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Bitwarden vs iCloud Keychain
September 20, 2023 | Author: Michael Stromann
22
Bitwarden is a free and open-source password management service that stores sensitive information such as website credentials in an encrypted vault. The Bitwarden platform offers a variety of client applications including a web interface, desktop applications, browser extensions, mobile apps, and a CLI.
See also:
Top 10 Password Managers
Top 10 Password Managers
Bitwarden and iCloud Keychain are both password managers, but they have some key differences in terms of features, platform support, and data storage:
Features: Bitwarden is a feature-rich password manager that offers a wide range of features, including password generation, password storage and autofill, support for multiple platforms (such as Windows, macOS, Linux, iOS, Android, web browsers), two-factor authentication (2FA), secure sharing of passwords, and more. It also offers a premium subscription plan with additional features, such as encrypted file storage and advanced security reporting.
iCloud Keychain, on the other hand, is a built-in password manager provided by Apple that is specifically designed for users of Apple devices (macOS and iOS). It offers features such as password generation, password storage and autofill, and syncing of passwords across Apple devices using iCloud. However, it has fewer features compared to Bitwarden and is limited to Apple's ecosystem.
Platform Support: Bitwarden is a cross-platform password manager, which means it is available on a wide range of platforms, including Windows, macOS, Linux, iOS, Android, and web browsers. This allows users to access their passwords from various devices and platforms seamlessly.
iCloud Keychain, on the other hand, is exclusively available on Apple devices and is tightly integrated with Apple's ecosystem, including macOS, iOS, and Safari web browser. This means it may not be suitable for users who use non-Apple devices or web browsers other than Safari.
Data Storage: Bitwarden stores password data in an encrypted form on the cloud, but users can also choose to self-host their Bitwarden instance on their own server for added privacy and control. Bitwarden also allows users to audit the source code of its software, which enhances transparency and security.
iCloud Keychain, on the other hand, stores password data in the user's iCloud account, which is Apple's cloud storage service. This means that the data is stored on Apple's servers and is subject to Apple's privacy policies and terms of service.
See also: Top 10 Password Managers
Features: Bitwarden is a feature-rich password manager that offers a wide range of features, including password generation, password storage and autofill, support for multiple platforms (such as Windows, macOS, Linux, iOS, Android, web browsers), two-factor authentication (2FA), secure sharing of passwords, and more. It also offers a premium subscription plan with additional features, such as encrypted file storage and advanced security reporting.
iCloud Keychain, on the other hand, is a built-in password manager provided by Apple that is specifically designed for users of Apple devices (macOS and iOS). It offers features such as password generation, password storage and autofill, and syncing of passwords across Apple devices using iCloud. However, it has fewer features compared to Bitwarden and is limited to Apple's ecosystem.
Platform Support: Bitwarden is a cross-platform password manager, which means it is available on a wide range of platforms, including Windows, macOS, Linux, iOS, Android, and web browsers. This allows users to access their passwords from various devices and platforms seamlessly.
iCloud Keychain, on the other hand, is exclusively available on Apple devices and is tightly integrated with Apple's ecosystem, including macOS, iOS, and Safari web browser. This means it may not be suitable for users who use non-Apple devices or web browsers other than Safari.
Data Storage: Bitwarden stores password data in an encrypted form on the cloud, but users can also choose to self-host their Bitwarden instance on their own server for added privacy and control. Bitwarden also allows users to audit the source code of its software, which enhances transparency and security.
iCloud Keychain, on the other hand, stores password data in the user's iCloud account, which is Apple's cloud storage service. This means that the data is stored on Apple's servers and is subject to Apple's privacy policies and terms of service.
See also: Top 10 Password Managers
Bitwarden vs iCloud Keychain in our news:
2022. Open source password manager Bitwarden raises $100M
Open-source password manager Bitwarden has successfully secured a $100 million funding round. Bitwarden operates in a competitive market that includes established players like 1Password, which recently achieved a valuation of $6.8 billion following a $620 million funding round, and LastPass, which recently returned to independence after being acquired by private equity firms two years ago. In essence, Bitwarden and similar solutions simplify the process of generating strong, difficult-to-guess passwords automatically. These password managers enable users to securely store their passwords in a digital vault, helping them avoid the common practice of reusing predictable passwords across multiple online accounts.
