Bitwarden is a free and open-source password manager that helps you store and manage your passwords securely. It is available as a web app, a desktop app, and a mobile app, as well as a browser extension for Chrome, Firefox, Edge, and Opera.
The Bitwarden extension for Chrome is a convenient way to access your passwords and other Bitwarden data while browsing the web. It integrates with Chrome’s built-in password manager, so you can easily log in to websites and apps without leaving your browser. The question, however, is, how do you use it?
In this article, we will show you how to install and use the Bitwarden extension for Chrome. We will also discuss some of the key features of the extension and how to use them.
What is the Bitwarden Extension?
The Bitwarden extension is an open-source password manager. This implies that the Bitwarden community of developers, researchers, users, and, ultimately, the general public continuously audited the source code. More eyes on the code makes it easier to find flaws, which increases the app’s security.
Bitwarden is simple to use and contains essential core features like multi-factor authentication, credential sharing, cross-platform syncing, and limitless password storage, all for numerous users, except for its clumsy password capture and replay functions. Because no other free password manager we’ve tested has all those essential features, Bitwarden holds the Editors’ Choice title among free password managers.
Bitwarden Browser Extension Installation
For the following online browsers: Google Chrome, Safari, Mozilla Firefox, Vivaldi, Opera, Brave, Microsoft Edge, Tor Browser, and DuckDuckGo for Mac, Bitwarden maintains browser add-ons. Although it is not mentioned directly, the Chrome extension should function with the majority of Chromium-based browsers as well.
The functionality of all Bitwarden extensions is the same. If users have different browsers installed on their devices, they can install a single extension or a number of extensions. Data is automatically and securely synced. The authentication process is comfortable because of its integration with the browser. When you visit a login page for a website where an account already exists, Bitwarden may sign you into the account automatically. Additionally, it might add new accounts and assist with form completion.
How to Install and Use Bitwarden Extensions
Visit the official Bitwarden Download page and click the link to the browser extension to get started. It doesn’t take long to install. Once completed, a Bitwarden account must be signed in to or created. Setting up two-factor authentication is advised for increased account security.
Using the Bitwarden extension: Although the Bitwarden browser extension can do some actions automatically, users can also utilize it manually for some purposes. The amount of logins available for auto-fill for that particular website is shown when you click the extension icon.
Any site can have a manual login option added, and there is a link to a password generator where strong, unique passwords can be generated. Additionally, this gives access to the Vault, which displays all logins, cards, identities, secure notes, and folders on the interface.
A number of intriguing options are listed under Settings. We both advise against using the options to exclude specific domains, control when the vault automatically locks, enable unlock with a pin and auto-fill on page load. Users who are concerned about security may choose to adjust the default “on browser restart” vault timeout to a different setting, such as 1 minute or 5 minutes. This secures the vault and keeps anyone from accessing it unless they first unlock it.
Bitwarden as a Google Password Manager Alternative
Most users prefer Google password managers because they are cost-free and widely available. It is simple to use and effortlessly integrated with all Google products, including Chrome, Android devices, and others. The default password manager for Android users is Google Password, which integrates nicely with all of the mobile apps.
With Google passwords on Android mobile devices and the Chrome browser on both mobile and desktop, Bitwarden login excels thanks to its autofill feature. There are certain restrictions, though. The passwords won’t be accessible on other browsers like Firefox, Safari on Mac, etc., because they are integrated with the Google environment. Therefore, you should think about various options, especially a third-party password manager, if you use multiple browsers and want the same password to be accessible on all devices.
The Bitwarden, therefore, comes to the rescue. Bitwarden is the best substitute for Google Passwords because it is open-source and cost-free to use. When we claim it to be the best alternative, we do not mean it to be the best overall. Other password managers, such as Dashlane, LastPass, and others, are fantastic and superior to Bitwarden. However, those are paid; to use the full feature, you must pay them. So, Bitwarden is the ideal option when looking for a free Google Password substitute.
#1. Bitwarden Password Manager
The best alternative is the Bitwarden Extension for Chrome, which is free. You will receive all of Google Passwords’ capabilities and the necessary cross-browser and platform functionality. You won’t have to continue using Google Chrome if Bitwarden becomes your preferred password manager. Other browsers, like Firefox, Brave, Safari, etc., are available for use. On all devices, your Bitwarden password will be accessible.
Bitwarden’s primary features include:
- Open-source Security
- Sync with all devices on any platform.
- Complete encryption
- Password Checkup
#2. Bitwarden Chrome Extension to Replace Google Passwords
You can import all of your current passwords from the Google Chrome browser or the Google Password website if you’re migrating from Google Password. All of your passwords will be instantly accessible after importing Bitwarden on all devices and browsers where you have the same Bitwarden account. Furthermore, Bitwarden provides native Windows, Mac, and Linux applications and cross-platform capabilities. So, Bitwarden is available for download on all platforms.
- Opera
- Vivaldi
- Firefox
- Microsoft Edge
- Brave
- Safari
- Opera
- and the Tor browser.
In addition to this, Bitwarden is accessible on the iOS and Android operating systems. Another feature that sets Bitwarden apart is the robust command-line tool it provides for power users on Windows, Mac, and Linux. Moreover, you can manage all of your passwords directly from the web interface without using any extensions or apps.
So, let’s say you use Google Chrome. Which password manager do you prefer: Google or Microsoft? You may effortlessly replace the Google Password with the Bitwarden Extension for Chrome.
