Clipperz vs KeePass
A side-by-side comparison of two self-hosted password managers options — licensing, setup difficulty, resource needs, and what each one replaces.
| Feature | Clipperz | KeePass |
|---|---|---|
| Deploy effort | Read-the-docs project | Read-the-docs project |
| Category | Password Managers | Password Managers |
| License | AGPL-3.0 | GPL-2.0 |
| Language | JavaScript | C# |
| Setup difficulty | Medium | Easy |
| Min. RAM | 128 MB | 64 MB |
| Deployment | bare-metal, source | binary, bare-metal |
| GitHub stars | ★ 750 | ★ 1,000 |
| First released | 2006 | 2003 |
| Replaces | 1Password, LastPass | 1Password, LastPass |
What are Clipperz and KeePass?
Clipperz
Clipperz is an open-source, zero-knowledge web password manager. All encryption happens in the browser before data reaches the server, so the host never sees plaintext credentials.
- Zero-knowledge browser encryption
- No plaintext ever sent to server
- Direct login links to sites
- Exportable encrypted data
KeePass
KeePass is a free, open-source password manager that stores credentials in a strongly encrypted local database. It is the original KeePass implementation that spawned an entire ecosystem of compatible clients.
- Strongly encrypted local database
- Portable, no installation required
- Extensive plugin ecosystem
- KDBX format used industry-wide
Clipperz vs KeePass: key differences
Clipperz is written in JavaScript, while KeePass is built with C#. Licensing differs — AGPL-3.0 for Clipperz versus GPL-2.0 for KeePass. KeePass is the lighter option, starting around 64 MB of RAM against 128 MB for Clipperz. KeePass is the more established project (first released 2003), while Clipperz arrived in 2006.
Why pick each one
Choose Clipperz if…
- True zero-knowledge design
- Runs in any browser
Watch out for
- Project is largely dormant
Choose KeePass if…
- Completely offline and private
- Time-tested and audited
Watch out for
- Dated Windows-centric interface
Frequently asked questions
Is Clipperz or KeePass better?
KeePass is the stronger all-round pick: it has both the larger community and the simpler easy setup. Consider Clipperz if its specific feature set fits your needs better.
Are Clipperz and KeePass free and open-source?
Yes. Clipperz is licensed under AGPL-3.0 and KeePass under GPL-2.0. Both can be self-hosted at no software cost.
Can I run Clipperz and KeePass with Docker?
Clipperz: check the project docs for container support. KeePass: check the project docs for container support.
Which is lighter on resources, Clipperz or KeePass?
KeePass has the smaller minimum footprint at 64 MB of RAM, compared to about 128 MB for Clipperz. Real-world usage depends on library size, user count, and enabled features.