1Password vs. Bitwarden—Which One To Choose?
When it comes to securing your sensitive details online, choosing the right password manager is essential. 1Password and Bitwarden are two standout options, each with unique strengths that cater to different user preferences. While both provide top-tier security and a range of features, their approaches to password management differ in subtle yet significant ways.
This review of 1Password vs. Bitwarden will explore their offerings, helping you determine which one aligns best with your specific needs. If you want to secure your financial information even further, this guide will also explain how to leverage virtual cards to protect your bank account or payment card details from potential hackers.
Disclaimer: The information in this article is accurate as of August 2024. For more up-to-date details, visit the service providers' website.
1Password vs. Bitwarden—What Do They Offer?
To evaluate how 1Password and Bitwarden stack up, we'll examine five critical aspects of their offerings:
- Security measures
- Password and file management features
- Device compatibility and customer support
- Pricing and plans
Security Measures
1Password and Bitwarden employ robust security measures to protect user data. For example, both service providers use AES-256-bit encryption to safeguard data. They also offer two-factor authentication (2FA) to add a layer of security using methods such as authenticator apps and hardware tokens in addition to passwords when signing into these services.
Other security features both services offer include:
- Zero-knowledge architecture—Ensures that only the user can access their data, as neither password manager stores users' master passwords
- Security audits—Undergoes regular audits and reviews by third parties to ensure the platform's integrity and security
- Bug bounty program—Encourages external researchers to find and report software vulnerabilities
The main difference between 1Password and Bitwarden in terms of security is that Bitwarden is open-source, meaning its code is publicly available, offering transparency and building trust in its security protocols. Bitwarden also offers a self-hosting option, allowing users to manage their password data on their own servers.
The two password managers also differ in the way they implement biometrics. 1Password supports a passwordless access option, while Bitwarden allows users to unlock their vaults with their biometrics but not log in.
Specific to 1Password is the Secret Key feature, which strengthens the security of encrypted data by adding a string of characters to the master password. If a user's master password gets compromised, the vault cannot be decrypted without the Secret Key.
Password and File Management Features
1Password and Bitwarden offer comprehensive password and file management tools. Both services include a password generator to create strong, unique passwords. The autofill feature is also available, which allows users to seamlessly and securely enter login credentials on websites and apps. Users can also store payment details, notes, and even documents in both password managers.
Additional features the two password managers have in common include:
- Password health check—Informs users about weak, reused, or compromised passwords.
- Secure sharing—Securely share vault items with other individuals
- 2FA support—Allows the creation of time-based one-time password (TOTP) within the password managers' app (or within a standalone application in the case of Bitwarden)
- Passkey support—Use passkeys for a more secure way of logging into accounts that support it
- Anonymous mail—Generate proxy email addresses thanks to 1Password's and Bitwarden's integration with email forwarding services
- Clipboard data clearing—Clear data from the clipboard after copying it from password managers
Bitwarden allows users to set up emergency access, allowing trusted contacts to access their vaults in case of an emergency. 1Password lacks this feature, but it provides its users with an emergency kit, a document that contains all the important information about their account.
1Password users can also remove and restore specific vaults from their devices while abroad with the Travel Mode feature.
Device Compatibility and Customer Support
1Password and Bitwarden have apps for all major operating systems, including:
- Windows
- macOS
- Linux
- iOS
- Android
In terms of browser compatibility, 1Password has extensions for Chrome, Firefox, Safari, Edge, and Brave. Bitwarden also offers extensions for these browsers, with the addition of Opera, Tor, Vivaldi, and DuckDuckGo.
For customer support, both password managers operate a help center and a community forum and offer assistance via email.
Pricing and Plans
Bitwarden offers its core services free of charge, allowing users to store and manage unlimited passwords across multiple devices. However, to access all the features, such as the ability to store and share encrypted file attachments, set up emergency access, or use the integrated authenticator for 2FA, users will have to opt for the Premium plan, which costs under $1 a month and includes 1GB of encrypted file storage.
1Password doesn't offer a free plan, but it does offer a free 14-day trial for users who want to try the service before committing to it. When users subscribe to its Individual plan at $2.99 per month, they can access the full set of features for personal plans, as well as 1GB of secure storage.
Both password managers offer Family plans. 1Password's costs $4.99 per month and supports up to five members, with features such as shared vaults and admin controls. Bitwarden's Family plan, at $3.33 per month, accommodates up to six users.
