Bitwarden
Free on every platform, unlimited passwords and devices, open source.
- Free
- Any device
- Open source
Security & privacy
Bitwarden vs Apple Passwords: which free password manager?
Short version: if every device you and your household use is Apple, Apple Passwords is free, built in and good enough. If anyone uses Windows, Android or Linux, Bitwarden’s free plan is the better choice.
Apple Passwords is built into iOS 18 and macOS Sequoia and later and syncs over iCloud Keychain. Bitwarden Free covers unlimited passwords on unlimited devices on every major platform and is open source. Both store passkeys.
Based on CISA · 1Password pricing · Bitwarden pricing +1 more
Which one should you buy?
Apple Passwords
Free and built in on iPhone, iPad and Mac; syncs with iCloud Keychain.
- Free
- Built in
- iCloud sync
Prices are official list prices as of October 2026 and can change. Software links carry no affiliate tag; only the security-key link further down is an Amazon affiliate link. How we choose.
The short answer: Apple Passwords for all-Apple households who want zero setup. Bitwarden for anyone with a non-Apple device in the mix, or who wants a vault that isn’t tied to one company’s hardware.
This is a focused guide. For the full category with every pick, read the best password manager.
Bitwarden vs Apple Passwords: side by side
Swipe the table sideways to see both →
| Spec | Best cross-platformBitwarden | Best for all-Apple homesApple Passwords |
|---|---|---|
| Price | Free; Premium $19.80/yr | Free |
| Free plan | Yes, unlimited passwords & devices | Yes |
| Platforms | All major platforms and browsers | iPhone, iPad, Mac; iCloud for Windows |
| Sharing | Yes (paid org plans) | Shared groups |
| Open source | Yes | No |
| Best for | Free or budget | All-Apple households |
| Plans | See plans | See plans |
Why pick Bitwarden?
Bitwarden runs on Windows, Mac, Linux, iPhone, Android and every major browser, so the same vault follows you if you switch phones or use a work PC.
It also exports cleanly, which matters if you ever change managers. Premium ($19.80 a year) adds built-in two-factor codes and vault health reports, but most people can stay on Free.
Great if you
- Want free
- Value open-source
- Use mixed devices
Skip it if you
- Want the most polished apps
Key specs
- Price
- Free; Premium $19.80/year (list, Oct 2026)
- Free plan
- Unlimited passwords, unlimited devices
- Source
- Open source
- Passkeys
- Supported
BitwardenPrices are list prices on each official site as of October 2026; taxes, promotions and renewals vary. These are not affiliate links.
See plans on the official site Why pick Apple Passwords?
There is nothing to install: the Passwords app is part of iOS 18 and macOS Sequoia and later, and AutoFill already works across Safari and apps.
Outside Apple devices it is limited (iCloud for Windows covers some of the gap), so one Android phone or work PC in the household is a reason to pick Bitwarden instead.
Great if you
- Only use Apple devices
- Want zero setup
- Want free
Skip it if you
- Use Android
- Need advanced sharing or business features
Key specs
- Price
- Free
- Requires
- iOS 18 / macOS Sequoia or later
- Sync
- iCloud Keychain
- Passkeys
- Supported
Apple PasswordsPrices are list prices on each official site as of October 2026; taxes, promotions and renewals vary. These are not affiliate links.
Read Apple’s guide How to choose between Bitwarden and Apple Passwords
Both are free, so this is about where you log in, not price.
Every device you use
Make a list. If anything isn’t Apple, Bitwarden is the simpler long-term answer.
Sharing
Apple uses shared groups among Apple users; Bitwarden’s free plan shares with one other person.
Leaving later
Bitwarden exports and imports easily, so it doesn’t lock you to one device maker.
Effort
Apple Passwords needs no setup; Bitwarden needs an app and browser extension on each device.
BitwardenPrices are list prices on each official site as of October 2026; taxes, promotions and renewals vary. These are not affiliate links.
See plans on the official site Add a hardware security key to protect the vault itself
A password manager puts every login behind one account, so that account deserves the strongest two-factor protection available. A hardware security key is a small USB or NFC device you tap to sign in; because it checks the website’s real address, a fake login page can’t capture it. 1Password, Bitwarden and Apple Account all support security keys for two-factor sign-in (see 1Password, Bitwarden and Apple setup guides). Register two keys and keep one somewhere safe: Apple requires at least two, and Yubico recommends a spare in case one is lost.
Yubico YubiKey 5 NFC (USB-A + NFC)FIDO2/passkeys, U2F, OTP and smart card; tap to an NFC phone or plug into USB-A. No battery. Affiliate link: we may earn a commission at no cost to you.
Check price on AmazonMost laptops with only USB-C ports need the USB-C version of the key instead; check your ports before you buy.
Bitwarden vs Apple Passwords: common questions
Is Apple Passwords as good as Bitwarden?
On Apple devices it is convenient and secure enough for most people. It falls short on Windows, Android and Linux, where Bitwarden works fully.
Can I use Apple Passwords on Windows?
Partly, through iCloud for Windows. On Android there is no Apple Passwords app.
Can I move from Apple Passwords to Bitwarden?
Yes. Export your passwords from the Passwords app as a CSV file and import it into Bitwarden, then delete the export file.
Do both support passkeys?
Yes, both store and sync passkeys.
How we compared them
We compared Apple’s Passwords User Guide and Bitwarden’s pricing and help pages as of October 2026, focusing on platforms, sharing and cost.
We have not hands-on tested these products; we compare published specifications, independent measurements and manufacturer documentation, and we update this page when models change. Read the full methodology.
What sources did we use?
- CISA: use strong passwords (accessed October 23, 2026)
- 1Password pricing (accessed October 23, 2026)
- Bitwarden pricing (accessed October 23, 2026)
- Apple: Passwords User Guide (accessed October 23, 2026)