#3. Bitwarden Paid Version
Despite having a free version available, the company also has a paid version with extra features, including two-factor authentication and encrypted file storage. However, the free version is adequate for the ordinary user and is unrestricted in use. If you decide to upgrade to a paid plan in the future, we advise you also to consider other paid services like Dashlane, LastPass, etc.
Bitwarden is a great solution when used as a free substitute for Google passwords, but we can’t say the same for a paid option. In conclusion, we urge you to consider using Bitwarden as a cost-free substitute for Google passwords, particularly if you use the Chrome browser and the Chrome Bitwarden Browser extension.
Is Using the Bitwarden Extension Free?
Yes, Chrome offers the Bitwarden plugin without charge. The Bitwarden extension is available for free download and installation. Some features, however, are exclusive to the premium edition. However, you will have access to all the features and information you require with the free plan. The premium plan is only necessary if extra components are needed.
What Plans are Offered by Bitwarden?
Individual and sharing plans are the two types of paid plans that Bitwarden offers.
Individual Free Plan for Bitwarden. The free Individual package is always available and includes all the essential features, including location, controlled private data, and the Vault.
The yearly subscription fee for this plan is $10, including extra features like two-factor authentication, Emergency Account Access, and others.
#2. 2-Person Free Sharing Account
In this plan, the user will receive the same features as those in the Individual Free Plan. The sharing account, however, offers an additional choice to share the password and information with an additional user. With the free sharing account, all of these capabilities are accessible.
All the capabilities of the Bitwarden Premium Plan are included in this package, along with the opportunity to share more content. You can give the password, Vault, and data to up to 6 family members with this subscription.
Is the Bitwarden Chrome Extension and Password Manager the Best Overall?
We are unable to determine which password manager is ideal for each user. The best is never objective and can change depending on the user. Each user has a priority and preference. The best option may change as people change their password managers because each one is distinct and strong in its own way. However, if we take Bitwarden into account, we can say that it is one of the best password managers for the majority of users.
Does Bitwarden Require Chrome?
Bitwarden is a platform that extends beyond Chrome. Bitwarden provides browser extensions for Google Chrome, Safari, Firefox, Microsoft Edge, Vivaldi, Brave, Opera, and Tor and native programs for Windows, Mac, and Linux.
Is Bitwarden a Self-Hosted Password Manager that I Can Install?
Yes, Bitwarden can set up your self-hosted password manager on your Linux computer and run it. To easily deploy the software on your server, Bitwarden is also accessible via a Docker container.
How Do the Costs of Bitwarden Differ From Those of Other Password Managers?
Other password managers also have free and premium tiers. However, their paid levels are typically more expensive, while their free tiers are frequently more constrained.
Similar options are available from NordPass, although the free plan has a distinct set of restrictions. You can keep an infinite number of passwords in its free tier, but you can’t sign in to the same account from several different devices simultaneously. The Premium tier ($35.88 per year) is required to access the data breach monitor, sharing options, and password health reports. You can acquire five Premium accounts with a NordPass Family account for just $71.88 annually.
Other password managers also charge more than Bitwarden with its $10/year plan for their premium services. For instance, Keeper Password costs $34.99 annually, whereas 1Password costs $35.88.
What Authentication Options Does Bitwarden Offer?
Users should be able to secure their accounts with multi-factor authentication (MFA) in all password management apps. Anyone who guesses, steals, or hacks your master password has access to your vault from anywhere without the use of MFA. When MFA is activated, access requires a second factor that you alone can supply. Go to the Settings area of the web interface and choose the two-step login option from the left-hand menu to configure MFA with Bitwarden.
Does Bitwarden Automatically fill in the Password?
If you use the context menu, keyboard shortcuts, or manually auto-fill, browser extensions that support Bitwarden authenticator will automatically fill in your TOTP code. If you use auto-fill on page load, browser extensions won’t automatically fill in your TOTP code.
What is Better Than Bitwarden?
There are more password managers besides Bitwarden and 1Password, which are two of the best. In truth, there are options that could offer a better value for your needs in terms of a feature-price ratio. NordPass, Norton Password Manager, and Dashlane are a few of these password managers.
How do I Save Passwords in Bitwarden Extension?
After Bitwarden notices you entered a password that wasn’t in your vault, a Save Password banner will appear. Once you’ve submitted your new account, Bitwarden will show a banner over the top of your browser asking if you want to save the login. Click this to accept.
How Safe is the Bitwarden Extension for Chrome?
Bitwarden is routinely audited and is open-source. Anyone who is interested in doing the research can, therefore, examine permissions and access. That’s useful, and it’s highly unlikely that malicious code was used to install malware or ransomware or collect user data.
What are the Disadvantages of Bitwarden?
The auto-fill function in Bitwarden is not the finest option a password manager can provide, though. You must use the browser extension to access anything. Thus, there is no one-click filling option. Additionally, because they don’t offer as many functions as the web version, desktop programs aren’t as convenient.
Conclusion
For Windows (including a Microsoft Store app), macOS, Linux, Android, and iOS, Bitwarden provides native apps. Its browser extension works with less popular browsers like Vivaldi, Brave, and Tor in addition to the usual browsers like Chrome, Edge, Firefox, Opera, and Safari. None of the programs restrict you to a specific assortment of platforms.
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