Strongbox vs bitwarden: What are the differences?

Introduction

Below are the key differences between Strongbox and Bitwarden:

1. Pricing and License Model: Strongbox is an open-source password manager, available for free and is licensed under the GNU General Public License (GPL). On the other hand, Bitwarden offers both free and premium plans, making it available to users with different budgets and needs.

2. Hosting Options: Strongbox gives users the ability to self-host their password manager, providing complete control over their data. In contrast, Bitwarden offers two hosting options - users can opt for the cloud-based Bitwarden Cloud or can self-host their instance using Bitwarden's self-hosting options. This gives users flexibility in choosing the hosting environment based on their preferences.

3. User Interface and Design: Both Strongbox and Bitwarden have user-friendly interfaces, but their design choices differ. Strongbox has a clean and straightforward interface, focusing on simplicity and ease of use. On the other hand, Bitwarden has a more modern and visually appealing interface with additional features like dark mode and various customization options.

4. Platform Compatibility: Strongbox is primarily developed for macOS and iOS devices, while it also offers limited support for Windows and Linux platforms. Bitwarden, on the other hand, is available for a wide range of platforms including Windows, macOS, Linux, iOS, and Android. This makes Bitwarden a more versatile choice for users who use multiple devices or have different operating systems.

5. Advanced Features: Strongbox offers several advanced features such as biometric authentication (fingerprint, Face ID), compartmentalized vaults, and secure password generation. Bitwarden, on the other hand, provides additional features like two-factor authentication, password health reports, and secure file attachments to password entries. These advanced features in both password managers cater to different user requirements and preferences.

6. Integration and Ecosystem: Bitwarden has a larger ecosystem of integrations and extensions compared to Strongbox. Bitwarden integrates with various browsers, including Chrome, Firefox, and Safari, allowing seamless autofill of login credentials. It also integrates with third-party applications like GitHub, GitLab, and more. While Strongbox offers some integrations, the options are more limited compared to Bitwarden.

In summary, Strongbox is an open-source password manager with a focus on self-hosting and simplicity, while Bitwarden offers both free and premium plans with a more extensive set of features, platform compatibility, and integrations. Users can choose the one that aligns best with their needs and preferences.