Padloc Review, Pricing & Features

Padloc review 2026: open-source password manager pricing, encryption, and features, plus how it compares to Bitwarden and 1Password.

Category
Security
Pricing
Freemium, from Free
Verified
Not yet
Last updated
July 19, 2026
Founded
2014
Headquarters
Ansbach, Germany
Free PlanWindowsWeb AppiOSFree TrialAndroidOpen SourceFreemiumSelf-HostedMac

Overview

Padloc is an open-source, end-to-end encrypted password manager for individuals and teams. Beyond passwords, it stores credit card details, secure notes, and files, and includes a built-in authenticator for generating one-time codes.

The project traces back to 2014 as Padlock before being substantially rebuilt and rebranded as Padloc with its version 3 release in 2019. It is developed by MaKleSoft UG, a small company based in Ansbach, Germany.

Key Features

Padloc's client and server source code is fully open source and has undergone review by three independent security audit groups, letting users verify its encryption claims rather than relying on a closed-source vendor's word.

Apps are available across web, Windows, macOS, Linux, iOS, and Android, with support for shared vaults across family and team plans, and Docker images are published for organizations that want to self-host their own Padloc server instance.

Pricing

Padloc offers a free tier covering basic password management, with paid tiers adding storage and collaboration features. Premium costs roughly $3.49/month (or about $34.90 billed annually) and adds file storage; Family costs roughly $5.95/month for up to 5 users with shared vaults.

Team and Business tiers, priced roughly $3.49-$6.99/month, extend shared-vault collaboration to 10-20 users, and an Enterprise tier is available at custom pricing for larger organizations.

Key Features

Pros & Cons

Pros

  • Fully open-source client and server code, independently security-audited
  • Self-hosting option via Docker for organizations wanting full data control
  • Free tier available for basic password management
  • Combines password management, authenticator, and encrypted file storage in one app
  • Cross-platform coverage across desktop, mobile, and browser

Cons

  • Smaller company and community compared to Bitwarden or 1Password
  • Fewer third-party integrations and browser extension features than larger competitors
  • Company size and financial backing are not publicly disclosed, raising long-term-support questions for some buyers
  • Self-hosting requires technical setup via Docker rather than a one-click option
  • Less brand recognition, so fewer independent reviews and community resources exist

Pricing

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Padloc really open source?

Yes, both the client applications and server code are published openly on GitHub under an open-source license and have been reviewed by three independent security audit groups.

Is Padloc free?

Yes, Padloc offers a free tier for basic password management, with paid Premium, Family, Team, and Business tiers adding storage and collaboration features.

Can I self-host Padloc?

Yes, Padloc publishes Docker images that let individuals or organizations run their own self-hosted server instance instead of using the hosted service.

Who develops Padloc?

Padloc is developed by MaKleSoft UG, a small software company based in Ansbach, Germany.

How is Padloc different from Bitwarden?

Both are open-source password managers with self-hosting options; Padloc additionally bundles secure file storage and an authenticator, while Bitwarden has a larger user base, community, and integration ecosystem.

What platforms does Padloc support?

Padloc has apps for web, Windows, macOS, Linux, iOS, and Android.

Does Padloc support team password sharing?

Yes, Team and Business tiers support shared vaults for 10-20 users, and Family plans support up to 5 users.

How much does Padloc Premium cost?

Padloc Premium costs roughly $3.49/month or about $34.90 billed annually, and adds file storage on top of the free tier.

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