Dotenv Vault vs AWS Secrets Manager: Which Should You Choose in 2026?
Choosing between Dotenv Vault and AWS Secrets Manager comes down to understanding what each tool does best. This comparison breaks down the key differences so you can make an informed decision based on your specific needs, not marketing claims.
By Toolradar Team · Last updated February 28, 2026 · Methodology
Short on time? Here's the quick answer
We've tested both tools. Here's who should pick what:
Dotenv Vault
Secure your environment variables with encryption and secrets-as-code.
Best for you if:
- • You want to try before committing
- • You need encryption features specifically
- • Encrypts .env files for enhanced security.
- • Drop-in replacement for dotenv with cross-platform support.
AWS Secrets Manager
AWS service for storing and rotating secrets securely
Best for you if:
- • You want the higher-rated option (8.6/10 vs 0.0/10)
- • You need password managers features specifically
- • AWS Secrets Manager helps you securely store and rotate database credentials, API keys, and other secrets
- • It integrates natively with AWS services and supports automatic rotation for RDS and other databases
| At a Glance |  Dotenv Vault |  AWS Secrets Manager |
|---|---|---|
Price | Free + Paid | Paid |
Best For | Encryption | Password Managers |
Rating | —/100 | 86/100 |
| Feature | Dotenv Vault | AWS Secrets Manager |
|---|---|---|
| Pricing Model | Freemium | Paid |
| Editorial Score | — | 86 |
| Community Rating | No ratings yet | No ratings yet |
| Total Reviews | 0 | 0 |
| Community Upvotes | 0 | 0 |
| Categories | Encryption | Password ManagersIdentity & Access |
How Dotenv Vault and AWS Secrets Manager Compare
Dotenv Vault
Secure your environment variables with encryption and secrets-as-code.
Free tier available
AWS Secrets Manager
AWS service for storing and rotating secrets securely
Paid · 86/100 score
Dotenv Vault is a encryption tool. AWS Secrets Manager is in password managers.
Who Should Use What?
On a budget?
Dotenv Vault has a free tier. AWS Secrets Manager is paid only.
Go with: Dotenv Vault
Want the highest-rated option?
AWS Secrets Manager scores 86/100. Dotenv Vault is unrated.
Go with: AWS Secrets Manager
Value user reviews?
Neither has user reviews yet.
Go with: AWS Secrets Manager
3 Questions to Help You Decide
What's your budget?
Dotenv Vault is freemium. AWS Secrets Manager is paid. Dotenv Vault lets you start free.
What's your use case?
Dotenv Vault is a encryption tool. AWS Secrets Manager is in password managers. Pick the category that matches your needs.
How important are ratings?
Not all tools have been rated yet.
Key Takeaways
AWS Secrets Manager
- Higher score: 86/100 vs unrated
- Our pick for this comparison
Dotenv Vault
- Has a free tier
- Better fit for encryption
The Bottom Line
AWS Secrets Manager (86/100) is our pick. Dotenv Vault has a free tier if you want to test without paying.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Dotenv Vault or AWS Secrets Manager better?
AWS Secrets Manager scores 86/100 in our evaluation. Dotenv Vault is freemium and AWS Secrets Manager is paid.
What are Dotenv Vault and AWS Secrets Manager used for?
Dotenv Vault: Secure your environment variables with encryption and secrets-as-code.. AWS Secrets Manager: AWS service for storing and rotating secrets securely.
What does Dotenv Vault cost vs AWS Secrets Manager?
Dotenv Vault is freemium (free tier + paid plans). AWS Secrets Manager is a paid tool. Visit their websites for detailed pricing.