Solo Biz Soft Editorial Team Freelancers handle logins for client accounts, hosting, social media and banking. A password manager keeps them safe and organized. This guide compares Bitwarden and 1Password using each company’s own US pricing page.
Prices are in US dollars and were checked on 19 September 2026. 1Password’s page showed promotional prices with a higher regular price.
Quick comparison
| Bitwarden | 1Password | |
|---|---|---|
| Free plan | Yes: unlimited passwords and devices, sharing with one other user | Not shown; 14-day free trial |
| Individual price | Premium: $1.65/month billed annually ($19.80/year) | Individual: $2.99/month billed annually (regular $3.99) |
| Family plan | Families: $3.99/month for up to 6 people | Families: $4.49/month (regular $5.99) for up to 5 people |
| Storage | 5 GB file attachments on Premium | 1 GB per user |
| Extras | Authenticator, emergency access, vault health reports | Watchtower alerts, Travel Mode, secure sharing |
Bitwarden
Bitwarden’s free plan lists unlimited passwords across unlimited devices, browser, mobile and desktop apps, zero-knowledge encryption, a password generator, Bitwarden Send and sharing with one other user. Premium ($1.65 a month billed annually) adds an integrated authenticator, 5 GB of file attachments, emergency access, vault health reports and priority support. It also offers self-hosting options.
Pros
- Free plan with unlimited passwords and devices
- Very low Premium price
- Open source, with self-hosting options
Cons
- Interface can feel less polished to some users
- Free plan shares with only one other user
- Some extras need Premium
Visit BitwardenFree plan
1Password
1Password’s Individual plan is $2.99 a month billed annually (a promotional rate; regular $3.99) for one seat, with secure sharing, 1 GB of storage, Watchtower alerts for weak or compromised credentials and Travel Mode. Families is $4.49 a month (regular $5.99) for up to five people. It lists a 14-day free trial.
Pros
- Polished apps
- Watchtower and Travel Mode included
- 14-day free trial
Cons
- No permanent free plan shown
- Higher price than Bitwarden Premium
- The promotional price differs from the regular price
Visit 1Password14-day free trial
How to choose
If you want to start free: Bitwarden’s free plan is the clear option.
If you value a polished experience and are happy to pay: try 1Password’s free trial.
If you share logins with a family or partner: compare the Families plans.
Frequently asked questions
Is a free password manager safe?
Bitwarden lists zero-knowledge encryption on its free plan. Use a strong master password and turn on two-step login.
Do I need a password manager as a freelancer?
It is strongly recommended. You handle many client and business accounts.
Can I switch later?
Most password managers let you export and import. Check first.
Prices and features were checked on 19 September 2026 and can change. Always confirm on the company’s website.