Lightweight Bitwarden server API implementation written in Rust.
- AGPL-3.0
- Rust
- Docker
- Actively maintained
Password Managers comparison
Vaultwarden vs Bitwarden: which should you self-host in 2026?
Pick Vaultwarden for a lightweight Bitwarden-compatible server on a home server or small VPS; pick the official Bitwarden server if you need vendor support and audited enterprise features.
Both are open source and run on your own server. Below: a side-by-side of license, stack and features, live GitHub activity, and our verdict on who should pick which.
Password manager with a webapp, browser extension, and mobile app.
- AGPL-3.0
- C#
- Docker
- Actively maintained
Head-to-head
Vaultwarden vs Bitwarden, side by side
Hand-checked differences first, then live numbers from GitHub, refreshed with every catalog update.
| Aspect |  Vaultwarden |  Bitwarden |
|---|---|---|
| License | AGPL-3.0. Independent community project, not affiliated with Bitwarden Inc. | AGPL-3.0 for the core; enterprise features sit under the separate Bitwarden License in the bitwarden_license folder. |
| Language/stack | Rust, single binary or one Docker image. | C# and .NET, deployed as a set of Docker containers (standard) or one image (Bitwarden Lite). |
| Database | SQLite by default, with MySQL/MariaDB and PostgreSQL supported. | Standard install requires MSSQL; Bitwarden Lite supports SQLite, PostgreSQL, MySQL/MariaDB and MSSQL. |
| Hardware needs | Runs comfortably on a Raspberry Pi or the smallest VPS tier. | Docs list 2 GB RAM minimum for a standard install; Lite is documented at 200 MB RAM minimum. |
| Clients | Uses the official Bitwarden browser, desktop and mobile apps by pointing them at your server URL. | Same official Bitwarden apps, with first-party support for every client. |
| Support | Community support through GitHub discussions and Matrix. | Vendor support and security audits; organization licenses come from Bitwarden. |
| GitHub stars | 68,572 | 20,244 |
| Commits, last 12 months | 181 | 1,544 |
| Last commit | Oct 5, 2026 | Oct 6, 2026 |
| Latest release | 1.37.4Oct 5, 2026 | v2026.9.2Sep 30, 2026 |
| Main language | Rust | C# |
| Official Docker image | Yes | Yes |
| Repository | dani-garcia/vaultwarden | bitwarden/server |
Swipe the table sideways to see both apps. GitHub figures come from the public API. Highlighted values are the higher of the two.
Verdict
Vaultwarden is the right choice for individuals, families and small teams: it runs in one small container, works with the official Bitwarden apps and unlocks organizations and premium-style features for free. Choose the official Bitwarden server when you need vendor support, compliance paperwork, SSO and enterprise policies, and you are fine with a heavier MSSQL-based stack or the newer Bitwarden Lite image.
Best for
Choose Vaultwarden for
Homelabs, families and small teams on low-power hardware.
Best for
Choose Bitwarden for
Companies that need vendor support, SSO and enterprise policies.
Deploy either in minutes
Not sure yet? Spin up a small VPS or a managed instance, try both for a week, and keep the one that fits.
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Can I use the official Bitwarden apps with Vaultwarden?
Yes. Vaultwarden implements the Bitwarden client API, so the official browser extensions, desktop apps and mobile apps work once you set your server URL in the client.
Is Vaultwarden safe to use?
Vaultwarden is widely used and open source, and vault data stays end-to-end encrypted by the Bitwarden clients. It has not gone through Bitwarden's own third-party audits, so organizations with formal compliance needs usually choose the official server.
Can I migrate from Vaultwarden to Bitwarden later?
Yes. Export your vault from a Bitwarden client connected to Vaultwarden, then import it into an account on the official server. Organization data needs to be exported and imported per organization.
Which is more popular on GitHub, Vaultwarden or Bitwarden?
Vaultwarden has 68,572 GitHub stars against 20,244 for Bitwarden. Over the last twelve months Vaultwarden received 181 commits and Bitwarden received 1,544, so Bitwarden is the more actively developed of the two right now. Stars measure interest, not fit, so weigh them against the differences above.