KeePass at a Glance
Dominik Reichl created the KeePass open-source password manager back in 2003. In terms of design, little has changed with the bare-bones KeePass website and user interface since that time, which makes some wonder whether KeePass is still a legitimate password management solution; have no fear, it is.
While KeePass is neither stylish nor intuitive, it’s one of the most powerful password managers available today. KeePass is free for personal and business use; you can even use KeePass for free in an enterprise environment.
Featured Partner
1
NordPass
Free plan available; Paid plans start at $2.79
Yes
Multifactor authentication (MFA) availability
2
1Password
Begins at $7.99 per month, per user (billed annually)
No
Two secret key derivation (Account Password = Security)
Here are a handful of KeePass’s top features:
- More than 45 languages are supported
- No software installation is required
- Use a master password or a key file to secure your KeePass database
- Export KeePass files to TXT, HTML, XML and CSV files
- Create, modify and delete password groups, as well as create password subgroups in your KeePass database
- Attach time fields to your passwords, including date created, last modified, last accessed and password expiration date
- KeePass comes with an ultra-strong random password generator
Security
KeePass encryption supports the Advanced Encryption Standard (AES) and the Twofish algorithm. KeePass employs the SHA-256 encryption standard, which is part of the SHA-2 family of algorithms designed by the U.S. National Security Agency. You won’t find a password manager with higher security standards than KeePass.
All data in your KeePass database is encrypted, including your passwords, notes and any other files you place there. Multifactor authentication is available, which further secures your KeePass database.
KeePass Editions
KeePass is available in two open-source editions. The first is 1.x, which runs on Windows operating systems, and the second is 2.x, which runs on Windows plus Mono, which includes Linux, BSD, Mac OS X and Solaris. Downloads are available that let you run KeePass 2.x on Android and iOS. Plugins are also available for using KeePass with browser extensions such as Safari, Google Chrome, Firefox and Microsoft Edge.
KeePass 2.x comes with several features that 1.x does not include, such as shared database editing, enhanced high DPI support, GZip file compression, password entry history and two-channel auto-type obfuscation (TCATO).
You may have heard of KeePassX, which is a third-party KeePass clone. KeePassX was developed to run on Mac and Linux, which KeePass did not initially support but now does through its 2.x edition.
Other Benefits
While KeePass does not offer chat, phone or email support, users can reach out to the active online KeePass community on SourceForge for support. KeePass also provides a short first steps tutorial on its website and an online Help Center that addresses frequently asked questions.
Fine Print
Many features that are standard with other password managers are not built into the KeePass source code. KeePass comes with more than 100 plugins and extensions that let you customize the tool for your unique business needs.
You’ll need to back up your password database yourself, as, by design, KeePass does not store your database for you. Since KeePass does not come with cloud storage, you’ll need to decide where and how to store your database, which can be either locally or via a third-party cloud storage solution. You can also store your KeePass vault on a USB drive.
How KeePass Stacks Up
| Keepass | Norton Password Manage | Dashlane | |
|---|---|---|---|
|
Cost
|
$0.00
|
$0.00
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$0 to $8 per month
|
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Ease of Set Up
|
Difficult
|
Fair
|
Easy
|
|
Two-Factor Authentication
|
✔
|
Very basic
|
✔
|
|
Auto-Fill Web Forms
|
✔
|
–
|
✔
|
|
Import Data From Browsers
|
✔
|
✔
|
✔
|
|
Support for Multiple Forms
|
✔
|
✔
|
✔
|
|
Biometric Functionality
|
Via plugin
|
✔
|
✔
|
|
Mobile PIN Unlock
|
–
|
✔
|
✔
|
|
Learn More
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Read Reviews
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KeePass’s always-free pricing coupled with its rich set of password management features make it a great value compared to its competitors, provided you possess strong technical skills. Dashlane beat KeePass in terms of user-friendliness; frankly, it’s not even a close race. Norton Password Manager and Dashlane also offer mobile PIN unlock, which is not available with KeePass.
Featured Partner
1
NordPass
Free plan available; Paid plans start at $2.79
Yes
Multifactor authentication (MFA) availability
2
1Password
Begins at $7.99 per month, per user (billed annually)
No
Two secret key derivation (Account Password = Security)
Is KeePass Right for You or Your Business?
KeePass is best for professional developers and highly tech-savvy business users who can handle the demanding technical nature of the software. Thanks to a wide variety of plugins and extensions, KeePass can be customized to work well in all types of organizations, from small to large.
KeePass is a poor choice for non-technical users, who are better served by beginner-friendly password management solutions such as Dashlane or Norton Password Manager.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Are password managers safe?
Reputable password managers offer superior encryption that keeps your passwords safe while helping you manage your ever-changing and ever-growing password collection. In general, top-rated password managers are extremely safe and large-scale security breaches are rare.
What is biometric functionality and do I need it for my password manager?
Many password managers offer biometric functionality via a fingerprint sensor that authenticates you as an approved account user. Fingerprint biometrics keep your passwords secure and make it easy for you to access those passwords without remembering a master key.
Is KeePass easy to use?
KeePass has a user interface that might be considered dated in this day and age. But while it might not be as smooth as some of its more traditional competitors, KeePass offers plenty of documentation to help newcomers get up and running. KeePass should be easy to use regardless of your technical skill level.
What is the benefit of using KeePass?
KeePass is free and highly secure. You can house all your passwords in one database, and you need only remember one master key to access all your passwords at any time.
Should I upgrade to a paid password manager?
If a free tier password manager does not provide all the features you need or want, you should consider signing up for a paid version. As most programs feature a free trial, be sure to test it out thoroughly before committing to a subscription plan.
