KeePassXC

KeePassXC is a community-developed, open-source password manager for Windows, macOS, and Linux. It stores usernames, passwords, URLs, notes, attachments, and other fields in encrypted KDBX database files.

The application operates locally rather than using a hosted account. Users can place database files inside a synchronization folder, but KeePassXC does not provide built-in cloud synchronization.

The project is distributed under GPL licenses and publishes its source code through GitHub. KeePassXC also provides a browser extension for credential autofill and passkey use.

KeePassXC supports password generation, searchable groups, custom fields, attachments, entry history, database reports, and export to CSV, XML, and HTML.

It supports TOTP storage and generation, passkeys through browser integration, Auto-Type, password-health checks, and Have I Been Pwned reporting.

Security options include AES-256, Twofish, ChaCha20, key files, YubiKey and OnlyKey challenge-response support, and configurable key transformations.

The application includes SSH Agent integration, FreeDesktop.org Secret Service support, KeeShare database sharing, and the keepassxc-cli command-line tool.

KeePassXC is free to download and use. The project does not charge subscriptions or license fees, and its official website accepts voluntary donations.

There is no conventional free trial because the full desktop application is available without payment. Browser extensions and source code are also provided at no charge.

KeePassXC integrates with the KeePassXC-Browser extension for Chrome, Chromium, Vivaldi, Brave, Firefox, Tor Browser, and Microsoft Edge.

The project supports browser communication through native messaging and documents a KeePassXC-Browser API for compatible third-party applications.

Additional integrations include SSH agents, Pageant, Windows OpenSSH, FreeDesktop.org Secret Service, YubiKey, OnlyKey, and shared cloud folders used for database synchronization.

KeePassXC does not support the KeePass 2 plugin system. It provides the keepassxc-cli command-line interface instead.

Pros: KeePassXC is free, open source, cross-platform, and designed around local encrypted storage. It offers advanced security controls and broad browser integration without requiring a hosted account.

Cons: The project has no official Android or iOS application. Users must arrange synchronization themselves, and troubleshooting browser, cloud-folder, or security-key setups can require technical knowledge.

KeePass: A long-established Windows password manager using the same general KDBX ecosystem, with a different implementation and plugin model.

Bitwarden: A hosted and open-source password manager with official mobile applications, browser extensions, and account-based synchronization.

1Password: A commercial password manager focused on hosted synchronization, team administration, and managed account features.

Proton Pass: A hosted password manager with browser and mobile applications and support for importing KeePass-compatible data.

Does KeePassXC work on mobile devices?
KeePassXC does not provide its own Android or iOS application. Its documentation recommends separate compatible apps, including KeePassDX, KeePass2Android, Strongbox, and KeePassium.

Does KeePassXC sync databases automatically?
No. Users can store a database in a Dropbox, Google Drive, OneDrive, ownCloud, or Nextcloud folder and let that service synchronize the file.

Can KeePassXC import data from other password managers?
Yes. The documentation lists import support for CSV, 1Password, Bitwarden, Proton Pass, and KeePass 1 formats.

Does KeePassXC have an API?
It provides the KeePassXC-Browser API for browser and compatible third-party integrations, plus the keepassxc-cli command-line interface.

Is KeePassXC free for commercial use?
The application is distributed under GPL licensing. Organizations should review the applicable license files and obligations before redistribution or modification.