# keepassxc

Source: https://startwithidentity.com/vendors/password-management/keepassxc/
Last updated: 2026-06-19
License: content by Start with Identity. Cite the source URL.

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## Overview

KeePassXC is a popular open-source, offline [password manager](https://startwithidentity.com/vendors/password-management/) and part of the broader KeePass family. It stores credentials in a local encrypted database file with no server and no vendor, making it a long-standing favorite among technical and privacy-minded users.

## What it is good at

Full local control is the point: your vault is a single encrypted file you own, with no cloud dependency, no subscription, and strong, well-understood encryption. It is free and open source, cross-platform on desktop, supports key files and hardware keys, and integrates with browsers via an extension. There is nothing to trust beyond the file and your passphrase.

## Where it falls short

Sync, team sharing, and collaboration are not built in, so multi-device use relies on syncing the file through your own storage, and team workflows require external tooling and manual setup. There is no central admin, audit, or provisioning, mobile support comes from separate apps, and SSO is essentially absent. It is built for individuals, not organizations.

## Pricing

Free and open source, with no paid tier. Where a team eventually needs admin features, compare hosted options with the [TCO calculator](https://startwithidentity.com/tools/tco-calculator/).

## Best for, and who should look elsewhere

Choose KeePassXC when you want a no-server, local encrypted vault and full file control as an individual or technical user. For team sharing and admin see [Bitwarden](https://startwithidentity.com/vendors/password-management/bitwarden/) or [Passbolt](https://startwithidentity.com/vendors/password-management/passbolt/); for a self-hosted server with clients see [Vaultwarden](https://startwithidentity.com/vendors/password-management/vaultwarden/).

## Bottom line

A trusted, free, offline local-vault manager for individuals and technical users who want zero cloud dependency.