Passbolt review (2026): features, pros and cons, pricing
An open-source, OpenPGP-based password manager for teams that can be self-hosted or run as a hosted service.
Verdict at a glance
Passbolt is an open-source, OpenPGP-based password manager for teams that can be self-hosted or run as a hosted service. It encrypts each secret per authorized user and offers a free Community edition for technical teams.
Pros
- Easy password sharing in teams.
- Open source and auditable.
Cons
- First-time user onboarding is hard.
- Browser extension can be flaky.
What is Passbolt?
An open-source, OpenPGP-based password manager for teams that can be self-hosted or run as a hosted service. It is built for technical teams that want to self-host and audit the code and EU organizations that value Luxembourg-registered vendor and open source. Passbolt is based in Luxembourg.
Category: Business Password Managers
Passbolt key features
| Feature | What we found |
|---|---|
| Shared vaults and permissions | Per-secret OpenPGP encryption for each authorized user; folder and group sharing. |
| SSO and directory sync | Pro: LDAP (AD/OpenLDAP) provisioning and SSO via Microsoft, Google, OpenID; SCIM and AD FS listed as Pro features but checkmarks not confirmed. |
| Admin console and reporting | Pro: activity log of changes; log export to syslog listed (plan not confirmed) |
| Encryption and security record | OpenPGP, secrets encrypted per user, fully open source; Cure53 audits through 2026; SOC 2 Type II (2021) |
Passbolt pricing
Passbolt has three plans. Community is free for unlimited users, open source under AGPLv3, with community support. Pro costs $4.90 per user per month billed annually, with a minimum of 10 users, a volume discount after 100 users, and a limit of one instance. Enterprise is a custom quote and adds HA/DR consulting and 4-hour SLA phone and email support. Pro runs on a subscription key emailed after purchase, and adding users requires a new key from sales. If Pro expires, it keeps running without updates or support. Billing is annual only.
| Plan | Price | Unit | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Community | Free | unlimited users | Open source AGPLv3, community support |
| Pro | $4.90 | per user per month, billed annually | Min 10 users, volume discount after 100 users, limited to 1 instance |
| Enterprise | Custom quote | HA/DR consulting, 4-hour SLA phone and email support |
Pro runs on a subscription key emailed after purchase; adding users needs a new key from sales. Expired Pro keeps running without updates or support.
Who Passbolt is best for
Best for
- Technical teams that want to self-host and audit the code.
- EU organizations that value Luxembourg-registered vendor and open source.
Not ideal for
- Non-technical teams that need effortless onboarding.
- Buyers needing a published data-residency statement for the hosted service.
Passbolt alternatives
BitwardenBudget-conscious teams: $4 per user per month for Teams.
Keeper SecurityRegulated or government-adjacent buyers needing FedRAMP, FIPS 140-3 or HIPAA alignment.
1PasswordSmall teams of up to 20 via the Starter Pack.
NordPassCost-focused SMBs on Google Workspace.
Proton PassPrivacy-first teams in Europe.
DashlaneSmall and mid-size teams that want a polished employee-facing app.
What Passbolt really costs
- Per seat per month
- $4.90 (Pro)
- Billing
- Annual only.
- Minimum seats
- 10 users on Pro.
- 20 users per year
- 20 x $4.90 x 12 = $1,176 per year.
- Renewal terms
- Subscription key enforces user quota; expired keeps running without updates or support.
Questions to ask about price
- What is the discount for annual billing, and can we start monthly?
- Which features we need sit in add-ons or a higher plan, and what do they cost?
- Are there one-time costs for implementation, onboarding or data migration?
Is Passbolt worth the price?
Passbolt is good value for technical teams that want to self-host and audit the code, since the free edition has no user cap and Pro is cheap per seat. It is awkward for non-technical teams, because onboarding is reported as hard and the browser extension can be flaky. Growing teams should note that each user addition needs a new key from sales, and buyers who want custom contract terms need to spend at least EUR 20K a year.
Worth it if
- Technical teams that want to self-host and audit the code.
- EU organizations that value Luxembourg-registered vendor and open source.
Look elsewhere if
- Non-technical teams that need effortless onboarding.
- Buyers needing a published data-residency statement for the hosted service.
Cheaper per seat than Passbolt
- NordPass$1.99 (Teams, 1-year plan, Cybernews)
- Keeper Security$2 (Business Starter, third-party reported, 5-10 users only)
- Bitwarden$4 (Teams, billed annually)
- Proton Pass$4.49 (Pass Professional, promotional, billed annually)
Pricing details most reviews leave out
- Pro requires 10 users minimum and a subscription key; adding users means contacting sales.
- Passbolt does not review custom terms for contracts under EUR 20K per year.
- Lapsed Pro keeps working but loses updates and support.
- SOC 2 Type II dates from 2021 per its security page.
Our verdict on Passbolt
Passbolt is an open-source, OpenPGP-based password manager that can be self-hosted or run as a hosted service. Cost-wise it is unusual: the Community edition is free for unlimited users under AGPLv3, and Pro starts at $4.90 per user per month billed annually with a 10-user minimum. G2 shows a 4.3 rating from 15 reviews. It is easy to compare against paid managers because the prices are public.
The free edition costs you admin time, not license fees, since you run and maintain it. Pro adds the features teams usually pay for, such as LDAP provisioning, SSO and an activity log. Reviewers say first-time onboarding is hard, so budget for setup effort. Passbolt also does not review custom contract terms below EUR 20K per year.
Passbolt FAQ
What is Passbolt used for?
Passbolt is an open-source, OpenPGP-based password manager for teams that can be self-hosted or run as a hosted service. It encrypts each secret per authorized user and offers a free Community edition for technical teams. It suits technical teams that want to self-host and audit the code.
Is Passbolt free?
Yes. The Community edition is free for unlimited users and open source under AGPLv3, with community support. Features like LDAP provisioning, SSO and the activity log are part of Pro.
How much does Passbolt cost for 20 users?
On Pro, 20 users at $4.90 per user per month come to $1,176 per year, billed annually. Pro requires at least 10 users and a volume discount applies after 100 users.
What happens if I stop paying for Passbolt Pro?
An expired Pro subscription keeps running, but you lose updates and support. Adding users also needs a new subscription key from sales.
About Passbolt
- Headquarters
- Luxembourg.
Listed in: Business Password Managers
Sources
Every fact on this page comes from Passbolt's own pricing, product or documentation pages, G2 and company records, checked on October 24, 2026. Unknown values are left out instead of estimated.