KeePassXC vs Psono
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
Psono
Self-hosted password manager for teams
| Feature | KeePassXC | Psono |
|---|---|---|
| Deploy effort | Read-the-docs project | Under-an-hour setup |
| Category | Password Managers | Password Managers |
| License | GPL-3.0 | Apache-2.0 |
| Language | C++ | Python |
| Setup difficulty | Easy | Medium |
| Min. RAM | 128 MB | 512 MB |
| Deployment | binary, bare-metal | docker |
| GitHub stars | ★ 28,926 | ★ 700 |
| First released | 2017 | 2017 |
| Replaces | LastPass, 1Password, Dashlane | 1Password, LastPass |
What are KeePassXC and Psono?
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
Psono
Psono is a self-hosted, open-source password manager focused on secure secret sharing for teams and enterprises. It targets organizations needing granular credential management. It is deployed via Docker.
- Granular secret sharing
- Client-side encryption
- LDAP and SAML support
- Browser extensions and apps
KeePassXC vs Psono: key differences
KeePassXC is written in C++, while Psono is built with Python. Licensing differs — GPL-3.0 for KeePassXC versus Apache-2.0 for Psono. KeePassXC is the lighter option, starting around 128 MB of RAM against 512 MB for Psono. KeePassXC has the considerably larger community, at 28,926 GitHub stars versus 700. Psono 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 Psono if…
- Strong sharing controls
- Enterprise auth support
- Open source
Watch out for
- Smaller community
- Setup takes effort
Frequently asked questions
Is KeePassXC or Psono better?
KeePassXC is the stronger all-round pick: it has both the larger community and the simpler easy setup. Consider Psono if its specific feature set fits your needs better.
Are KeePassXC and Psono free and open-source?
Yes. KeePassXC is licensed under GPL-3.0 and Psono under Apache-2.0. Both can be self-hosted at no software cost.
Can I run KeePassXC and Psono with Docker?
KeePassXC: check the project docs for container support. Psono: yes.
Which is lighter on resources, KeePassXC or Psono?
KeePassXC has the smaller minimum footprint at 128 MB of RAM, compared to about 512 MB for Psono. Real-world usage depends on library size, user count, and enabled features.