Bitwarden Free
The core password manager is already free: unlimited vault items, devices, passkeys, and autofill.
Technical Profile & Specs
verified 2026-08-11
- Cost
- $0 / forever (Free tier / Free tool)
- License
- GPL-3.0
- Hosting Model
- Local or hosted (your machine or their cloud)
- Platforms
- desktopmobilewebextensionthey host it
- Installation
- Create a hosted account and install an official app or extension; optional self-hosting uses Bitwarden's Docker deployment
- Operational Setup
- None for hosted use; self-hosting requires Docker, a domain/TLS, SMTP and ongoing server maintenance
- Where Your Data Lives
- Vault items are encrypted locally before sync; Bitwarden's cloud or a self-hosted server stores encrypted vault data, while clients keep an encrypted local cache
- The Catch / Trade-off
- It is the same core product, but canceling Premium means losing integrated TOTP, file attachments, emergency access and several reports.
Replaces 4 paid apps
up to $12.88/mo ($155/yr) in subscriptions
Bitwarden Free FAQ
Common questions
Is Bitwarden Free free and open source?+
Bitwarden Free is a free tool that runs on local or hosted. The core password manager is already free: unlimited vault items, devices, passkeys, and autofill.
What paid software does Bitwarden Free replace?+
Bitwarden Free serves as a free replacement for 4 paid SaaS applications: Bitwarden, Keeper, NordPass, RoboForm, saving up to $12.88/month ($155/year) in subscription bills.
How do you install and set up Bitwarden Free?+
Installation: Create a hosted account and install an official app or extension; optional self-hosting uses Bitwarden's Docker deployment. Setup notes: None for hosted use; self-hosting requires Docker, a domain/TLS, SMTP and ongoing server maintenance
What is the catch or trade-off with Bitwarden Free?+
It is the same core product, but canceling Premium means losing integrated TOTP, file attachments, emergency access and several reports.