KeePassXC vs Passit
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
Passit
Self-hosted password manager with browser extensions
| Feature | KeePassXC | Passit |
|---|---|---|
| Deploy effort | Read-the-docs project | Under-an-hour setup |
| Category | Password Managers | Password Managers |
| License | GPL-3.0 | AGPL-3.0 |
| Language | C++ | Python |
| Setup difficulty | Easy | Medium |
| Min. RAM | 128 MB | 256 MB |
| Deployment | binary, bare-metal | docker, bare-metal |
| GitHub stars | ★ 28,926 | ★ 200 |
| First released | 2017 | 2016 |
| Replaces | LastPass, 1Password, Dashlane | LastPass, 1Password |
What are KeePassXC and Passit?
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
Passit
Passit is a self-hosted, open-source password manager with browser extensions. It encrypts credentials client-side before syncing them to your own Django-based server and supports group sharing.
- Client-side encrypted vault
- Browser extensions for Chrome and Firefox
- Group password sharing
- Self-hosted Django backend
KeePassXC vs Passit: key differences
KeePassXC is written in C++, while Passit is built with Python. Licensing differs — GPL-3.0 for KeePassXC versus AGPL-3.0 for Passit. KeePassXC is the lighter option, starting around 128 MB of RAM against 256 MB for Passit. KeePassXC has the considerably larger community, at 28,926 GitHub stars versus 200. Passit 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 Passit if…
- Simple sharing model
- Open and auditable
Watch out for
- Limited recent development
Frequently asked questions
Is KeePassXC or Passit better?
KeePassXC is the stronger all-round pick: it has both the larger community and the simpler easy setup. Consider Passit if its specific feature set fits your needs better.
Are KeePassXC and Passit free and open-source?
Yes. KeePassXC is licensed under GPL-3.0 and Passit under AGPL-3.0. Both can be self-hosted at no software cost.
Can I run KeePassXC and Passit with Docker?
KeePassXC: check the project docs for container support. Passit: yes.
Which is lighter on resources, KeePassXC or Passit?
KeePassXC has the smaller minimum footprint at 128 MB of RAM, compared to about 256 MB for Passit. Real-world usage depends on library size, user count, and enabled features.