Quick facts about KeePassRating: 3.0 stars out of 5
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KeePass represents a complimentary and open-source tool for password management which has maintained its presence for more than 2 decades. Ever since its launch in 2003, the capacity to include plugins and add-ons created by users has rendered it attractive for enthusiasts and advanced users.
Although KeePass provides reliable and secure password storage, its outdated interface, absence of conventional password retrieval and replay functionalities, and non-intuitive design make it challenging to recommend over contemporary password management solutions.
KeePass pricing
KeePass serves as an entirely free password management tool with no premium tiers. This diverges from competitors such as NordPass and Dashlane, which offer both paid packages and free versions with certain limitations. For example, Dashlane’s free version restricts the number of passwords to 25. However, users can opt for their paid subscription to enjoy unlimited password storage.
A significant disparity between KeePass and other password managers is the absence of numerous features by default. Instead, users can tailor their KeePass client’s capabilities via downloadable plugins accessible from the password manager’s website. These plugins encompass functionalities such as importing and exporting passwords, data backups, and automated typing.
Is KeePass secure?
Indeed, KeePass stands as a secure and trustworthy password manager. It employs the widely recognized AES-256 encryption for its databases and user safes. Being open-source allows for public scrutiny of its source code to identify potential vulnerabilities or security gaps.
Privacy enthusiasts will appreciate this aspect, particularly those valuing transparency, as it promotes collaboration between users and experts to ensure its security.
Regarding encryption, it’s worth noting that KeePass encrypts the entire database, not just passwords but also additional items like usernames and notes.
As of March 2025, KeePass had no involvement in any data breaches. In the European Commission’s Free and Open Source Software Auditing (EU-FOSSA 1) project, an audit revealed zero security issues.
KeePass also highlights that it is the endorsed password manager in the BSI Cyber Security Recommendations BSI-CS 003 2.0 by the German Federal Office for Information Security and is among the recommended free software for French public entities.
I hold these recommendations from government agencies in high regard, given their handling of sensitive public data.
Essential characteristics of KeePass
Alongside password storage and generation, KeePass offers unique features that set it apart from other password managers.
Assortment of plugins and extensions
KeePass distinguishes itself by allowing the download and installation of add-ons, enhancing features or altering existing functionalities for each user’s KeePass client. These extensions can augment capabilities such as importing/exporting different file formats, customizing the user interface, or enabling autofill functionality.
Currently, there are over 180 accessible plugins on KeePass’ official website. This flexibility is ideal for users seeking to personalize their password management application and expand its functionality.
Personally, I lean towards a password manager that is feature-rich from the outset, without requiring additional installations. For those sharing this preference, password managers like 1Password or NordPass come pre-equipped with a range of functionalities.
Locally-based Password Management
A KeePass file saved on my desktop. Image: Lui MillaresAn exceptional feature of KeePass is its entirely localized password management system. This setup ensures all stored passwords and credentials are locally encrypted on your chosen computer or device. This differs from cloud-based password managers like 1Password or LastPass, which store data on remote servers.
If you’re wary of cloud-based password managers and potential data breaches compromising your information, KeePass offers a secure alternative with all data saved locally. Refer to our LastPass review for insights into the impact of data breaches on password management solutions.
Conversely, KeePass’ exclusively local approach may pose limitations as it lacks the convenience of cloud sync for seamless access to passwords across multiple devices.
Automated Typing Functionality
In contrast to contemporary password managers, KeePass does not feature a standard autofill option. Instead, it employs Auto-Type – a universal auto-type shortcut that automatically enters login details on selected account pages.
Auto-Type via KeePass. Image: Luis MillaresAuto-Type requires KeePass to run in the background, seamlessly transitioning to the target website, and automatically inputting your login details after a designated keyboard shortcut. This contrasts with other password managers that utilize a browser extension or clickable pop-up for autofill.
While the novelty of KeePass automatically entering passwords is intriguing, the functionality proved somewhat cumbersome with manual configuration required for the login credentials sequence. At times, KeePass struggled to input the details accurately in the designated fields.
Despite Auto-Type offering a distinct feature that sets KeePass apart,I genuinely discovered that manually duplicating and pasting content from the KeePass application was a more favorable option.
KeePass verification and security selections
KeePass offers two primary multi-factor authentication (MFA) alternatives: key file and syncing a Windows user account. A key file is a document that can be stored either on your PC, USB flash drive, or any other gadget, which acts as an additional prerequisite alongside your main password to get into your database.
You can configure your KeePass safe or database to only unlock if you’re logged in to a designated Windows user account. I would have favored it if KeePass had more MFA selections like 1Password’s fingerprint recognition or NordPass’ integration with an authenticator app.
