostable | Yes | not checked |
| SSO (SAML) | Yes | Yes |
| Visit | Bitwarden ↗ | LastPass ↗ |
What Bitwarden is built to do
- Open-source clients
- Publishes source for clients and server for independent review.
- Self-hosting option
- Runs the vault server on your own infrastructure.
- Organisation sharing
- Shares credentials through collections with role-based access.
What LastPass is built to do
- Browser-based vault
- Fills and captures credentials directly in the browser.
- Shared folders
- Distributes credentials to teams without revealing them.
- Admin policies
- Sets password rules and recovery options centrally.
Choose Bitwarden if
- Individuals and teams who want a password manager they can inspect or host themselves.
Choose LastPass if
- Teams already using it, weighing whether to move.
Evidence and freshness
Where a claim on this page comes from a vendor page, it is linked here.
Bitwarden: pros & cons
- Open source and independently audited
- Self-hosting is genuinely supported
- Free tier is usable for individuals
- Interface is plainer than commercial rivals
- Self-hosting means you own recovery and backups
- Some polish gaps in the desktop apps
LastPass: pros & cons
- Wide platform coverage
- Easy for non-technical users
- Business admin controls
- Repeated security incidents damaged trust
- Free tier restricted to one device type
- Interface changes have been unpopular
Our verdict on Bitwarden
The best value in password management, particularly if open source matters to you.
Our verdict on LastPass
Capable, but the breach history is a real consideration. Most alternatives now look safer.