Bitwarden vs LastPass: comparison 2025
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Bitwarden and LastPass are well-known password managers that boost your online security by managing your passwords, autofilling forms, and keeping you safe from hacks. Each offers free and paid versions packed with features, but they have their own strengths and weaknesses.
Bitwarden stands out as the better password manager due to its open-source structure and affordability, even though it has a less polished user interface. On the other hand, LastPass has a user-friendly interface and lots of features, but its past security issues may be a concern.
In this comparison, I evaluate both services based on their security practices, app experience, additional security features, customer support, and overall value. Let's find out which password manager is the right fit for your needs.
LastPass vs Bitwarden – an overview
LastPass and Bitwarden both use AES-256 encryption, ensuring strong security. LastPass is user-friendly and has extensive features, but it has faced notable security breaches. Bitwarden, while less polished, offers transparency and affordability as an open-source tool, making it a preferred choice for many.
| TOP Choice | |||
| NordPass | Bitwarden | LastPass | |
| ⭐ Rating: | |||
| 🥇 Overall rank: | #1 out of #19 | #6 out of #19 | #13 out of #19 |
| 🔥 Coupons: | NordPass coupon 52% OFF | Cybernews Password Manager Coupons | Cybernews Password Manager Coupons |
| 💵 Price: | From $1.43/month | From $0.83/month | From $3.00/month |
| ✂️ Free version: | Yes, plus a 30-day money-back guarantee | Yes | Yes, plus 30-day money-back guarantee |
| 🔒 Encryption: | XChaCha20 | AES 256-bit | AES-256 |
| 🖥️ Platforms: | Windows, macOS, Linux, Android, iOS | Windows, macOS, Linux, Android, iOS | Windows, macOS, Android, iOS |
| 🌐 Browser extensions: | Chrome, Edge, Firefox, Opera, and Safari | Chrome, Firefox, Edge, Opera, Safari, Vivaldi, Brave, Tor | Chrome, Firefox, Opera, Safari, Edge |
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Bitwarden vs LastPass: which is more secure?
I've assessed the security features of both Bitwarden and LastPass, focusing on their encryption methods, authentication systems, audits, and other security aspects.
Bitwarden beats LastPass on security. Both use strong 256-bit AES encryption and protect your privacy with zero-knowledge architecture.
However, Bitwarden is open-source, meaning its security is open for anyone to see and check. It also lets you host your own data, which LastPass doesn't. Bitwarden has been audited by security experts like Cure53 and Insight Risk Consulting, adding an extra layer of trust.
| Security measures | LastPass | Bitwarden |
| Encryption protocol | AES-256 | AES-256 |
| Zero-knowledge architecture | ✅ Yes | ✅ Yes |
| Multi-factor security | ✅ Yes | ✅ Yes |
| Biometric authentication | ✅ Yes (fingerprint or facial recognition) | ✅ Yes (facial and fingerprint recognition) |
| Security audits | ❌ No | ✅ Audited by Cure53 and Insight Risk Consulting |
| Secret Key | ❌ No | ❌ No |
Encryption
Bitwarden and LastPass use AES-256 encryption to keep customer vaults inaccessible to outsiders. Encryption masks all your logins, credit card details, IDs, and even folder names to ensure nothing is unencrypted and potentially vulnerable. The two password managers also employ zero-knowledge architecture, meaning neither provider can access your vault against your will.
Multi-factor security
Both LastPass and Bitwarden offer extra security through multi-factor authentication (MFA), which means they ask for more than just a password to log in.
LastPass gives you many ways to verify it's really you, such as using apps like Google Authenticator or physical devices like a YubiKey. I believe it's great for people who want lots of options to secure their accounts.
Bitwarden also uses MFA but keeps it simpler, which I think is perfect for those who want straightforward options. Free users can use email or authenticator apps for extra security, while premium users have access to additional tools like security keys.
