# Open Source Password Manager Bitwarden is an open-source password manager that is committed to ensuring source code transparency as a primary requirement for security solutions. --- ### Open source password manager built for transparency and security The source code for Bitwarden is hosted on GitHub and everyone is free to review, audit, and contribute to the Bitwarden codebase. [Check out Bitwarden on Github](https://github.com/bitwarden/) ## GitHub Code Repositories ### Server The Bitwarden Server project contains the APIs, database, and other core infrastructure items needed for the "backend" of all bitwarden client applications. ![icon-self-host-4-blue](https://bitwarden.com/assets/6SbBq15me0jUE7k1Gfyrt4/2ab477a532c273e48b55a47d33451806/icon-self-host-4.png) [Download](https://github.com/bitwarden/server) ### Browser The Bitwarden browser extension is written using the Web Extension API and Angular. ![icon-browser-blue](https://bitwarden.com/assets/2Thd3HPM3Y27cOlpNwoZPs/e0c59007b530a72f3e6bd012d44d947e/icon-browser.png) [Download](https://github.com/bitwarden/clients/tree/master/apps/browser) ### Web The Bitwarden web project is an Angular application that powers the web vault  ![icon-user-community-blue](https://bitwarden.com/assets/72qMHJ9XofyuGGzmR7bkVW/f6ccaa290e6668ea340e4f67598424fc/icon-user-community.png) [Download](https://github.com/bitwarden/clients/tree/master/apps/web) ### Mobile The Bitwarden mobile application is written in C# with Xamarin Android, Xamarin iOS, and Xamarin Forms. ![icon-mobile-blue](https://bitwarden.com/assets/5d8u6sLeBF5QsFHKSrKn08/72ac9a4e3ef00f6d956e3b14a0afcb37/icon-mobile.png) [Download](https://github.com/bitwarden/mobile) ### Desktop The Bitwarden desktop app is written using Electron and Angular. The application installs on Windows, macOS, and Linux distributions. ![icon-desktop-blue](https://bitwarden.com/assets/XFr8Jd2N6Mtny6C1taPOZ/40fde861c581df03b76070df602a51a1/icon-desktop.png) [Download](https://github.com/bitwarden/clients/tree/master/apps/desktop) ### CLI The Bitwarden CLI is a powerful, full-featured command-line interface (CLI) tool to access and manage a Bitwarden vault. ![icon-cli-blue](https://bitwarden.com/assets/6aLcKclXtuaWWCnwcth26q/10c0ba547092f257b27bf2259549131f/icon-cli.png) [Download](https://github.com/bitwarden/clients/tree/master/apps/cli) ### How is open source different from other proprietary software password managers? Proprietary, or closed-source, password managers don’t share their source code publicly. That means users can’t independently verify how their data is secured or how the software works behind the scenes. Open source solutions offer greater transparency, giving users the confidence that security claims can be reviewed and validated. Proprietary tools also have restrictive licensing, making them less flexible for advanced customization for teams with specific needs. They may also come with licensing fees and limited options for customization, making them less flexible for teams with specific needs. [View Bitwarden open source licensing](https://bitwarden.com/en-gb/help/licensing-on-premise/) --- ### **Why is code published online for review? ** To provide transparency, security, and community collaboration.  - Transparency - A core value of transparency builds trust, as users can verify the security claims made by Bitwarden, such as its use of end-to-end encryption to protect sensitive data.  - Security - Allowing anyone to inspect, audit, and contribute to the code can lead to faster identification and resolution of vulnerabilities. - Community collaboration - A community of engaged developers and users who contribute to the software's development drive innovation and enhance security, improving the overall product. ## What is an open source password manager? In an open source password manager like Bitwarden, every line of code is published online where thousands of security enthusiasts and third-party auditors review it. ### Why choose an open source solution? Open source security tools, such as an [enterprise