NordPass vs. Bitwarden Comparison: Which is better?

Unsure of the best way to store sensitive data and passwords? Learn how one of these password managers can help in this NordPass vs. Bitwarden comparison.

Do you struggle to remember every password and fear getting locked out? Try using a password manager. NordPass and Bitwarden excel at it.

NordPass provides a modern encryption solution, while Bitwarden delivers a free, open-source platform.

However, what makes each unique, and which offers the best capability? Let’s find out in this NordPass vs. Bitwarden comparison.

NordPass vs. Bitwarden: At a Glance

Here is a table breaking down the factors we considered in this NordPass vs. Bitwarden comparison.

Criteria	NordPass	Bitwarden	Winner
SMB Guide’s Rating	8.5/10	8.4/10	NordPass
Multi-factor Security and Authentication	✅	✅	Bitwarden
One-time Passwords	✅	✅	NordPass
Password Capture and Generation	✅	✅	Bitwarden
Password Sharing	✅	✅	Bitwarden
Emergency Access	✅	✅	Tie
Security Dashboard	✅	✅	Bitwarden
Account Recovery	✅	✅	NordPass
Browser Extensions	✅	✅	Bitwarden
Data Privacy and Compliance	✅	✅	NordPass
User Experience and User Interface	Easy to use	Easy to use	Bitwarden
Integrations and Compatibility	✅	✅	Bitwarden
Customer Support	Email; live chat; DIY	Email	NordPass
Pricing	Free – $5.39/mo	Free – $6	NordPass
Scalability	✅	✅	Bitwarden

NordPass: Key Features, Pros, Cons, & Pricing

NordPass is an online password manager that offers a secure solution for credit cards, passwords, and passkeys. It offers a simple and easy-to-use interface with decent security features.

The most prominent is the XChaCha20 encryption, a modern algo that’s fast and secure. Other key features include multi-factor authentication (MFA), zero-knowledge policy, and more.

Pros & Cons

Pricing

NordPass categorizes its pricing plans into two: Business and Personal & Family. The personal and family package is the basic, and it includes a free plan.

The plans are scalable, and the platform includes a money-back guarantee of 30 days. The billing cycle of the plans is annual and bi-annual.

Here are the plans:

• Free: $0
• Premium: $25.35 annually or ($40.23 bi-annual)
• Family: $44.28 annually or ($66.96 bi-annual)

Bitwarden: Key Features, Pros, Cons, & Pricing

Bitwarden is an open-source password manager offering a stellar privacy and security architecture. Unlike most free password managers that force you to upgrade to paid packages, Bitwarden provides more than the basics of the free plan.

Users access advanced multi factor authentication options, data breach monitoring, cross-platform accessibility, and more.

Pros & Cons

Pricing

Bitwarden categorizes its pricing structure into two: Business and Personal. Personal is the basic package, with scalable plans, including a forever-free plan. The top plan comes with a free trial period of 7 days, and the billing cycle is annual.

Here are the plans:

• Free: $0
• Premium: $10 annually
• Families: $40 annually

Multi-Factor Security and Authentication

NordPass offers users three multi-factor authentication options: authenticator apps, backup codes, and security keys. The authenticator apps offered are Google, Authy, and Microsoft. 

NordPass recommends using the backup codes whenever the authenticator apps or security keys are inaccessible. Something to note is that NordPass also supports hardware security keys like Yubikey.

Bitwarden provides a broader range of multi-factor authentication options than NordPass. Some include authenticator apps, email, premium methods, and FIDO2 WebAuthn credentials.

The premium methods offered include advanced options like Yubikey and Duo security (SMS, security keys, and phone calls).

Setting up multi-factor authentication on NordPass is simple. The software provides clear prompts that are easy to follow after logging into the platform.

Bitwarden, on the other hand, requires a premium plan subscription to generate the TOTPs. The good thing is that Bitwarden allows users to do it manually within the app. However, users on the free plan must integrate existing authenticator apps to use MFA.

Authenticator apps offer the optimum balance of convenience and security in terms of effectiveness.

They generate unique codes that cannot get replicated through phishing attacks. Email and SMS are the most prone to cyber-attacks. We recommend not using them as the primary multi-factor authentication option.

✅ Winner: Bitwarden

One-Time Passwords

NordPass offers a built-in authenticator that generates TOTPs within the password manager or directly tapping on a mobile app. However, this feature is missing from the free plan. 

Now, unlike Bitwarden, NordPass allows biometric authentication to access TOTPs. The software generates them every 30 seconds to avoid reuse. It helps add a crucial layer of security to sensitive info, including passwords.

Something to note is that NordPass patented its authenticator, showing they have a unique approach to securing 2FA. It assures businesses looking to share protected accounts with their staff that they have a guarantee of security.

