Bitwarden vs. LastPass—An In-Depth Comparison
Bitwarden and LastPass are recognized names in password management, each offering various features designed to protect and simplify digital credentials management. While both services provide similar core functionalities, they differ in several key areas that may influence your decision when choosing between them.
In this comparison of Bitwarden vs. LastPass, we'll explore their features, clarifying where each excels. If you're also concerned about your security when shopping online, we'll explain how virtual cards can shield your financial data.
Disclaimer: The information in this article is valid as of August 2024. The features and prices of the reviewed services may change after the publication date.
Bitwarden vs. LastPass—A Comparison of Key Offerings
We'll explore how Bitwarden and LastPass measure up against each other across three essential areas:
- Security measures
- Password and file management features
- Device compatibility and support
Security Measures
Bitwarden and LastPass encrypt data locally using AES-256 encryption before transmitting it to cloud servers, ensuring that data remains secure during transmission and after reaching their servers. Both password managers apply zero-knowledge architecture, which ensures they cannot decrypt users' data as they don't store users' master passwords.
Other similar security measures these services leverage include:
- Multi-factor authentication (MFA)—They offer multiple authentication methods, such as authenticator apps like Microsoft Authenticator, email, SMS, and hardware devices.
- Passwordless access—Both offer passwordless access via a push notification.
- Third-party audits—The services undergo regular security audits to ensure compliance with high-security standards.
- Bug bounty programs—LastPass and Bitwarden have bounty programs that encourage security researchers to identify and report vulnerabilities, contributing to ongoing security improvements.
The main difference between the two managers is that Bitwarden is open-source while LastPass is closed-source (although some third-party code it uses is open-source). Since Bitwarden's entire source code is publicly available, anyone can inspect, modify, and verify the software's security.
Bitwarden also offers a self-hosting option, allowing users to host their encrypted data on their servers. This feature reduces the risk of data exposure, as sensitive data is stored on internal systems.
Regarding biometric authentication, Bitwarden supports biometrics as an additional security measure but not a passwordless option. Meanwhile, LastPass allows users to leverage biometrics as one of its passwordless login methods, providing an alternative to entering a master password for added convenience and security.
Password and File Management Features
Bitwarden and LastPass offer robust password and file management features, enabling users to manage and access their sensitive information efficiently.
For instance, thanks to built-in password generators, users can create complex and unique passwords for multiple websites, simplifying the process of maintaining strong passwords across accounts. Both services also offer autofill, which automatically enters login credentials when accessing websites and apps and streamlines the login process.
Other shared features include:
- Notes and file storage—Provides a centralized place to store important documents and notes, making it easy to organize and retrieve sensitive information when needed
- Digital security dashboard—Analyzes stored passwords to identify weak, reused, and compromised passwords, helping users update and strengthen their passwords when needed
- Payment information storage—Offers a convenient way to store and manage payment details, simplifying online transactions and reducing the need to enter payment information repeatedly
- Authenticator app—Offers a standalone MFA app, which can be used to secure password managers' and other accounts
- Clear clipboard—Clears data copied from the password manager from the clipboard
- Emergency access—Gives users a way to share access to their vaults in case of an emergency
- Secure sharing—Allows users to securely share passwords and other vault items
A standout feature of Bitwarden is its integration with email forwarding services, which allows users to generate anonymous email addresses, increasing their privacy. Bitwarden also supports passkeys for a more secure login to stored accounts.
Device Compatibility and Support
Bitwarden and LastPass are compatible with a wide range of devices and platforms, including:
- Desktop devices—Windows, macOS, and Linux
- Mobile devices—iOS and Android
- Smartwatches—Apple Watch[20][21]
Both services also provide a command-line interface (CLI), which allows advanced users to manage their passwords through command-line operations, offering greater control and flexibility.
In terms of browser support, Bitwarden offers broader compatibility than LastPass:
Regarding customer assistance with various issues, LastPass offers 24/7 phone and web support for users on a subscription plan, as well as a Help Center with support articles (FAQs), an active community, and a chatbot. Bitwarden offers help through email, a help center, and a community forum.
LastPass vs. Bitwarden—Plans and Pricing
Bitwarden and LastPass offer various plans. We'll examine three plans from each service:
- Free
- Premium
- Family
Free
Both Bitwarden and LastPass offer free plans that allow users to store unlimited passwords. These plans also include a basic two-step login (2FA) and a password generator.
The main difference between the two plans lies in device access. Bitwarden allows users to connect unlimited devices, while LastPass limits access to one device type, which can be either mobile or desktop.
Individuals looking for dedicated password managers with free plans can also consider RoboForm, Keeper, and NordPass.
Premium
The Premium plans of both services build on the features provided in the Free plans. Bitwarden's Premium plan, priced at less than $1 per month, includes advanced two-step login options (such as YubiKey and Duo), 1 GB of encrypted file storage, password health reports, and emergency access.
