Vaultwarden vs Bitwarden
Self-host swap-in for Bitwarden. · Self-host Bitwarden · Vaultwarden on os-alt
Vaultwarden is one of the open-source self-host replacements for Bitwarden — license AGPL-3.0, 5min docker run to stand up, and $5 vps for a family or small team — single rust binary with sqlite. Compare against Bitwarden's $3/user/mo Teams; $6/user/mo Enterprise below.
| Vaultwardenopen-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 | dani-garcia/vaultwarden | closed source |
| Setup time | 5min docker run | SaaS — sign up + bill |
| Monthly cost | $5 VPS for a family or small team — single Rust binary with SQLite. | from $3/user/mo ($3/user/mo Teams; $6/user/mo Enterprise) |
Switching from Bitwarden to Vaultwarden
If already on Bitwarden Cloud: install official Bitwarden client → log into Cloud → Tools → Export vault (JSON, encrypted). Point the same client at your Vaultwarden URL → log in to the new account → Tools → Import → Bitwarden (JSON). Items, folders, organisations all carry over.
- Good fit for
- Teams that want the official Bitwarden clients with a tiny self-host footprint.
- Weak at
- Unofficial; some paid features (SSO, hardware key on free tier, Send file) require server config, and admin UI is sparse.
Other open-source self-host alternatives to Bitwarden
Vaultwarden 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 Vaultwarden a free alternative to Bitwarden?
Yes — Vaultwarden is open source under AGPL-3.0. Self-host cost: $5 VPS for a family or small team — single Rust binary with SQLite.. Bitwarden starts at $3/user/mo ($3/user/mo Teams; $6/user/mo Enterprise).
How long does Vaultwarden take to set up vs Bitwarden?
Self-hosting Vaultwarden: 5min docker run. Bitwarden is a hosted SaaS — sign up and you're in.
What is Vaultwarden good at, and what is it weak at?
Good fit for: Teams that want the official Bitwarden clients with a tiny self-host footprint.. Weak at: Unofficial; some paid features (SSO, hardware key on free tier, Send file) require server config, and admin UI is sparse..