The best part is that NordPass eliminates adding authenticator apps, streamlining the 2FA process.

Bitwarden provides an integrated authenticator that generates 6-digit TOTPs through SHA-1. It also generates a new TOTP every 30 seconds to avoid reuse. However, the freemium package lacks TOTP generation. 

Generating the TOTPs is easy; users can manually enter or scan a QR code. Bitwarden also offers TOTP autofill or copying and pasting them on a clipboard.

Regarding security features, NordPass uses XChaCha20 encryption to secure the storage of TOTPs. Bitwarden uses AES-256 industry-standard encryption to secure OTPs.

✅ Winner: NordPass

Password Capture and Generation

NordPass supports importing existing passwords from browsers like Firefox, Chrome, or Safari. Users can also import from other password managers in CSV, ZIP, and other formats. 

The accuracy is high, and the process is seamless. However, like Bitwarden, NordPass struggles with complex websites when importing passwords. In such situations, NordPass allows manual importation.

With password generation, NordPass provides a generator that can create random and strong passwords. The generator offers customization options for length (up to 32 characters) and character types (digits, uppercase, symbols, and lowercase).

Not only that, but the generator also has the option to avoid ambiguous characters.

Bitwarden allows users to import or enter their passwords from browsers and other password managers into their vaults. The process is seamless, similar to NordPass.

The accuracy is also high during the importation process. It even provides an extension that automatically detects and captures login info from websites a user visits.

With password generation, Bitwarden provides a generator that creates strong passwords according to specifications.

Users can customize the length (up to 64 characters) and character types (numbers, uppercase, memorable characters, and lowercase). Users can also generate passphrases for added security.

✅ Winner: Bitwarden

Password Sharing

NordPass has the advantage here. On the Premium plan, users can share passwords with unlimited recipients. The recipients can have full or read-only access, which suits shared work logins or families. 

Something to note is that NordPass allows the data to stay encrypted even when shared with a third party. Not only that but unlike Bitwarden, NordPass has a password-sharing tool for safe sharing through a secure link.

The link is valid for 24 hours only or until the recipient reads it. We found one drawback with NordPass: they don’t mention providing audit logs or trails on shared passwords.

Bitwarden allows users to share passwords through collections and organizations. They are structures that gather and share several users’ cards, logins, and identities. 

It works where a user moves items to an organization for sharing. Then, the owner transfers the items to the organization. One thing to note is that Bitwarden offers granular permissions with read-only or full access within collections.

Users can also use Bitwarden Send to share files and passwords securely through end-to-end encryption. Unlike NordPass, Bitwarden includes audit trails for organizations. It is helpful for accountability and oversight of shared items.

✅ Winner: Bitwarden

Emergency Access

NordPass makes it easy to set up emergency contacts, where users can add trusted members to their vault. Users can also define what information the emergency contacts can access, including specific or all passwords.

NordPass also allows designated emergency access contacts to request access without requiring knowledge of the master password.

On security measures, NordPass requires a contact to have a separate email activation sent to them. From there, the contact can access it through an OTP, adding a layer of security.

NordPass also throws a caveat where invitations to become a trusted emergency contact are valid for five days.

Revoking or granting emergency access on NordPass is easy through the app. After granting a recipient access, they can request to see the passwords.

NordPass sends a notification informing users of the request, but with a 7-day timeline to grant or decline. In case the request timeline passes without action, NordPass automatically grants access.

Bitwarden also allows users to designate emergency contacts who can request accessing data vaults. The emergency access feature is only available to premium plan subscribers (paid organizations and members).

With security measures, Bitwarden ensures that the decryption keys don’t get stored with the service. Not only that, Bitwarden transmits the data while encrypted between the requesting stage and granting.

Like NordPass, Bitwarden allows invitations to become an emergency contact validated within five days.

Once an emergency contact becomes added, they can take over or view the vault data. However, it will depend on the access level to which the contacts get granted.

✅ Winner: Tie

Security Dashboard

NordPass provides a security dashboard with a data breach scanner and a password health section. The password health section measures whether a password is old, weak, or reused.

If it falls into one of these categories, NordPass recommends changes to the vulnerable ones. The data breach scanner checks for public and dark web monitoring of a user’s email and passwords.

With customization, NordPass lacks options for tweaking the dashboard to display insights and relevant security metrics.

Bitwarden security dashboard provides a vault health report that displays weak, reused, compromised, and exposed passwords. The good thing is that it recommends actionable insights into the compromised passwords.

The vault health report also identifies inactive items in the vault with 2FAs and recommends that users secure their accounts.

After Bitwarden scans for breaches on a user’s email, it confirms the breaches. Not only that, but the software also includes potential matches, unlike NordPass. Bitwarden’s security dashboard is also more comprehensive than NordPass. It shows detailed insights into the password security status.

