KeePassXC review

KeePassXC takes the opposite approach to every cloud vault on this list. The project describes itself as free and open source, with no cloud, no ads and no subscriptions, and it keeps your usernames, passwords, URLs, attachments and notes in an offline encrypted file. You choose where that file lives, including a private or public cloud folder, so syncing between computers is something you set up yourself. It runs on Windows, macOS and Linux, and it can auto-fill logins into your apps. On security, the project says version 2.7.9 was awarded a security Visa by the French National Cybersecurity Agency (ANSSI) after passing its first-level certification, and version 2.8.0, released in October 2026, added Qt6, Auto-Type on Wayland, configurable shortcuts and remote database sync with external tools. Its own site lists desktop apps only, so phones need a separate compatible app. It suits a careful household member who wants control, less so a family that wants sharing to just work.

Who it is for

Technically confident households that want full control and no cloud account.

Price

Free and open source; no subscriptions.

No cloud, no ads, no subscriptions.
Quoted from the vendor pricing page on November 10, 2026.

Key features

• Offline encrypted database file you can store anywhere
• Apps for Windows, macOS and Linux
• Auto-fill into apps with Auto-Type
• Stores usernames, passwords, URLs, attachments and notes
• Open source under the GPLv3 license

Strengths and weaknesses

• Strength: Completely free with no account or subscription
• Strength: No data stored on the project's servers
• Strength: Version 2.7.9 received a security Visa from France's ANSSI
• Weakness: The project's site lists desktop apps only
• Weakness: Syncing between devices is up to you
• Weakness: More setup than a cloud vault

Key facts

• Price: Free
• Platforms: Windows, macOS, Linux
• Storage: Offline encrypted file
• License: GPLv3
• Certification: ANSSI CSPN security Visa for 2.7.9

Where it ranks

KeePassXC is No. 5 in our Best Free Password Managers verdict.