Proton Pass vs KeePassXC
Both Proton Pass and KeePassXC 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
Proton Pass
EU- Headquarters
- Geneva, CH
- Pricing
- Free
- Open Source
- Yes
KeePassXC
EU- Headquarters
- Community project, DE
- Pricing
- Free
- Open Source
- Yes
Key Differences
- Proton Pass offers a free tier, while keePassXC offers a free tier. The different pricing models mean you should evaluate which approach better fits your usage pattern.
- Data residency differs: Proton Pass hosts data in Switzerland, Germany, while KeePassXC hosts in local. If your organisation requires data to stay in a specific EU country, this distinction matters for compliance.
- Proton Pass holds ISO 27001 certification, providing third-party assurance of its security practices. KeePassXC does not currently hold these certifications, which may matter if your organisation requires them for vendor approval.
- KeePassXC was founded in 2016, giving it a 6-year head start over Proton Pass (founded 2022). 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: Proton Pass offers End-to-end encryption and Autofill, while KeePassXC provides AES-256 encryption and Browser integration. Your choice depends on which capabilities matter most for your workflow.
Feature Comparison
| Feature | Proton Pass | KeePassXC |
|---|---|---|
| Name | Proton Pass | KeePassXC |
| Pricing | Free | Free |
| Free Tier | ||
| GDPR | ||
| ISO 27001 | ||
| Open Source | ||
| Headquarters | Geneva, CH | Community project, DE |
| Data Centers | CH, DE | local |
| End-to-end encryption | ||
| Password generator | ||
| Autofill | ||
| Secure notes | ||
| 2FA authenticator | ||
| Email aliases (hide-my-email) | ||
| Browser extensions | ||
| Mobile apps | ||
| Passkey support | ||
| AES-256 encryption | ||
| Browser integration | ||
| TOTP support | ||
| YubiKey support | ||
| Auto-Type | ||
| KeePass database format | ||
| Cross-platform | ||
| SSH agent |
Pricing Comparison
Proton Pass
Freefreemium
KeePassXC
Freefree
Compliance Comparison
Proton Pass
GDPRISO 27001DPA
KeePassXC
GDPRDPA
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How to Choose
Your procurement requires ISO 27001 certification
Choose Proton Pass
You need enterprise-grade support and stability
Choose Proton Pass
You prefer a nimble provider with personalised support
Choose KeePassXC
Proton Pass vs KeePassXC — FAQ
What is the main difference between Proton Pass and KeePassXC?
Both Proton Pass and KeePassXC are European password manager solutions with full GDPR compliance. The key differences lie in their approach: Proton Pass uses freemium pricing while KeePassXC uses free. Proton Pass is headquartered in Geneva, Switzerland, while KeePassXC is based in Community project, Germany. Your choice should depend on your specific requirements for features, pricing, and data residency.
Which is more affordable, Proton Pass or KeePassXC?
Both Proton Pass and KeePassXC offer free tiers, so you can try either without cost. Pricing models differ (freemium vs. free), so compare based on your usage pattern rather than just the starting price.
Are both Proton Pass and KeePassXC GDPR compliant?
Yes. Both Proton Pass and KeePassXC 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, Proton Pass holds ISO 27001 certification. For GDPR purposes, either option eliminates the legal risks associated with using US-based services.