Free and premium password manager

A dedicated password manager securely stores passwords in an encrypted vault that is accessed with a master password (security key). Password managers often integrate with browsers via browser extensions to autofill login forms, generate strong passwords, warn about weak passwords (or passwords that have been subject to a breach), and synchronise data across multiple devices. Password managers make it easy to access saved passwords for your desktop apps and mobile apps. But they also generate secure passwords (no more weak and reused passwords!) and offer a number of other benefits like:

• Secure password sharing across desktop and mobile apps.

• Unlimited password storage.

• Encrypted file storage.

Bitwarden is a free password manager that secures account passwords on different platforms like Windows, macOS, and Linux to prevent unauthorised access. Bitwarden also protects mobile apps with a downloadable mobile version for Android and iOS phones.

Bitwarden's browser extensions are compatible with major web browsers like Chrome, Firefox, Safari, and Edge. And Bitwarden also offers a standalone authenticator app for mobile. Since Bitwarden syncs across all devices, passwords and credentials autofill from any browser hassle-free.

For companies, check out the Business Password Manager and the Enterprise Password Manager from Bitwarden.

In a digital age where AI is changing the narrative, a great password manager is one that protects your online experience from your desktop (via a browser extension) to your mobile device (iOS and Android apps). Popular password managers secure passwords, generate passwords and identify weak passwords. Other useful features to look out for include secure file storage, login autofill and dark web monitoring for data breaches. Good password managers also allow you to store things like credit card numbers, bank account numbers, PINs and secure notes, as well as storing your online login credentials.

But not many come with a free version. And there is only one that is built as an open-source password manager: Bitwarden.

Bitwarden is a CNET-recommended password manager, selected based on comprehensive testing and evaluation of features, security, compatibility, pricing and user needs.

Bitwarden is consistently rated the best free password manager by independent reviewers like PCMag, The Verge and CNET. The Bitwarden Free plan includes unlimited passwords, unlimited devices, passkey management and zero-knowledge encryption. With open-source security and no device limits, Bitwarden Free delivers trusted security everyone needs at no cost.

Password management is an important protection against cybercrime. Many password managers are protected by strong security such as AES, a technology used to protect sensitive government information. Although password managers are a strong defence against data breaches, it is still very important for users to practise good password habits, protect the master passwords, use 2FA as an extra human-side defence layer, and be aware of phishing scams that attempt to bypass the security features that the best password managers have. While no system is completely immune to hacking, reputable password managers use strong encryption and security practices to minimise the risk. Using a strong master password and enabling two-factor authentication can further reduce the chances of unauthorised access to password data.

Instead of relying solely on first-party managers offered by Apple or Google, using a third-party password manager means your login details are accessible anywhere, not tied to Google or an Apple device, or locked into a specific ecosystem.

Yes! Dedicated password managers share your vault across desktop and mobile devices. So you can autofill usernames on sites and apps across desktop and mobile apps as needed. Read more here at Bitwarden for iOS and Android.

Of course. Sharing passwords and sensitive data across households makes it easier and more efficient to log in to music platforms, pay bills, and look at online photo albums. Bitwarden family plans start from as little as US$3.99 per month for up to 6 users. Get started with a 7-day free trial.

Your master password cannot be reset or recovered. Bitwarden zero-knowledge encryption means that even we can't access it. However, you can set up account recovery options or Emergency Access to grant trusted contacts the ability to restore your vault. It is strongly recommended to store your master password securely and enable two-factor authentication for additional protection.

Passkeys use cryptographic keys stored on your device instead of traditional passwords, making them phishing-resistant and difficult to steal in data breaches. When you log in, your device verifies your identity using biometrics or a PIN, without transmitting any secrets over the internet. Bitwarden stores and syncs passkeys across all your devices, giving you passwordless security with the same convenience as saved passwords.

Bitwarden data breach scanning (included in all plans) alerts you when your email or credentials appear in known breaches. Premium users also receive vault health reports that identify weak, reused and compromised passwords, along with actionable recommendations. Run these reports regularly to find vulnerabilities before attackers do, and update exposed credentials immediately to protect your online accounts.