With customization, Bitwarden offers some options, unlike NordPass. Users can pick which metrics to view on the dashboard, offering a personalized view.

✅ Winner: Bitwarden

Account Recovery

NordPass provides password recovery for both business and personal accounts. When users create an account, the software generates a 24-character recovery code. The code is essential if the user forgets their master password and needs to regain access.

If a user forgets the master password and loses the recovery code, they can initiate a recovery process on the app or web. With individual accounts, the process is easier.

After losing a master password and recovery code, a user can use their biometrics, unlike Bitwarden. The biometrics allow the generation of a new recovery code to reset the master password.

With security measures, NordPass requires users to enter the recovery code on a trusted device. The platform recommends a device previously linked to the account, which adds a layer of protection. NordPass also enforces 2FA during recovery for security.

With backup mechanisms, NordPass lacks a built-in one for recovery code. Instead, the platform recommends storing it offline since it’s secure.

Bitwarden provides account recovery only for enterprise organizations. It allows designated admins to recover user accounts when employees lose the master password.

The feature triggers the exchange, making recovery secure. Something to note is that account recovery doesn’t bypass the 2-step login.

The recovery process starts with a user’s encryption key getting decrypted using the organization’s private key. From there, it gets encrypted with the new master key and a password.

The best part is that Bitwarden provides a recovery code that bypasses a 2-step login from outside the vault after recovery.

With backup mechanisms, Bitwarden doesn’t offer any. However, alternative mechanisms offered are 2FA options with a broader range than NordPass.

✅ Winner: NordPass

Browser Extensions

NordPass offers users a browser extension compatible with Safari, Chrome, Edge, Opera, and Firefox. The extension has a stellar autofill functionality that fills login info and secures website notes. 

The extension also captures new login information and prompts users to save it in the vault. NordPass also offers an extension with a customizable password generator.

NordPass takes security measures, including encrypting browser passwords and, in some cases, biometrics. It also emphasizes using a master password and 2FA to access the site.

One limitation we encountered with the NordPass extension was a less intuitive autofill interface.

Bitwarden also provides a browser extension that is compatible with Chrome, Safari, Edge, Opera, and Firefox. The extension offers more features than NordPass, like saving logins, creating folders, generating passwords, and autofill. 

Unlike NordPass, the Bitwarden extension allows users to log in to five accounts simultaneously.

With security measures, Bitwarden uses end-to-end encryption, even when transmitting data through Bitwarden Send.

One limitation of Bitwarden is that it requires extra clicks within the extension to access the features.

✅ Winner: Bitwarden

Data Privacy and Compliance

NordPass uses the future-proof XChaCha20 encryption, considered fast and modern. Implementing it is quicker than the standard AES-256 since it doesn’t require hardware support.

NordPass also uses TLS 1.3 for data transmission and a zero-knowledge architecture that ensures no one can access a user’s data.

With compliance, NordPass adheres to regulatory bodies like GDPR, HIPPA, and more.

Bitwarden uses the standard AES-256 encryption for data at rest and 1.2 for data in transit. The software also uses the zero-knowledge approach, ensuring the user’s vault stays encrypted. 

Unlike NordPass, Bitwarden gets regular security audits from third-party security companies. It also complies with HIPAA, SOC-2, CCPA, GDPR, and Privacy Shield standards.

The best part is that the open-source nature allows extra scrutiny from the community for overall transparency.

✅ Winner: NordPass

User Interface and User Experience

NordPass provides a modern and simple interface that’s easy to use, even for first-time users. The software allows users to easily organize and store their passwords using secure storage and password generation features. 

The platform also focuses on providing a cohesive UX, adapting its apps according to native OS standards.

The customization options offered are minimal compared to Bitwarden. Users can only change the themes to dark or light. NordPass excels at everyday tasks like adding logins, auto-filling forms, and generating passwords.

The Bitwarden interface is more technical, making it intimidating for new users. Unlike NordPass, it uses a vault structure to store data and offers granular organization.

Navigating the platform is a bit complex and requires exploring to get a hang of it.

Bitwarden offers more customization options than NordPass. Users can modify the themes, design, and settings to personalize Bitwarden.

✅ Winner: Bitwarden

Integrations and Compatibility

NordPass is compatible with the latest browsers like Firefox, Opera, Safari, Chrome, and Edge. The software also supports Windows 10+, Linux (64-bit) applications, macOS 11+, Android 9+, and iOS 15+.

NordPass also integrates with Azure Active Directory for user provisioning. Users will find it’s compatible with identity authentication services like Google Workspace, ADFS, Entra ID, Okta, and more.

NordPass also has an open API for MSP integration that provides usage data for managed organizations daily and monthly.

