Free open-source local password database with no cloud dependency
KeePass is a free, open-source, local-only password manager that stores credentials in an encrypted .kdbx database file on the user's device. With no cloud service, no subscription, and no company behind it, it represents the maximum possible data sovereignty — the vault exists only where the user places the file. Maintained by a volunteer community since 2003, it has been independently audited and is the foundation on which many other password managers (including Bitwarden) drew architectural inspiration.
KeePass is a strong fit if its core strengths match your workflow, budget, and support needs. Use the quick signals below before opening the full review.
KeePass is the foundational open-source password manager — free, locally stored, and fully audited. It represents the extreme end of the control spectrum: the vault is a file, the file is yours, and no company is involved in any aspect of credential storage. This architecture is simultaneously its primary strength and its primary usability limitation.
KeePass stores passwords in an AES-256 encrypted .kdbx file on the local filesystem. There is no cloud account, no sync server, no company subscription, and no privacy policy to review — because there is no service. The file can be placed anywhere: a USB drive, a local disk, a self-managed cloud folder, or a network share. The security model is entirely the user's responsibility, which is either a feature or a burden depending on the user's capability and preference.
KeePass was independently audited under the European Commission's EU-FOSSA (Free and Open Source Software Auditing) programme — the same programme that audited OpenSSL and PuTTY. The audit found no critical vulnerabilities; minor findings were subsequently addressed. This public audit result provides a level of independent verification that most commercial password managers do not publish.
KeePass's plugin library extends the core application significantly — browser integration plugins (KeePassXC-Browser), additional encryption algorithms, import/export formats, cloud sync connectors, and two-factor authentication support. KeePassXC, a maintained community fork, provides a more modern cross-platform interface while preserving the .kdbx file format.
Score: 7.2/10 — Best free local password database with maximum data sovereignty; dated UX and manual sync setup require technical comfort.
Free
Free billed annually
KeePass is best for Security professionals and power users who want maximum control and zero trust in any third-party service for credential storage, Technically proficient individuals who are comfortable with local file management and manual sync configuration, Organisations that need an audited, free credential storage format without vendor dependency or subscription cost.
Yes. KeePass currently lists a free plan in ToolRankr data.
It has a free plan.
KeePass is reviewed using ToolRankr's scoring model for ease of use, value, features, support, and overall quality. Affiliate links may earn a commission, but sponsored labels do not change editorial scoring.
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