Bitwarden vs Passbolt
The official Bitwarden password manager server, self-hosted with Docker or used through Bitwarden's cloud. A team password manager with encrypted sharing, groups, and browser integration. Compare the capabilities you need, then check hosting, licensing and maintenance.
| Attribute | Bitwarden | Passbolt |
|---|---|---|
| Purpose | The official Bitwarden password manager server, self-hosted with Docker or used through Bitwarden's cloud. | A team password manager with encrypted sharing, groups, and browser integration. |
| Documented capabilities | APIs and database for the official Bitwarden apps, Docker install scripts for Linux, macOS, and Windows, Bitwarden lite single-image deployment, Self-hosted organizations with a license from Bitwarden's cloud | Encrypted sharing, Team groups, Browser integration |
| Best-fit workflow | Organizations that want Bitwarden's official server, support from Bitwarden, Inc., and their plan's paid features. | A team password manager with encrypted sharing, groups, and browser integration. |
| Check before choosing | Paid organization features need a license retrieved from Bitwarden's cloud. Bitwarden lite is meant for personal use and home labs, not business use. | Check current installation requirements and edition limits in the linked repository. |
| Deployment options | Docker, Bitwarden lite | See repository installation guide |
| GitHub stars | 20,289 | 6,164 |
| License | Custom | AGPL-3.0 |
| Self-hosted | Yes | Yes |
| Docker noted | Yes | Not recorded |
| Cloud / hosted | Yes | Not recorded |
| Primary language | C# | PHP |
| Last commit | 2026-10-13 | 2026-10-08 |
| Difficulty | Moderate | Not assessed |
| Content source | Editorial catalog entry | Editorial catalog entry |
| Metadata checked | Check the current repository | 2026-10-14 |
| Forks | 1.8k | 405 |
| Star growth | Not recorded | +16 (2026-10-04 to 2026-10-14) |
| Alternative to | Not recorded | 1Password |
This comparison uses recorded capabilities, not hands-on performance tests. A capability missing from one record does not mean that product lacks it. Confirm edition, version and current pricing in the official documentation.
When to consider Bitwarden
Organizations that want Bitwarden's official server, support from Bitwarden, Inc., and their plan's paid features.
Paid organization features need a license retrieved from Bitwarden's cloud. Bitwarden lite is meant for personal use and home labs, not business use.
Bitwarden documentation and sourceWhen to consider Passbolt
A team password manager with encrypted sharing, groups, and browser integration.
Check current installation requirements and edition limits in the linked repository.
Passbolt documentation and sourceBitwarden vs Passbolt questions
- What is Bitwarden?
- The official Bitwarden password manager server, self-hosted with Docker or used through Bitwarden's cloud.
- What is Passbolt?
- A team password manager with encrypted sharing, groups, and browser integration.
- Can you self-host Bitwarden and Passbolt?
- Both can be self-hosted.
- What licenses do Bitwarden and Passbolt use?
- Bitwarden uses a custom license. Passbolt uses the AGPL-3.0 license.
- Which has more GitHub stars, Bitwarden or Passbolt?
- Bitwarden has 20k stars and Passbolt has 6.2k. Stars show attention; check recent commits and releases for maintenance.
- What languages are Bitwarden and Passbolt written in?
- Bitwarden is mainly written in C#. Passbolt is mainly written in PHP.