LastPass offers more MFA customization, which in my opinion is ideal for tech experts and businesses, while Bitwarden's simpler approach suits everyday users well.
Data storage
When I looked at the data storage options between LastPass and Bitwarden, a few key differences stood out to me. LastPass provides 50MB of encrypted storage for its free users, which I think is adequate for storing essential items. For those needing more space, LastPass Premium offers 1GB, allowing for a broader range of documents and data to be stored securely.
Bitwarden offers a uniform 1GB of encrypted storage across all its paid plans, suitable for both personal and professional use. Additionally, the option to extend storage to 2GB on organizational plans is a nice touch, accommodating larger teams or more extensive data needs effectively.
LastPass offers a basic entry option and more substantial storage for premium users, while Bitwarden maintains consistency in its storage offering, enhancing its appeal to users who need predictable and ample space.
Privacy policy
Both LastPass and Bitwarden collect user data to operate their services, but there are key differences in how they handle privacy.
LastPass gathers a wide range of data, including email addresses, billing info, IP addresses, device types, and session details. This data is used for improving services and managing customer accounts. LastPass also shares some of this information with third parties, including for advertising purposes, though it does not traditionally "sell" data. However, its association with marketing data sharing leaves me feeling uneasy about potential privacy implications.
Bitwarden, while still collecting data such as names, email addresses, and device information, takes a more privacy-conscious approach. It does not sell user data and provides transparency through its open-source model. This approach gives me a sense of reassurance, as Bitwarden's privacy policy indicates data is used strictly for operational purposes and shared with third parties only when necessary for global operations or legal obligations.
When it comes to privacy, Bitwarden to me appears to be the more trustworthy option than LastPass due to its more restrained data collection, open-source transparency, and commitment to not selling user information. LastPass, while secure, has broader data-sharing practices that might not appeal to users who prioritize maximum privacy.
Third-party security audits
Both Bitwarden and LastPass undergo third-party security audits, but they differ in transparency.
Bitwarden, being open-source, allows anyone to review its code, and it regularly undergoes external audits like those by Cure53. This openness boosts my trust because it allows users to directly verify security.
LastPass, though not open-source, is audited regularly for compliance with industry standards such as SOC 2 Type II and ISO 27001. While these audits ensure robust security, the details are less accessible to the public compared to Bitwarden, which makes it a bit harder for me to fully assess their transparency and security stance.
Bitwarden vs LastPass: features overview
While both Bitwarden and LastPass provide essential password management features such as password generation, sharing, importing, recovery, and autofill, their advanced features differ.
To me, Bitwarden stands out with its self-hosting option, allowing users full control over where their data is stored, a feature that LastPass does not offer. However, neither service includes a travel mode or automatic backups, which I think is a drawback compared to other managers like 1Password or NordPass.
| Features | LastPass | Bitwarden |
| Password generator | ✅ Yes | ✅ Yes |
| Password sharing | ✅ Yes | ✅ Yes |
| Password importing | ✅ Yes | ✅ Yes |
| Account and password recovery | ✅ Yes | ✅ Yes |
| Autofill | ✅ Yes | ✅ Yes |
| Travel mode | ❌ No | ❌ No |
| Automatic backups | ❌ No | ❌ No |
| Self-hosting | ❌ No | ✅ Yes |
Password importing
Unsurprisingly, Bitwarden and LastPass offer password-importing features to welcome anyone migrating from other password storage products. Both services support various familiar methods of transferring information, but in my experience, LastPass proved to be more powerful and convenient.
LastPass gives you plenty of options when it comes to importing passwords. You can sync them from your web browser, other password managers, and other sources. Even if your old password manager doesn't feature exporting, LastPass can extract your passwords using its passive import function. The whole importing process felt seamless, with easy on-screen steps you can follow.
Bitwarden also has several options for password importing – browsers, other password managers, CSV files – but the process wasn’t as straightforward during my testing. I had to rely on its helpfully extensive knowledge base to find the right guide. Once I found the tutorial, the process became manageable, but it wasn’t as intuitive as LastPass’ on-screen tips.
