Passbolt vs Bare.ID
Both Passbolt and Bare.ID are European-built, GDPR-compliant solutions in the password manager space. This comparison breaks down their features, pricing, compliance posture, and data residency so you can make an informed choice for your team.
Quick Overview
Passbolt
EU- Headquarters
- Luxembourg, LU
- Pricing
- Free
- Open Source
- Yes
Bare.ID
EU- Headquarters
- Stuttgart, DE
- Pricing
- From €250/mo
- Open Source
- No
Key Differences
- Passbolt offers a free tier, while bare.ID starts at €250/month. This makes Passbolt more accessible for individuals and small teams exploring their options before committing.
- Passbolt is open source, meaning you can audit the code, self-host, and avoid vendor lock-in. Bare.ID is proprietary, which often means a more polished out-of-the-box experience and dedicated support, but less flexibility for customisation.
- Data residency differs: Passbolt hosts data in EU, while Bare.ID hosts in Germany. If your organisation requires data to stay in a specific EU country, this distinction matters for compliance.
- Bare.ID holds ISO 27001 certification, providing third-party assurance of its security practices. Passbolt does not currently hold these certifications, which may matter for enterprise procurement requirements.
- Passbolt was founded in 2016, giving it a 4-year head start over Bare.ID (founded 2020). More time in market often means a larger user community and more mature integrations, though newer entrants may offer more modern architectures.
- Each product has unique strengths: Passbolt offers OpenPGP end-to-end encryption and Team password sharing, while Bare.ID provides Single sign-on and Multi-factor auth. Your choice depends on which capabilities matter most for your workflow.
Feature Comparison
| Feature | Passbolt | Bare.ID |
|---|---|---|
| Name | Passbolt | Bare.ID |
| Pricing | Free | From €250/mo |
| Free Tier | ||
| GDPR | ||
| ISO 27001 | ||
| Open Source | ||
| Headquarters | Luxembourg, LU | Stuttgart, DE |
| Data Centers | EU | DE |
| OpenPGP end-to-end encryption | ||
| Team password sharing | ||
| Role-based access control | ||
| Browser extensions | ||
| CLI tool | ||
| API for automation | ||
| LDAP/Active Directory sync | ||
| Audit logs | ||
| MFA support (TOTP, Duo) | ||
| Self-hosting option | ||
| Single sign-on | ||
| Multi-factor auth | ||
| Identity federation | ||
| User self-service | ||
| LDAP integration | ||
| SAML/OIDC | ||
| Managed Keycloak | ||
| Role management |
Pricing Comparison
Passbolt
Freefree / enterprise
Bare.ID
From €250/mosubscription
Compliance Comparison
Passbolt
GDPRDPA
Bare.ID
GDPRISO 27001DPA
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How to Choose
You need code transparency or self-hosting
Choose Passbolt
You want a fully managed, turnkey solution
Choose Bare.ID
You're a startup or individual on a budget
Choose Passbolt
Your procurement requires ISO 27001 certification
Choose Bare.ID
You need enterprise-grade support and stability
Choose Passbolt
You prefer a nimble provider with personalised support
Choose Bare.ID
Passbolt vs Bare.ID — FAQ
What is the main difference between Passbolt and Bare.ID?
Both Passbolt and Bare.ID are European password manager solutions with full GDPR compliance. The key differences lie in their approach: Passbolt is open source while Bare.ID is proprietary, and Passbolt uses free / enterprise pricing while Bare.ID uses subscription. Passbolt is headquartered in Luxembourg, Luxembourg, while Bare.ID is based in Stuttgart, Germany. Your choice should depend on your specific requirements for features, pricing, and data residency.
Which is more affordable, Passbolt or Bare.ID?
Passbolt offers a free tier, while bare.ID starts at €250/month. Pricing models differ (free / enterprise vs. subscription), so compare based on your usage pattern rather than just the starting price.
Are both Passbolt and Bare.ID GDPR compliant?
Yes. Both Passbolt and Bare.ID are European companies that store data within the EU/EEA and offer Data Processing Agreements. Neither is subject to the US CLOUD Act or FISA surveillance. Additionally, Bare.ID holds ISO 27001 certification. For GDPR purposes, either option eliminates the legal risks associated with using US-based services.