Bitwarden vs KeePassXC: which Password managers wins in 2026?
We tested Bitwarden and KeePassXC head-to-head on every criterion in our password managers methodology. Here's the verdict.
Verdict
Bitwarden wins overall
Based on 5 password managers criteria: Bitwarden wins 1, KeePassXC wins 0, 4 tied.
Bitwarden
Winner1
criteria won
KeePassXC
0
criteria won
Feature-by-feature
| Criterion | Bitwarden | KeePassXC | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Premium $/mo (annual) | 1.65 | 0 | Bitwarden |
| Recent audit | Cure53 / ISE / annual | Community + KDBX format spec | — |
| Open-source | Yes | Yes | — |
| Free tier | Yes | Yes (entire app) | — |
| Jurisdiction | USA (5 Eyes) | N/A (local-only) | — |
Total cost of ownership
| Horizon | Bitwarden | KeePassXC | Cheaper |
|---|---|---|---|
| 12 months | $20 | $0 | KeePassXC |
| 36 months | $59 | $0 | KeePassXC |
| 60 months | $99 | $0 | KeePassXC |