Passbolt vs KeePassXC
Both Passbolt and KeePassXC 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
KeePassXC
EU- Headquarters
- Community project, DE
- Pricing
- Free
- Open Source
- Yes
Key Differences
- Passbolt offers a free tier, while keePassXC offers a free tier. The different pricing models mean you should evaluate which approach better fits your usage pattern.
- Data residency differs: Passbolt hosts data in EU, while KeePassXC hosts in local. If your organisation requires data to stay in a specific EU country, this distinction matters for compliance.
- Each product has unique strengths: Passbolt offers OpenPGP end-to-end encryption and Team password sharing, while KeePassXC provides AES-256 encryption and Browser integration. Your choice depends on which capabilities matter most for your workflow.
Feature Comparison
| Feature | Passbolt | KeePassXC |
|---|---|---|
| Name | Passbolt | KeePassXC |
| Pricing | Free | Free |
| Free Tier | ||
| GDPR | ||
| ISO 27001 | ||
| Open Source | ||
| Headquarters | Luxembourg, LU | Community project, DE |
| Data Centers | EU | local |
| 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 | ||
| AES-256 encryption | ||
| Browser integration | ||
| TOTP support | ||
| YubiKey support | ||
| Auto-Type | ||
| Password generator | ||
| KeePass database format | ||
| Cross-platform | ||
| SSH agent |
Pricing Comparison
Passbolt
Freefree / enterprise
KeePassXC
Freefree
Compliance Comparison
Passbolt
GDPRDPA
KeePassXC
GDPRDPA
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How to Choose
You need enterprise-grade support and stability
Choose Passbolt
You prefer a nimble provider with personalised support
Choose KeePassXC
Passbolt vs KeePassXC — FAQ
What is the main difference between Passbolt and KeePassXC?
Both Passbolt and KeePassXC are European password manager solutions with full GDPR compliance. The key differences lie in their approach: Passbolt uses free / enterprise pricing while KeePassXC uses free. Passbolt is headquartered in Luxembourg, Luxembourg, while KeePassXC is based in Community project, Germany. Your choice should depend on your specific requirements for features, pricing, and data residency.
Which is more affordable, Passbolt or KeePassXC?
Both Passbolt and KeePassXC offer free tiers, so you can try either without cost. Pricing models differ (free / enterprise vs. free), so compare based on your usage pattern rather than just the starting price.
Are both Passbolt and KeePassXC GDPR compliant?
Yes. Both Passbolt and KeePassXC 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. For GDPR purposes, either option eliminates the legal risks associated with using US-based services.