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Password managers: free or paid? What free plans leave out
What the free plans of Bitwarden, Proton Pass, and Keeper include, what only paid plans offer, such as 2FA codes and emergency access, and when free is enough.
Key points
- Bitwarden and Proton Pass offer free plans with unlimited passwords on unlimited devices, passkeys included. Keeper Free is limited to 10 records and one mobile device. 1Password has no free plan.
- Paid plans add 2FA codes, emergency access for a trusted person, file attachments, and reports on weak or leaked passwords.
- For one person who keeps 2FA codes in a separate app, a free plan can cover the basics.
What the free plans include
| Bitwarden Free | Proton Pass Free | Keeper Free | 1Password | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Passwords | unlimited | unlimited | 10 records | no free plan, 14-day trial |
| Devices | unlimited | unlimited | one mobile device | |
| Passkeys | yes | yes | not checked | |
| Sharing | with one other user | with 2 others | not checked | |
| Extras | encrypted export, email alias integration | 10 email aliases, 2 vaults, alerts for weak and reused passwords |
The table shows what the makers state on their pricing pages on November 12, 2026. Plans change, so check the page before you choose.
What only the paid plans offer
| Feature | Bitwarden | Proton Pass |
|---|---|---|
| 2FA codes (TOTP) | Premium generates the codes; free accounts can only store the keys | paid plans only |
| Emergency access for a trusted person | Premium and paid family or business plans | paid plans only |
| File attachments | Premium, 5 GB | paid plans only |
| Reports on weak or exposed passwords | most reports with Premium; the report on data breaches is free | dark web monitoring with paid plans |
When free is enough
A free plan covers the main job: a different strong password for every account, on all your devices. It is enough if you manage passwords for yourself, keep your 2FA codes in a separate authenticator app, and have a plan for a lost main password, such as a written note in a safe place.
A paid plan is worth it if you want 2FA codes in the same app, want a trusted person to reach your vault in an emergency, or share passwords with your family. Family plans usually cost less per person than single plans.
What you can do
- Start with a free plan and move your passwords over.
- Check after a few weeks whether you miss a paid feature.
- Read the renewal price, not just the first-year price. Some makers give large discounts only for the first term.
- Look for a family plan if several people in your home need a password manager.
Next step
The guide Emergency access and family sharing shows how a trusted person can reach your passwords when you cannot.
The figures in this guide come from the archive and change with every data update. As of November 13, 2026.
Check it with the archive's data
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