Bitwarden Server (CE) vs Vaultwarden
Self-host pick — both replace 1Password (Password manager / secrets vault).
Both Bitwarden Server (CE) and Vaultwarden self-host as a replacement for 1Password (Password manager / secrets vault). Pick Vaultwarden if you want the lighter footprint — 10min docker-compose, $5 vps for a family or small team — single rust binary + sqlite/postgres. Pick Bitwarden Server (CE) if you need companies that want the official, vendor-supported Bitwarden code path — 30min (their bitwarden.sh installer) and $10-15 vps — the official server is heavier (.
| Bitwarden Server (CE)open-source | Vaultwardenopen-source | |
|---|---|---|
| License | AGPL-3.0 | AGPL-3.0 |
| Setup time | 30min (their bitwarden.sh installer) | 10min docker-compose |
| Monthly cost | $10-15 VPS — the official server is heavier (.NET + several services). | $5 VPS for a family or small team — single Rust binary + SQLite/Postgres. |
| GitHub | bitwarden/server | dani-garcia/vaultwarden |
| 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.
Vaultwarden
Solo / small-team users who want the official Bitwarden clients without paying for Bitwarden Cloud.
Weak at:Not officially affiliated with Bitwarden; admin UI is sparse.
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 Vaultwarden?
Bitwarden Server (CE): 30min (their bitwarden.sh installer). Vaultwarden: 10min docker-compose.
What does each cost to run?
Bitwarden Server (CE): $10-15 VPS — the official server is heavier (.NET + several services).. Vaultwarden: $5 VPS for a family or small team — single Rust binary + SQLite/Postgres.. Both projects are free and open source.
Do Bitwarden Server (CE) and Vaultwarden replace the same SaaS?
Yes — both are open-source alternatives to 1Password (and 1 other SaaS).