Vaultwarden: the password manager the self-hosting community recommends first

On self-hosting forums, one recommendation comes up almost every time someone asks "what should I start with": Vaultwarden.

What it actually is

Vaultwarden is a lightweight (Rust) re-implementation of the Bitwarden server, compatible with every official Bitwarden client (browser extensions, mobile apps, desktop apps). You keep the client ecosystem you already know, but passwords are stored on your own server.

Why it's such a good first project

• Tiny footprint: a single small Docker container, runs comfortably on the smallest VPS.
• Zero functional compromise: multi-device sync, item sharing, 2FA — everything Bitwarden Cloud does.
• A clear stake: unlike other more "comfort" self-hosted services, this one removes a real risk (depending on a third party for access to every one of your accounts).

The non-negotiable caveat

A self-hosted password manager needs to be exposed publicly over HTTPS to be usable from anywhere — hiding it behind a VPN isn't an option if you want access from your phone while out. That means: security updates applied without delay, and an encrypted database backup tested regularly. A lost vault means losing access to every account at once.