In short
- Unlimited passwords and devices on the free plan.
- Imports 1Password’s export directly.
- Apps for desktop, Android and iOS, plus extensions for the main browsers.
It’s for you if…
- You use 1Password to save and fill in passwords on all your devices.
- You want to stop paying a subscription for the basics.
- You prefer audited, open source software.
Better pick something else if…
- You rely on Travel Mode or other features exclusive to 1Password.
- You want built-in TOTP codes without paying: in Bitwarden they are Premium.
- You manage many business accounts with advanced policies: compare its business plans first.
From 1Password to Bitwarden: equivalents
| 1Password | Bitwarden |
|---|---|
| Vaults | Folders for you and collections for sharing |
| Browser autofill | Bitwarden extension for Chrome, Firefox, Edge, Safari and more |
| Watchtower | Vault health reports (Premium) |
| Passkeys | Can also be stored in Bitwarden |
| Verification codes (TOTP) | Built-in generator with Premium |
| Sharing with other people | Organisations: free for two people; paid family plans |
| Secret Key and master password | Master password and two-step login (worth turning on) |
| Masked email | Alias generator with services such as SimpleLogin or addy.io |
Step by step
Create your Bitwarden account
Sign up for free at bitwarden.com and choose a long, unique master password: it is the only one you will need to remember, and nobody can recover it for you.
Export from 1Password
In the 1Password desktop app, use the export option in the File menu and save the file in 1PUX (or CSV) format. That file contains your passwords unencrypted: keep it somewhere safe.
Import into Bitwarden
Open the Bitwarden web vault, find the option to import data, choose the matching 1Password format (1PUX or CSV) and upload the file.
Check and delete the export
Make sure your passwords, notes and cards are there. Then delete the exported file and empty the bin: you don’t want it lying around on your computer.
Install the apps and extension
Install Bitwarden on your phone and the extension in your browser, and sign in. On Android and iOS, set Bitwarden as the autofill service in the system settings.
Turn on two-step login
In your Bitwarden account settings, turn on two-step login with an authenticator app. That way, even if someone knew your master password, they couldn’t get in.
Cancel 1Password
Once you have used Bitwarden for a few days without problems, turn off 1Password’s autofill and cancel the subscription.
Files and formats
Bitwarden imports 1Password’s export in 1PUX or CSV format, and also data from Chrome, Firefox, KeePass, LastPass and many other managers. You can export your Bitwarden data whenever you like as JSON (encrypted too) or CSV, so you are never locked in.
What you won’t find
- Built-in TOTP codes, file attachments and security reports are Premium.
- There is no Travel Mode like 1Password’s.
- Some 1Password items or attachments may not come across exactly: check what matters after importing.
Tips
- Use Bitwarden’s generator to gradually change reused passwords.
- Keep your two-step login recovery codes on paper or somewhere safe outside Bitwarden.
- If you would rather not rely on the cloud, KeePassXC is another free, open source option.
- For TOTP codes without paying, you can use a separate authenticator app.
Comparison: Bitwarden vs KeePassXC, which one to pick?
Frequently asked questions
Is free Bitwarden enough?
For most people, yes: unlimited passwords and devices, a browser extension and phone apps. Premium is optional and adds extras such as built-in TOTP codes.
Is it safe to store my passwords in Bitwarden?
Bitwarden encrypts your data on your device before sending it, so not even the company can read it. Its code is also open and undergoes external audits.
Are passkeys imported too?
It depends on how 1Password exports them: check after importing and, if any are missing, create them again in Bitwarden from the website itself.
Independent: we have no commercial relationship, sponsorship or affiliation with 1Password or with these alternatives, and nobody pays us to recommend them. Links go to their official websites and are not affiliate links; the site is funded only by Google AdSense ads, which don't influence the selection. Learn more.
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