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GDPR Compliance Risk

Bitwarden is a US-based service subject to the CLOUD Act. EU organizations using this service risk non-compliance with GDPR data transfer requirements.

Bitwarden logo

GDPR-Compliant Alternative to Bitwarden

🇺🇸Bitwarden · US-based · Subject to CLOUD Act

Bitwarden is the most trusted password manager for passwords and passkeys at home or at work, on any browser or device. Start with a free trial.

Why You Need a GDPR-Compliant Alternative to Bitwarden

Since the landmark Schrems II ruling in 2020, transferring personal data to US-based services like Bitwarden has become a significant legal risk for EU organizations. The US CLOUD Act gives American authorities the power to access data held by US companies, regardless of where that data is physically stored — even if it's in an EU data center.

While the EU-US Data Privacy Framework (DPF) adopted in 2023 provides a new legal basis for transfers, privacy experts and legal scholars have raised concerns about its long-term viability. The framework could face the same fate as its predecessors (Safe Harbor and Privacy Shield), both of which were struck down by the Court of Justice of the EU.

For organizations that want to eliminate compliance risk entirely, switching to a European-based password managers is the most straightforward solution. Below are the best GDPR-compliant alternatives to Bitwarden, all headquartered in Europe with data stored in EU data centers.

CLOUD Act Exposure

US authorities can access your data stored by Bitwarden, even if servers are located in Europe.

GDPR Fine Risk

Non-compliant data transfers can result in fines up to 4% of annual global revenue under GDPR Article 83.

EU Alternative Available

3 GDPR-compliant European alternatives available with full EU data residency.

3 GDPR-Compliant Alternatives to Bitwarden

European services with full GDPR compliance and EU data residency

Proton Pass logo

Proton Pass

🇨🇭

by Proton Pass

Store, share and sync passwords, passkeys, email aliases, and more, on any device, with our open-source, free password manager. No trials, just free forever.

EU-BasedOpen SourceGDPR CompliantSelf-HostableSwiss hosted
freeMigration:●●●30 minutes

Why switch?

  • Open-source code allows for community audits and transparency.
  • Email aliases help protect your real email from spam and tracking.
  • Proton Pass offers a free forever model with no premium tier.

Consider

  • Migration may require manual transfer of passwords and data.
  • Lacks self-hosting options available in Bitwarden.
View DetailsCompareSwitch Guide
Visit Proton Pass
KeePassXC logo

KeePassXC

🇪🇺

by KeePassXC

KeePassXC is a robust password manager designed to securely store and manage your passwords across multiple platforms. As an open-source tool, it offers transparency and adaptability, allowing users to inspect and modify the source code to suit their needs. KeePassXC supports cross-platform compatibility, making it accessible on Windows, macOS, and Linux. Key features include browser integration for seamless login experiences, a powerful password generator to create strong, unique passwords, and auto-fill functionality to streamline online interactions. The software also supports two-factor authentication and offers various database encryption options to enhance security. KeePassXC is ideal for individuals and organizations seeking a reliable password management solution that prioritizes privacy and security. With GDPR compliance and data hosting within the EU, users can trust that their data is handled with care and sovereignty. KeePassXC is free to use, making it an accessible choice for anyone looking to improve their digital security without incurring additional costs.

Open SourceGDPR CompliantEU-hostedSelf-Hostable
freeMigration:●●●1-2 hours

Why switch?

  • KeePassXC is open source, allowing for community-driven security audits.
  • KeePassXC stores data locally, reducing reliance on cloud servers.
  • KeePassXC supports multiple database encryption algorithms, enhancing security.

Consider

  • Migration from Bitwarden may require manual export/import of passwords.
  • KeePassXC lacks built-in secure sharing features found in Bitwarden.
View DetailsCompareSwitch Guide
Visit KeePassXC
Passbolt logo

Passbolt

🇱🇺

by Passbolt

Manage and share passwords securely with Passbolt. Open source, audited and built for teams that need collaboration, compliance and control.

SOC 2EU-BasedISO 27001SOC 2 Type IIGDPR CompliantOpen SourceSelf-Hostable
freemiumMigration:●●●1 day

Why switch?

  • Open source codebase allows for transparency and community audits.
  • Role-based access control enhances team security and user permissions.
  • SOC 2 certification ensures compliance with security best practices.

Consider

  • Migration from Bitwarden may require manual data transfer efforts.
  • Passbolt's user interface may have a steeper learning curve for new users.
View DetailsCompareSwitch Guide
Visit Passbolt

Quick GDPR Compliance Comparison

ServiceHQ LocationGDPR NativeEU Data CentersCLOUD Act FreePricing
🇺🇸Bitwarden
United StatesNoPartialNo-
🇨🇭Proton PassCHYesYesYesfree
🇪🇺KeePassXCEUYesYesYesfree
🇱🇺PassboltLUYesYesYesfreemium

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Bitwarden GDPR compliant?

Bitwarden is a US-based service operated by Bitwarden. While it may have some GDPR compliance measures, as a US company it is subject to the CLOUD Act, which allows US authorities to access data stored by US companies regardless of where the data is physically located. This creates a fundamental conflict with GDPR requirements for data protection.

What are the GDPR risks of using Bitwarden?

The main GDPR risks include: (1) Data transfers to the US may lack adequate protection since the Schrems II ruling invalidated Privacy Shield, (2) US authorities can demand access under the CLOUD Act, (3) Your organization may face GDPR fines up to 4% of annual revenue for non-compliant data transfers, and (4) User consent may not be sufficient to legitimize transfers given the systematic access by US authorities.

What are the best GDPR-compliant alternatives to Bitwarden?

The top GDPR-compliant alternatives to Bitwarden include Proton Pass, KeePassXC, Passbolt. These European services store your data in EU data centers and are fully subject to GDPR protections.

How do I migrate from Bitwarden to a GDPR-compliant alternative?

Most migrations involve three steps: (1) Export your data from Bitwarden using their data export tools, (2) Create an account with your chosen EU alternative, and (3) Import your data into the new service. We provide detailed migration guides for each alternative to make the switch as smooth as possible.

Can EU companies legally use Bitwarden?

Since the Schrems II ruling (2020), EU organizations face significant legal risk when using US cloud services like Bitwarden. While the EU-US Data Privacy Framework (2023) provides a new legal basis, its long-term stability is uncertain. Many EU data protection authorities recommend using EU-based alternatives to avoid compliance risks entirely.

Other GDPR Alternatives in Password Managers

GDPR Alternative to 1PasswordGDPR Alternative to DashlaneGDPR Alternative to LastPass

Related Pages

Migration Resources

Some links on this page are affiliate links. We may earn a commission if you make a purchase, at no extra cost to you. This helps support our mission to promote European alternatives. Our recommendations are based on objective criteria.

Last updated: January 24, 2026