Bitwarden vs. LastPass: Comparison: Which is better?

Compare Bitwarden and LastPass to determine which password manager is best for you. Make an informed decision with our detailed analysis.

In today’s digital world, protecting passwords is a top priority. Bitwarden and LastPass are leading options. But which one is right for you?

Read on to discover the winner and see what SMB Guide recommends as the best alternative.

For more in-depth insights, check out our reviews of Bitwarden and LastPass to see how we evaluated each one.

Let’s get started!

Bitwarden vs. LastPass: At a Glance

Learn how Bitwarden and LastPass measure up across various criteria in our detailed comparison.

Criteria	Bitwarden	LastPass	Winner
SMB Guide’s Rating	8.4/10	8.8/10	LastPass
Multi-factor Security and Authentication	✅	✅	LastPass
One-time Passwords	✅	✅	Tie
Password Capture and Generation	✅	✅	Tie
Password Sharing	✅	✅	Bitwarden
Emergency Access	✅	✅	Tie
Security Dashboard	✅	✅	LastPass
Account Recovery	✅	✅	Tie
Browser Extensions	✅	✅	Bitwarden
Data Privacy and Compliance	✅	✅	Bitwarden
User Experience and User Interface	Easy to use	User-friendly interface	LastPass
Integrations and Compatibility	✅	✅	Tie
Customer Support	Email; live chat; DIY	Phone (business), live chat, Reddit, and X DMs	LastPass
Pricing	Free – $6	Free – $7/mo	Bitwarden
Scalability	✅	✅	Tie

Bitwarden: Key Features, Pros, Cons, & Pricing

Bitwarden is an excellent choice for those who value security and affordability in a password manager. Although it shines in these aspects, its user interface can be less intuitive. 

Bitwarden benefits from low cost, robust multi-factor authentication (MFA), one-time passwords, easy password capture and generation, and wide compatibility.

Pros & Cons

Pricing

Bitwarden provides two standard pricing plans for businesses, with a third option available for complete customization to fit your specific needs.

The Team’s plan enables you to securely share sensitive information with coworkers, whether within specific departments or throughout the entire company.

Enterprise is designed for larger organizations, and this plan includes advanced features to meet more complex needs.

Here are the plans to know:

• Teams: $4/month/user billed annually
• Enterprise: $6/month/user billed annually

You can also get a quote for custom pricing separately.

LastPass: Key Features, Pros, Cons, & Pricing

LastPass is a premier password management tool designed to securely store, manage, and autofill your login credentials. With all data encrypted in a personal password vault, users only need to remember their master password.

LastPass features an intuitive interface that simplifies password management, including a web vault and browser extension. 

Additional features include various two-factor authentication methods, account recovery options, secure password sharing, password security audits, and emergency access.

Pros & Cons

Pricing

LastPass offers two pricing categories: personal and business plans. For personal use, LastPass provides three plans: Free, Premium, and Family. For business purposes, LastPass offers Teams and Business plans. 

Here’s a breakdown of the pricing for each plan:

• Free: $0
• Premium: $3 per month (billed annually)
• Family: $4 per month (billed annually)
• Teams: $4 per month (billed annually) 
• Business: $7 per month (billed annually)

Multi-Factor Security and Authentication

Bitwarden supports two-step login, but be cautious as it could potentially lock you out of your account. With the free version, you can use authenticator apps like Authy or Google Authenticator to generate time-based verification codes.

Additionally, you can use any WebAuthn-compatible security key or opt to receive verification codes via email.

Premium users have extra options, such as YubiKey OTP security keys and Duo Security. To ensure access to your account if something goes wrong with two-step verification, make sure to view and save your account recovery code.

LastPass enhances data security by supporting both multi-factor authentication (MFA) and two-factor authentication (2FA). Their adaptive verification system adjusts authentication requirements based on user behavior and risk factors.

Users can choose from various second-factor options, such as the LastPass Authenticator app, mobile apps, software-based services, and hardware tokens. Premium users have access to additional authentication methods like hardware keys or biometrics.

LastPass also allows users to mark devices as trusted for 30 days, simplifying the authentication process while ensuring secure access.

✅ Winner: LastPass

One-Time Passwords

Bitwarden provides TOTPs. You can generate a TOTP using the Bitwarden mobile app or browser extension by scanning a QR code, or by manually entering a secret code in any Bitwarden app.

To do this, edit the vault item for which you want to generate TOTPs, configure the settings, and save. Once set up, the Bitwarden authenticator will continuously generate 6-digit codes that rotate every 30 seconds.

These codes can then be used as a second step for two-factor authentication on connected websites or apps.

