Side by side
Bitwarden vs Clerk
Both stand on biometric authentication software. Which one you can start free with, which one lets you read the code, and what each costs once you pay.
Free plan Open source AndroidAPIExtension+6
Choose Bitwarden if you want a password manager with a free plan, broad platform coverage, and options for sharing or organizational integrations. The main caveat is that the F-Droid build does not receive live-sync push notifications, so it requires manual vault syncing.
Visit Bitwarden Free plan AndroidAPIExtension+2
Clerk combines authentication, user management, organization support, and billing for application teams, with a free Hobby tier and paid plans. Consider the US-only hosting and plan-specific security and retention terms when evaluating fit.
Visit ClerkThe facts
| Bitwarden | Clerk | |
|---|---|---|
| Free plan | Yes | Yes |
| Open source | Yes | Not published |
| Runs on | Android, API, Extension, iPhone, Linux, Mac, Self-hosted, Web, Windows | Android, API, Extension, iPhone, Web |
| Lowest paid plan | Premium: $1.65 a month | See the plans |
| Plans published | 7 | 4 |
| Maker | Bitwarden Inc. | Not published |
| Website | bitwarden.com | clerk.com |
| On biometric authentication software | #1 of 45 | #4 of 45 |
Bitwarden: what it does well
- Free plan includes unlimited devices and passwords.
- Stores passwords, notes, credit cards, identities, and passkeys.
- Bitwarden Send shares text and files with non-users too.
- Apps cover web, desktop, mobile, and browser extensions.
- Business plans include SSO, directory sync, and SIEM options.
What to know first
- F-Droid build requires manual syncing because live-sync push notifications are unavailable.
- Priority support is reserved for paid users.
Clerk: what it does well
- Prebuilt sign-up, sign-in, and profile components.
- Free B2B offer includes up to 100 organizations per app.
- Documents integrations with six named services.
- Lists account protections and MFA enforcement.
- Provides an iOS SDK for native apps.
What to know first
- Data is hosted on US infrastructure only.
- Billing charges 0.7% plus Stripe fees.
- Hobby sessions last seven days; logs retained one day.
- SOC 2 reports require Business or above.
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