KeePassDX vs Padloc
A side-by-side comparison of two self-hosted password managers options — licensing, setup difficulty, resource needs, and what each one replaces.
| Feature | KeePassDX | Padloc |
|---|---|---|
| Deploy effort | Read-the-docs project | Under-an-hour setup |
| Health score | 91 · Excellent | 18 · At risk |
| Category | Password Managers | Password Managers |
| License | GPL-3.0 | AGPL-3.0 |
| Language | Kotlin | JavaScript |
| Setup difficulty | Easy | Medium |
| Min. RAM | 64 MB | 512 MB |
| Deployment | binary | docker |
| GitHub stars | ★ 7,355 | ★ 2,923 |
| First released | 2017 | 2016 |
| Replaces | 1Password, LastPass | 1Password, LastPass |
What are KeePassDX and Padloc?
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
Padloc
Padloc is a modern, open-source password manager with a clean interface and end-to-end encryption, offering a self-hostable server. It targets individuals and small teams. It is deployed via Docker.
- End-to-end encryption
- Clean modern interface
- Self-hostable server
- Organizations and sharing
KeePassDX vs Padloc: key differences
KeePassDX is written in Kotlin, while Padloc is built with JavaScript. Licensing differs — GPL-3.0 for KeePassDX versus AGPL-3.0 for Padloc. KeePassDX is the lighter option, starting around 64 MB of RAM against 512 MB for Padloc. KeePassDX has the considerably larger community, at 7,355 GitHub stars versus 2,923. Padloc lists first-class Docker deployment; KeePassDX does not.
Why pick each one
Choose Padloc if…
- Polished UI
- Open source
- Cross-platform
Watch out for
- Smaller ecosystem
- Slower development pace
Frequently asked questions
Is KeePassDX or Padloc better?
KeePassDX is the stronger all-round pick: it has both the larger community and the simpler easy setup. Consider Padloc if its specific feature set fits your needs better.
Are KeePassDX and Padloc free and open-source?
Yes. KeePassDX is licensed under GPL-3.0 and Padloc under AGPL-3.0. Both can be self-hosted at no software cost.
Can I run KeePassDX and Padloc with Docker?
KeePassDX: check the project docs for container support. Padloc: yes.
Which is lighter on resources, KeePassDX or Padloc?
KeePassDX has the smaller minimum footprint at 64 MB of RAM, compared to about 512 MB for Padloc. Real-world usage depends on library size, user count, and enabled features.