KeePassDX vs KeePassXC
A side-by-side comparison of two self-hosted password managers options — licensing, setup difficulty, resource needs, and what each one replaces.
KeePassXC
Cross-platform offline KeePass password manager
| Feature | KeePassDX | KeePassXC |
|---|---|---|
| Deploy effort | Read-the-docs project | Read-the-docs project |
| Health score | 91 · Excellent | 94 · Excellent |
| Category | Password Managers | Password Managers |
| License | GPL-3.0 | GPL-3.0 |
| Language | Kotlin | C++ |
| Setup difficulty | Easy | Easy |
| Min. RAM | 64 MB | 128 MB |
| Deployment | binary | binary, bare-metal |
| GitHub stars | ★ 7,355 | ★ 28,926 |
| First released | 2017 | 2017 |
| Replaces | 1Password, LastPass | LastPass, 1Password, Dashlane |
What are KeePassDX and KeePassXC?
KeePassDX
KeePassDX is a free and open-source password manager for Android that is compatible with KeePass KDBX databases. It offers a modern Material interface, biometric unlock and form auto-fill.
- KDBX-compatible Android client
- Biometric and fingerprint unlock
- Auto-fill service integration
- Material design interface
KeePassXC
KeePassXC is a free, cross-platform desktop password manager that stores credentials in a local, encrypted KeePass database. It targets individuals who want fully offline password storage. It runs natively on desktop platforms.
- Local encrypted KeePass database
- Browser integration extension
- TOTP and passkey support
- No cloud dependency
KeePassDX vs KeePassXC: key differences
KeePassDX is written in Kotlin, while KeePassXC is built with C++. KeePassDX is the lighter option, starting around 64 MB of RAM against 128 MB for KeePassXC. KeePassXC has the considerably larger community, at 28,926 GitHub stars versus 7,355.
Why pick each one
Choose KeePassXC if…
- Fully offline and private
- No subscription
- Mature and trusted
Watch out for
- Sync is your responsibility
- No native mobile app
Frequently asked questions
Is KeePassDX or KeePassXC better?
Neither is universally better. KeePassXC has the larger community; both share a easy setup difficulty, so the decision comes down to features and licensing.
Are KeePassDX and KeePassXC free and open-source?
Yes. KeePassDX is licensed under GPL-3.0 and KeePassXC under GPL-3.0. Both can be self-hosted at no software cost.
Can I run KeePassDX and KeePassXC with Docker?
KeePassDX: check the project docs for container support. KeePassXC: check the project docs for container support.
Which is lighter on resources, KeePassDX or KeePassXC?
KeePassDX has the smaller minimum footprint at 64 MB of RAM, compared to about 128 MB for KeePassXC. Real-world usage depends on library size, user count, and enabled features.