Keeper alternatives: 6 free & open-source picks
Compare recorded free and open-source options, their capabilities and operating requirements. Source dates are shown below; licenses, hosted limits and project activity can change.
Bitwarden’s clients pointed at your own server; unofficial, capable, and now you are the outage.
licenseAGPL-3.0
runsyour server
installDocker or Podman container with a persistent /data volume and a reverse proxy for HTTPS
dataClient-encrypted Bitwarden-compatible vault data stored in SQLite by default, or MySQL/PostgreSQL, with attachments and configuration in the persistent volume
the catch vs KeeperIt is an unofficial compatible server with no Keeper-style vendor SLA or support, and you own every backup, upgrade and outage.
setupDocker, a domain and HTTPS reverse proxy are the easy part; backups, upgrades and outages become the user's responsibility
facts verified 2026-08-11
A vault file on your disk with excellent autofill; syncing and sharing are deliberately somebody else’s job.
licenseGPL-2.0+
runson your machine
installNative Windows, macOS and Linux package
dataOne encrypted KDBX database file on disk; syncing means placing that file in a separate cloud or shared-folder service
the catch vs KeeperIt has no built-in multi-device sync, sharing or account recovery, so the conveniences Keeper operates for you become your own backup and conflict problem.
setupThere is no built-in sync, sharing or recovery, so the user must choose a sync method and manage conflicts and backups
facts verified 2026-08-11
A team password vault with real sharing and a server stack that expects an adult in the room.
licenseAGPL-3.0
runsyour server
installUbuntu or Debian package, or Docker deployment, followed by browser-extension setup
dataPassword secrets are OpenPGP-encrypted; account, sharing and audit metadata live in SQL, while users' private keys and recovery kits remain client-side
the catch vs KeeperIt is a team-first server product with much heavier administration and a less polished solo and mobile experience than Keeper.
setupA server, database, domain, TLS, SMTP and key-recovery process are required before anyone can use it
facts verified 2026-08-11
Passwords, passkeys, and disposable inboxes in one vault; self-host it and mail delivery joins your chores.
licenseAGPL-3.0
runsyour machine or their cloud
installHosted signup and browser/mobile apps, or a Linux Docker Compose install script for self-hosting
dataVault secrets and received-email contents are encrypted client-side; the hosted or self-hosted server stores ciphertext, with an offline cache on clients
the catch vs KeeperIts sharing, admin, recovery and security-reporting workflow is much less mature than Keeper's, especially for families or teams.
setupNone for the hosted service; self-hosting needs a Linux server, Docker, DNS/TLS and mail routing
facts verified 2026-08-11
Unlimited credentials, secure notes, passkeys, and autofill without Keeper’s subscription.
licenseGPL-3.0
runsyour machine or their cloud
installCreate a hosted account and install an official app or extension; optional self-hosting uses Bitwarden's Docker deployment
dataVault items are encrypted locally before sync; Bitwarden's cloud or a self-hosted server stores encrypted vault data, while clients keep an encrypted local cache
the catch vs KeeperThe free plan leaves out integrated TOTP, file attachments, emergency access and several security reports that Keeper users may rely on.
setupNone for hosted use; self-hosting requires Docker, a domain/TLS, SMTP and ongoing server maintenance
facts verified 2026-08-11
Unlimited logins, passkeys, and ten aliases for $0; sharing and dark-web monitoring live upstairs.
licenseGPL-3.0
runstheir cloud
installHosted Proton signup plus browser extension, desktop app or mobile app
dataVault contents are end-to-end encrypted before reaching Proton's servers; exports are available as encrypted or unencrypted JSON ZIP and CSV
setup✓ installs clean
the catch vs KeeperThe free plan omits unlimited aliases, built-in 2FA, vault and link sharing, dark-web monitoring, attachments and emergency access.
facts verified 2026-08-11
latest recorded source check 2026-08-11 · check current terms at the source
PadlocThe live site hides a stalled repo: last commit March 2025 and production self-hosting docs never really arrived.
| tool | license | running it | platforms | stars | active |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Vaultwarden | AGPL-3.0 | docker to self-host | web, macos, windows, linux, ios, android, self-hosted, browser-extension | 65,000 | 2026-08 |
| KeePassXC | GPL-2.0+ | one-click install | macos, windows, linux, browser-extension | 28,300 | 2026-08 |
| Passbolt Community Edition | AGPL-3.0 | self-host, real ops | web, ios, android, self-hosted, cli, browser-extension | 6,100 | 2026-08 |
| AliasVault | AGPL-3.0 | docker to self-host | web, ios, android, self-hosted, browser-extension | 2,400 | 2026-08 |
| Bitwarden Free | GPL-3.0 | they host it | web, macos, windows, linux, ios, android, browser-extension | — | — |
| Proton Pass Free | GPL-3.0 | they host it | web, macos, windows, linux, ios, android, browser-extension | — | — |
People still pay for Keeper because security products are paid for because expert review, infrastructure, and accountability matter more than recreating screens. The recurring cost buys cryptography, secure updates, key recovery, threat intelligence, relay capacity, abuse response, audits, and incident handling, not just the visible interface. The recorded subscription totals $45 a year before any costs of an alternative.
Questions about these alternatives
Is there a free alternative to Keeper?
Yes: Vaultwarden, KeePassXC, Passbolt Community Edition and 3 more. These are recorded free or open-source options. Compare their feature limits, licenses, hosting costs and current availability before choosing.
Should I just build my own Keeper?
Our verdict is NOT REALLY. A consolation build is possible, but the paid product's decisive value sits outside a solo rebuild. For Keeper, manage a local encrypted credential vault and secure notes. The hard boundary is audits, enterprise controls, autofill, monitoring, recovery, and support, plus security assurance, infrastructure, and trust. Review the scope, implementation prompt and trade-offs in the Keeper build guide.