LastPass provides a one-time password feature to reduce risks when accessing your web vault from unknown devices, protecting against potential keyloggers.

These passwords expire after a single use and cannot be reused, offering an extra layer of security. They are also useful for emergency recovery, with options for printing or secure storage.

✅ Winner: Tie

Password Capture and Generation

The Bitwarden generator tool is accessible from any of its platforms: the web vault, browser extension, desktop app, and mobile app.

You can specify the character length within a set range and select character options, including uppercase and lowercase letters, numbers, and special characters. Additionally, you can opt to exclude ambiguous characters by checking the appropriate box.

Capturing login information is also straightforward. As you enter your credentials, the browser extension will prompt you to save them automatically.

LastPass simplifies password management by securely storing your login credentials and offering various import options from browsers and other password managers such as 1Password, Bitwarden, and KeePass.

Users can organize their logins into folders and customize settings for each entry. The LastPass password generator provides three convenient access points: the browser extension, the Security Dashboard in the online application, and the in-field icon.

Users can generate passwords up to 99 characters long, with the default typically set at 16 characters. The generator can create passwords that include lowercase and uppercase letters, numbers, and symbols.

✅ Winner: Tie

Password Sharing

Password sharing with Bitwarden is straightforward. Within your Bitwarden Organizations, you can create Collections to hold specific vault entries based on the information you need to share.

You can then assign roles, groups, and collections to each user.

Member roles include:

• User: Access and add items to assigned collections.
• Manager: Create, delete, and manage access within assigned collections.
• Admin: Manage organization access, all collections, members, reporting, and security settings.
• Owner: Oversee all aspects of the organization, including billing and subscriptions.
• Custom: Available only in the enterprise plan, tailored to your specific needs.

Free LastPass users have the ability to share passwords one-to-one, whereas Premium and Family members can share items with multiple users. Family account holders can even share an unlimited number of folders.

Sharing a password with LastPass is easy. The sharer controls the recipient’s access via the Sharing Center in the web vault, specifying whether recipients can view the password and managing access to shared credentials.

✅ Winner: Bitwarden

Emergency Access

Bitwarden offers a robust emergency access feature that allows you to grant trusted individuals access to your vault in case of an emergency.

Setting up this feature involves a simple three-step process of inviting a trusted contact, the user accepting the invitation, and then you confirming their acceptance.

Trusted emergency contacts must have a Bitwarden account, but they do not need to be premium users to be designated as such.

A user’s status as a trusted emergency contact is linked to their unique Bitwarden account ID. If they change their email address, no reconfiguration is needed. 

The good news is there is no limit to the number of trusted emergency contacts you can have.

However, keep in mind only premium users, including those in paid organizations like Families, Teams, or Enterprise plans, can designate trusted emergency contacts.

Any Bitwarden account holder can be designated as a trusted contact.

LastPass’s Emergency Access feature, available to Premium users, allows you to designate up to five contacts who can request access to your account in case of an emergency.

You can set a wait time before access is granted, giving you the opportunity to deny the request if necessary.

For instance, if you are in a car accident and your spouse requests emergency access, you can approve or deny it based on your situation. If no action is taken within the wait time, access is automatically granted.

This feature can be used to:

• Allow your spouse access to health information stored in Secure Notes during medical emergencies.
• Ensure you can access your aging parents’ account information and digital will if needed.
• Provide your children with vault access if your health is seriously compromised.

✅ Winner: Tie

Security Dashboard

Unlike some other apps that provide a designated watchtower for a comprehensive 360-degree view of overall security and health, Bitwarden offers a more segmented approach.

Upon logging in, you can quickly view your vaults at a glance, with passwords neatly organized. For more in-depth security analysis, you need to navigate to the specific tab within the dashboard.

This provides detailed reports similar to a health checkup but for your online accounts.

Bitwarden also provides vault health reports designed to identify and alert you to security vulnerabilities. These reports can pinpoint weak, exposed, or reused passwords and provide insights into the overall security status of both individual and shared items.

You can run these health reports on-demand to assess the security of your passwords. This feature helps ensure that your passwords are strong, unique, and uncompromised, offering peace of mind and enhanced protection for your digital life.

The LastPass Security Dashboard acts as your digital security hub, providing a comprehensive view of weak and reused passwords and alerting you to compromised accounts that require immediate attention.

The Security Dashboard prominently displays your security score, which reflects the strength of all your passwords and your use of two-factor authentication.

Alongside this score, you’ll find a list of weak and reused passwords, encouraging you to make necessary updates to improve your security.

From the dashboard, you can:

• Update weak and reused passwords
• Assess and enhance your overall security score
• Monitor your email addresses for data breaches and receive alerts when your information is compromised.

