KeePassium vs Psono Client
A side-by-side comparison of two self-hosted password managers options — licensing, setup difficulty, resource needs, and what each one replaces.
| Feature | KeePassium | Psono Client |
|---|---|---|
| Deploy effort | Read-the-docs project | Under-an-hour setup |
| Health score | 70 · Good | 62 · Good |
| Category | Password Managers | Password Managers |
| License | GPL-3.0 | Apache-2.0 |
| Language | Swift | JavaScript |
| Setup difficulty | Easy | Medium |
| Min. RAM | 64 MB | 256 MB |
| Deployment | binary | docker, source |
| GitHub stars | ★ 1,697 | ★ 26 |
| First released | 2019 | 2017 |
| Replaces | 1Password, LastPass | LastPass, 1Password |
What are KeePassium and Psono Client?
KeePassium
KeePassium is an open-source password manager for iOS and macOS that works with KeePass KDBX databases. It supports Face ID, Touch ID and AutoFill while keeping all data under user control.
- KDBX-compatible iOS and macOS app
- Face ID and Touch ID unlock
- Password AutoFill integration
- Hardware key support
Psono Client
Psono Client is the open-source web and browser-extension client for the Psono password manager. It encrypts secrets locally and connects to a self-hosted Psono server for team password sharing.
- Client-side encryption
- Browser extension
- Team password sharing
- Connects to Psono server
KeePassium vs Psono Client: key differences
KeePassium is written in Swift, while Psono Client is built with JavaScript. Licensing differs — GPL-3.0 for KeePassium versus Apache-2.0 for Psono Client. KeePassium is the lighter option, starting around 64 MB of RAM against 256 MB for Psono Client. Psono Client is the more established project (first released 2017), while KeePassium arrived in 2019. KeePassium has the considerably larger community, at 1,697 GitHub stars versus 26. Psono Client lists first-class Docker deployment; KeePassium does not.
Why pick each one
Choose KeePassium if…
- Polished Apple-platform experience
- Open source
Watch out for
- Apple platforms only
- Premium tier for some features
Choose Psono Client if…
- Released under the Apache-2.0 license
- First-class Docker support for quick deployment
- Written in JavaScript
- Tiny footprint — runs in 256 MB RAM
Frequently asked questions
Is KeePassium or Psono Client better?
KeePassium is the stronger all-round pick: it has both the larger community and the simpler easy setup. Consider Psono Client if its specific feature set fits your needs better.
Are KeePassium and Psono Client free and open-source?
Yes. KeePassium is licensed under GPL-3.0 and Psono Client under Apache-2.0. Both can be self-hosted at no software cost.
Can I run KeePassium and Psono Client with Docker?
KeePassium: check the project docs for container support. Psono Client: yes.
Which is lighter on resources, KeePassium or Psono Client?
KeePassium has the smaller minimum footprint at 64 MB of RAM, compared to about 256 MB for Psono Client. Real-world usage depends on library size, user count, and enabled features.