Bitwarden vs NordPass
The open source favorite against the modern challenger from Nord Security. Which wins, free power or paid polish?
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Bitwarden
Open source, audited, and the best free plan around.
NordPass
A modern manager from the NordVPN team, sharply priced.
Prices last checked on
| Feature | Bitwarden | NordPass |
|---|---|---|
| Our score | 4.7 / 5 | 4.4 / 5 |
| Price | From $1.65/mo | From $1.49/mo |
| Free plan | ||
| Best for | Almost everyone | Budget-conscious users |
| Category | Free & open source | Top picks |
| Provider | Bitwarden Inc. | Nord Security |
| Visit Bitwarden | Visit NordPass |
Our verdict
NordPass feels slicker and is dirt cheap on a two-year plan, with a handy breach scanner. But Bitwarden wins. Its free tier does more than NordPass Free (which only stays signed in on one device at a time), the code is open source, and the $10-a-year premium upgrade is the best deal on the market.
NordPass is a fine runner-up. Bitwarden remains the benchmark.
“The free plan does everything most people need, the code is open source, and the audits are public. Our first recommendation for almost everyone.”Editorial team, on Bitwarden
“Modern, fast apps, and on a two-year plan one of the lowest prices among the paid managers. A solid middle road between free and premium.”Editorial team, on NordPass
Frequently asked questions
Is NordPass better than Bitwarden?
No, although it is closer than the price gap suggests. NordPass feels slicker and adds a handy data breach scanner, but Bitwarden's free tier does more, its code is open source and audited, and its premium upgrade is the best value on the market. Go for NordPass only if the app experience matters more to you than open code, and you were going to pay either way.
Is NordPass cheaper than Bitwarden?
Only on the paid tiers, and only just. NordPass Premium is $1.49 a month on a two-year plan, or $17.88 a year; Bitwarden Premium is $1.65 a month, or $19.80 a year. Guide prices on annual billing, checked August 2026. Since Bitwarden's free plan is complete, most people pay nothing at all, and no NordPass discount beats that.
What is the catch with the free NordPass plan?
It keeps you signed in on one device at a time. Add your laptop and your phone drops out, which makes it a way to try NordPass rather than a plan to settle into. Bitwarden Free has no such restriction. Unlimited passwords, all your devices, passkeys included. That single difference decides this duel for most households.