Manual Thomas
Updated on: December 7, 2023
Short on time? Here’s the final verdict:
- 🥇 NordPass — Winner in Basic Features, Advanced Features, Ease of Use & Setup, and Customer Support. NordPass is one of the best password managers in 2024. It’s very secure and intuitive, and it has all the tools you need to manage your passwords.
NordPass and Bitwarden are among our best password managers in 2024 — they’re highly secure, full of helpful extras, and offer all the key features of a premium password manager, including:
- Unbreakable encryption.
- Zero-knowledge architecture.
- Two-factor authentication (2FA).
- Password sharing.
- Breach monitoring.
But NordPass and Bitwarden have some differences. NordPass has a more generous cloud storage limit and uses “future-proof” XChaCha20 encryption. Meanwhile, Bitwarden is an open-source password manager and offers the option to store passwords on your device as well as in the cloud.
After testing both password managers for several weeks now, I’ve picked NordPass as the winner. I looked at how they stack up when it comes to security, features, customer support, plans and pricing, and ease of use. It was pretty close, so I recommend that you read on to determine which password manager is best for you.
NordPass vs. Bitwarden — Quick Overview
Security & Data Privacy — Both Offer Excellent Security Features
NordPass and Bitwarden have many important security features in common, making them both reliable options for the protection of your data. These include:
- Secure encryption method — Both use high-level encryption to protect the stored data in your vault (256-bit AES for Bitwarden and XChaCha20 for NordPass).
- Zero-knowledge policy — This ensures that neither Bitwarden nor NordPass staff can access the data in your vault.
- Two-factor authentication (2FA) — Both add a layer of security via a second form of identification when logging into your account.
I like the two-factor authentication (2FA) options offered by both NordPass and Bitwarden. NordPass supports several 2FA methods, including biometrics, USB security keys, and smart card readers, but TOTP is only available for business users. Bitwarden also offers most of these options and adds one-time email codes.
NordPass offers account recovery through a 24-symbol recovery code, which is an effective way to regain access to your account should you forget your master password. Bitwarden doesn’t have an explicit account recovery option. Still, you can access your account with biometric logins on another device or through emergency access if enabled.
It’s also good to know that both password managers have undergone independent security audits and have been certified by SOC2. Additionally, neither of them has ever been breached.
Winner (Security & Data Privacy): It’s a tie
It’s really hard to pick a winner for this round — both NordPass and Bitwarden come with powerful security features like an unbreakable encryption method and zero-knowledge architecture. And while Bitwarden’s 2FA options seem better because its TOTP authenticator is available to all premium users, NordPass at least offers a recovery option for your account. Both password managers have also proven to be reliable, with a clean record and no known security breaches.
Basic Features — NordPass Has Better Auto-fill and Auto-save
NordPass’s auto-fill and auto-save functions performed well in my tests. The auto-fill feature seamlessly recognized and filled in my credentials when I clicked on the NordPass logo on every site I visited. The auto-save function was equally reliable, automatically suggesting strong passwords for new accounts and adding them to the vault without requiring manual input. However, it struggled somewhat with filling in other personal details like credit card information and addresses, especially in split fields.
While reliable, Bitwarden’s auto-fill and auto-save functions were slightly less user-friendly than that of NordPass. The auto-fill process involved clicking on the browser extension and selecting the saved login or right-clicking on login fields and then going to Bitwarden and auto-fill login — both of which felt less intuitive than NordPass’s one-click option. Furthermore, Bitwarden occasionally failed to auto-save new logins, requiring manual addition, and sometimes struggled to recognize sites for auto-filling, which is frustrating.
NordPass’s password generator is easy to use and lets you create secure passwords and passphrases. You can generate passwords with a mix of uppercase letters, numbers, and symbols, and there’s also the ability to create passphrases. You can set the length — up to 60 characters or 3-10 words for passphrases. What’s more, NordPass shows up to 10 previous passwords for an account, which is a helpful addition when tracking password changes.
