# padloc

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

---

## Overview

Padloc is a modern open-source [password manager](https://startwithidentity.com/vendors/password-management/) for individuals and teams, started in 2016 in Germany. It pairs a clean interface with self-hosting options, positioning itself as an approachable open alternative to proprietary managers.

## What it is good at

A genuinely pleasant, modern interface sets it apart from many open-source vaults, and the open codebase with a self-hosting option gives transparency and control. It is affordable, suitable for individuals and small teams, and avoids the dated feel that hampers older open tools. It supports end-to-end encryption and biometric unlock, and being able to spin up your own instance means you are never locked into a vendor.

## Where it falls short

As a smaller project, enterprise features, SSO, governance, and the support organization are limited, and the ecosystem and integrations are narrower than major vendors. Teams needing deep admin or large-scale provisioning will outgrow it, and self-hosting means owning operations. Development cadence on smaller open projects can be uneven, so evaluate current activity before committing a team to it.

## Pricing

Free tier and low-cost paid plans; self-hosting is free. Model your needs with the [TCO calculator](https://startwithidentity.com/tools/tco-calculator/).

## Best for, and who should look elsewhere

Choose Padloc for a clean, modern open-source manager for individuals or small teams, with optional self-hosting. For enterprise depth see [Bitwarden](https://startwithidentity.com/vendors/password-management/bitwarden/); for technical team sharing see [Passbolt](https://startwithidentity.com/vendors/password-management/passbolt/); for a local file see [KeePassXC](https://startwithidentity.com/vendors/password-management/keepassxc/).

## Bottom line

A clean, modern open-source manager for individuals and small teams that value design and openness. Look elsewhere if you need enterprise SSO, provisioning, or guaranteed vendor support.