The short version
KeePassium is a mature, well-respected iOS KeePass client with a strong free tier and an optional Premium upgrade that unlocks advanced features (notably YubiKey hardware key support). It has a multi-year track record and a careful, security-focused team behind it.
KeeForge is a newer, fully-free alternative — every feature is in the free tier, the codebase is fully open source under GPLv3, and there is no premium plan. It targets iOS 17+ and is built natively for current Apple platform features.
Both apps read the same .kdbx file format, so you can keep the same vault and try them side-by-side without committing.
Feature comparison
As of writing. Features change — check both vendors' release notes for the latest.
| KeeForge | KeePassium | |
|---|---|---|
Open KeePass .kdbx databases | Yes | Yes |
| Edit, create, and delete entries | Yes | Yes (Premium for unlimited; free has limits) |
| AutoFill (passwords + passkeys + TOTP) | Yes | Yes |
| Face ID / Touch ID unlock | Yes | Yes |
| Cloud sync (iCloud, Dropbox, OneDrive, Files) | Yes | Yes |
| YubiKey / hardware key support | Not yet | Yes (Premium) |
| Subscription / paid tier | None — optional tip jar only | Free + Premium subscription |
| Open source | GPLv3 (full app) | GPLv3 (free version) |
| Minimum iOS version | iOS 17 | Lower (supports older devices) |
| Localization | English (more on the roadmap) | 20+ languages |
What KeePassium does well
- Multi-year track record with a careful, security-focused team.
- Premium tier offers YubiKey hardware key support — useful if your threat model includes physical-key second-factor.
- Localized into 20+ languages.
- Supports a wider range of older iOS versions.
- Strong reputation and recognition in the privacy-focused community.
Where KeeForge differs
- Completely free. No subscription, no Premium tier, no in-app purchases beyond a voluntary tip jar.
- Every feature is open-source under GPLv3 — there's no paid tier with closed components.
- Built natively for iOS 17+ with current platform features (TOTP AutoFill, passkey AutoFill, Files-app integration) as first-class concerns.
- Smaller, more focused feature surface — fewer settings to dig through, faster startup.
When to choose each
Choose KeeForge if…
- You don't want a subscription, ever.
- You don't need YubiKey hardware key support (yet).
- You want a fully open-source app — every feature, not just the free tier.
- You're on iOS 17 or later.
Choose KeePassium if…
- You need YubiKey or hardware key second-factor.
- You're on an older iOS device (pre-iOS 17).
- You want the most established option with the largest user base.
- You need an interface in a language other than English.
You don't have to pick one. Because both apps read standard .kdbx files, you can install both, point them at the same vault in iCloud or Dropbox, and decide which fits your day-to-day flow.
Try KeeForge
Free, open-source, no accounts.