Bitwarden Server (CE) vs Bitwarden
Self-host swap-in for Bitwarden. · Self-host Bitwarden · Bitwarden Server (CE) on os-alt
Bitwarden Server (CE) is one of the open-source self-host replacements for Bitwarden — license AGPL-3.0, 30min (their bitwarden.sh installer) to stand up, and $10-15 vps —. Compare against Bitwarden's $3/user/mo Teams; $6/user/mo Enterprise below.
| Bitwarden Server (CE)open-source | Bitwardenpaid SaaS | |
|---|---|---|
| Category | Password manager / secrets vault | Password manager / secrets vault |
| License / pricing | AGPL-3.0 | $3/user/mo Teams; $6/user/mo Enterprise |
| Starting price | $0 self-host | $3/user/mo |
| GitHub | bitwarden/server | closed source |
| Setup time | 30min (their bitwarden.sh installer) | SaaS — sign up + bill |
| Monthly cost | $10-15 VPS — .NET stack with separate identity/api/admin services. | from $3/user/mo ($3/user/mo Teams; $6/user/mo Enterprise) |
Switching from Bitwarden to Bitwarden Server (CE)
Same migration as Vaultwarden — export from Bitwarden Cloud, import into your self-hosted instance. The benefit over Vaultwarden is that it's the vendor-supported code path, so SSO + enterprise policies work out of the box with a license.
- Good fit for
- Companies that want vendor-supported self-host with SSO and enterprise policies.
- Weak at
- Resource-heavy compared to Vaultwarden; some features still gated by license tier.
- License note
- Server source is AGPL; some advanced features (SSO, Directory Connector) need a paid Enterprise license key even on self-host.
Other open-source self-host alternatives to Bitwarden
Bitwarden Server (CE) also replaces
- 1Password— Password manager / secrets vault
In a terminal? npx os-alt bitwarden prints Bitwarden's self-host options —
how the CLI works →
FAQ
Is Bitwarden Server (CE) a free alternative to Bitwarden?
Yes — Bitwarden Server (CE) is open source under AGPL-3.0. Self-host cost: $10-15 VPS — .NET stack with separate identity/api/admin services.. Bitwarden starts at $3/user/mo ($3/user/mo Teams; $6/user/mo Enterprise).
How long does Bitwarden Server (CE) take to set up vs Bitwarden?
Self-hosting Bitwarden Server (CE): 30min (their bitwarden.sh installer). Bitwarden is a hosted SaaS — sign up and you're in.
What is Bitwarden Server (CE) good at, and what is it weak at?
Good fit for: Companies that want vendor-supported self-host with SSO and enterprise policies.. Weak at: Resource-heavy compared to Vaultwarden; some features still gated by license tier..