When I first started using Bitwarden to manage my passwords a few years ago, I never thought I would end up paying for it. The free tier of Bitwarden was the main reason I switched from LastPass in early 2021. At that time, LastPass was planning to stop offering free password sync across devices, which made it useless for me. On the other hand, Bitwarden allowed syncing passwords across unlimited devices for free, which was all I needed. I didn’t see the need to pay for premium features back then.
But now, after three years, I find myself paying for Bitwarden. It’s not because the free features have been reduced – the free tier still offers a lot. It’s because of other factors that have made the premium subscription worthwhile.
One of the main reasons I upgraded to Bitwarden Premium was for its two-factor authentication (2FA) features. 2FA adds an extra layer of security to your online accounts by requiring an additional code after entering your password. With Bitwarden Premium, you can set up 2FA directly within the app or browser extension, eliminating the need for a separate authentication app. This feature syncs across all your devices, which is very convenient.
Managing 2FA codes through Bitwarden is more convenient for me than using a separate authentication app. If I access a password in Bitwarden, I can easily copy the corresponding 2FA code. When logging into a site that requires a 2FA code, Bitwarden automatically copies it to the clipboard for easy pasting.
In addition to 2FA support, Bitwarden Premium offers other useful features. The Emergency Access feature allows you to designate trusted contacts who can request access to your password vault in case of an emergency. The Reports section helps you identify accounts where setting up 2FA is advisable, making it easier to enhance your security.
While the file storage feature of Bitwarden may not be as user-friendly as desired, the Send tool for secure file transfer is handy. Priority email support is also available for Premium users.
Overall, I feel good about supporting a product like Bitwarden that prioritizes security, has a good track record, and continues to offer valuable features without compromising on quality. Upgrading to Bitwarden Premium turned out to be a smaller step than I initially thought.
Jared Newman has been a freelance technology journalist for over 15 years, contributing to publications like PCWorld and Fast Company. His expertise lies in simplifying complex tech topics for readers, covering everything from streaming to useful tech tricks. Based in Cincinnati, OH, Jared holds a master’s degree in journalism from NYU.