Bitwarden’s password generator was simple but effective in my tests. You can generate random strings of digits, letters, and symbols (up to 128 characters), or create memorable passphrases. You also have the option to exclude ambiguous characters, which is cool. Like NordPass, Bitwarden has a password history feature, but what I don’t like is that if you create a password using the web app, it doesn’t sync with the password history in the desktop or mobile app.
Both password managers have impressive password sharing. Sharing passwords with NordPass is straightforward — select the item, choose the sharing option, and enter the recipient’s email. NordPass lets you set permissions for shared items, giving recipients either full or limited rights. Bitwarden’s Send feature allows you to share a single piece of text or file with an unlimited number of users. However, if you want to share passwords, you need to use the Organization feature. Unfortunately, unless you have a Family account, you can only add up to 2 users to an organization, which is quite limiting. With NordPass, you can share with as many other users as you like.
Winner (Basic Features): NordPass
Once again, it’s hard to pick a winner for this round, as both NordPass and Bitwarden have the essential features that make password management a breeze. That said, I found NordPass’s auto-fill and autosave capabilities to be better — they performed very well in my tests and were much more intuitive than Bitwarden’s. And NordPass’s sharing is slightly better than Bitwarden’s, too.
Advanced Features — NordPass Has Better Advanced Features
NordPass and Bitwarden both offer a number of advanced features that extend far beyond basic password management, including:
- Data breach alerts.
- Password auditing
- Secure file storage.
- Passkey integration.
NordPass’s dark web monitoring, known as Data Breach Scanner, is really impressive. It checks if your data has been compromised, providing real-time notifications and detailed reports on breaches. And, its Password Health feature flags weak and reused passwords, although it lacks an overall password health score that other competitors offer.
Bitwarden’s breach scanner and password vault auditing are good as well. Bitwarden checks for exposed, reused, and weak passwords, highlighting accounts on insecure websites and those that support 2FA but do not use it. However, unlike NordPass, Bitwarden lacks real-time breach notifications, relying instead on manual checks via the web app.
Both NordPass and Bitwarden offer cloud storage to store passwords, secure notes, and personal information. However, NordPass offers very generous cloud storage, providing 3 GB for Premium and 3 GB per member for Family users. This is significantly more than Bitwarden’s 1 GB offering. That said, Bitwarden lets you add more storage for a very low cost.
I’m pleased to see that both NordPass and Bitwarden support passkeys in their browser extensions. Passkeys are a new and secure authentication method that eliminates the need to create complicated passwords. As more and more websites adopt the technology, an increasing number of password managers are adding the functionality to create and store passkeys, and it’s great that NordPass and Bitwarden are early adopters.
Bitwarden also has the option for self-hosting. This is particularly useful for businesses and users with high security needs, as it means your vault sits within your own infrastructure, adding an extra layer of security and control. However, I don’t recommend it for beginners because it requires proper setup and maintenance to prevent unauthorized access. In addition, self-hosting requires technical expertise to ensure that the infrastructure is secure, up-to-date, and properly backed up, which can be a significant challenge for those without IT experience.
Winner (Advanced Features): NordPass
NordPass and Bitwarden both come with advanced features, such as dark web monitoring and breach alerts. That said, NordPass wins this round, as it has more generous cloud storage, especially on the Family plan, and better dark web monitoring capabilities. Still, Bitwarden remains a decent choice, with offerings nearly as good as NordPass’s.
Apps & Browser Extensions — Both Have Decent Apps
NordPass and Bitwarden provide desktop apps for Windows, Mac, and Linux. These apps are user-friendly, but I found NordPass a bit easier to navigate, and it offers more features on desktop. With Bitwarden, important features like password auditing and breach reports are not accessible via the desktop apps, which is a little frustrating.
NordPass also offers impressive mobile apps — I was able to check my passwords’ strength, scan for data breaches, set up biometric authentication, and generate and auto-fill passwords. It also has an OCR scanner for uploading notes and credit cards. That said, the iOS app has some limitations, like the absence of emergency access.
I found Bitwarden’s mobile app to be very easy to use. It integrates seamlessly with both iOS and Android devices and syncs passwords across all of them. Its app also provides biometric login, secure password sharing, and a password generator. It’s also easy to switch between private and shared vaults and manage multiple accounts.