✅ Winner: LastPass

Account Recovery

Bitwarden’s account recovery feature, formerly known as “admin password reset,” enables designated administrators within enterprise organizations to recover user accounts and restore access if an employee forgets their master password. 

Account recovery can be enabled for an organization by configuring the account recovery administration policy. Individual users must be enrolled in account recovery, either through self-enrollment or automatic enrollment policies.

Enrollment initiates a secure key exchange process necessary for recovery.

Account recovery operates with a hierarchical permission structure to determine who can reset whose master password:

• Any owner, admin, or permitted custom user can reset a user’s, manager’s, or custom user’s master password.
• Only an admin or owner can reset an admin’s master password.
• Only an owner can reset another owner’s master password.

Do keep in mind that account recovery does not bypass two-step login or Single Sign-On (SSO) requirements. Users must still authenticate using these methods even after recovery.

LastPass offers multiple account recovery options to help you regain access to your vault if you forget your master password.

• You can visit the generic recovery page, enter your associated email address, and follow the instructions to reset your account.
• On a computer, you can use a “recovery one-time password” stored in the browser extension. When you log in, the LastPass extension automatically creates and stores this one-time password. Click the “Forgot password” link on the login window to open LastPass recovery. You will receive an email with a link that activates LastPass to find the local recovery password, allowing you to create a new master password and regain access. If you previously set up SMS recovery, you will receive a code via text instead.
• This is the recommended method. If you have previously set up biometrics and mobile account recovery in the LastPass mobile app, you can use your device’s FaceID, TouchID, or fingerprint to reset your master password. Tap the “Forgot password” option in the mobile app and follow the prompts to enter your biometric data, then set a new master password. Note that this method requires prior setup of mobile account recovery in the app.

✅ Winner: Tie

Browser Extensions

Bitwarden browser extensions seamlessly integrate password management into your preferred web browser.

You can download the Bitwarden browser extension from your browser’s marketplace, app store, or directly from the Bitwarden Downloads page.

Bitwarden browser extensions are supported on:

• Google Chrome (two most recent versions)
• Mozilla Firefox (two most recent versions)
• Opera (two most recent versions)
• Microsoft Edge (two most recent versions)
• Safari (two most recent versions)

For Vivaldi, Brave, and Tor browsers, only the most recent version is supported.

LastPass’s browser extension features AutoFill, which securely stores your passwords, addresses, and payment cards, allowing the browser to automatically populate forms.

This functionality streamlines tasks such as creating new accounts or completing purchases. Available on Chrome, Firefox, Edge, Safari, and Opera, LastPass AutoFill offers enhanced features and security compared to standard browser options.

✅ Winner: Bitwarden

Data Privacy and Compliance

Bitwarden prioritizes safeguarding the personal data of its global customer base, focusing on secure storage and sharing. They comply with industry standards and conduct annual audits, which are openly shared with our users to ensure transparency and trust. 

As an open source platform, Bitwarden benefits from scrutiny by a global community, enhancing both transparency and security.

Bitwarden adheres to GDPR requirements, employing approved mechanisms such as EU Standard Contractual Clauses and EU-U.S. Privacy Shield frameworks where necessary. 

Regular third-party security audits, including source code assessments and penetration testing, ensure the integrity of Bitwarden’s infrastructure and applications.

Additionally, achieving SOC Type 2 and SOC 3 compliance underscores their commitment to maintaining robust security controls and processes.

LastPass has established a robust data privacy program that complies with major global privacy regulations, including:

• Australia’s Privacy Act (1988)
• Brazil’s General Data Protection Law (LGPD)
• US State and Federal Privacy Regulations (CCPA, CPRA, VCDPA, etc.)
• General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR)
• Singapore’s Personal Data Protection Act (PDPA)
• United Kingdom’s Data Protection Act (2018)

LastPass ensures the highest level of data security, employing various encryption methods similar to those used by Bitwarden. However, it is important to acknowledge that past data breaches have affected consumer trust in LastPass.

✅ Winner: Bitwarden

User Interface and User Experience

In terms of user interface, Bitwarden presents a somewhat antiquated aesthetic compared to its counterparts in the password management space. The design language and visual elements may appear older, lacking the sleek modernity seen in other password managers. 

Navigating through Bitwarden’s interface proved to be straightforward and user-friendly. The left-side menu organizes key functionalities in a clear and accessible manner, making it easy to locate and manage passwords, secure notes, and other stored data.

While the aesthetic might not match the contemporary designs of newer applications, the usability and functionality of Bitwarden remain strong, ensuring that users can efficiently access and manage their digital credentials without unnecessary complexity or confusion.

