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Best for Privacy Features
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Security-forward password manager backed by SOC 2 Type II and Cure53 security audits
Supports passkeys, a more secure sign-in method that's not yet standard across every password manager
Share passwords with other Proton users by email or with a secure link for anyone else, no account required
Best for Affordability
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Open-source software and zero-knowledge encryption means only you can see your data
Completely compatible across operating systems, including Linux
Share passwords and files securely with built-in link expirations and open limits
Even though both open-source password managers bring strong security and compelling features to the table, Proton Pass has a slight edge over Bitwarden.
Bitwarden is more affordable and offers a self-hosting option that’s unique among mainstream password managers, but Proton’s ease of use and out-of-the-box privacy make it a better choice for most users. Here's how the two compare on value, features, security, user experience, and more.
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Our Pick |
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| Star rating | ||
| Price | $2.99-$12.99/mo | $1.65–$3.99/mo |
| Free version | ||
| Number of users | Up to 6 | Up to 6 |
| Compatibility | Windows, macOS, Linux, Android, iOS | Windows, macOS, Linux, Android, iOS |
| Browser extensions | Chrome, Firefox, Edge, Safari, Brave | Chrome, Firefox, Opera, Edge, Safari, Vivaldi, Brave, Tor |
| Password sharing | ||
| Encryption | AES-GCM-256 | AES-256 |
| Password generator | ||
| Password strength report | ||
| Autofill | ||
| Passkey support | ||
| Digital legacy | ||
| Cloud storage | Yes — Up to 1 TB (select plans only) | Yes — Up to 2 GB |
| Learn more | Get Proton Pass | Get Bitwarden |
Proton Pass has a number of things going for it. First, it’s built by Proton — the same company that produces Proton Mail and Proton VPN (among other tools). Proton’s reputation in the online privacy space is outstanding, and that goes a long way. You can also easily bundle Proton Pass with these other services for a full privacy suite.
Proton’s UI is very pleasant to use, which makes managing your passwords easier. It’s also got privacy-focused bonus features like email aliases built right in, which is convenient. Proton services are based in Switzerland, which still has some of the best data protection laws in the world. Finally, Proton Pass also offers a very generous free plan compared to many competitors.
Bitwarden has been a popular password manager for years. Its prices are lower than most competitors, and Bitwarden’s free plan is the gold standard. It supports a large number of operating systems and browsers, which helps ensure it’s always available when you need it. And Bitwarden is the only big-name password manager that offers a self-hosting option, where you store your passwords on your own server.
Bitwarden’s interface isn’t bad by any means, but it is less polished than Proton Pass’s. The main concern with Bitwarden is that it’s recently had massive price hikes, so it’s no longer quite the value leader that it once was. The company has also undergone some changes in leadership that are concerning. If you’re interested in Bitwarden for its free plan, I’d be cautious right now.
Our team has conducted hands-on testing on 30+ password managers. We install each product on our own devices and test it across both mobile and desktop, evaluating how well it handles saving, filling, and syncing credentials across real-world situations.
We evaluate each product across five areas:
To learn more about how we test, read our full testing methodology here.
Despite the price hikes, Bitwarden is still the better value from a purely financial perspective. However, Proton Pass isn’t that much more expensive, and its features may give it the edge for some — especially if you’re interested in other Proton services.
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Our Pick | |
| Price range | $2.99-$12.99/mo | $1.65–$3.99/mo |
| Best value plan | Family Plan for $4.99/mo | Family Plan for $3.99/mo |
| Free trial | Free plan available | Free plan available |
| Money-back guarantee | Yes — 30 days | Yes — 30 days |
| Learn more | Get Proton Pass | Get Bitwarden |
Proton Pass’s plan structure is simple: you’ve got the basic free plan, a premium option, a family plan, and then a bundle with other Proton services.
Proton Pass offers both a very generous free plan and a 30-day money-back guarantee, so you can try the service without worrying about committing up front.
Bitwarden’s plans are even simpler than Proton’s — you’ve got the basic free plan, the upgrade option, and the family plan.
Like Proton Pass, Bitwarden offers a very generous free plan and a 30-day money-back guarantee.
Proton Pass offers stronger privacy features, especially if you bundle. Bitwarden, on the other hand, tends to have stronger organizational and power-user features. Proton is probably the better choice for most users.
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Our Pick |
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| Import/export tool | ||
| Password sharing | ||
| Password generator | ||
| Autofill | ||
| Password strength report | ||
| Digital legacy | ||
| Passkey support | ||
| Cloud storage | Yes — Up to 1 TB (select plans only) | Yes — Up to 2 GB |
| Extra features | Proton Sentinel threat defense system Email aliases Integration with other Proton services |
Bitwarden Send sharing tool Self-hosting options |
| Learn more | Get Proton Pass | Get Bitwarden |
Proton Pass and Bitwarden offer a very similar core feature set. Each covers all the password manager basics. The differences start to creep in around the user interface and extra features. Proton’s interface is generally a little more modern and user-friendly — Bitwarden isn’t bad, just not quite as polished.
When it comes to extra features, Proton offers more from a privacy perspective. The Proton Sentinel threat monitoring system is powerful, and it offers easy email aliases (great for privacy) and excellent integration with other Proton services.
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Bitwarden has more for power users, though, with deeper organization for passwords and the option to self-host. Self-hosting means the passwords live on your own server, instead of the company’s. This is tougher to set up, of course, but can be better for privacy (if done properly).
