KeePassXC vs Proton Pass: Which is Better in 2026?
Choosing between KeePassXC and Proton Pass 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.
Bottom line: Proton Pass is our overall pick for password managers workflows. Pick KeePassXC if you need security.
Short on time? Here's the quick answer
We've tested both tools. Here's who should pick what:
KeePassXC
Secure, open-source password manager for complete data control
Best for you if:
- • You need something completely free
- • You need security features specifically
- • Stores passwords and sensitive data in an encrypted, offline file.
- • Cross-platform compatibility across Windows, macOS, and Linux.
Proton Pass
Encrypted password manager from Proton
Best for you if:
- • You need password managers features specifically
- • Proton Pass is a privacy-focused password manager from Proton
- • It stores passwords with end-to-end encryption and email aliasing
| At a Glance |  Proton Pass | |
|---|---|---|
Starts at | FreeFree tier available | FreeFree tier available |
Best For | Security | Password Managers |
Rating | 4.6/5 | 4.7/5 |
Choose KeePassXC or Proton Pass?
Choose KeePassXC if
Secure, open-source password manager for complete data control
- Ensures complete user control over data with no cloud storage or remote servers.
- Highly secure with encryption and certified by ANSSI for security standards.
- Completely free and open-source, promoting transparency and community trust.
- You want a fully free tool (Proton Pass requires payment)
- Your work is security-shaped, not password managers-shaped
Choose Proton Pass if
Encrypted password manager from Proton
- Secure password manager
- Proton ecosystem
- E2E encryption
- Your work is password managers-shaped, not security-shaped
| Feature | KeePassXC | Proton Pass |
|---|---|---|
| Pricing Model | Free | Freemium |
| User Rating | ★4.6/5 236 reviews | ★4.7/5 16 reviews |
| Categories | SecurityProductivity | Password ManagersSecurity |
In-Depth Analysis
KeePassXC
Secure, open-source password manager for complete data control
Strengths
- +Ensures complete user control over data with no cloud storage or remote servers.
- +Highly secure with encryption and certified by ANSSI for security standards.
- +Completely free and open-source, promoting transparency and community trust.
- +Provides a consistent user experience across major operating systems.
- +Actively maintained with regular bug fixes and feature enhancements.
Weaknesses
- -Requires manual synchronization of the database file for multi-device access.
- -Does not offer built-in cloud synchronization, relying on user's external solutions.
Key features
Proton Pass
Encrypted password manager from Proton
Strengths
- +Secure password manager
- +Proton ecosystem
- +E2E encryption
- +Fair pricing
- +Active development
Weaknesses
- -Newer than competitors
- -Limited features
- -Proton-focused
- -Import limitations
- -Still maturing
Key features
Pricing: KeePassXC vs Proton Pass
| Plan | KeePassXC | Proton Pass |
|---|---|---|
| Tier 1 | Free KeePassXC | Free Free |
| Tier 2 | N/A | $2.99 month Pass Plus |
| Tier 3 | N/A | $9.99 month Proton Unlimited |
Pricing verified from each vendor's public pricing page. Compare in detail on KeePassXC pricing and Proton Pass pricing.
Who Should Use What?
On a budget?
KeePassXC is free. Proton Pass is freemium.
Go with: KeePassXC
Want the highest-rated option?
KeePassXC: 4.6/5 (236 reviews). Proton Pass: 4.7/5 (16 reviews).
Go with: Proton Pass
Value user reviews?
KeePassXC: 236 reviews (4.6/5). Proton Pass: 16 reviews (4.7/5).
Go with: KeePassXC
3 Questions to Help You Decide
What's your budget?
KeePassXC is free. Proton Pass is freemium. Go with KeePassXC if free matters most.
What's your use case?
KeePassXC is a security tool. Proton Pass is in password managers. Pick the category that matches your needs.
How important are ratings?
Proton Pass is rated higher: 4.7/5 vs 4.6/5.
Key Takeaways
Proton Pass
- Higher user rating: 4.7/5 vs 4.6/5
- Free tier available
- Our pick for this comparison
KeePassXC
- Completely free
- Larger review base (236 reviews)
- Better fit for security
The Bottom Line
Proton Pass is our pick. That said, KeePassXC is free, hard to beat on price.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is KeePassXC or Proton Pass better?
Proton Pass is rated in our evaluation. KeePassXC is free and Proton Pass is freemium.
What are KeePassXC and Proton Pass used for?
KeePassXC: Secure, open-source password manager for complete data control. Proton Pass: Encrypted password manager from Proton.
What does KeePassXC cost vs Proton Pass?
KeePassXC is completely free. Proton Pass is freemium (free tier + paid plans). Visit their websites for detailed pricing.