KeePassXC vs Padloc
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
VS
Padloc
Modern open-source password manager
| Feature | KeePassXC | Padloc |
|---|---|---|
| Deploy effort | Read-the-docs project | Under-an-hour setup |
| Health score | 94 · Excellent | 18 · At risk |
| Category | Password Managers | Password Managers |
| License | GPL-3.0 | AGPL-3.0 |
| Language | C++ | JavaScript |
| Setup difficulty | Easy | Medium |
| Min. RAM | 128 MB | 512 MB |
| Deployment | binary, bare-metal | docker |
| GitHub stars | ★ 28,926 | ★ 2,923 |
| First released | 2017 | 2016 |
| Replaces | LastPass, 1Password, Dashlane | 1Password, LastPass |
What are KeePassXC and Padloc?
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
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
KeePassXC vs Padloc: key differences
KeePassXC is written in C++, while Padloc is built with JavaScript. Licensing differs — GPL-3.0 for KeePassXC versus AGPL-3.0 for Padloc. KeePassXC is the lighter option, starting around 128 MB of RAM against 512 MB for Padloc. KeePassXC has the considerably larger community, at 28,926 GitHub stars versus 2,923. Padloc lists first-class Docker deployment; KeePassXC does not.
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
Choose Padloc if…
- Polished UI
- Open source
- Cross-platform
Watch out for
- Smaller ecosystem
- Slower development pace
Frequently asked questions
Is KeePassXC or Padloc better?
KeePassXC 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 KeePassXC and Padloc free and open-source?
Yes. KeePassXC is licensed under GPL-3.0 and Padloc under AGPL-3.0. Both can be self-hosted at no software cost.
Can I run KeePassXC and Padloc with Docker?
KeePassXC: check the project docs for container support. Padloc: yes.
Which is lighter on resources, KeePassXC or Padloc?
KeePassXC has the smaller minimum footprint at 128 MB of RAM, compared to about 512 MB for Padloc. Real-world usage depends on library size, user count, and enabled features.