KeePassDX vs Passbolt
A side-by-side comparison of two self-hosted password managers options — licensing, setup difficulty, resource needs, and what each one replaces.
Passbolt
Open-source password manager built for teams
| Feature | KeePassDX | Passbolt |
|---|---|---|
| Deploy effort | Read-the-docs project | Under-an-hour setup |
| Health score | 91 · Excellent | 91 · Excellent |
| Category | Password Managers | Password Managers |
| License | GPL-3.0 | AGPL-3.0 |
| Language | Kotlin | PHP |
| Setup difficulty | Easy | Medium |
| Min. RAM | 64 MB | 1,024 MB |
| Deployment | binary | docker, bare-metal |
| GitHub stars | ★ 7,355 | ★ 6,136 |
| First released | 2017 | 2017 |
| Replaces | 1Password, LastPass | 1Password, LastPass |
What are KeePassDX and Passbolt?
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
Passbolt
Passbolt is an open-source password manager designed for teams, built around end-to-end encryption and OpenPGP. It targets organizations sharing credentials securely. It is deployed via Docker or packages.
- OpenPGP-based encryption
- Team-oriented sharing and roles
- Browser extension and apps
- Audit logs
KeePassDX vs Passbolt: key differences
KeePassDX is written in Kotlin, while Passbolt is built with PHP. Licensing differs — GPL-3.0 for KeePassDX versus AGPL-3.0 for Passbolt. KeePassDX is the lighter option, starting around 64 MB of RAM against 1,024 MB for Passbolt. Passbolt lists first-class Docker deployment; KeePassDX does not.
Why pick each one
Choose Passbolt if…
- Built for team sharing
- Strong encryption model
- Good admin controls
Watch out for
- Setup is involved
- Some features in paid tiers
Frequently asked questions
Is KeePassDX or Passbolt better?
KeePassDX is the stronger all-round pick: it has both the larger community and the simpler easy setup. Consider Passbolt if its specific feature set fits your needs better.
Are KeePassDX and Passbolt free and open-source?
Yes. KeePassDX is licensed under GPL-3.0 and Passbolt under AGPL-3.0. Both can be self-hosted at no software cost.
Can I run KeePassDX and Passbolt with Docker?
KeePassDX: check the project docs for container support. Passbolt: yes.
Which is lighter on resources, KeePassDX or Passbolt?
KeePassDX has the smaller minimum footprint at 64 MB of RAM, compared to about 1,024 MB for Passbolt. Real-world usage depends on library size, user count, and enabled features.