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If you want to self-host, Bitwarden is the obvious choice. Otherwise, I think most users will get slightly more out of Proton’s feature set.
Proton Pass and Bitwarden each offer distinct advantages in safety and security, but Proton Pass has a slight advantage due to Swiss privacy laws.
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Our Pick |
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| Encryption | AES-GCM-256 | AES-256 |
| Password hashing | bcrypt | PBKDF2 (SHA-256) or Argon2id |
| Two-factor authentication | ||
| Undergone a security audit? | ||
| Most recent data breach | ||
| Learn more | Get Proton Pass | Get Bitwarden |
Both password managers have extremely effective encryption and hashing systems, so passwords are secure. Both have had independent audits done, and there are no known data breaches for either.
Proton Pass has the advantage of being based in Switzerland, along with built-in email aliases and bundles with other Proton services. However, while both services make user-facing apps open source, Bitwarden also provides the source code for its back-end infrastructure, so it’s slightly more transparent. The self-hosting option is also a huge privacy win for those who want to take advantage of it.
Ultimately, I’d say Proton Pass is more secure out of the box, simply because it’s based in Switzerland, which is great for privacy. However, if you’re willing to self-host Bitwarden, that gap narrows significantly.
Bitwarden has wider compatibility and similar customer support options, giving it the lead here. However, Proton Pass does cover all the most popular platforms.
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Our Pick | |
| Windows | ||
| macOS | ||
| Android | ||
| iOS | ||
| Browser extensions | Chrome, Firefox, Edge, Safari, Brave | Chrome, Firefox, Opera, Edge, Safari, Vivaldi, Brave, Tor |
| 24/7 customer support | ||
| Customer support options | Support form, online guides | Email, online guides |
| Learn more | Get Proton Pass | Get Bitwarden |
Both password managers offer intuitive interfaces. Proton Pass is a little more polished, but Bitwarden isn’t bad by any means. Both also offer similar customer support options — you can open a ticket 24/7, but paid plans get quicker support.
The main difference here is in platform support. Proton Pass covers all the most popular operating systems and browsers, but Bitwarden supports some extra browsers, like Vivaldi and Tor, which will make it appealing to a wider audience. That’s enough to give it the win in this category.
Proton Pass and Bitwarden are great, but not the only options available. RoboForm offers unbeatable value, NordPass is great as a bundle with NordVPN, and Keeper brings powerful security. All are among the best password managers available.
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User-friendly password manager starting at $0.99/mo for new subscribers
Has never been breached, with AES-256 encryption and a third-party audit completed in February 2025
Includes emergency access, data breach monitoring, and a highly customizable password generator
Learn more in our RoboForm review.
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Trusted password manager that also supports passkeys, a more secure way to log in that doesn't rely on a password
Premium plan adds data breach alerts, email masking, and emergency account access for a trusted contact
Included in Nord's Plus bundle alongside NordVPN, anti-malware, and an ad blocker
Learn more in our NordPass review.
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Password manager with zero-knowledge encryption and a security audit that scores your overall password health
Share passwords via a one-time secure link with no Keeper account required on the recipient's end
Has never been breached and regularly publishes third-party security audits on its website
Learn more in our Keeper review.
This is a close race, but I have to give the win to Proton Pass, thanks to better default privacy and a slightly stronger feature set.
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Our Pick |
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| Value | ||
| Features | ||
| Safety | ||
| Compatibility & customer support | ||
| Learn more | Get Proton Pass | Get Bitwarden |
Proton Pass shines thanks to its excellent privacy pedigree, strong bundling options, and modern UI. The spread of privacy features right out of the box is just slightly better than Bitwarden for most users. However, Bitwarden is no slouch — it’s a fantastic value, very secure, and the option to self-host shouldn’t be overlooked.
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Security-forward password manager backed by SOC 2 Type II and Cure53 security audits
Supports passkeys, a more secure sign-in method that's not yet standard across every password manager
Share passwords with other Proton users by email or with a secure link for anyone else, no account required
Ultimately, if you want easy-to-use privacy, go with Proton Pass. If you want a more affordable option or intend to host your passwords on your own secure server, go with Bitwarden. Either way, I think you’ll be pleased with your choice.
Yes, both Proton Pass and Bitwarden are open-source password managers. However, Bitwarden takes it a step further — both the user-facing app and the backend infrastructure are open source. Proton only makes the code for the app itself available.
Bitwarden makes money through three primary channels: business and enterprise subscriptions, a premium consumer upgrade plan, and various developer products. This allows the company to offer a robust free plan without making your data the product (always a concern these days, unfortunately).
Proton Pass is owned by Proton AG, the same company that owns and operates Proton VPN, Proton Drive, and Proton Mail. It’s a well-respected player in the online privacy space. The primary shareholder of Proton AG is the Proton Foundation, a Swiss nonprofit “established to help ensure the company must act in the best interest of the Proton community.”
Bitwarden is owned by Bitwarden, Inc., a privately-held US company based out of Santa Barbara, CA.
Yes, Bitwarden offers a self-hosting option. In fact, it’s the only mainstream password manager to offer this feature. Bitwarden offers a comprehensive self-hosting FAQ and resources to help you set up your server.
Yes, Bitwarden offers both a built-in authenticator feature and a standalone authenticator app. The built-in authenticator is limited to Bitwarden’s Premium plan.
Security-forward password manager backed by SOC 2 Type II and Cure53 security audits
Supports passkeys, a more secure sign-in method that's not yet standard across every password manager
Share passwords with other Proton users by email or with a secure link for anyone else, no account required
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