Side by side
Bitwarden vs Yubico Authenticator
Both stand on authenticator apps. 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 AndroidiPhoneLinux+2
Yubico Authenticator pairs code generation with credentials stored on a YubiKey, which can be used across its mobile and desktop apps. A YubiKey is required for desktop OATH code generation and display.
Visit Yubico AuthenticatorThe facts
| Bitwarden | Yubico Authenticator | |
|---|---|---|
| Free plan | Yes | Yes |
| Open source | Yes | Not published |
| Runs on | Android, API, Extension, iPhone, Linux, Mac, Self-hosted, Web, Windows | Android, iPhone, Linux, Mac, Windows |
| Lowest paid plan | Premium: $1.65 a month | Free or on request |
| Plans published | 7 | 1 |
| Maker | Bitwarden Inc. | Yubico Authenticator |
| Website | bitwarden.com | yubico.com |
| On authenticator apps | #1 of 111 | #3 of 111 |
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.
Yubico Authenticator: what it does well
- Supports TOTP and HOTP codes
- Credentials are held in a YubiKey secure element
- Same codes available across desktop and mobile apps
- Available for Windows, macOS, Linux, iOS, and Android
What to know first
- Desktop OATH code generation requires a YubiKey
- No push approvals
- No encrypted backup or multi-device sync
Alternatives to Bitwarden Alternatives to Yubico Authenticator The whole list