password manager](https://bitwarden.com/en-gb/products/enterprise/) or password vault, provide the transparency needed to build trust, along with strong security and a community that drives innovation. Besides transparency and community innovation, open source solutions are also generally more accessible and cost-effective, making them a great option for organisations with limited resources. ![illustration-open-source](https://bitwarden.com/assets/6PoNmYpJGIuhjfgbJkSOMV/a0f394b43d6338469f6ce813454cd5a0/illustration-open-source.png) ## Recommended by Bitwarden users ![g2-rating.svg](https://bitwarden.com/assets/73u6RHV79uK9NftCr4VeIt/145f1aa38b6ee338d2b4bd43ff9e2e2f/g2-rating.svg?fm=png&w=800&q=90) ![capterra-rating.svg](https://bitwarden.com/assets/3hfgtZzHXguNhvccLywZeW/eeb570d3a3874fbce14c5784933ba37e/capterra-rating.svg?fm=png&w=800&q=90) ![getapp-rating.svg](https://bitwarden.com/assets/7v13LmZegrNdW039t4peSL/95c114c5a4f6f0eb57fb78b922ad9c89/getapp-rating.svg?fm=png&w=800&q=90) ![software-advice-rating.svg](https://bitwarden.com/assets/7jeZAVY5scPYZ1ohzqQmP1/6c972d7f8aac7cbfd2b259f463ed0392/software-advice-rating.svg?fm=png&w=800&q=90) ![sourceforge-rating.svg](https://bitwarden.com/assets/1nKmes8xVcN3EEy2bvzLrX/adb464a338cba62bcf7453f73a0bcedf/sourceforge-rating.svg?fm=png&w=800&q=90) ## **Bitwarden trusted open source security** Bitwarden has been recognized for its ease of use and robust security. Top security features include: - Zero knowledge, end-to-end AES-256 bit encryption. - Multifactor cloud encryption.   - PBKDF2 SHA-256 authentication process.  In addition, Bitwarden partners with third parties such as Cure53 to conduct regular security audits, cryptographic analysis, and penetration testing. Bitwarden is SOC 2, GDPR, CCPA, HIPAA, and Data Privacy Framework (DPF) compliant. ## Host It Yourself Don‘t want to use the Bitwarden cloud? You don‘t have to. With Docker you can easily host Bitwarden‘s entire infrastructure stack on the platform of your choice. ### Linux / MacOS `$ curl -Lso bitwarden.sh https://go.btwrdn.co/bw-sh \ && chmod +x bitwarden.sh $ ./bitwarden.sh install $ ./bitwarden.sh start` ![icon-mac-and-linux](https://bitwarden.com/assets/6xTnmFemTMUbUVg7qevY45/56ca3fab1482c10a61e03f2864652958/icon-mac-and-linux.svg?fm=png&w=800&q=90) ### Windows `> Invoke-RestMethod -OutFile bitwarden.ps1 ` -Uri https://go.btwrdn.co/bw-ps > .\bitwarden.ps1 -install > .\bitwarden.ps1 -start` ![windows-icon](https://bitwarden.com/assets/7uEAKPiKskUiYA3cw5G5oo/87e3cfe6200eebf5c26392b867ed2c67/windows-icon.svg?fm=png&w=800&q=90) ### Community Swing by our community forums to ask questions or discuss product features. ![hello-world](https://bitwarden.com/assets/LlWwUPVAsmEiqtqO1J4tg/2f909329d676ecc1c04cae9629b7050a/hello-world.svg?fm=png&w=800&q=90) [Online Forums](https://community.bitwarden.com) ## See why Bitwarden is the Trusted Open Source Password Manager > Bitwarden is a prime example of a product that effectively leverages open source principles. The product strengthens the overall security posture of a company and has a superb command line interface that can be used for a multitude of automations. **Shane Rodness, MaRS Discovery District Systems Administrator** > Bitwarden is a solution to the enterprise-class headache. No more uncertainty and process approximation around password management. No more unsecured sharing. It has all the functionality you expect from an open source platform. **Alberto Gaiga, Intesys CEO** "You could easily mistake Alec Harris for a spy or an escaped prisoner, given all of the tradecraft he devotes to being unfindable. Mail addressed to him goes to a UPS Store. To buy things online, he uses a YubiKey, a small piece of hardware resembling a thumb drive, to open Bitwarden, a password manager that stores his hundreds of unique, long, random passwords." **How to Disappear** ![atlantic-media-spotlight.png](https://bitwarden.com/assets/1R0u5STNPnXe9yJxHl1ruh/27027c5650cdef08ac14743344d5ca0b/atlantic-media-spotlight.png) [Read