Account and password recovery
Both LastPass and Bitwarden offer account recovery options, but their approaches vary significantly.
LastPass provides multiple methods. You can use a password hint, recover the account through a mobile account with Face or Touch ID, recover it via a text message, or use your previous master password. You must use the browser extension to activate your chosen recovery method. If none of those work, you’ll have to start again with a completely new account, as LastPass won’t be able to access your details.
Bitwarden offers two recovery options. First, there’s a special recovery code issued when setting up two-factor authentication (2FA). Users are urged to store this code safely, as it’s essential for account recovery if the master password is lost. Recently, Bitwarden introduced Emergency Access, allowing users to designate a trusted contact who can recover or take over the account if needed.
Password generator
Both LastPass and Bitwarden offer sophisticated password generators, but in my opinion, Bitwarden’s user-friendly interface gives it an edge.
From my testing, I found LastPass’ customization options robust but harder to reach, hidden in the Advanced Options – this setup was awkward compared to Bitwarden’s easier access.
Bitwarden starts with a default of 14 characters, extendable up to 128, and includes customization options like letters, symbols, numbers, or a passphrase. In my tests, I found Bitwarden's interface to be straightforward and user-friendly, clearly better for quickly setting up secure passwords.
Password sharing
Both LastPass and Bitwarden offer structured password sharing but with noticeable differences.
LastPass offers generous sharing options through its Business and Family Plans. However, many useful features are limited to its web app, complicating access outside a browser. I think this setup can be inconvenient when you need to manage settings on the go.
Bitwarden's sharing capabilities are more universally accessible, with even free users getting some ability to share, though with limitations. The real standout is Bitwarden's “Send” feature, which allows for flexible, secure sharing with anyone – even non-users. This feature, complete with options for password protection and expiration dates, provided a sense of security and ease that made a strong impression during my testing.
Autofill
LastPass clearly outshines Bitwarden in autofill smoothness and responsiveness.
Hovering to fill out forms on LastPass not only saved me time but also made me feel more secure on sites like Facebook and Amazon. However, its desktop app occasionally struggles with recognizing sites, but the Quick Search feature is a handy workaround, quickly pulling up necessary credentials.
In contrast, Bitwarden demands more steps to autofill, which often broke the flow of my browsing, especially on desktop. You need to actively select the autofill option from the extension, a process that, while secure, lacks the immediacy of LastPass. Its mobile app does a bit better but still doesn't reach the seamless experience offered by LastPass.
Bitwarden vs LastPass: which offers better value for money?
| Plan | LastPass | Bitwarden |
| Free | ✅Yes | ✅Yes |
| Individual/Premium | $3.00/month | $0.83/month |
| Families | $4.00/month | $3.33/month |
| Teams | $4.00/month | $4.00/month |
| Business/Enterprise | $6.00/month | $6.00/month |
| Check LastPass Pricing | Check Bitwarden Pricing |
Bitwarden generally offers better value, especially for personal use and families, due to its lower cost.
Bitwarden and LastPass both provide robust free plans for individual users. Bitwarden stands out for affordability, with its Personal/Premium plan priced at just $0.83 per month, offering a significant cost advantage over LastPass' $3.00 per month for similar features. For families, Bitwarden’s plan costs $3.33 per month, compared to LastPass’ $4.00, both allowing extensive sharing among multiple users. Both come with a 30-day money-back guarantee.
In the business and enterprise segments, both services align with a pricing of $6.00 per month, offering advanced management tools and security features suited for larger organizational needs. Bitwarden and LastPass both provide Teams plans at an equal cost of $4.00 per month, making them competitive options for small to medium-sized businesses.
Platforms, interface, and ease of use
LastPass offers an intuitive interface that's easy for newcomers to navigate, making it simple to get started on popular platforms like Windows, macOS, iOS, and Android, as well as browsers including Chrome, Firefox, and Safari. However, unlimited device syncing is restricted to paid plans.
