KeePass vs. LastPass 2024: Better Security Determines the Winner

When deciding between KeePass vs. LastPass, there are a few distinctions to keep in mind. KeePass gives tech-savvy users an open-sourced platform that offers strong security. If you enjoy a database format, KeePass will scratch that itch. On the other hand, LastPass is easy to download and is compatible with most browsers and devices. It also includes features like family profiles for many people to use.

KeePass is also completely free. While LastPass has a free version, its paid plans start at $3.00 per month. It has a user-friendly interface, whereas the interface for KeePass can be a bit daunting to navigate. Since a password manager secures your sensitive information, like login credentials and credit card details, you’ll want to use one that keeps your data safe and meets your specific needs. There are pros and cons to both platforms and we’ll cover them all in our comparison.

KeePass vs. LastPass

One of the key differences between KeePass and LastPass is the format you’ll use for each. KeePass is an open-source password manager that is known for its database look, which some users love. It can be especially useful for moving files from one device to another. KeePass also lets you customize some things; you can attach files to password entries to view documentation when needed.

LastPass saves many of its more prominent features for its LastPass Premium subscriptions. That includes personal customer support and syncing across multiple devices.

• KeePass: Best for customization
• LastPass: Best for ease of use and plenty of features

KeePass vs. LastPass review at a glance

	KeePass Our Pick	LastPass
Price	Free	Starts at $1.50/mo (billed annually) (for paid versions)
Free version
Number of devices	1 — but it can be used on a shared network	1-6
Browser extensions	Chrome, Vivaldi, Brave, Firefox, Tor, Edge, Chromium	Chrome, Firefox, Edge, Safari, Opera
Password sharing
Encryption	AES-256, ChaCha20, Twofish	AES-256 with PBKDF2 SHA-256
Password generator
Form filler
	Get KeePass Read KeePass Review	Get LastPass Read LastPass Review

You can use KeePass on one primary device but the database can be opened by multiple users. Depending on your LastPass plan, you can cover up to six users and unlimited devices.

Both password managers offer strong encryption, but LastPass also comes with PBKDF2. This makes it harder for hackers to crack by requiring more iterations or attempts to guess a password. KeePass and LastPass differ in compatibility options based on their available browser extensions. KeePass works with major web browsers as well as Tor, Vivaldi, and Brave. LastPass doesn’t work with any of those but offers compatibility with Opera.

There are also some security concerns with LastPass. Even though it offers users a strong password generator and security encryption, there have been recent breaches. The company issued an update last December regarding the security incident that took place in November 2022. In May, it issued an update on actions it has taken to make the product secure.

KeePass vs. LastPass: prices

	KeePass	LastPass Our Pick
Price range	Free	Free–$2.00/mo (for paid plans)
Best value plan	Free	LastPass Families plan for $2.00/mo (billed annually)
Money-back guarantee
	See Full Pricing Details	See Full Pricing Details

KeePass is completely free to use. With this open-source platform, there are no paid subscriptions offered. LastPass offers a free version, but for $3.00 per month, you can opt for the Premium plan that comes with more features, like access across unlimited devices, 1 GB of encrypted file storage, emergency access, and personal customer support. The free plan doesn’t give you these features.

LastPass doesn’t offer a money-back guarantee but you can try it for free for 30 days. Once the trial is up, you can move down to the free version if you don’t want to keep the Premium plan.

One thing to be aware of, though, is how LastPass’s cancellation process works. The paid plans allow you to cancel the next renewal, but since your subscription is paid in advance, you don’t get your money back for the current subscription period. In essence, if you pay, you’re stuck with the cost, even if you don’t like LastPass.

KeePass vs. LastPass: features

Feature	KeePass	LastPass Our Pick
Password sharing
Two-factor authentication
Password generator
Autofill
Password strength report
Digital legacy
Emergency access
Dark web monitoring
	Read KeePass Review	Read LastPass Review

KeePass is missing a few key features you may want in a password manager. KeePass does come with some good features for a free platform, but you won’t find true digital legacy or dark web monitoring in its feature list.

You can share files by copying databases and storing them in the cloud or sharing them via Dropbox folders if you don’t want to use the cloud, but that’s clunky at best. Moving database folders around may not be easy if you’re looking for simplicity from your password manager.

KeePass offers two-factor authentication (2FA) with KeePass, but this process works a little differently than some of the password managers you may have seen. You’ll need a key file or a YubiKey USB stick that you insert into your device. The USB will then generate a password for you. So you can use passwordless authentication, but you’re going to need one of those methods.

