Is Proton Pass better than KeePassXC?

Proton Pass ranks higher in our list of password managers (#3 against #4, score 90.5 against 88.5), but the gap is small and the better choice depends on what you need. KeePassXC is best for: offline password database on your own storage. Proton Pass is best for: free password manager with built-in email aliases.

Which is cheaper, KeePassXC or Proton Pass?

KeePassXC: Free and open source; no subscriptions or cloud service. Proton Pass: Free plan with unlimited logins; Pass Plus is paid.

Do KeePassXC and Proton Pass run on the same platforms?

KeePassXC supports Windows, macOS, Linux, Browser extension. Proton Pass supports Web, Windows, macOS, Linux, Android, iOS, Browser extension, Command line.

Comparison · Password managers

KeePassXC vs Proton Pass: which is better in 2026?

KeePassXC88.5#4 in best password managers

Proton Pass90.5#3 in best password managers

Proton Pass ranks higher in our list of password managers (#3 against #4, score 90.5 against 88.5), but the gap is small and the better choice depends on what you need.

How we rank Share

88.5
Editorial score
90.5
4
Platforms
8
Yes
Free to use
Yes
Yes
Open source
Yes

Which should you choose?

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.

Choose Proton Pass if you want

Free password manager with built-in email aliases.

A free plan with unlimited logins and devices, built-in hide-my-email aliases and open-source clients. Dark web monitoring and secure vault sharing need the paid Pass Plus plan.

The main differences

Only Proton Pass runs on iOS.
Only Proton Pass runs on Android.
Only Proton Pass runs on Web.
KeePassXC is free and open source; Proton Pass is free plan, paid upgrades.

Side by side

	KeePassXC	Proton Pass
Score	88.5	90.5
Rank in list	#4 of 10	#3 of 10
Price	Free and open sourceFree and open source; no subscriptions or cloud service	Free plan, paid upgradesFree plan with unlimited logins; Pass Plus is paid
Free to use	Yes	Yes
Open source	Yes	Yes
Platforms	WindowsmacOSLinuxBrowser extensionWindows, macOS, Linux, Browser extension	WebWindowsmacOSLinuxAndroidiOSBrowser extensionCommand lineWeb, Windows, macOS, Linux, Android, iOS, Browser extension, Command line
Made by	KeePassXC Team	Not stated
Vault storage	Local encrypted file	Proton cloud, end-to-end encrypted
Free plan	Yes	Yes
Best for	Offline password database on your own storage	Free password manager with built-in email aliases
Strengths	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	Free plan with unlimited logins and unlimited devices Hide-my-email aliases built in Open-source clients, with the Android app under GPL-3.0
Limits	No built-in sync, so you move the database yourself Setup and backups take more manual work than cloud managers	Dark web monitoring and vault sharing need Pass Plus Sign-in runs through a Proton account
Links	Visit site	Visit site

Questions about KeePassXC vs Proton Pass

Is Proton Pass better than KeePassXC?: Proton Pass ranks higher in our list of password managers (#3 against #4, score 90.5 against 88.5), but the gap is small and the better choice depends on what you need. KeePassXC is best for: offline password database on your own storage. Proton Pass is best for: free password manager with built-in email aliases.
Which is cheaper, KeePassXC or Proton Pass?: KeePassXC: Free and open source; no subscriptions or cloud service. Proton Pass: Free plan with unlimited logins; Pass Plus is paid.
Do KeePassXC and Proton Pass run on the same platforms?: KeePassXC supports Windows, macOS, Linux, Browser extension. Proton Pass supports Web, Windows, macOS, Linux, Android, iOS, Browser extension, Command line.