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Comparison · Password managers

Bitwarden vs Proton Pass: which is better in 2026?

Bitwarden93.5#1 in best password managersProton Pass90.5#3 in best password managers

Bitwarden ranks higher in our list of password managers (#1 against #3, score 93.5 against 90.5).

How we rank Share

  • 93.5
    Editorial score
    90.5
  • 7
    Platforms
    8
  • Yes
    Free to use
    Yes
  • Yes
    Open source
    Yes

Which should you choose?

Choose Bitwarden if you want

Free open-source password manager for most people.

Open-source clients, a free plan with unlimited passwords and devices, and low-cost paid tiers. Some of its code is under the Bitwarden License rather than GPL, so the open-source claim covers only part of the codebase.

Choose Proton Pass if you want

Free password manager with built-in email aliases.

A free plan with unlimited logins and devices, built-in hide-my-email aliases and open-source clients. Dark web monitoring and secure vault sharing need the paid Pass Plus plan.

Side by side

BitwardenProton Pass
Score93.590.5
Rank in list#1 of 10#3 of 10
PriceFree plan, paid upgradesFree plan for personal use; Premium and Families are paidFree plan, paid upgradesFree plan with unlimited logins; Pass Plus is paid
Free to useYesYes
Open sourceYesYes
PlatformsWebWindowsmacOSLinuxiOSAndroidBrowser extensionWeb, Windows, macOS, Linux, iOS, Android, Browser extensionWebWindowsmacOSLinuxAndroidiOSBrowser extensionCommand lineWeb, Windows, macOS, Linux, Android, iOS, Browser extension, Command line
Made byNot statedNot stated
Vault storageVendor cloud, self-host for businessesProton cloud, end-to-end encrypted
Free planYesYes
Best forFree open-source password manager for most peopleFree password manager with built-in email aliases
Strengths
  • Open-source clients with a free plan and unlimited passwords
  • Apps and browser extensions on every major platform
  • Self-hosting available for organizations
  • Free plan with unlimited logins and unlimited devices
  • Hide-my-email aliases built in
  • Open-source clients, with the Android app under GPL-3.0
Limits
  • Premium features such as file attachments cost extra
  • Some code is under the Bitwarden License, not GPL
  • Dark web monitoring and vault sharing need Pass Plus
  • Sign-in runs through a Proton account
LinksVisit site Visit site

Questions about Bitwarden vs Proton Pass

Is Bitwarden better than Proton Pass?
Bitwarden ranks higher in our list of password managers (#1 against #3, score 93.5 against 90.5). Bitwarden is best for: free open-source password manager for most people. Proton Pass is best for: free password manager with built-in email aliases.
Which is cheaper, Bitwarden or Proton Pass?
Bitwarden: Free plan for personal use; Premium and Families are paid. Proton Pass: Free plan with unlimited logins; Pass Plus is paid.
Do Bitwarden and Proton Pass run on the same platforms?
Bitwarden supports Web, Windows, macOS, Linux, iOS, Android, Browser extension. Proton Pass supports Web, Windows, macOS, Linux, Android, iOS, Browser extension, Command line.

Choosing between the two

Learning Center
1:17Beginner · 4 min readHow to decide between two good optionsSettle a close call by sorting it by how hard it is to undo, setting a deadline, scoring the criteria as a tie-breaker and writing down why you chose.1:20Beginner · 6 min readHow to compare products fairly: what to keep in mindDefine the job, cap the must-haves, compare like with like, count total cost over one period and weigh the criteria. Includes a worked example.

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