In contrast, Bitwarden supports a broader range of environments. It is compatible with Linux and lesser-used browsers like Vivaldi and Tor, as well as all major platforms and browsers. It offers unlimited device syncing across both its free and paid plans. Despite its slightly outdated interface, Bitwarden's extensive compatibility adds to its versatility after an initial adjustment period.
Both password managers were tested on Mac, Android, Windows, and Chrome. These tests were conducted to evaluate their platform integration and user
Desktop apps
Bitwarden and LastPass are compatible with Windows, Mac, and Linux, making both password managers suitable for users with varying desktop preferences.
LastPass' desktop interface mirrors its web version, making navigation seamless, although some settings open in a separate browser window, which adds an extra step. In contrast, Bitwarden offers consistent aesthetics across all platforms; the desktop app behaves much like the web app, ensuring familiarity when switching between them.
However, during my testing on a Mac, I found Bitwarden's desktop interface less intuitive than its web counterpart, with essential features being harder to access as they're placed in the menu bar rather than the sidebar. This configuration might feel more natural to Windows users, where menu bars typically house key functionalities.
Browser extensions
Bitwarden and LastPass enhance browser functionality, catering to different user needs. Bitwarden supports a broader range of browsers including Chrome, Firefox, Edge, Safari, Opera, Vivaldi, Brave, Tor, and DuckDuckGo. I think this versatility makes it suitable for users across various platforms. Its interface remains consistent, simplifying navigation. In testing, Bitwarden’s straightforward design proved beneficial, especially when switching between browsers.
LastPass, focusing on mainstream browsers like Chrome, Firefox, Safari, and Edge, offers a user-friendly extension. The layout is clean, highlighting quick vault access and upgrade prompts to enhance usability. However, some settings in LastPass open in a separate browser window, adding an extra step that can complicate quick interactions. Despite this, my experience with LastPass was smooth, with the extension facilitating efficient access and ease of use.
Mobile apps
Bitwarden and LastPass cater to iOS and Android users with tailored features. Bitwarden excels in syncing across multiple devices, offering a straightforward interface that's ideal for those who frequently switch between gadgets. While user-friendly, its autofill could be smoother, sometimes requiring extra steps to complete logins. Bitwarden also simplifies sorting and accessing data on the move.
LastPass provides a straightforward, clean interface that simplifies interactions and boosts efficiency. Despite previous security concerns, it secures user data reliably. Its intuitive layout minimizes the learning curve, enhancing the daily user experience.
Between the two, LastPass might be superior with its ease of use for those preferring simple, direct access, while Bitwarden appeals to users seeking flexibility and detailed control.
LastPass vs Bitwarden: customer support
| LastPass | Bitwarden | |
| Email support | ✅Yes | ✅Yes |
| 24/7 live chat | ❌No | ❌No |
| Phone support | ❌No | ❌No |
| Support community (forum) | ❌No | ✅Yes |
| How-to guides/Knowledge base | ✅Yes | ✅Yes |
| Social media support | ❌No | ✅Yes |
Although both Bitwarden and LastPass provide reliable email support and detailed how-to guides, Bitwarden offers a more robust support framework.
Bitwarden features a community forum and social media engagement, giving users multiple channels to seek help and share insights, which makes it superior in terms of support accessibility.
Bitwarden's community forum allows for user interaction and peer-to-peer assistance, enhancing the support experience with collaborative problem-solving. This is complemented by active social media support, broadening the avenues through which users can receive timely help and updates.
Conversely, LastPass focuses mainly on direct email support and a detailed knowledge base. While effective, the lack of a support community and social media interaction limits the ways users can connect with the service, particularly for real-time problem resolution.
Neither service offers 24/7 live chat or phone support, which, in my opinion, could be a limitation for users needing instant help.
