Bitwarden vs KeePass
The two free and open source champions meet here. A modern cloud service against the veteran that keeps everything local.
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Bitwarden
Open source, audited, and the best free plan around.
KeePass
Completely free, and your vault never leaves your computer.
Prices last checked on
| Feature | Bitwarden | KeePass |
|---|---|---|
| Our score | 4.7 / 5 | 4.1 / 5 |
| Price | From $1.65/mo | Free |
| Free plan | ||
| Best for | Almost everyone | Technical users |
| Category | Free & open source | Free & open source |
| Provider | Bitwarden Inc. | Dominik Reichl (open source) |
| Visit Bitwarden | Visit KeePass |
Our verdict
KeePass gives you maximum control. Your vault lives on your own computer and nowhere else. But syncing, backups, and browser integration are all yours to set up. Bitwarden offers nearly the same openness with the convenience of automatic sync across all your devices. For almost everyone, Bitwarden is the more sensible choice.
KeePass is there for those who deliberately want nothing in the cloud.
“The free plan does everything most people need, the code is open source, and the audits are public. Our first recommendation for almost everyone.”Editorial team, on Bitwarden
“Maximum control. Your vault stays on your own computer and everything is open source. Sync and backups are on you, so this one is for technical users.”Editorial team, on KeePass
Frequently asked questions
Is Bitwarden better than KeePass?
For almost everyone, yes. Bitwarden offers nearly the same openness, open source and independently audited, but with automatic sync, browser integration, and mobile apps that work out of the box. KeePass wins on exactly one point. Your vault file stays on your own computer and nowhere else. Choose it if you deliberately want nothing in the cloud and do not mind the setup work.
Are Bitwarden and KeePass both free?
Yes, both cost nothing to use. KeePass is completely free and open source, with no paid tier at all. Bitwarden's free plan covers unlimited passwords, every device, and passkeys, and Premium is optional at $1.65 a month, or $19.80 a year (guide price on annual billing, checked August 2026). Price is not what separates these two.
What do I have to set up myself with KeePass?
Syncing, backups, and browser integration. KeePass keeps one vault file on your device, so getting it onto your phone and second laptop, keeping safe copies, and wiring up autofill are all your own work, usually with plugins. That is the price of maximum control. Bitwarden handles all three by default, which is why most people are better served there.
Is KeePass safer because it stays off the cloud?
Not automatically. Keeping the vault local removes one target, but it moves the risk to you. A lost laptop or a forgotten backup means a lost vault, and a neglected plugin becomes your weak spot. Bitwarden encrypts everything on your device before it syncs and has its code audited independently. KeePass is safe in careful hands, not safe by default.