1Password and Bitwarden can also serve as password managers for businesses, with features that support access management at scale and regulatory compliance. 1Password's business plans start at $19.95 per month for up to 10 users, while Bitwarden's start at $4 per month per team member.
Still Not Ready To Choose?
Even though 1Password and Bitwarden offer industry-standard protection and numerous features, the password manager market is large, with many options worth exploring. If you're looking for password managers with strong free plans, for example, you might consider Proton Pass, Norton Password Manager, or Microsoft Authenticator.
Other alternatives you might consider include:
- Keeper Password Manager—Renowned for its advanced encryption and secure file storage, Keeper offers a built-in breach monitoring tool and secure messaging, ideal for those seeking comprehensive protection and communication security.
- LastPass—Features a highly intuitive interface and robust sharing options. Its advanced security dashboard and family plan options provide a balance of usability and convenience.
- NordPass—Includes a password health checker and zero-knowledge encryption. Its integration with other Nord security products offers a cohesive approach to digital privacy.
- Dashlane—Stands out with its dark web monitoring and automatic password-changing capabilities. Dashlane's built-in VPN adds an extra layer of security for browsing, appealing to users who need both password management and online privacy.
Cyber Threats Password Managers May Not Protect From
While password managers excel at securing and organizing login credentials and information such as payment card details, they can't protect sensitive information after you share it with someone.
When shopping online, for example, the security of your payment card details also rests in the hands of the merchant you're shopping with. If they suffer a data breach, your sensitive financial information might get stolen.
To reduce the risk of exposing your financial information to hackers, you can use virtual cards for online transactions. Virtual cards have random card numbers, security codes, and expiration dates you can use at checkout, hiding your actual payment details from potential thieves.
For advanced security and customized features, consider a reputable virtual card provider like Privacy.
Use Privacy Cards To Protect Your Financial Information
With an active user base exceeding 250,000, Privacy stands out as a top provider of virtual cards, delivering a robust solution for secure online transactions. Privacy is PCI-DSS-compliant and employs stringent security measures equivalent to those used by banks to protect your financial information.
For instance, Privacy undergoes frequent external audits by reputable third parties to ensure it meets the highest security standards. It also uses the industry-standard AES-256 encryption to protect data.
Privacy offers two-factor authentication (2FA), adding a layer of verification when signing into your account, which boosts protection against unauthorized access. You also receive real-time alerts when your virtual cards are used or declined, helping you react quickly to potentially unusual activity.
Privacy Card Types and Features
After connecting your bank account or debit card to Privacy, you can create three types of virtual cards:
- Single-Use Cards—Ideal for one-off purchases, these cards are designed to be used once, closing shortly after the transaction is complete. If the card details are compromised, they cannot be used by hackers.
- Merchant-Locked Cards—These cards are "locked" to the first vendor you use them with, making them perfect for recurring expenses like bills and subscriptions. They are also great for frequent purchases from preferred merchants. By "locking" to a specific vendor, they reduce the risk of unauthorized use elsewhere.
- Category-Locked Cards—"Tied" to specific merchant categories such as groceries, entertainment, or travel, these cards block transactions with merchants that do not fall into the preselected category or are above the card’s spending limit. You can use them for budgeting and controlling spending on particular types of products or services.
Privacy also offers card control features, allowing you to:
- Set spending limits—You can limit how much a merchant can charge your card. Any transaction that exceeds this limit will be declined, safeguarding against unauthorized charges, sudden price hikes, or unexpected fees.
- Pause and close cards—You can pause or close your virtual card, and Privacy will block further transactions. This feature reduces the risk of accidental charges, especially during and after canceling subscriptions.
Additional Convenience Features
With Privacy, you get several features that streamline virtual card management:
How To Join Privacy
To start creating virtual cards with Privacy, follow four steps:
- Sign up on the Privacy website
- Complete the know-your-customer steps to verify your identity
- Connect your debit card or bank account to fund your Privacy account
- Request and generate your first virtual card
Privacy offers four monthly plans, designed to meet varying needs:
Privacy Virtual Cards can be used by U.S. residents over 18 with checking accounts at U.S. banks or credit unions. They can be used at most merchants and websites that accept U.S. Visa® and Mastercard® payments.