Bitwarden vs LastPass: user reviews
LastPass scores 4.4/5 on g2.com from over 1600+ reviews and 1.3/5 on trustpilot.com from 700+ reviews. Users appreciate its ease of use and password management capabilities but raise concerns about autofill issues, security, and customer support.
Bitwarden earns 4.7/5 on g2.com with 700+ reviews and 4.6/5 on trustpilot.com from 180+ reviews, praised for its support, features, transparency, pricing, and free version. However, some find it challenging to use.
Clearly, Bitwarden is much more favored due to higher ratings and positive reviews. LastPass is being reviewed more frequently, so naturally, it has lower ratings, but the shockingly low score of 1.3 on Trustpilot is notably concerning.
Bitwarden vs LastPass – which one wins?
Both Bitwarden and LastPass offer some benefits. Bitwarden is known for its security, thanks to being open-source and rigorously checked by security experts. It’s also less expensive than LastPass, which is great for those watching their budget.
LastPass shines with its easy-to-use interface. It simplifies password management with features like automatic password updates and emergency access options. But it costs more.
Bitwarden stands out as the better choice than LastPass to me. It's affordable and secure, making it ideal for those who want top-notch security without spending a lot. LastPass is easy to use, but Bitwarden's low cost and reliable security make it the top pick for smart online users focused on security and budget.
| Category | LastPass | Bitwarden |
| Features | Password generator, password sharing, dark web monitoring, encrypted storage (1GB) | Password generator, Bitwarden Send, 1GB encrypted storage |
| Pricing and plans | More expensive, limited free version | Very affordable, free plan with multi-device sync |
| Security | AES-256 encryption, zero-knowledge, previous breaches raise concerns | Open-source encryption, zero-knowledge, regular audits, but concerns with autofill |
| Ease of use | Intuitive and streamlined experience | Slightly outdated interface but user-friendly |
| Customer support | Email support, 24/7 for premium users, no live chat | Email, knowledge base, no live chat |
| Compatibility | Windows, macOS, Linux, iOS, Android, browser extensions | Windows, macOS, Linux, iOS, Android, browser extensions |
How I tested LastPass vs Bitwarden
This comparison between Bitwarden and LastPass involved thorough testing to determine which password manager stands out. Here’s a breakdown of how I evaluated both:
- Security practices. I assessed their encryption standards, privacy policies, and reviewed third-party audits to ensure the best account protection.
- App experience. I downloaded both apps, testing essential features like autosave and autofill, and considered the overall ease of use.
- Additional security features. I checked for any extra security tools that enhance each password manager’s offerings.
- Customer service. I contacted both providers' customer support to evaluate their response times and the quality of assistance.
- Overall value. After summarizing the results, I considered whether each password manager’s features justify its price point.
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FAQ
Is Bitwarden better than LastPass?
Bitwarden outshines LastPass with its affordability, open-source transparency, and broader device compatibility. It offers robust security features and unlimited syncing across all devices at a lower cost, making it the superior choice for budget-conscious users who value security and flexibility.
Is it easy to switch from LastPass to Bitwarden?
Yes, switching from LastPass to Bitwarden is relatively easy. You can export your data from LastPass as a CSV file and then import it into Bitwarden. Both platforms offer clear guides to help you through the process so you can transfer your passwords and other information smoothly without losing any data.
Where do Bitwarden and LastPass store my passwords?
Bitwarden and LastPass only store your passwords on your devices, where they are masked using AES-256 bit encryption. Both password managers then upload an encrypted "blob" of your data to their servers, which can only be decrypted when it’s redownloaded by you using your master password.
Comments
* Fully supports a last-used timestamp. Helps me eliminate and avoid duplicate entries, particularly when importing from elsewhere. BT doesn't have this at all.
* Very granular record sharing by folder and/or item, allowing me to retain ownership of the item if I want. BW has organizational sharing -- and once shared, the org'n owns the item, not me.
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