Bitwarden reviewer's guide

This guide is intended for consumer tech journalists and reviewers evaluating Bitwarden for product reviews, comparison pieces, or broader stories around credential management and security. It outlines key user workflows and differentiators to support quick impressions and in-depth evaluations.

Estimated time to review Bitwarden Password Manager:

• Quick walkthrough (15 - 30 minutes):

  • A hands-on introduction to the core Bitwarden experience: account creation, importing credentials, autofill testing, and syncing across mobile and desktop. 

  • Ideal for usability and feature-overview coverage.

• In-depth evaluation (45 - 90 minutes):

  • A more comprehensive look at key value adds for individuals, teams, families: testing secure sharing with Bitwarden Send, creating and storing passkeys, exploring the password generator, and reviewing mobile/desktop parity. 

  • Suitable for reviewers looking to highlight everyday security features or compare top password managers.

Bitwarden empowers individuals, teams, and businesses to manage credentials and sensitive information across devices with simplicity and security. Trusted by over 10 million users worldwide, Bitwarden combines strong encryption, seamless UX, and trusted open-source transparency.

Built on trust and transparency 

• Bitwarden is the only widely adopted password manager that is fully open source across its core platform, mobile and desktop apps, browser extensions, and command-line interface (CLI) — allowing anyone to inspect the code and contribute.

End-to-end encryption

• All data is encrypted locally before it leaves the device. Bitwarden uses 256-bit AES with zero-knowledge encryption. Bitwarden cannot see your data, and neither can anyone else.

• The master key to access encrypted data is in the hands of the user. Master passwords are protected using PBKDF2 or Argon2 to resist brute-force attacks.

Third-party audits

• Multiple annual security audits by independent firms, such as Cure53, ensure that Bitwarden is secure at every layer.

Public security documentation

• Bitwarden shares detailed security whitepapers, public roadmaps, and documentation about how the products work.

• The code is available publicly on GitHub for anyone to inspect.

Security architecture at a glance

• Encryption: Zero-knowledge, end-to-end encryption with AES-256, Argon2 or PBKDF2 protection

• Compliance: SOC 2 Type II, ISO/IEC 27001 certified, and aligned with GDPR, HIPAA, and CCPA

• Hosting flexibility: Bitwarden supports both cloud-hosted and self-hosted deployment

Bitwarden is available on every major platform:

• Desktop: Windows, macOS, Linux

• Mobile: iOS, Android

• Browser Extensions: Chrome, Firefox, Safari, Edge, Brave, Vivaldi, and more

• CLI: Secure access for DevOps, IT admins, and power users

• Self-host: The Bitwarden server can be self-hosted on your own architecture on a variety of platforms, accessible by the other Bitwarden clients.

Autofill everywhere

• Log into websites with one tap or a quick keyboard shortcut. Bitwarden autofills credentials while protecting them with end-to-end encryption.

Sync across devices

• Your vault syncs automatically across all logged-in devices so users always have access when needed.

Biometric login

• Supports Face ID, Touch ID, Windows Hello, and Android biometric authentication.

Bitwarden securely stores a wide range of sensitive information:

• Logins

• Credit cards

• Secure notes

• Identities

Password generator

Create secure passwords, passphrases, and usernames using customizable criteria.

Secure sharing with Bitwarden Send

Send encrypted text or files with anyone using expiring links with access controls.

Bitwarden is built for anyone looking to secure and streamline their digital life, from individuals to enterprises. Example use cases include:

• Security-conscious users seeking trusted, open source alternative to built-in tools

• Families managing shared logins for school, streaming, etc.

• Travelers needing secure access across multiple locations and devices

• Freelancers managing multiple client credentials

• IT teams enforcing policy-driven credential management

1. Sign up: 

   • Create a free individual account at bitwarden.com. Bitwarden offers Free, Premium (for individuals), Family, Teams, and Enterprise plans. Compare plans here for the right fit. 

   • The solution guides new users through a simple, intuitive onboarding process, highlighting key steps like vault creation and fundamental security practices.

2. Download the apps:

   • Mobile: iOS / Android

   • Desktop: macOS / Windows / Linux

   • Browser extensions: Chrome, Safari, Firefox, Edge, and more

   • Command Line Interface (CLI): For advanced users and developers

     1. What to note: Bitwarden apps work seamlessly across platforms. Unlike Apple Keychain or Google Password Manager, Bitwarden is platform-agnostic, fully open source, and built for portability and trusted transparency.

3. Explore your vault: 

   • Import credentials from browsers or other password managers (e.g., Chrome, LastPass, Dashlane, or 1Password) or generate new ones using the Bitwarden password generator. 

   • The web vault and desktop app include robust import tools with field mapping support.

4. Testing the browser extension: 

   • Most users interact with Bitwarden through the browser extension, which combines convenience with strong security, enabling users to manage credentials within the browser workflow.

   • Reviewers should test the following features:

     1. Autofill accuracy and form recognition

     2. Quick search and vault access

     3. Editing entries, TOTP, folders, and custom fields

     4. Security controls: vault timeout, app lock, biometric unlock

5. Try advanced features:

   • Enable two-factor authentication (2FA) (TOTP or hardware keys)

   • Test biometric unlock or PIN unlock on supported devices

   • Save and sync a passkey to experience cross-device synchronization

6. Sync and export options: 

   • Bitwarden supports encrypted vault exports for users who want an extra layer of control over their data

   • The vault can be accessed offline through locally cached data, ensuring availability without an internet connection

   • Cross-platform syncing ensures credentials are always available across mobile, desktop, browser environments

7. Test sharing use cases: 

   • For Teams or Family plan reviewers, explore shared collections to simulate access control and permission management in a shared vault environment. 

   • Use Bitwarden Send to share a note or password securely. 

The Bitwarden mission is rooted in trust, inclusion, and responsible community-driven innovation. It empowers users while prioritizing security and privacy.

• 10M+ users in 180+ countries

• 50,000+ business customers

• Leader in G2 Enterprise Grid Report

• Leader in Software Reviews Data Quadrant and Emotional Footprint reports

​​About Bitwarden

Bitwarden equips enterprises and individuals with the power to securely manage and share information online with trusted open source security solutions. With a password manager for everyone, users can easily manage their entire online identity anywhere. Bitwarden Secrets Manager and Passwordless.dev enhance developer secrets security and streamline passkey development for end users and workforce authentication. Founded in 2016, Bitwarden serves over 50,000 businesses and more than 10 million users worldwide across 180 countries in 50+ languages. The company is headquartered in Santa Barbara, California. Learn more at bitwarden.com.