NordPass and Bitwarden’s browser extensions provide a similar set of features, including the ability to add and view entries, auto-fill passwords, generate passwords, and store secure notes. While Bitwarden allows you to share notes or passwords directly through the browser extension, NordPass requires you to use the app to do so — even though it shows the function in the browser extension.
Winner (Apps & Browser Extensions): It’s a tie
It’s hard to pick a clear winner in this category, as both brands offer unique benefits with their apps and browser extensions. NordPass offers an OCR scanner to upload credit cards, while Bitwarden allows you to share your passwords via the extension. Overall, both password managers offer reliable browser extensions and decent mobile apps for Android and iOS.
Ease of Use & Setup — NordPass Is More Intuitive
NordPass provides a clean, lightweight, and intuitive interface, making it highly accessible to users regardless of their technical expertise. The setup process is smooth and quick, requiring only a couple of minutes to get everything up and running. In fact, the “Get Started” tab effectively guides new users through their very first steps, ensuring a user-friendly experience right from the start.
NordPass has a direct import option, but it’s only available for Chrome users. For other browsers and password managers, the process involves exporting passwords to a CSV file and then re-importing them into NordPass. This additional step, while doable, is less convenient than the one-click import process offered by some competitors.
I found Bitwarden’s interface less intuitive than NordPass’s. The overall design doesn’t guide the user as smoothly as NordPass does, and users may find themselves taking extra steps to find certain features. However, if you get stuck, there’s a lot of help available in Bitwarden’s help center.
Importing passwords into Bitwarden is also less streamlined than with NordPass. I had to read through its knowledge base to understand the import process, which, while not overly complex, does add an additional step that could benefit from some tweaking for a more user-friendly experience.
Winner (Ease of Use & Setup): NordPass
NordPass is the clear winner when it comes to ease of use. NordPass offers a more intuitive interface, which is especially useful for those new to password managers. Bitwarden, while functional, requires a bit more effort to navigate, and could benefit from a better guide to its features.
Plans & Pricing — Bitwarden Is Super Affordable
NordPass offers a generous free plan that includes unlimited password storage, auto-save & auto-fill, and two-factor authentication (2FA), but it’s limited to use on one device at a time — which can be inconvenient, especially if you’re the type of person who frequently switches between devices.
NordPass Premium, priced at $1.45 / month, includes all features of the free plan plus 3 GB of cloud storage, unlimited device connections, and enhanced security features like data breach monitoring and emergency access. It’s a really good deal, but Bitwarden’s offerings are even cheaper.
The NordPass Family plan, at $3.69 / month, extends the benefits of the Premium plan to up to 6 users, making it a good choice for families.
Bitwarden’s free plan is excellent for individual users, offering unlimited password storage and syncing across unlimited devices, which is a bit more flexible than NordPass’s free plan.
Bitwarden Premium, costing only $10.00 / year, is one of the most affordable password managers on the market. It has advanced security features like password health reports, a built-in TOTP authenticator, and 1 GB encrypted storage. The plan’s affordability and comprehensive features make it a compelling option.
Bitwarden Families, at $40.00 / year, covers up to 6 users and includes all Premium features, plus 1 GB shared storage. While the sharing feature isn’t that intuitive, it’s a highly cost-effective choice for family users. And if you need a little extra storage, you can buy it for a small additional cost.
Winner (Plans & Pricing): Bitwarden
Both Bitwarden and NordPass are very affordable, but Bitwarden edges the win here. It offers a wide range of features at a lower cost across all of its plans. While NordPass offers similar features, Bitwarden’s pricing and the inclusion of unlimited device access in its free plan give it an edge, especially for users and families on a budget.
Customer Support — NordPass Has Live Chat Support Option
NordPass offers a wide range of customer support options, including:
- Email support.
- Online knowledge base.
- Live chat (available in several languages with the help of an in-built translator).
During my tests, NordPass’s email support was very responsive. After submitting a query through their help center form, I immediately received a confirmation email, followed by a thorough and helpful response from a support agent within just 3 hours.