LastPass presents an intuitive interface that streamlines password management tasks such as importing and exporting from other managers and browsers, including easy bulk transfer of passwords.

Setting up LastPass is simple; users only need to enter an email address and create a master password, with guidance on generating a strong, randomized password.

✅ Winner: LastPass

Integrations and Compatibility

Bitwarden offers a comprehensive range of applications across various platforms to cater to diverse user preferences. Desktop applications are accessible for Windows, Mac, and Linux operating systems, ensuring compatibility and usability across major desktop platforms. 

For mobile users, Bitwarden provides dedicated applications for both iOS and Android devices, enabling secure password management on the go. 

Additionally, Bitwarden supports F-Droid for mobile phones, offering an open-source alternative for Android users.

For advanced users and those preferring command-line interfaces, Bitwarden offers a command-line interface (CLI), providing flexibility and efficiency in password management.

Additionally, LastPass offers extensive integrations with Directories and Federated Login services like Microsoft Active Directory Federation Services (ADFS) and Google Workspace.

This integration simplifies user onboarding and access management, offering Single Sign-On (SSO) capabilities that enhance user efficiency across more than 1,200 pre-connected apps.

The LastPass mobile apps for iOS and Android replicate the browser experience, providing security features, password viewing and editing, and effortless autofill functionality.

Mobile autofill, especially with biometric authentication, ensures secure access to accounts while on the move.

✅ Winner: Tie

Customer Support

Bitwarden’s support options include contacting customer service via email, where you need to fill out a form on their website initially. Additionally, they provide an extensive help center, community forums, and offer live and on-demand demonstrations. 

They are also active on various social media platforms such as X (formerly Twitter), LinkedIn, YouTube, Facebook, Instagram, Twitch, Reddit, and GitHub, providing multiple avenues for assistance and community engagement.

On the other hand, LastPass offers phone support and 24/7 web support exclusively accessible to Personal and Business plan subscribers.

A chatbot handles initial inquiries, and users can submit support tickets as necessary. Knowledge libraries and forums offer supplementary resources for troubleshooting.

✅ Winner: LastPass

Pricing

Bitwarden’s pricing plans are as follows and display the monthly rates for the yearly billing plans:

Plans	Pricing
Free	$0
Premium	$1/mo
Families	$3.33/mo
Teams	$4/mo
Enterprise	$6/mo
Custom	Request a quote

All LastPass plans are billed annually and are outlined as follows:

Plans	Pricing
Free	$0
Premium	$1.99/mo
Family	$3.69/mo
Teams	$1.99/mo
Business	$3.99/mo
Enterprise	$5.99/mo

✅ Winner: Bitwarden

Scalability

Both Bitwarden and LastPass offer scalable solutions tailored to meet the needs of businesses of varying sizes and requirements.

Both providers offer Team plans designed for organizations needing to manage passwords and sensitive information across multiple users effectively. 

For larger enterprises or businesses with specific customization needs, both Bitwarden and LastPass provide Enterprise or custom plans.

These plans are designed to scale with the organization’s growth and operational demands, offering advanced features such as comprehensive user management, integration with existing systems, and advanced security protocols to meet enterprise-level security standards.

✅ Winner: Tie

Standout Features of Bitwarden

One great stand-out feature is Bitwarden Send which introduces a secure and fully encrypted method for transmitting sensitive information to recipients, regardless of whether they use Bitwarden themselves. 

With Bitwarden Send, users can confidently send sensitive information such as login credentials, financial details, or personal documents without compromising security.

The encryption ensures that data remains protected throughout transmission, safeguarding it from unauthorized access or interception by third parties.

This feature extends beyond typical password sharing, allowing individuals and organizations to securely exchange critical information with clients, colleagues, or partners.

Standout Features of LastPass

One standout feature of LastPass is the cloud storage it provides when you sign up. If you have data in your LastPass account that doesn’t fit into any other category, you can store it securely in notes.

Online storage is exclusive to Premium LastPass users, with a maximum cap of 1GB that cannot be increased. To store something in LastPass, you must attach it to an item.

Bitwarden vs. LastPass: SMB Guide’s Verdict

In our assessment, both Bitwarden and LastPass received comparable ratings. However, Bitwarden emerges as the preferred choice in this comparison due to its stronger emphasis on security and comprehensive feature set.

LastPass caters well to cost-conscious users and newcomers seeking a user-friendly interface.

Bitwarden distinguishes itself with its robust security protocols, proven track record in safeguarding sensitive data, and extensive scalability options.

Whether it’s advanced security features or scalability for growing businesses, Bitwarden excels across various criteria.

For users prioritizing top-tier security and a wide range of advanced functionalities in their password management solution, LastPass stands out as the clear winner.