MoatKeyA Bitwarden alternative for families: MoatKey, compared honestly
Bitwarden is open source, widely used, and says it has third-party security audits every year. MoatKey is newer and does not claim to be open source. If you are looking for a Bitwarden alternative for families, this page is meant to help you decide whether switching is worth it at all.
Short version: Bitwarden is the stronger pick if open code, published audits, self-hosting and many platforms matter to you. MoatKey may suit a household that wants Castles with roles, safety-number checks and shared two-factor codes in one simple app, and that is fine with a newer product.
Side by side
| Bitwarden | MoatKey | |
|---|---|---|
| Family size | Families plan: up to 6 users, unlimited collections and sharing | Family plan: up to 6 people, unlimited shared Castles |
| Free plan | Free for one person; a free organization for up to 2 users with sharing in up to 2 collections | Up to 50 saved items, plus 1 shared Castle for you and 1 other person |
| Open source | Yes, code on GitHub (AGPL v3.0 and Bitwarden License) | MoatKey does not claim to be open source |
| Independent audits | Says it has annual third-party audits and penetration tests, with reports listed from 2018 to 2025 | None yet. Internal security review only |
| Platforms | Web, desktop (Windows, macOS, Linux), iOS, Android, many browser extensions, command line | iPhone, iPad, Android, and Chrome and Edge extensions |
| Self-hosting | Yes, on-premises or private cloud | No |
| Two-factor codes | Integrated authenticator (TOTP) listed on its Families plan | Built-in authenticator; a shared Castle can show everyone the current code |
| Pricing | Check Bitwarden’s pricing page for current pricing. MoatKey’s plans are on the MoatKey page. | |
Where Bitwarden is stronger
- Open source and audits. Anyone can read Bitwarden’s code, and it lists yearly reports from outside security firms, plus compliance certifications such as SOC 2 Type 2 and ISO 27001. MoatKey has had an internal review only.
- More places to run it. Bitwarden lists a web app, desktop apps, mobile apps, extensions for many browsers (including Firefox and Safari), a command-line tool and self-hosting.
- More mature extras. Its paid plans list encrypted file attachments, Bitwarden Send for text and files, and for businesses event logs, SCIM and directory integrations.
- Emergency access. Bitwarden offers it to premium and paid-organization users. MoatKey’s emergency access (Legacy) needs a Family or Team plan.
- Longer history. It has been around longer and has more users, so more people have tested it.
Where MoatKey is different
- Castles with roles. Each shared Castle has its own key and members are Viewer, Editor or Castle Admin. See Castles and sharing.
- Safety numbers. Someone who accepts an invitation is added only after an owner or admin confirms their safety number, and this is on by default.
- Shared two-factor codes. Every member of a Castle can see the current code for a shared login, generated on their own device. Authenticator codes.
- Hybrid post-quantum sharing. Castle keys are sealed with X25519 and ML-KEM-768 together. That is a design choice, not proof of overall strength.
- Family extras. The Dungeon, an extra-protected area, and Secure Drop for sending a secret once, are part of the Family plan.
MoatKey’s honest limits
- MoatKey had an internal security review on October 1, 2026 and no independent audit yet. MoatKey does not claim to be open source. See the Security page.
- If you forget your master password and lose your Emergency Kit, we cannot recover your vault. Bitwarden is in the same position for personal accounts, since it says it cannot reset a master password.
- MoatKey is newer, with fewer platforms and no self-hosting.
Switching
This is the easy direction. MoatKey’s import recognizes a Bitwarden CSV, including authenticator keys.
- Export your vault from Bitwarden as a CSV, using their instructions.
- In the MoatKey extension, open Tools → Import, choose Use the export importer and pick the file. On Android, use Settings → Import passwords → From a file.
- Import, then delete the export file. It holds your passwords in plain text.
The Free plan stops an import that would pass 50 items and saves nothing, so check the count first. To go the other way, MoatKey exports a CSV in Bitwarden’s format (extension only). Bitwarden’s help lists imports from other managers.
Questions
Is MoatKey a good Bitwarden alternative for families?
It is a different tradeoff. Bitwarden is open source and publishes yearly audit reports. MoatKey is newer, has had an internal review only, and focuses on shared Castles, safety numbers and shared two-factor codes.
Is MoatKey open source?
MoatKey does not claim to be open source. If being able to read the code matters to you, Bitwarden is the better fit.
Can I move my Bitwarden vault to MoatKey?
Yes. Export a CSV from Bitwarden and import it from Tools → Import in the extension or Settings → Import passwords on Android. Authenticator keys in a Bitwarden export are imported too.
What happens if I forget my master password?
With MoatKey, we cannot reset it. Use your Emergency Kit and Recovery Key. If you have neither, the vault cannot be opened by anyone. Bitwarden says it also cannot reset a master password.
Which costs less?
We do not quote other companies’ prices. Check Bitwarden’s pricing page for current pricing, and compare it with MoatKey’s plans.
Try MoatKey free
MoatKey is out now on iPhone, iPad, Android, Chrome and Edge.
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1Password, Bitwarden and LastPass are trademarks of their respective owners. G3NO SYSTEMS is not affiliated with them. Facts about other products come from their own public pages, checked November 7, 2026, and may have changed since.