Head-to-Head Comparison · Alternative to Proton Pass · 🔐 security
Proton Pass vs Passbolt
Open source password manager focused on security, collaboration and privacy for organizations Here is how Passbolt ($0/mo open source) stacks up against Proton Pass ($6/mo) across cost, hosting, data privacy, and real-world trade-offs.
Passbolt is a verified Open Source-licensed open-source replacement for Proton Pass. Switching from Proton Pass ($6/mo) saves $72/yr per solo seat, or $360/yr for a 5-person team. Deployment: Runs on Self-host.
The catch: Requires self-hosting setup, updates, and server maintenance compared to managed Proton Pass.
Passbolt
$0.00/mo · Open Source
Proton Pass vs Passbolt Specifications
facts verified 2026-11-07
| Dimension | Proton Pass (Paid) | Passbolt (Replacement) |
|---|---|---|
| Monthly Price | $6 / mo | $0 / mo |
| 1-Year Cost (1 seat) | $72 / yr | $0 / yr (Save $72) |
| 1-Year Cost (5 seats) | $360 / yr | $0 / yr (Save $360) |
| 1-Year Cost (10 seats) | $720 / yr | $0 / yr (Save $720) |
| Source & License | Proprietary SaaS | open source Open Source |
| Where It Runs | Vendor Cloud | Self-host (your server) |
| Platforms | Web / Cloud | webself-hosteddocker to self-host |
| GitHub Stars | — | ★ 6.2k (active nov 2026) |
Deep Dive: Switching from Proton Pass to Passbolt
Trade-offs, installation & data architecture
What you trade away
Requires self-hosting setup, updates, and server maintenance compared to managed Proton Pass.
How to deploy Passbolt
Clone https://github.com/passbolt/passbolt_api or deploy with Docker Compose
What it takes to run
Deploy via Docker or binary release from GitHub and configure environment variables.
Where your data lives
All application data and configuration live on your own server or local database.
Why fork Passbolt instead of vibe-coding a Proton Pass clone?
Instead of paying recurring SaaS fees for Proton Pass or rebuilding it from scratch, deploy one of the 8 battle-tested open-source alternatives like Vaultwarden.
Proton Pass vs Passbolt FAQ
Is Passbolt a good free alternative to Proton Pass?+
Yes. Passbolt is a verified open-source (Open Source) replacement for Proton Pass. Open source password manager focused on security, collaboration and privacy for organizations
What is the catch when switching from Proton Pass to Passbolt?+
Requires self-hosting setup, updates, and server maintenance compared to managed Proton Pass.
How much do you save switching from Proton Pass to Passbolt?+
Proton Pass costs $6/mo ($72/yr) per seat, whereas Passbolt is $0/mo. Switching saves $72/yr for a solo user, $360/yr for a 5-person team, and $720/yr for a 10-person team.
How do I install or self-host Passbolt instead of Proton Pass?+
Install: Clone https://github.com/passbolt/passbolt_api or deploy with Docker Compose. Setup: Deploy via Docker or binary release from GitHub and configure environment variables.
