KeePassXC

Password managers are becoming more and more popular, and it is easy to see why. They enable you to use very complex passkeys, as you no longer need to remember them all, and they are practically a must for people who have resorted to using the same password for every account.

KeePassXC is one of the options at your disposal, a secure, cross-platform application that protects your sensitive information using a master key and only stores databases locally. It features a lightweight design, includes a password generator and even offers support for auto-typing.

For those of you who are not familiar with the project’s origins, KeePassX was the original cross-platform port of KeePass Password Safe, which could only be run on Windows because of its .NET architecture. While the latter can now be run on OS X and Linux using Wine or Mono, it is understandable that many users prefer an app that offers native support for these operating systems.

KeePassXC is a community fork of KeePassX, its aim being to incorporate the stalled pull requests, features and bug fixes that never found their way into the KeePassX repository. It offers similar functionality at present, and it will likely see more frequent updates in the future.

Unlike cloud-based password managers, KeePassXC only stores your information in a local database, which is encrypted with the AES algorithm using a 256-bit key. An internet connection is not required, and your data is not stored on any servers, even in an encrypted form.

However, it is still possible to synchronize your database across multiple devices by storing this file in the cloud using a dedicated hosting service. Moreover, you can enable the KeePassXC HTTP protocol to access your databases from ChromeIPass or PassIFox.

KeePassXC features a minimalistic interface layout, providing quick access to all your groups and keys directly from the main window. It also comes with a simple search function, and you can send the program to the system tray when not needed.

We were quite impressed by the Auto-Type feature, which enables you to enter your credentials into any application or web form with a simple hotkey. The program searches for a matching entry in the database and performs the auto-type sequence automatically, even when running in the background.

Lastly, it should be mentioned that the utility comes equipped with a powerful password generator, something that no such application can do without. It allows you to create complex passkeys for your accounts, using specific types of characters.

In conclusion, KeePassXC is a versatile, lightweight password manager that keeps things simple while providing users with an impressive array of features. It saves your passwords in an encrypted local database, which users can also store in the cloud, supports auto typing and comes with a built-in password generator, among other useful features.