Bitwarden Review: A Free and Easy Password Manager

When it comes to password managers, many people assume that you need to pay for a service to get the level of security and functionality they offer. However, Bitwarden challenges this notion by providing a free and highly secure password manager that's hard to beat in terms of value.

Built on the template of familiar password managers, Bitwarden boasts a clean and modern interface that's easy to use, even for those new to password management. Upon opening the app, users are presented with the option to select the region their data will be stored - U.S., Europe, or self-hosted. This is an important choice, as it determines which government's laws and regulations apply to your data.

Once set up, both the macOS and iOS apps take you to the My Vault page, where all your passwords are stored. From here, you can access secure messaging, password generator, and settings sections of the app. On first opening the app, there are no passwords stored - but if you're using another password manager, you can export and import them into Bitwarden.

One of the standout features of Bitwarden is its free tier, which allows syncing across unlimited devices and unlimited passwords. This makes it a complete solution for those who aren't looking for all the bells and whistles. You can also store credit card details for payments, secure notes, and ID credentials - making it an excellent choice for those looking to step up their security from browser-based free services.

However, there are a few elements that don't quite shine as brightly. Setting up features like auto-fill can be confusing, especially if you're new to password management or have used other services before (like Apple Passwords or Google Password Manager). Disabling those services and enabling Bitwarden's auto-fill feature isn't exactly straightforward, either.

Some of the more advanced features are reserved for the paid tiers, including encrypted file attachments, an integrated authenticator, and emergency access - in case you fall ill or pass away. The full price for a one-year subscription is only $10 (around £7.50), making it an incredibly affordable option.

Security Features

Bitwarden prioritizes security above all else, with features like constant monitoring of data breaches on other sites that could include your login details. On the paid tier, you also get an analysis of your vault to help you know how secure and effective your existing passwords are against attacks.

The app supports passkeys for those who don't want passwords at all - and with 2-factor authorization and hardware security keys, you can further lock up your vault. Bitwarden is open-sourced, which means the source code can be examined by the community to spot potential problems before hackers become aware of them.

Conclusion

Bitwarden is an excellent choice for anyone looking to start their password management journey without breaking the bank. With its free tier offering a wealth of functionality and security features, it's hard to beat in terms of value. While it may not have the polish of some rivals, Bitwarden is a robust and reliable service that will make managing your passwords a hell of a lot easier.

So, if you're looking for a password manager that won't cost an arm and a leg, give Bitwarden a try. It's free, secure, and feature-rich - what more could you ask for?

Specifications

  • Available for: iOS, macOS, Windows, Linux, Android
  • Free tier offers:
    • Syncing across unlimited devices
    • Unlimited passwords
    • Secure messaging
    • Password generator
    • Settings section
  • Paid tier offers:
    • Encrypted file attachments
    • Integrated authenticator
    • Emergency access
    • Password analysis and reporting
  • Pricing:
    • $10 (around £7.50) per year for the paid tier
    • $40 (around £30) per year for up to 6 Premium accounts on the family plan
  • Open-sourced and transparent about its security practices
  • Supports passkeys for those who don't want passwords at all

About the Author

Martyn has been involved with tech since the early 80s, when his ZX Spectrum first arrived. He covers iOS, Android, Windows, and macOS, writing tutorials, buying guides, and reviews.