Bitwarden vs KeePassXC
Both are alternatives to 1Password. Here's how they stack up — verified facts, no spin.
Also searched as KeePassXC vs Bitwarden — same comparison, one verdict.
Bitwarden
TOP PICKOpen-source and free forever — the easy pick for most people.
Bitwarden is a mature, audited, open-source password manager. Use its low-cost hosted plan or self-host the server for full control, with clients on every platform.
KeePassXC
A fully local, offline password database.
KeePassXC keeps your passwords in a single encrypted file on your own disk — no server, no cloud, no subscription. Sync the file yourself however you like.
Side by side
| Bitwarden | KeePassXC | |
|---|---|---|
| Sovereignty Score | 88 | 92 |
| Open source | Yes | Yes |
| Self-hostable | Yes | Yes |
| Local-first | No | Yes |
| License | GPL-3.0 (clients) / AGPL (server) | GPL-2.0 / GPL-3.0 |
| Pricing | Generous free tier; paid from about $1/month; self-host free | Free / open-source |
Bitwarden is Macrostack's recommended 1Password alternative, so it's our pick here.
Bitwarden
Strengths
- +Independently audited
- +Cross-platform clients
- +Self-host option
Trade-offs
- −Official self-host stack is heavier than Vaultwarden
- −Cloud plan still a third-party host
KeePassXC
Strengths
- +No server or cloud at all
- +Single encrypted local file
- +Cross-platform and browser integration
Trade-offs
- −You arrange your own sync
- −Less turnkey team sharing
Related alternative guides
Facts verified 2026-07-04. Licenses and pricing change — spotted something out of date? That's a correction we want.