article](https://www.theatlantic.com/ideas/archive/2025/05/extreme-personal-data-privacy-protection/682867/) "Bitwarden, one of the most popular password management solutions for businesses and consumers, is expanding its enterprise lineup with a new feature designed to stay ahead of today’s AI powers security threats. Today, the company announced Access Intelligence, a product built to help businesses fix credential risks faster and block increasingly sophisticated phishing attacks driven by AI." **Bitwarden launches Access Intelligence aimed at fixing credential risks and blocking AI phishing** ![9to5mac-media-spotlight.png](https://bitwarden.com/assets/40TavGiO6uOqzRNCEcXOAt/9f794544e4157ddfeb7b1c6602910020/9to5mac-media-spotlight.png) [Read article](https://9to5mac.com/2025/04/29/bitwarden-launches-access-intelligence-aimed-at-fixing-credential-risks-and-blocking-ai-phishing/) “Some password managers, the type of encryption that they use isn't quite as strong as others. I'd make sure you're using a reputable password manager. There are a lot out there. The one that I think is really interesting is Bitwarden because it's open source and it's free for everyday folks. And the open source is cool because it means it's been vetted by the security community over and over again.” **CNN Terms of Service with Clare Duffy: Remembering All Your Passwords is Hard. Let's Make It Easier** ![CNN-Media-Spotlight.png](https://bitwarden.com/assets/6e2vNrdBPfSaPBuPt7QbBa/9d01ddb9e338762df6969332d883455b/CNN-Media-Spotlight.png) [Read article](https://www.cnn.com/audio/podcasts/terms-of-service-with-clare-duffy/episodes/9f513f14-96cf-11ef-aa1b-97320c562efa) ## Awards and Recognition ![PasswordManagers Leader Enterprise Leader](https://bitwarden.com/assets/fy9WxqzuzrU5vcdKwiY6S/dedf92ea5443a50333f3a5095e325dd7/PasswordManagers_Leader_Enterprise_Leader.png) ![Capterra Best Ease of Use 2026](https://bitwarden.com/assets/2KRHEEaax8m0FZSzQe5D9Z/833dba7724d3aad8ecf758b5f085550e/23f72220-9892-4ab3-852d-addd41b234e5.svg?fm=png&w=800&q=90) ![PasswordManagers BestUsability Enterprise Total](https://bitwarden.com/assets/3rJKjpS7pqKtTaR0lclddN/b04da2099a1b5bf726ba3c9775cb1774/PasswordManagers_BestUsability_Enterprise_Total.png) ![G2 Badge - Best Security Software Products - Top 50](https://bitwarden.com/assets/2foEvZMWk6aTAiSScl8Gq9/4a66ebdfce8a09da956795925bfbf5ec/G2BestSoftware2025-HighestSatisfaction-100.svg?fm=png&w=800&q=90) ![Software Advice Best Customer Support 2026](https://bitwarden.com/assets/2QgLghL7UY9UzfSnFlfIGw/af405f6082ec379527457c92d5637995/0c614249-8ae9-43e5-a6cc-d95663e0697a.svg?fm=png&w=800&q=90) ![PasswordManagers BestRelationship Enterprise Total](https://bitwarden.com/assets/taTRxF1r6Xf7DDG6J8IsR/2c992a8b6374d3317075899db746fda7/PasswordManagers_BestRelationship_Enterprise_Total.png) ![G2 Badge - Highest Satisfaction Software Products - Top 100](https://bitwarden.com/assets/774YUTIO9YuylJ0JSlGcL/5956f5607d6a05127c08edb8c36cc7ad/G2BestSoftware2025-HighestSatisfaction-100.svg?fm=png&w=800&q=90) ![PasswordManagers MostImplementable Enterprise Total](https://bitwarden.com/assets/7igxmdfRduFgETQUFiuZtw/74248b9c4b80435a3ea084f1d51d0c59/PasswordManagers_MostImplementable_Enterprise_Total.png) ![Cybersecurity Breakthrough Award Badge 2025](https://bitwarden.com/assets/6LBuTn837cdJMaDLiASbeD/0ac33e854539055e640c400e7342ef76/Cybersecurity_Breakthrough_Award_Badge_2025.png) ![PasswordManagers Leader Mid-Market Leader](https://bitwarden.com/assets/3y0i7fYCoWbPLwgzmTdFw6/9f2b7e1285f5efadebe3802eccf8caf7/PasswordManagers_Leader_Mid-Market_Leader.png) ![G2 Badge - Best Software Products - Top 100](https://bitwarden.com/assets/6hMeCwwul6iFWgP2Ac6jti/aa791773bb39f704fca03a639ec09257/G2BestSoftware2025-BestSoftwareProducts-100.svg?fm=png&w=800&q=90) ![EF Champion bitwarden](https://bitwarden.com/assets/3VJJfIQznn4C1viTTksAmL/ed45cf7a7ad815dc433f09a7c120a050/EF_Champion_bitwarden.png) ![Capterra Best Value 2026](https://bitwarden.com/assets/2a86MbMNjTLglTQn23nCXI/389661e077fd6610cd578ee1b15b55c4/5f361f0f-3cc5-47de-8e10-5004e1665994.svg?fm=png&w=800&q=90)