KeePass vs Psono
A side-by-side comparison of two self-hosted password managers options — licensing, setup difficulty, resource needs, and what each one replaces.
| Feature | KeePass | Psono |
|---|---|---|
| Deploy effort | Read-the-docs project | Under-an-hour setup |
| Category | Password Managers | Password Managers |
| License | GPL-2.0 | Apache-2.0 |
| Language | C# | Python |
| Setup difficulty | Easy | Medium |
| Min. RAM | 64 MB | 512 MB |
| Deployment | binary, bare-metal | docker |
| GitHub stars | ★ 1,000 | ★ 700 |
| First released | 2003 | 2017 |
| Replaces | 1Password, LastPass | 1Password, LastPass |
What are KeePass and Psono?
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
Psono
Psono is a self-hosted, open-source password manager focused on secure secret sharing for teams and enterprises. It targets organizations needing granular credential management. It is deployed via Docker.
- Granular secret sharing
- Client-side encryption
- LDAP and SAML support
- Browser extensions and apps
KeePass vs Psono: key differences
KeePass is written in C#, while Psono is built with Python. Licensing differs — GPL-2.0 for KeePass versus Apache-2.0 for Psono. KeePass is the lighter option, starting around 64 MB of RAM against 512 MB for Psono. KeePass is the more established project (first released 2003), while Psono arrived in 2017. Psono lists first-class Docker deployment; KeePass does not.
Why pick each one
Choose KeePass if…
- Completely offline and private
- Time-tested and audited
Watch out for
- Dated Windows-centric interface
Choose Psono if…
- Strong sharing controls
- Enterprise auth support
- Open source
Watch out for
- Smaller community
- Setup takes effort
Frequently asked questions
Is KeePass or Psono better?
KeePass is the stronger all-round pick: it has both the larger community and the simpler easy setup. Consider Psono if its specific feature set fits your needs better.
Are KeePass and Psono free and open-source?
Yes. KeePass is licensed under GPL-2.0 and Psono under Apache-2.0. Both can be self-hosted at no software cost.
Can I run KeePass and Psono with Docker?
KeePass: check the project docs for container support. Psono: yes.
Which is lighter on resources, KeePass or Psono?
KeePass has the smaller minimum footprint at 64 MB of RAM, compared to about 512 MB for Psono. Real-world usage depends on library size, user count, and enabled features.