Is PassCamp an effective Bitwarden alternative?
PassCamp is a secure, cloud-based password manager that provides easy and affordable data management. It offers personal ( Free and Premium) and business plans ( Teams and Enterprise).
Bitwarden is a cheap, open-source password manager that includes safe password storage and a variety of features. Bitwarden has two variations: personal (consists of 4 plans) and business ( Teams and Enterprise).
Can PassCamp be considered an effective Bitwarden alternative? How are these two tools similar and different? Which one to pick?
PassCamp vs. Bitwarden comparison.
In the latest Software Reviews comparison of password managers, the two tools – PassCamp and Bitwarden – appeared in the first and second places, with a slight difference of 0,1 point. This makes the two tools worth a closer look.
In this review, both PassCamp and Bitwarden are going to be compared following these central aspects:
- Security features
- Setup and usage intuitiveness
- Compatibility & cross-platform usage
- Password sharing
After that, the verdict on whether or not PassCamp can be regarded as a satisfactory Bitwarden alternative will be drawn.
An almost equal level of security in both tools
Encryption
Both PassCamp and Bitwarden are recognized password managers for their security infrastructure. Both tools protect users’ data with the most reliable 256-bit AES encryption algorithm.
Besides, both providers offer safe cloud storage, protected with Zero-knowledge proof. In short, this security method ensures that no data can be accessed or revealed to any unauthorized party (even the providers). Encryption and decryption happen at a user device – sensitive data is never transmitted via the network.
Local vs. Cloud storage
Bitwarden additionally provides a local storage option. Yet, for tech-savvy users, this might not necessarily mean a benefit. Cloud storage of a reliable provider is usually more secure than a personal local network.
Extra security features
Also, both password managers offer additional safety features that can now be expected from a modern password management tool:
- Secure password sharing,
- Password generator,
- Two-factor authentication.
What is different, PassCamp additionally deploys the RSA-4096 data encryption method to protect users’ data. Combined with AES 256-bit, this encryption method provides military and bank-grade security, trusted globally.
Password generator
Although both providers offer a password generator, it is implemented quite differently in each tool.
Bitwarden has an excellent free online tool to generate strong passwords and passphrases.
However, this password generation tool is not integrated into the vault. If a user creates a password within the app, there is no password or passphrase modification available. There is only a suggested default random password provided. (Or you have to manually visit a Tool section to use the password generator tool.)
PassCamp, a possible Bitwarden alternative, provides a more customizable password generation approach for a user. The person can modify and generate a password both in the vault and in the browser extension. The tool allows to customize the length of the password as well as define its structure.
Overall, both tools provide a high level of security. Whichever you choose, your data will be safe. Depending on your demands, you can select a password manager that meets them better.
Setup and usage – the clear difference.
Both tools significantly differ in the ease of setup and use.
Setup
With Bitwarden, it is easy to log in and set up a new account. However, the dashboard and navigation are counterintuitive. For a non-tech-savvy user, it might take some time to get used to the interface and navigation. For example, tools such as password import or password generator are separated and take time to find.
Also, there is a lack of guidelines regarding password creation. For an average user, such terms as TOTP and Master password re-prompt might be unknown.
PassCamp, a password manager primarily built to be easy to use for every user, provides a smooth and seamless setup process. The guidelines are clearly indicated in each step. It is almost impossible to miss a step or get confused. PassCamp also provides a simple data import solution – you can select a current password manager or upload a CSV file.
PassCamp keeps the number of buttons and selections to the minimum. For instance, a password generator is intuitively included in the password creation tool. This provides a smooth experience for both invested in password managers and completely new users.
Autosave and autofill
Bitwarden receives some public criticism regarding their Autofill and Autosave features. When tested, Bitwarden frequently failed to autofill a password or autosave it correctly.
The common problem with the tool – its browser saves the password for you, but the next time you visit a website, it fails to fill it. Therefore, you have to manually edit the website URL in the tool for the autofill to work.
PassCamp offers a smooth password saving and filling experience. The browser extension works well in detecting the login fields. You can click on a PassCamp icon – it will fill in the password automatically, so you log in smoothly.
Compatibility & Cross-platform usage
Bitwarden and PassCamp have mobile apps, web apps, and browser extensions. Additionally, Bitwarden offers a Desktop app. (PassCamp has this task on the roadmap.)
What is similar about the tools, they both provide cross-platform usage and sync among all the devices. Both password managers do not limit data synchronization in Free versions of the tools. Besides, both tools support the most popular browsers, so you can use them in the environment you are most used to.
Password sharing – different implementation.
It is possible to securely share passwords on both tools. However, the implementation of each password manager is different.
Bitwarden
Send feature in Bitwarden allows you to share a piece of data – a password or a note – with another person. Another user does not necessarily need to create a Bitwarden account to access the password.
However, Bitwarden has a critical limitation. On both Free and Premium Bitwarden versions, you can share data only with one person. If you want to share data with more than one user (f. e., a team, a client, etc.), you need to upgrade to Family(max. 6 users) or one of the business plans.
Therefore, if you need to regularly share a password with one person, feel free to use Free or Premium Bitwarden versions. Yet, if you need to collaborate with two or more people, only the business plans of a higher price range will be suitable for you.
PassCamp
PassCamp provides a different approach to data sharing. Even in its Free version, PassCamp allows sharing passwords with an unlimited number of PassCamp users (but limits password storage to 15 passwords).
The Premium version – among the cheapest paid versions in the market – unlocks unlimited data storage, so you can store and share data without any restrictions.
If you need to collaborate with people, exploit the added benefits of the business Team plan. Here, you can share a password with a guest – you will not need to add this person to the team and pay for him. This is extremely valuable if you need to share credentials with temporary partners – outsourced teams, clients, or business partners.
Hence, PassCamp provides a more liberal approach towards password sharing, so you can save money wherever possible and avoid upgrading.
The verdict – did you find your Bitwarden alternative ?
PassCamp and Bitwarden are great password managers that provide very similar features. The pricing models are quite different – 10$ vs. 25$ annually for personal Premium plans.
Keep in mind that depending on your demands, you might need to upgrade to business plans. Here, the pricing models are pretty similar – 36$ and 35$ yearly (PassCamp cheaper).
Overall, the security infrastructure of both tools can be trusted. Besides, both PassCamp and Bitwarden have basic features that are expected from a modern password manager.
The decision depends on your habits as a user:
If you are new to password management, then it is wiser to select PassCamp, a Bitwarden alternative, due to the tool’s intuitiveness. If you do not need to share passwords with anyone (or with 1 person only), Bitwarden might be a great choice. Evaluate your expectations and then compare.
To facilitate the selection, try out both tools for free. Bitwarden and PassCamp provide free trials, so you can make an informed choice after trying out both tools.
