KeePassXC

Intermediate Recommended

KeePassXC is one of the best Google Password Manager alternatives. Local, open source password manager. Your data stays on your machine, never in the cloud.

Information verified on July 22, 2026

Free and open source Migration difficulty : Moderate (3/5)

Description

KeePassXC is a password manager that stores everything locally in an encrypted file. No server, no subscription: you keep full control. The browser extension enables auto-fill, and you can sync the file via any cloud service of your choice (Nextcloud, Syncthing, etc.).

My take

The most sovereign option there is: everything stays on your machine. Provided you accept handling the sync yourself. I cover it in chapter 11.

Key features

Encrypted local storage (AES-256)
Browser extension
Password generator
Built-in TOTP support
CSV and other format import/export

Strengths

+ 100% local, no data in the cloud
+ Open source and audited
+ Built-in browser extension
+ Compatible with Windows, macOS, Linux

Weaknesses

− No built-in cross-device sync
− No official mobile app (KeePassDX on Android, KeePassium on iOS)
− Less intuitive interface than Bitwarden

Recommended for

Users who want to keep passwords out of the cloud
Sensitive environments requiring local storage

KeePassXC vs Google Password Manager: the comparison

Comparison between KeePassXC and Google Password Manager
Criterion	KeePassXC	Google Password Manager
Price	Free and open source	Free
Targeted ads on your data	No	Yes (Google ad profile)
Source code	Open (auditable)	Proprietary
Migration difficulty	Moderate (3/5)	—

Comparison

KeePassXC keeps everything local, unlike Bitwarden and Proton Pass which sync via the cloud. More control, but cross-device sync must be set up manually.

This topic is chapter 11 of my book

It answers these questions, among others:

which accounts do you start with, and at what pace, to stay the course?
are physical keys worth it, and have your passwords already leaked?
and why is this the one project everyone wrongly puts off?

Forthcoming 22/10/2026 from Éditions Eyrolles

Discover the book

Frequently asked questions

How much does KeePassXC cost?

Free and open source

How do you switch from Google Password Manager to KeePassXC?

Estimated difficulty: Moderate (3/5). Import from most managers. Manual cross-device sync setup required.

Who is KeePassXC for?

Intermediate users preferring 100% local storage over a cloud service.

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Similar alternatives

Bitwarden

Beginner

All your passwords in an encrypted vault. Open source, free, and works everywhere.

Proton Pass