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Comparison · Password managers

Apple Passwords vs KeePassXC: which is better in 2026?

Apple Passwords84.5#5 in best password managersKeePassXC88.5#4 in best password managers

KeePassXC ranks higher in our list of password managers (#4 against #5, score 88.5 against 84.5).

How we rank Share

  • 84.5
    Editorial score
    88.5
  • 3
    Platforms
    4
  • Yes
    Free to use
    Yes
  • No
    Open source
    Yes

Which should you choose?

Choose Apple Passwords if you want

Passwords across Apple devices with iCloud.

Built into macOS, iOS and iCloud for Windows, with passkeys, verification codes and password sharing. It works best inside Apple's ecosystem and has fewer options than dedicated managers.

Choose KeePassXC if you want

Offline password database on your own storage.

Free and open source, with the database kept in a local encrypted file and no cloud service. It has no built-in sync, so it suits people who want full control of their own storage.

The main differences

  • Only KeePassXC runs on Linux.
  • Only Apple Passwords runs on iOS.
  • KeePassXC is open source; Apple Passwords is not.

Side by side

Apple PasswordsKeePassXC
Score84.588.5
Rank in list#5 of 10#4 of 10
PriceFreeIncluded with macOS, iOS and iCloud for WindowsFree and open sourceFree and open source; no subscriptions or cloud service
Free to useYesYes
Open sourceNoYes
PlatformsmacOSiOSWindowsmacOS, iOS, WindowsWindowsmacOSLinuxBrowser extensionWindows, macOS, Linux, Browser extension
Made byApple Inc.KeePassXC Team
Vault storageiCloud KeychainLocal encrypted file
Free planYesYes
Best forPasswords across Apple devices with iCloudOffline password database on your own storage
Strengths
  • Passwords, passkeys and verification codes in one app
  • Syncs across Apple devices through iCloud Keychain
  • Shares passwords with one person or a group
  • Database stays in an encrypted file you control
  • Free software under GPLv3 with no ads or subscriptions
  • Holds an ANSSI CSPN security visa, according to its site
Limits
  • Works best inside the Apple ecosystem
  • Windows access runs through iCloud for Windows
  • No built-in sync, so you move the database yourself
  • Setup and backups take more manual work than cloud managers
LinksVisit site Visit site

Questions about Apple Passwords vs KeePassXC

Is KeePassXC better than Apple Passwords?
KeePassXC ranks higher in our list of password managers (#4 against #5, score 88.5 against 84.5). Apple Passwords is best for: passwords across Apple devices with iCloud. KeePassXC is best for: offline password database on your own storage.
Which is cheaper, Apple Passwords or KeePassXC?
Apple Passwords: Included with macOS, iOS and iCloud for Windows. KeePassXC: Free and open source; no subscriptions or cloud service.
Do Apple Passwords and KeePassXC run on the same platforms?
Apple Passwords supports macOS, iOS, Windows. KeePassXC supports Windows, macOS, Linux, Browser extension.

Choosing between the two

Learning Center
1:17Beginner · 4 min readHow to decide between two good optionsSettle a close call by sorting it by how hard it is to undo, setting a deadline, scoring the criteria as a tie-breaker and writing down why you chose.1:20Beginner · 6 min readHow to compare products fairly: what to keep in mindDefine the job, cap the must-haves, compare like with like, count total cost over one period and weigh the criteria. Includes a worked example.

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