🗝 1Password 8 — Why Did I Wait So Long? 😍

Today I wanted to talk about something that affects all of us: managing our precious passwords. For a long time, I was a devoted user of the free version of Bitwarden. Honestly, it did the job — no fuss, and best of all, it didn’t cost me a cent. But a little over two years ago, I took the plunge and switched to 1Password 8. And I haven’t regretted it… at least for a while. 😉

Why 1Password 8 was a game-changer for me

The main reason for the switch was the need to share my vault with my family. With the proliferation of online services, having a family password manager has become almost essential for managing subscriptions, shared service access, and so on. On that front, 1Password delivered.

But beyond sharing, it was the overall user experience that won me over:

• Polished interface and top-notch ergonomics: It’s beautiful, it’s fluid, it’s modern. Every detail is designed to make the experience enjoyable. It’s a far cry from the sometimes austere feel of some alternatives. Navigating it is a genuine pleasure.
• Fast and effective search: The ability to quickly find my passwords via a global keyboard shortcut — even outside the browser — is an incredible time-saver. Whether it’s a website password, a secure note, or an API key, everything is within reach in an instant.
• Versatile storage: It’s not just a password vault. You can store absolutely everything: secure files, confidential notes, banking information, software licenses, API keys… It’s a genuine secure hub for all your sensitive data.
• Password filling outside the browser: A feature I loved is 1Password’s ability to fill in passwords for native applications, or even to unlock my macOS session. It’s a small feature that makes a huge difference day-to-day for both security and convenience.
• SSH key management: For the more tech-minded among us, being able to store and use my SSH keys directly from 1Password to connect to my web servers is the ultimate in integration and security. No more juggling different tools!

The catch: the price 💸

Despite all these qualities, there’s a “but” — and it’s a significant one for my wallet: the price. After two years of loyal service, the annual bill is starting to sting. 1Password is a premium service, and you feel it in the subscription. That’s actually the only reason I’m going to, reluctantly, go back to Bitwarden… or rather, to Vaultwarden.

Yes, Bitwarden has also raised its prices, but its open-source model offers an interesting escape route: self-hosting with Vaultwarden. It’s a Bitwarden-compatible version you can install on your own server. The idea is appealing: have my own vault, control my data from A to Z, and most importantly, stop paying a subscription. 🚀

I’ll almost certainly write a detailed post on installing Vaultwarden, its pros and cons. But let me be clear: it’s not a solution for everyone. Self-hosting requires technical skills and a certain time investment. The risk of a misconfiguration can compromise the security of your data, and for the average person, that effort may not be worth it.

Summary: Why 1Password is still a champion (all things considered)

• Features and Ergonomics: 1Password is the Rolls-Royce of password managers. Its interface is intuitive, its features are comprehensive, and its integration is exemplary across all platforms. For family management, it’s a must-have.
• Security: It’s a fortress. 1Password’s security model is robust, regularly audited, and they’re very transparent about their practices. Your data is end-to-end encrypted, and no one but you has access.
• Alternatives:
  • Bitwarden: An excellent free, open-source alternative. Less “polished” but just as secure and functional. Ideal for tighter budgets. For a more in-depth comparison, you can read my dedicated article Dashlane vs Bitwarden .
  • KeepassXC: Another open-source option, very secure, but requires more effort for synchronization and is less user-friendly for beginners.
  • LastPass, Dashlane: Paid competitors with similar features, but for me 1Password maintains the edge on user experience.
  • European alternatives: There are managers like Passbolt (business-oriented), but consumer-facing options with the same smoothness as 1Password are still rare. Self-hosting (like Vaultwarden) is an avenue for those who want a sovereign solution.

My final (and somewhat torn) verdict

Setting aside the price, 1Password is the best and most accessible password manager for non-technical people. If your budget allows it and you’re looking for peace of mind, a beautiful interface, and unmatched ease of use — go for it. It’s an investment in your digital security and comfort. To discover other tools that improve my digital daily life, feel free to check out my essential Mac apps in 2025 .

For my part, the appeal of self-hosting and the desire to cut back on subscriptions wins out. But I’ll always have fond memories of these two years with 1Password. It’s an exceptional product that has raised the bar.

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