With LastPass, you won’t have a shortage of features. You get everything you could want in a password manager, like a password strength report, a password generator that creates unique combinations, and password sharing. Beyond the usual features, you also get emergency access for your trusted users in case of a forgotten password, digital legacy for your loved ones in the event of your passing, and dark web monitoring to check if your personal information appears on the dark web.

Which is safer, KeePass or LastPass?

If you’re looking for a password manager, of course you’ll want the most secure option. In addition, you want to know about the privacy policy, as that can tell you how your data gets shared with other parties.

According to the KeePass privacy policy, the company uses your private data only if it’s necessary for a website and only after requesting your consent. Your information is not shared for marketing purposes.

LastPass explains that it may use your data from other sources, including information from public databases or third parties. That may involve using your data for marketing prospects.

As far as security is concerned, KeePass has not had a security breach, but LastPass hasn’t been so fortunate. We know there have been security breaches as recent as late 2022, which we mentioned previously in this review. Both password managers may be considered safe to use from an encryption standpoint, but we are hesitant to claim LastPass is completely safe until we see more data in the future regarding any possible breaches.

In May 2023, LastPass released a security update and noted enhancements to their infrastructure to strengthen security, among other actions, like improving cloud storage validation and continuous monitoring for any issues. We are pleased with their in-depth investigation to improve the product and hope customers have seen the last of the password manager breaches.

KeePass vs. LastPass privacy and security

	KeePass Our Pick	LastPass
Most recent security audit	January 2023	July 2022
Most recent data breach	N/A	November 2022
	Read KeePass Review	Read LastPass Review

KeePass has numerous certifications and recommendations. The platform received the BSI Cyber Security Recommendation for Information Security from the German Federal Office. It also had bounties sponsored by The European Commission for finding security vulnerabilities.

KeePass was audited in the European Commission’s Free and Open Source Software Auditing project and no issues were found. An independent security consultant, Zaur Molotnikov, also conducted an audit in January 2023 on KeePassXC and noted it is well-written and provides sufficient cryptographic protection.

As shown, LastPass has had some major security issues. LastPass also reports working with world-class security organizations to conduct audits, but we can’t find the data to support that. It participates in a Bug Bounty program, where hackers can submit found bugs and other vulnerabilities, but these aren’t independent auditors.

KeePass vs. LastPass: compatibility and ease of use

	KeePass	LastPass Our Pick
Windows
macOS
Android
iOS
Google Chrome
Mozilla Firefox
Microsoft Edge
Safari

At first glance, it looks like KeePass is compatible with every platform except Safari. In our research, we found that it may work better with other operating systems. When testing on our MacBook Air M1, we had to download MacPass to make the password manager work. Before we could do that, we had to update some of our privacy settings so that we could run the download.

In contrast, LastPass offers good compatibility with all the operating systems and browsers listed. Remember, if you’re using the free version, you’re limited to the one device that it gets installed on, so if you need to run it on multiple devices, you’ll need a paid subscription.

KeePass vs. LastPass: customer service

	KeePass	LastPass Our Pick
24/7 live chat
Phone
Email
Support forums
Online guides

You don’t get much customer service with KeePass. There are online guides and support forums to help if you get stuck along the way but no other forms of help.

With LastPass, you have more options, but you won’t get a lot of personal contact without paying for a plan. And even with those paid personal subscriptions, you don’t get email support, which many people like to have. There’s also no live chat, so if you have an issue that you need help with immediately, you’ll need to call support, if you’re a paid member.

LastPass vs. KeePass FAQs

KeePass vs. LastPass: which is better?

When determining the better password manager for you, there are a host of items to consider. If having data breaches is a deal breaker for you, then LastPass is not an option you want to explore. But if you’re looking for a feature-rich platform that is easy to navigate and comes with different pricing plans, then LastPass is the better plan for you.

If you’re a tech-savvy person who loves to work in a database-driven environment that has never been breached, KeePass gives you a better system. You get strong security with numerous certifications, and you can store your database on your device if you’re not comfortable using the cloud.

KeePass is comparatively more difficult to use than LastPass, and we found that it didn’t work well with our MacBook. So be advised that although it’s free, it may not work as well with every machine.

Overall, with security being one of the driving reasons to get a password manager, we have to recommend KeePass over LastPass, since it’s never been breached and LastPass has had major problems in this area.