KeePassXC vs Passbolt
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
Passbolt
Open-source password manager built for teams
| Feature | KeePassXC | Passbolt |
|---|---|---|
| Deploy effort | Read-the-docs project | Under-an-hour setup |
| Health score | 94 · Excellent | 91 · Excellent |
| Category | Password Managers | Password Managers |
| License | GPL-3.0 | AGPL-3.0 |
| Language | C++ | PHP |
| Setup difficulty | Easy | Medium |
| Min. RAM | 128 MB | 1,024 MB |
| Deployment | binary, bare-metal | docker, bare-metal |
| GitHub stars | ★ 28,926 | ★ 6,136 |
| First released | 2017 | 2017 |
| Replaces | LastPass, 1Password, Dashlane | 1Password, LastPass |
What are KeePassXC and Passbolt?
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
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
KeePassXC vs Passbolt: key differences
KeePassXC is written in C++, while Passbolt is built with PHP. Licensing differs — GPL-3.0 for KeePassXC versus AGPL-3.0 for Passbolt. KeePassXC is the lighter option, starting around 128 MB of RAM against 1,024 MB for Passbolt. KeePassXC has the considerably larger community, at 28,926 GitHub stars versus 6,136. Passbolt 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 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 KeePassXC or Passbolt better?
KeePassXC 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 KeePassXC and Passbolt free and open-source?
Yes. KeePassXC is licensed under GPL-3.0 and Passbolt under AGPL-3.0. Both can be self-hosted at no software cost.
Can I run KeePassXC and Passbolt with Docker?
KeePassXC: check the project docs for container support. Passbolt: yes.
Which is lighter on resources, KeePassXC or Passbolt?
KeePassXC has the smaller minimum footprint at 128 MB of RAM, compared to about 1,024 MB for Passbolt. Real-world usage depends on library size, user count, and enabled features.