NordPass’s live chat support was equally impressive. Each time I initiated a chat, I was connected to an agent in a matter of seconds. The agents were always welcoming, informative, and provided solutions that were both prompt and effective.
I also like NordPass’s knowledge base, which offers a wealth of articles in English, French, and Spanish. It’s a valuable resource, providing comprehensive answers to a range of questions and guidance for various issues.
Bitwarden, on the other hand, offers:
- Email support.
- Knowledge base.
- Forum community.
Bitwarden’s email support is really impressive. Despite its limited support options, its response times were seriously fast. I received a useful and detailed response to my email query in just 90 minutes, which is great.
I also appreciate Bitwarden’s forum community. It’s an active platform where users can engage with each other and find solutions to common problems. The involvement of Bitwarden staff in these forums adds to the value, providing direct support and insights.
Bitwarden’s knowledge base is comprehensive and user-friendly, too, featuring an excellent help center with clear guides on all features. The learning center, organized by skill level, is a useful resource for both new and experienced users. Bitwarden’s open-source nature encourages the community to contribute, making its knowledge base a dynamic and evolving resource.
Winner (Customer Support): NordPass
NordPass is the winner in customer support, mainly due to its inclusion of live chat — a valuable feature that provides real-time assistance and improves the overall customer service experience, especially for users seeking immediate assistance. Although Bitwarden’s email support is particularly responsive, the lack of a live chat option limits its accessibility compared to NordPass.
Overall Winner: NordPass
Choosing between NordPass and Bitwarden isn’t easy, as both bring impressive features to the table. NordPass comes with future-proof XChaCha20 encryption, ensuring top-notch security and peace of mind for its users. Its interface is user-friendly, making password management a breeze even for those who aren’t tech-savvy. And it also comes with excellent customer support — providing helpful live chat, comprehensive email support, and an extensive knowledge base.
Bitwarden, on the other hand, holds its ground as a highly secure, open-source password manager. And the ability to store passwords locally will appeal to those who prefer having more control over their data. However, Bitwarden’s user interface and overall user experience aren’t as polished as NordPass’s, which might be a drawback for some users. Its customer support is reliable, but without live chat, it may be inconvenient if you’re looking for immediate assistance.
Overall, NordPass has the edge and provides a better overall experience, primarily due to its user-friendly apps, superior auto-fill capabilities, real-time breach notifications, and responsive customer support options. While Bitwarden offers more budget-friendly plans and more flexibility with its open-source nature, I think NordPass is the better choice for the majority of users.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is better: NordPass or Bitwarden?
NordPass edges out Bitwarden in several areas. While both offer strong security features and encryption, essential features such as password auditing and breach reports are not accessible via Bitwarden’s desktop apps. NordPass’s future-proof XChaCha20 encryption and generous cloud storage also give it an advantage. What’s more, NordPass stands out with its user-friendly interface and superior customer support, including live chat. That said, Bitwarden’s open-source nature and option for local data storage are significant pluses for tech-savvy users or those preferring more control over their data.
How do NordPass’s pricing plans compare to Bitwarden’s?
Both password managers are really affordable, but NordPass’s pricing is slightly higher than Bitwarden’s. Bitwarden offers a cost-effective solution with its free plan, which is more flexible than NordPass’s free plan, as you can use it on an unlimited number of devices. NordPass’s premium plans provide more cloud storage and features like data breach monitoring, but Bitwarden remains the most affordable option, especially for budget-conscious users or families.
Are both NordPass and Bitwarden compatible with all major devices?
Yes, both NordPass and Bitwarden are compatible with all major devices, including Windows, Mac, iOS, Android, and Linux. They also provide browser extensions for popular browsers like Chrome, Firefox, and Safari. This compatibility ensures a seamless password management experience across different platforms and devices for both services.
Which provides better customer support: NordPass or Bitwarden?
NordPass provides better customer support than Bitwarden, mainly due to its live chat option. This feature offers immediate assistance, which is highly valuable for users needing quick help. While Bitwarden also offers reliable support through email and its community forum, the absence of live chat support makes it less accessible for real-time problem-solving than NordPass.
