With Bitwarden, you don’t have to remember passwords to securely log in to apps and websites. The program works on all platforms, is very simple and is free. This is Bitwarden’s review.
Bitwarden review
In 2021 there is no reason to no password manager to use. Such a program remembers your login details for apps and websites and is able to suggest strong passwords. The only thing you need to remember is the ‘master password’. This gives access to the safe that contains all your passwords.
Bitwarden is, in my opinion, the best option for people looking for a free password manager. The entry-level package is extensive enough for most people, although you can also pay a small monthly amount to unlock all functions.
The biggest advantage of Bitwarden is the ease of use. The app is available on almost all platforms and browsers. So it doesn’t matter whether you use Mac, iPhone, Android or Windows. All you have to do is log into the app or use a browser extension.
More than a password manager
Speaking of which, Bitwarden is more than a password app. You can also use the service to store credit card information, personal files and notes.
All this is completely encrypted. This means that no one, even Bitwarden itself, can see what you are saving. If you want to, you can use the password app yourself host. In that case, your sensitive data will remain within your ‘own cloud’.
An additional advantage is that there is no maximum storage limit in the free package. So you can store as many app and website login details as you want. And does your email address (unfortunately) appear in a data breach? Then the password app will notify you so that you can take action.
Extra nice is that the password manager is completely open-source. This means that the code of the program is public. Anyone (with technical knowledge) can therefore check exactly how Bitwarden works. In fact, the app calls on (ethically) hackers to crack the security. In this way, the security of Bitwarden is continuously monitored and improved.
Pay for extras
Most people can handle the free Bitwarden package, but the paid versions may offer interesting extras. For example, consider the option to use the program’s own authenticator app. With this you put an extra security lock on top of the master password, because you have to enter an extra code when opening your safe.
You can also send much longer ‘Sends’ with the paid version of Bitwarden. You use this function to securely share sensitive information – such as personal notes – with others. Furthermore, with the paid version of Bitwarden you can make logging in to websites as secure as possible by logging in with a physical security key, such as the YubiKey.
Companies can purchase business subscriptions. With this version you can, for example, link Bitwarden’s technology to other programs via the API link, or view extensive user logs.
What about iCloud Keychain?
It should be clear: personally I am a fan of Bitwarden. That is not to say that this passwords app is also the best one for you.
If you’re completely in the Apple ecosystem and only have iPhones, iPads, and Macs around the house, you’re probably just as happy with iCloud Keychain. This is Apple’s own password manager. There is no arguing with the way iCloud Keychain works. The program works smoothly, is clearly structured and the security is in order.
However, if you work with multiple types of systems, such as Android, Windows and Mac, there are simply better alternatives on the market. For example, iCloud Keychain is only accessible via the browser on Windows, while a standalone program such as Bitwarden works much better in practice.
More apples of the eye
In the section Eyeballs lights iPhonededitors out their favorite apps. Are you looking for inspiration? Also check the previous editions:
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Eyeballs #29: Adventure Lab lets you see the world in a different way
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Eyeball #28: Easy Vegetable Garden app works even if you don’t have green fingers
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Eyeball #27: Amazing Marvin is the ultimate calendar and to-do app
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Apple of the Eye #26: Doggy Dating is Essential for Any New Dog Owner
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Apple of the eye #24: Why Microsoft OneNote is my favorite study app