Bitwarden is an open-source platform compatible with all operating systems, including Android, macOS, Windows, Linux, and iOS. 

Unlike NordPass, Bitwarden provides more applications, including a mobile app, browser extension, desktop app, and web app for most browsers. Some include Tor, Edge, Chrome, Opera, Vivaldi, Firefox, and Brave.

Bitwarden also supports Azure Active Directory for user management and HRIS. It also integrates with email forwarding services for improved protection and privacy.

Like NordPass, Bitwarden has a public API. It helps organizations manage policies, collections, groups, and event logs.

✅ Winner: Bitwarden

Customer Support

NordPass offers two main customer support methods: live chat and email. Live chat gives it an edge over Bitwarden since it’s fast and offers around-the-clock service.

The support team is responsive and helpful, and the agents are knowledgeable about answering inquiries.

NordPass also provides self-help resources, including a help center, blog, white papers, and an FAQ. The content is in-depth and quality enough to offer help.

Bitwarden offers only two methods of support: tickets and social media DMs. Unlike NordPass, Bitwarden lacks phone and live chat support, which is a drawback. NordPass sends responses through email, which can take up to 24 hours.

Bitwarden also offers self-help resources, including a resource center, community forum, and blog. The content provided is comprehensive and offers quality answers to most FAQs.

✅ Winner: NordPass

Pricing

NordPass offers a simple pricing structure with three plans, including a forever-free package. Unlike Bitwarden, the plans have a 30-day money-back guarantee. Not only that, the billing cycles are annual or bi-annual, offering more flexibility. 

However, one thing to note is that the free plan has feature limitations compared to Bitwarden. NordPass’s free plan limits device usage to one, while Bitwarden supports unlimited.

Bitwarden also provides three plans, including a forever-free package. Unlike NordPass, Bitwarden lacks a money-back guarantee.

However, users access a week-long free trial period on the top plan. Bitwarden also offers cheaper plans than NordPass, with the premium plan charging $10 annually.

✅ Winner: NordPass

Scalability

NordPass offers unlimited password storage to its users. However, unlike Bitwarden, it limits its free plan to one device and paid plans to a maximum of six simultaneous connections.

It poses scalability limitations, especially for businesses or families using many devices.

Bitwarden, on the other hand, focuses on security with scalability in mind. Its integration with Azure to host ensures scalability, uptime, and security updates get timely management.

Not only that, but its tech stack can support high-performance and growth-fitting businesses of all sizes.

✅ Winner: Bitwarden

Standout Features of NordPass

NordPass provides one of the best password managers focusing on privacy and security through XChaCha20 encryption. Here are three features we found that make it stand out.

• Passkey Support – Whether thinking of using the passkey on a mobile device or desktop, NordPass supports it on all devices. It allows users to switch between desktop and mobile without hustle.
• Secure Notes – If you have sensitive info like alarm system codes, WI-FI passwords, and more, you can use NordPass secure notes to store it. It is a secure feature that allows users to note down important information.
• File Storage – Subscribing to the Premium plan allows you to attach files to your existing items online. It ensures that your essential data and documents are secure and accessible at all times.

Standout Features of Bitwarden

It is one of the standout open-source password managers, focusing on security and scalability at an affordable price. Here are three features we found that make it unique.

• Open Source and Cross-Platform – The open-source nature of Bitwarden makes it accessible publicly for review, making it unique. It also has cross-platform compatibility, making it versatile for all users.
• Bitwarden Send – Businesses looking to share sensitive data when collaborating require doing it securely. Bitwarden Send excels at it, allowing a user to transmit encrypted data securely to other parties quickly.
• Unlimited Device Sync – Bitwarden supports unlimited device sync, whether on the free or paid plan. It suits families and businesses that require multiple device use.

NordPass vs. Bitwarden: SMB Guide’s Verdict

Our NordPass vs. Bitwarden comparison shows that each password manager offers something unique. NordPass offers modern technology, while Bitwarden excels as an open-source platform.

However, after thorough evaluation and testing them for weeks, Bitwarden wins this comparison. Here is why:

Bitwarden is an open-source platform with strong community support. It also has cross-platform compatibility, making it versatile for individuals and organizations. 

The Bitwarden integration stack is extensive and supports 50+ languages globally. Its pricing plans are also cheaper, with the free plan offering more features than NordPass. The combination of these and more features is why it wins.

NordPass is an excellent alternative, offering quick live chat and email support. It also applies XChaCha20 encryption, which is fast and modern.

However, the customization and compatibility limitations make it lose this duel.

Choose Bitwarden If:

You prefer an open-source solution that is community-driven and offers advanced customization options for free.

Choose NordPass If:

You prefer using a solution providing modern encryption at an affordable price.