KeePass is a free and open-source password manager that helps users store and manage their passwords safely. It lets users make a master password that lets them get into their encrypted database of passwords. KeePass has features like making passwords, autofilling forms, and putting passwords into groups and categories. It uses strong encryption algorithms to protect the passwords you store. Through its plugin ecosystem, KeePass also gives users a lot of ways to change how it works and make it better fit their needs.
KeePassXC, on the other hand, is a branch of KeePass that was made by the community. It builds on KeePass and makes it work on more platforms, such as Windows, macOS, Linux, and BSD. KeePassXC has a modern, cross-platform user interface that makes the experience the same on all operating systems. It focuses on safety, privacy, and how easy it is to use. KeePassXC also has built-in browser support, the ability to use advanced encryption algorithms, and direct syncing with cloud services.
KeePass vs KeePassXC Comparison Table
| Feature | KeePass | KeePassXC |
|---|---|---|
| Platform | Windows, macOS, Linux, Android | Windows, macOS, Linux, BSD |
| User Interface | Native Windows interface | Cross-platform, modern UI |
| Browser Integration | Requires plugins for browser integration | Built-in browser integration (Chrome, Firefox, etc.) |
| Auto-Type Feature | Yes | Yes |
| Database Syncing | Requires third-party sync tools or cloud services | Supports direct syncing with various cloud services |
| Database Format | .kdbx (default) | .kdbx (default), supports .kdb and .kdbx formats |
| Plugin Ecosystem | Extensive plugin support and customization options | Limited plugin support |
| Active Development | Yes, with regular updates and new features | Yes, actively maintained and improved |
| Security Features | Strong encryption, keyfile support, Two-Factor Auth | Strong encryption, keyfile support, Argon2 support |
| Open Source | Yes | Yes |
| Official link | Visit Website | Visit Website |
KeePass vs KeePassXC User interface
The user interfaces of KeePass and KeePassXC are different, so they can be used by a wide range of people. KeePass mostly has a native Windows interface, which means that it looks and works like other Windows programs. On the other hand, KeePassXC focuses on making a user interface that works the same on Windows, macOS, Linux, and BSD.
People often think that KeePassXC’s user interface is more modern and aesthetically pleasing than KeePass’s. It has a cleaner, more intuitive design that makes it easier to use. KeePassXC also has built-in browser integration, which lets users automatically fill in their passwords and usernames in supported web browsers like Chrome and Firefox from the password manager. KeePass, on the other hand, needs plugins to work with browsers.
KeePass vs KeePassXC Platform
The platforms that KeePass and KeePassXC work on are different. There are versions of KeePass for Windows, macOS, Linux, and even Android devices. It has been around for a long time on Windows and has a built-in user interface that works well with the operating system. This makes it a popular choice for Windows users who want an experience that is similar to Windows.
KeePassXC, on the other hand, aims to be a cross-platform solution that works with more than just Windows. KeePassXC is available for Windows, macOS, Linux, and BSD, in addition to Windows. Because it works on so many platforms, users can access their password databases in the same way on different operating systems. This makes it good for people who use different platforms or work in different environments.
KeePass vs KeePassXC Integration
The KeePass and KeePassXC integrations are different, especially in terms of browser interaction; KeePass integrates with web browsers using plug-ins. This means that additional extensions or add-ons need to be installed to make autofill work in web browsers. This method gives users more freedom because they can choose the plugins that work with their favorite browsers.
KeePassXC, on the other hand, has browser integration built in right out of the box. It works right out of the box with popular web browsers like Chrome, Firefox, and others. This means that users can autofill their login information right from the password manager, without having to install any extra plugins or extensions. This streamlined approach makes the setup process easier and improves the overall user experience, especially for users who rely heavily on browser integration for their password management workflows.
KeePass: Pros and Cons
Pros
- Free and open-source.
- Extensive plugin support for customization.
- Strong encryption algorithms for secure password storage.
- Supports Windows, macOS, Linux, and Android.
- Active development and regular updates.
Cons
- Requires plugins for browser integration.
- User interface may be less modern compared to some alternatives.
KeePassXC: Pros and Cons
Pros
- Cross-platform compatibility (Windows, macOS, Linux, BSD).
- Modern user interface with consistent design.
- Built-in browser integration for seamless autofill.
- Strong encryption and privacy features.
- Actively maintained and improved.
Cons
- Limited plugin support compared to KeePass.
- Some features may vary across different platforms.
Which one should you consider?
Both KeePass and KeePassXC are strong password managers, and each has its own strong points. KeePass has a Windows interface and a lot of plugin support, while KeePassXC has a modern interface that works on multiple platforms and has browser integration built in. Which one you choose depends on your personal preferences, platform needs, and features you want, such as browser integration.
FAQs
If the user has installed KeePass as a regular program and the attackers have write access, they can also “do different kinds of attacks.” If the user runs the portable version, threat actors can also replace the KeePass executable with malware.
The original KeePass is only available for Windows, but KeePassXC works smoothly on all operating systems. Each version has some security features that not all password managers have. Even though the interface is a bit old, KeePassXC is a long-standing and reliable tool that can do a lot to keep you safe.
