Bitwarden Server (CE) vs Passbolt
Self-host pick — both replace 1Password (Password manager / secrets vault).
Both Bitwarden Server (CE) and Passbolt self-host as a replacement for 1Password (Password manager / secrets vault). Pick Bitwarden Server (CE) if you want companies that want the official, vendor-supported Bitwarden code path; pick Passbolt if you want engineering teams who treat passwords as shared infrastructure secrets. Both are AGPL-family licensed and similar to set up.
| Bitwarden Server (CE)open-source | Passboltopen-source | |
|---|---|---|
| License | AGPL-3.0 | AGPL-3.0 |
| Setup time | 30min (their bitwarden.sh installer) | 20min docker-compose |
| Monthly cost | $10-15 VPS — the official server is heavier (.NET + several services). | $5-10 VPS. |
| GitHub | bitwarden/server | passbolt/passbolt_api |
| Replaces | 1Password + 1 other | 1Password + 1 other |
Good fit for
Bitwarden Server (CE)
Companies that want the official, vendor-supported Bitwarden code path.
Weak at:Resource-heavy compared to Vaultwarden.
Passbolt
Engineering teams who treat passwords as shared infrastructure secrets.
Weak at:Less polished consumer-grade browser extension than 1Password/Bitwarden.
Both also replace
- Bitwarden— Password manager / secrets vault
In a terminal? npx -y github:SolvoHQ/os-alt-cli 1password prints 1Password's self-host options including both —
how the CLI works →
FAQ
Which is easier to self-host, Bitwarden Server (CE) or Passbolt?
Bitwarden Server (CE): 30min (their bitwarden.sh installer). Passbolt: 20min docker-compose.
What does each cost to run?
Bitwarden Server (CE): $10-15 VPS — the official server is heavier (.NET + several services).. Passbolt: $5-10 VPS.. Both projects are free and open source.
Do Bitwarden Server (CE) and Passbolt replace the same SaaS?
Yes — both are open-source alternatives to 1Password (and 1 other SaaS).