Bitwarden is a strong, genuinely open-source password manager. SealedKeys isn't trying to match it feature-for-feature — it's purpose-built for dev and DevOps teams that manage SSH keys, API tokens and infrastructure secrets, with SSO included and EU hosting by default. Honest comparison — we've noted where Bitwarden wins too.
In short
SealedKeys is a zero-knowledge alternative to Bitwarden built specifically for dev and DevOps teams: dedicated SSH-key and API-key types, SAML SSO in the standard Pro plan, a built-in security dashboard with proactive breach monitoring, and EU data residency by default. Bitwarden remains stronger on browser extensions, mobile apps and self-hosting; SealedKeys is currently web-only and cloud-only.
| Feature | SealedKeys | Bitwarden |
|---|---|---|
Zero-knowledge architecture Both are genuinely zero-knowledge | ||
Open-source encryption Both publish encryption code | ||
SAML 2.0 SSO included in standard plan | — Teams/Enterprise tier only | |
SSH key storage (dedicated type) | — Workaround via secure notes | |
API key storage (dedicated type) | — Workaround via custom fields | |
EU data residency | — US-hosted by default; EU option on Enterprise | |
Cyber Essentials certified | — Not certified (as of May 2026) | |
Audit log — who copied what | User email, IP & field name on every copy, view, edit or deletion | — Teams tier only; basic event log |
Breach monitoring & alerts | Email alerts, zero-knowledge | Vault health reports (paid) |
Post-quantum encryption (NIST FIPS 203) | ML-KEM-768 hybrid — first PM to ship | — Not implemented |
Browser extension | — Roadmap | |
Mobile apps (iOS / Android) | — Web only currently | |
Self-hosted option | — Cloud-only | |
Price (teams, per user/month) Bitwarden Teams; SSO extra | £3.49 | ~£3.99+ |
Prices and features correct as of May 2026. Verify directly with each vendor before making a decision.
Bitwarden stores SSH keys and API tokens as secure notes or with custom fields — they don't have a dedicated field layout. SealedKeys has dedicated SSH key and API key types with the right fields for each.
Bitwarden requires the Teams or Enterprise tier for SSO. SealedKeys includes SAML 2.0 SSO in the standard Pro plan at £3.49/user/month.
Bitwarden offers EU data residency on Enterprise plans. SealedKeys is EU-hosted by default on all plans.
SealedKeys is UK Cyber Essentials certified. Bitwarden is not (as of May 2026). This matters for UK government supply chain requirements.
Bitwarden has mature browser extensions and mobile apps with auto-fill. SealedKeys is currently web-only. If auto-fill is important, Bitwarden has a clear advantage.
Bitwarden can be self-hosted. SealedKeys is cloud-only.
Bitwarden has been around since 2015 and has a large open-source community, third-party clients and integrations. SealedKeys is earlier-stage.
The encryption implementation is open source on GitHub at github.com/sealedkeys/crypto. The application code (server, API, UI) is not currently open source. Bitwarden is fully open source.
Yes. Export your Bitwarden vault as a JSON file and import it into SealedKeys. The importer supports the Bitwarden JSON format and maps secret types appropriately.
Both use zero-knowledge architecture with AES-256-GCM encryption. Both publish their encryption implementations. Neither has a demonstrable security advantage over the other in terms of cryptographic design. Bitwarden has a longer track record and more independent audits.
Yes, a browser extension is on the roadmap. It would close the auto-fill gap with Bitwarden and provide process-isolated memory protection that a web app cannot offer.
SealedKeys is Cyber Essentials certified and EU-hosted by default — both relevant for UK public sector supply chain work. As of May 2026, Bitwarden is not Cyber Essentials certified and requires Enterprise for EU hosting.
Free to start — no credit card. Import your Bitwarden JSON export in minutes.