The short version
Strongbox is a long-running, deeply-featured password manager with strong support for both KeePass and Password Safe vaults. Its Pro tier adds advanced workflows: hardware key support, browser integrations, advanced auto-type, and more. It is one of the most capable native KeePass clients available on Apple platforms.
KeeForge is narrower in scope by design — it focuses on KeePass .kdbx with a minimal, modern experience on iPhone, iPad, and Mac. Every feature is in the free, fully open-source app. There is no Pro tier or subscription.
Both apps read standard .kdbx files, so you can try them side-by-side against the same vault.
Feature comparison
As of writing. Features change — check both vendors' release notes for the latest.
| KeeForge | Strongbox | |
|---|---|---|
Open KeePass .kdbx databases | Yes | Yes |
Password Safe (.psafe3) support | No | Yes |
| Edit, create, and delete entries | Yes | Yes (Pro for full editing in some workflows) |
| AutoFill (passwords + passkeys + TOTP) | Yes | Yes |
| Face ID / Touch ID unlock | Yes | Yes |
| Cloud sync (iCloud, Dropbox, OneDrive, WebDAV, Files) | Yes (Dropbox and OneDrive directly on iPhone and iPad; synced folders on Mac) | Yes (more providers in Pro) |
| YubiKey / hardware key support | Read-only, on iPhone over NFC | Yes (Pro) |
| Subscription / paid tier | None — optional tip jar only | Free + Pro (subscription or lifetime) |
| Open source | GPLv3 (full app) | Open source with commercial components |
| Platforms | iOS, iPadOS, macOS | iOS, iPadOS, macOS |
| Minimum iOS version | iOS 18 | Lower (supports older devices) |
What Strongbox does well
- Support for both KeePass and Password Safe formats — useful if you have legacy
.psafe3vaults. - Pro tier offers YubiKey support, broader cloud-storage integrations, and advanced auto-type workflows.
- Long track record of active development and a deep feature set for power users.
- A mature macOS app with years of desktop refinement.
Where KeeForge differs
- Completely free. No Pro tier, no subscription, 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 18+ and macOS 15+ with current platform features (TOTP AutoFill, passkey AutoFill, Files-app integration) as first-class concerns.
- Smaller, more focused feature surface — easier to learn, faster to start using.
When to choose each
Choose KeeForge if…
- You only use KeePass
.kdbxvaults. - You don't want a subscription or Pro tier.
- You don't need to edit YubiKey-protected databases (KeeForge opens them read-only on iPhone over NFC).
- You prefer a fully open-source app where every feature is in the public source.
- You're on iOS 18 or macOS 15 or later.
Choose Strongbox if…
- You have
.psafe3Password Safe vaults you need to open. - You need full YubiKey support: editing, wired keys, iPad, or Mac.
- You want advanced auto-type workflows on macOS.
- You're on an older iPhone, iPad, or Mac (before iOS 18 or macOS 15).
Many KeePass users keep more than one client installed and pointed at the same vault. Because .kdbx is a portable format, switching costs are low — try both and see which fits your day.
Try KeeForge
Free, open-source, no accounts.