Although you can obtain two-factor authentication (2FA) or One-Time Password (OTP) extensions, I believe having these verification selections integrated within the application itself is more user-friendly. This spares users the effort of having to decide on the most suitable extension, especially since most rivals offer these options as standard once installed.
Regarding security preferences, I appreciate that KeePass includes a countdown timer whenever you copy passwords from your database. By default, KeePass automatically erases any copied credentials from the clipboard after 12 seconds.
There are also various Enforcement Options that enable you to specify whether you want your KeePass database to lock automatically after a period of inactivity or prompt you whenever a key transformation setting is deemed weak.
KeePass layout and efficiency
KeePass’ personal computer interface (UI) lacks sophistication in both appearance and user-friendliness. Its design appears outdated and somewhat reminiscent of legacy Windows software from the early 2000s. I prefer password managers with a stylish and contemporary UI.
KeePass’ software is also not the most straightforward password manager to navigate and familiarize oneself with. Upon installation of the software, I was greeted with an empty dashboard and no built-in guidance. There was a lack of a clear walkthrough on how to store my initial password or utilize any of KeePass’ functions.
Fortunately, there are instructional videos, manuals, and community discussions available online that explain how to interact with KeePass. Nonetheless, I don’t believe the password manager should compromise usability in its pursuit of customization.
Regarding performance, I encountered no issues when adding new password records within the KeePass application. The included password generator functioned seamlessly, and I appreciated that there were no restrictions.
To access code characters.
It’s regrettable that KeePass lacks the usual autofill and password capture and replay functions. To store new login details, manual entry of login information is necessary without any add-ons. This additional step in the process differs from Keeper’s autofill feature, which automatically saves and populates new logins upon creation.
Accessing KeePass on mobile
KeePass does not come with its exclusive iOS or Android mobile app. However, it acknowledges user-created mobile adaptations of its service.
This offers users a multitude of choices regarding KeePass mobile apps. Yet, this also implies that there’s no guarantee of long-term support for a specific mobile app. Each mobile adaptation will also vary in quality, so results may differ.
KeePass advantages
- Completely complimentary password manager.
- Transparent source and safeguarded.
- Highly customizable.
- Obtainable user-designed plugins.
KeePass disadvantages
- Challenging to grasp and not intuitive.
- Lacks integrated autofill function.
- Auto-Type is somewhat cumbersome.
- Multi-factor authentication alternatives are independent downloads.
- Interface appears slightly outdated.
- No endorsed mobile app.
SEE: Penetration Testing and Scanning Policy (TechRepublic Premium)
For whom is KeePass suited?
KeePass caters to individuals seeking a customizable password manager. With an extensive array of downloadable plugins and extensions, KeePass can be an exceptionally potent tool for those ready to optimize its capabilities.
It’s also ideal for solo users cautious of cloud-based password management systems who desire a secure means to keep their passwords locally.
Nevertheless, its less welcoming user interface, awkward auto-type feature, and absence of conventional password capture and replay features make it challenging to advocate over other leading password management tools available. Its locally-saved password storage also presents a challenge
Alternatives to KeePass
If KeePass isn’t a good fit, there are three alternative password managers recommended for consideration.
Bitwarden
If desiring a cloud-based password manager with an expansive free version, explore Bitwarden. Bitwarden’s free version permits boundless password storage and accessibility on an unlimited count of devices. Additionally, you gain potent zero-knowledge encryption and cost-effective pricing on all its premium plans.
Read our detailed Bitwarden analysis.
NordPass
NordPass offers a well-rounded password manager with minimal setbacks. Featuring an intuitive user interface, plans tailored for both individual users and businesses, and independently audited applications.Plus, it employs the secure and contemporary XChaCha20 encryption standard.
Explore our comprehensive NordPass account.
1Password
For frequent travelers, 1Password can be a smart selection. It offers a useful Travel Mode feature allowing users to conceal selected vaults when on trips. This is in addition to its elegant desktop interface and robust AES-256 encryption. 1Password also includes 14-day trial periods for all its plans to test their service.
Discover our in-depth 1Password assessment.
Evaluation approach
My assessment of KeePass involved an extensive evaluation of its security functionalities and real-time performance. I trialed KeePass on a Windows laptop for testing purposes and hands-on familiarity.
I ranked KeePass based on attributes ranging from its password management capabilities to its ease of use using an internal algorithm, resulting in a rating of 3.0 out of 5 stars. The evaluation considered KeePass both independently and in comparison with other password management solutions.
This content was initially posted in January 2024. Luis Millares updated it in March 2025.
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