What Free already includes
Bitwarden's pricing page, accessed 13 October 2026, lists these as included in every account: advanced two-step login, passkey management and usage, encrypted export, unlimited devices and unlimited passwords, free sharing with another user, and Bitwarden Send. Prices are in USD based on an annual subscription, taxes not included. [1]
The plan comparison in Bitwarden's help center adds detail. Free two-step login covers a hardware security key, authenticator apps or email. Sharing with one other person works through a Free organization, which the help page says gives both users secure data sharing in up to two collections. [2]
Free and Premium, row by row
Source rows are from Bitwarden's plan comparison table and pricing page on 13 October 2026. [1][2]
| Feature | Free | Premium ($19.80/year) | Families ($47.88/year, 6 users) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Passwords and devices | Unlimited | Unlimited | Unlimited |
| Passkeys | Included | Included | Included |
| Two-step login options | Hardware key, authenticator app, email | Adds Yubico OTP and Duo | Adds Yubico OTP and Duo |
| Integrated authenticator (TOTP codes) | No | Yes | Yes |
| Encrypted file attachments | No | 5 GB | 5 GB per user + 5 GB shared |
| Vault health reports | No | Yes | Yes |
| Emergency access | No | Yes | Yes |
| Bitwarden Send | Text only | Text and files | Text and files |
| Sharing | One other user via a Free organization | Not included by Premium itself | Unlimited within the family organization |
Premium does not add sharing
This catches people out. Bitwarden's help page states that Premium does not include secure data sharing; to share, you need an organization, either the Free organization for two people or a paid one such as Families. A couple who want to share a streaming login and a utility account can do that on two Free accounts plus a Free organization. A household of four needs Families. [2]
Which Premium feature is worth paying for
If none of these is a job you can name today, Free is the right plan. You can upgrade later without moving vaults.
- Emergency access: the strongest reason. A trusted contact can request view or takeover access after a wait time you choose. Free has no equivalent. See our emergency access guide.
- Integrated authenticator: useful if you want TOTP codes to autofill with the password. If you already use a separate authenticator app and like it, this is a convenience, not a gap.
- File attachments: useful for scans of documents you want encrypted alongside logins. Not useful if your documents already live in an encrypted store you trust.
- Vault health reports: reused and weak password reports. Helpful once, after an import; less useful month to month.
- File Sends: Send on Free is text only. The Send help page lists files up to 500 MB (100 MB on mobile) and a maximum deletion date of 31 days for Sends. [3]
Cost in context
At $19.80 a year, Premium costs less than most single-person paid plans we track. Families at $47.88 a year covers six users with premium features for all of them, which is about $8 per person per year if all six seats are used. If two or more people in a household would each buy Premium, Families is cheaper from the third person on, and it adds unlimited sharing. [1][2]
We have not tested Bitwarden's apps, autofill or import. This guide reads the published plan pages only.
Passkeys do not need Premium
Passkey storage and use is listed as a core feature in every account. Bitwarden's passkey help page says storing and using passkeys works with the browser extension and mobile apps, and that only one passkey can be saved per login item. If passkeys are your reason to look at Premium, they are not a reason. [1][4]
Questions before you decide
Does Bitwarden Free work on my phone and computer?
The pricing page lists unlimited devices and unlimited passwords in every account, including Free (accessed 13 October 2026).
Can I share passwords on Bitwarden Free?
Yes, with one other user through a Free organization, in up to two collections. Premium alone does not add sharing; Families adds unlimited sharing for six users.
Sources & verification
Product details and prices can change. Check the linked provider before buying.
- Bitwarden Password Manager pricing Accessed 13 Oct 2026
- Bitwarden password manager plans Accessed 13 Oct 2026
- Bitwarden: about Send Accessed 13 Oct 2026
- Bitwarden: storing passkeys Accessed 13 Oct 2026
Sources link directly to providers. Product buttons may use separately labeled affiliate links. Read our disclosure.