KeePassXC vs Bare.ID
Both KeePassXC and Bare.ID are European-built, GDPR-compliant solutions in the password manager space. This comparison breaks down their features, pricing, compliance posture, and data residency so you can make an informed choice for your team.
Quick Overview
KeePassXC
EU- Headquarters
- Community project, DE
- Pricing
- Free
- Open Source
- Yes
Bare.ID
EU- Headquarters
- Stuttgart, DE
- Pricing
- From €250/mo
- Open Source
- No
Key Differences
- KeePassXC offers a free tier, while bare.ID starts at €250/month. This makes KeePassXC more accessible for individuals and small teams exploring their options before committing.
- KeePassXC is open source, meaning you can audit the code, self-host, and avoid vendor lock-in. Bare.ID is proprietary, which often means a more polished out-of-the-box experience and dedicated support, but less flexibility for customisation.
- Data residency differs: KeePassXC hosts data in local, while Bare.ID hosts in Germany. If your organisation requires data to stay in a specific EU country, this distinction matters for compliance.
- Bare.ID holds ISO 27001 certification, providing third-party assurance of its security practices. KeePassXC does not currently hold these certifications, which may matter for enterprise procurement requirements.
- KeePassXC was founded in 2016, giving it a 4-year head start over Bare.ID (founded 2020). More time in market often means a larger user community and more mature integrations, though newer entrants may offer more modern architectures.
- Each product has unique strengths: KeePassXC offers AES-256 encryption and Browser integration, while Bare.ID provides Single sign-on and Multi-factor auth. Your choice depends on which capabilities matter most for your workflow.
Feature Comparison
| Feature | KeePassXC | Bare.ID |
|---|---|---|
| Name | KeePassXC | Bare.ID |
| Pricing | Free | From €250/mo |
| Free Tier | ||
| GDPR | ||
| ISO 27001 | ||
| Open Source | ||
| Headquarters | Community project, DE | Stuttgart, DE |
| Data Centers | local | DE |
| AES-256 encryption | ||
| Browser integration | ||
| TOTP support | ||
| YubiKey support | ||
| Auto-Type | ||
| Password generator | ||
| KeePass database format | ||
| Cross-platform | ||
| SSH agent | ||
| Single sign-on | ||
| Multi-factor auth | ||
| Identity federation | ||
| User self-service | ||
| LDAP integration | ||
| SAML/OIDC | ||
| Managed Keycloak | ||
| Audit logs | ||
| Role management |
Pricing Comparison
KeePassXC
Freefree
Bare.ID
From €250/mosubscription
Compliance Comparison
KeePassXC
GDPRDPA
Bare.ID
GDPRISO 27001DPA
Get Started
Categories
How to Choose
You need code transparency or self-hosting
Choose KeePassXC
You want a fully managed, turnkey solution
Choose Bare.ID
You're a startup or individual on a budget
Choose KeePassXC
Your procurement requires ISO 27001 certification
Choose Bare.ID
KeePassXC vs Bare.ID — FAQ
What is the main difference between KeePassXC and Bare.ID?
Both KeePassXC and Bare.ID are European password manager solutions with full GDPR compliance. The key differences lie in their approach: KeePassXC is open source while Bare.ID is proprietary, and KeePassXC uses free pricing while Bare.ID uses subscription. KeePassXC is headquartered in Community project, Germany, while Bare.ID is based in Stuttgart, Germany. Your choice should depend on your specific requirements for features, pricing, and data residency.
Which is more affordable, KeePassXC or Bare.ID?
KeePassXC offers a free tier, while bare.ID starts at €250/month. Pricing models differ (free vs. subscription), so compare based on your usage pattern rather than just the starting price.
Are both KeePassXC and Bare.ID GDPR compliant?
Yes. Both KeePassXC and Bare.ID are European companies that store data within the EU/EEA and offer Data Processing Agreements. Neither is subject to the US CLOUD Act or FISA surveillance. Additionally, Bare.ID holds ISO 27001 certification. For GDPR purposes, either option eliminates the legal risks associated with using US-based services.