LastPass's Premium plan costs $3 per month (billed annually) and offers similar features, with the addition of one-to-many password sharing and unlimited note storage.
Family Plan
For families, both Bitwarden and LastPass offer plans that support up to six users. These Family plans include all the features of their respective Premium plans, with additional benefits for managing multiple users.
Bitwarden's Family plan, priced at $3.33 per month (billed annually), provides 1 GB of encrypted file storage per user, plus 1 GB shared across the family.
LastPass's Family plan, at $4 per month (billed annually), adds a family manager dashboard, simplifying the management of shared items and accounts within the family.
Individuals looking for managers with family plans can also explore:
- Proton Pass, which offers up to 3 TB of shared storage and access to all Proton services
- Dashlane, which offers up to 10 separate accounts under one plan
- 1Password, which provides simple admin controls
Still Not Ready To Choose?
To make sure you choose the right password manager for your needs, consider reading how these password managers compare to other prominent service providers:
- LastPass vs. 1Password
- LastPass vs. Google Password Manager
- LastPass vs. Keeper
- Bitwarden vs. 1Password
Are Password Managers Safe Enough?
Password managers allow you to store and manage multiple credentials and payment information in one convenient and secure location. However, once your payment information is transmitted to a merchant during a transaction, the password manager can no longer offer protection. If the vendor's systems are hacked, the bad actors could steal your financial details.
To reduce the risk of your bank and payment card details getting exposed during data breaches, consider using virtual cards when buying online. These cards include random card numbers you can use for online purchases, hiding your actual financial information from hackers and scammers. There are several options for virtual card providers, but if you value a user-friendly interface and advanced security settings, consider using Privacy.
Privacy—Secure Your Financial Information
By connecting your bank account or debit card to Privacy, you can generate virtual cards for online purchases. Each virtual card has a unique 16-digit number, expiration date, and security code, shielding your real financial information at checkout.
As a PCI-DSS-compliant service provider, Privacy uses strong security measures to protect your data. It employs AES-256 encryption to protect your sensitive information from unauthorized access. Privacy also undergoes regular external audits, ensuring its security practices and systems are up-to-date and meet stringent industry standards and regulations.
Beyond offering robust security, Privacy enhances your protection with the following features:
- Two-factor authentication (2FA)—This feature boosts security by requiring a second type of verification before accessing your account.
- Transaction alerts—Privacy sends real-time notifications for all successful and declined transactions, allowing you to quickly spot and respond to any unusual activity.
- Fraud investigation—If you dispute a transaction, Privacy's team will investigate the issue and assist with initiating chargebacks against the merchant the same way a bank would.
Privacy Card Types and Features
Privacy offers three types of virtual cards:
- Single-Use Cards—These cards are intended for one-time purchases and close shortly after the first transaction is completed. Even if the card becomes compromised, it will be unusable, which makes it perfect for transacting with unfamiliar merchants.
- Merchant-Locked Cards—These cards "lock" to the first merchant you use them with, allowing reuse only with that specific vendor. Even if a hacker accesses a Merchant-Locked Card, they can't use it elsewhere. They're ideal for regular purchases from merchants and subscription services.
- Category-Locked Cards—These cards are "locked" to a specific merchant category, such as groceries, entertainment, or travel. If a transaction does not fall within the selected category, Privacy will block it. These cards are ideal for budgeting, as they can help you manage and control spending within predefined categories.
You can pause or close your virtual card at any time, and Privacy will block further transactions. This feature reduces the risk of accidental charges during and after unsubscribing from a service.
Privacy also allows you to set spending limits on your virtual cards, blocking transactions that exceed the maximum amount you've authorized. This feature protects against unexpected charges, such as accidental double billing or hidden fees.
Additional Convenience Features
To make virtual card management smooth and efficient, Privacy offers several convenience features:
Getting Started With Privacy
To get a Privacy Card, follow four quick steps:
- Sign up on the Privacy website
- Provide the required information to verify your identity
- Connect your bank account or debit card to fund your virtual cards
- Request and generate your first virtual card
Privacy offers four plans:
- Personal (free for domestic transactions)—This plan allows you to create up to 12 new Merchant-Locked and Single-Use Cards per month. You can set spending limits, pause or close cards as needed, and you'll have access to the browser extension, web app, and mobile app.
- Plus ($5 per month)—The Plus plan includes all the features of the Personal plan, with the ability to create up to 24 virtual cards per month. This plan also introduces Category-Locked Cards, Shared Cards, and lets you create card notes. Plus, you get Priority support and access to Live Chat during business hours (Monday through Friday, from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. ET).
- Pro ($10 per month)—The Pro plan builds on the Plus plan, allowing you to create up to 36 virtual cards per month. It offers 1% cashback on eligible purchases up to $4,500 per month and eliminates foreign transaction fees.
- Premium ($25 per month)—Designed for power users, the Premium plan includes all features of the Pro plan and allows you to generate up to 60 virtual cards per month.
