Bitwarden vs LastPass: A Simple Guide

TL;DR

Yes, Bitwarden is a very good alternative to LastPass. It’s open-source, secure, and often cheaper (or even free!). This guide walks you through switching.

1. Why Switch?

LastPass has had security incidents and changes in ownership that have made some users uneasy. Bitwarden offers a strong alternative with these benefits:

• Open-Source: The code is publicly available for review, increasing trust.
• Security: Strong encryption and multi-factor authentication options.
• Cost: Free plan available; paid plans are affordable.
• Features: Similar features to LastPass – password storage, auto-fill, secure notes, etc.

2. Setting Up Bitwarden

1. Create an Account: Go to Bitwarden’s website and sign up for a free account. Choose a strong master password!
2. Download the Client: Download the Bitwarden client for your devices (Windows, macOS, Linux, Android, iOS, browser extensions). You can find links on the Bitwarden website.
3. Install Browser Extension: Install the browser extension for Chrome, Firefox, Safari, or Edge. This is essential for auto-filling passwords.

3. Importing Passwords from LastPass

Bitwarden provides a straightforward import process:

1. Export from LastPass: In LastPass, go to Account Settings > Export. Choose CSV format and download the file.
2. Import into Bitwarden: In Bitwarden, go to Tools > Import Data. Select “LastPass CSV” as the import type and upload your downloaded CSV file.
3. Verify Imported Passwords: Check that all your passwords have been imported correctly. You might need to edit some entries if there are issues with the formatting during import.

4. Using Bitwarden

Bitwarden works very similarly to LastPass:

• Auto-Fill: When you visit a website, the browser extension will automatically fill in your username and password if it’s stored in Bitwarden.
• Password Generation: Use the built-in password generator to create strong, unique passwords for new accounts.
• Secure Notes: Store sensitive information like Wi-Fi passwords or software licenses as secure notes.
• Multi-Factor Authentication (MFA): Enable MFA for extra security. Bitwarden supports various methods, including authenticator apps (recommended), email codes, and hardware keys. To enable it go to Settings > Two-Factor Authentication.

5. Advanced Features

• Organisation: Create organisations for sharing passwords with family or colleagues (paid feature).
• Self-Hosting: For advanced users, Bitwarden can be self-hosted on your own server.
• Emergency Access: Set up emergency access to allow a trusted contact to access your data in case of an emergency.

6. Troubleshooting

• Import Issues: If the CSV import fails, try opening the file in a text editor and checking for formatting errors. Ensure the column headers are correct (e.g., ‘url’, ‘username’, ‘password’).
• Auto-Fill Not Working: Make sure the browser extension is enabled and that Bitwarden has permission to access website data. Try restarting your browser.
• Master Password Recovery: Keep your master password safe! If you forget it, recovery options are limited. Use a strong password manager (like Bitwarden!) to store it securely.