When comparing GPG encrypted text file vs KeePassXC, the Slant community recommends KeePassXC for most people. In the question“What are the best offline password managers?” KeePassXC is ranked 3rd while GPG encrypted text file is ranked 15th. The most important reason people chose KeePassXC is:
Free. No hidden tracking. 100% Open Source.
Specs
Ranked in these QuestionsQuestion Ranking
Pros
Pro Can be easily integrated with other command-line tools
For example, I can run GITHUB_TOKEN=$(gpg -d GITHUB_TOKEN.gpg) some_tool
Pro Outstanding compatibility
GPG is standard on most operating systems, and is compatible with "too many to list". A GPG API is currently being developed for further integration.
Pro Free to use and modify
GPG does not use patented algorithms, so this service is free to use and modify without restrictions.
Pro Can be used with any system that understands text files
Text files are ubiquitous. They can be read across any modern platform and many obsolete one's.
Pro No dependencies
GnuPG does not depend on a reading program in order to be functional.
Pro Offers an installation package for Windows and OS X
"Gpg4win" is the installation package for Windows, and "GPGTools" is the package for Mac. The purpose of these packages is to equip users with everything needed in order to effectively keep information private.
Pro Uses symmetric key encryption to ensure that emails are secure
Symmetric key encryption not only protects emails from unauthorized access, but it ensures that the sender and receiver are legitimate.
Pro It is free and open source
Free. No hidden tracking. 100% Open Source.
Pro Active development
Pro Cross platform autotype
Autotype available for all apps.
Pro Strong end-to-end Encryption
Zero-knowledge. Military-grade AES-256 & Argon 2 unbreakable encryption algorithms.
Pro New secure browser integration plugins
Official Browser plugins for Chrome, Firefox, Edge, Brave, Opera, Vivaldi and all other Chromium or Gecko based browsers.
Pro Passphrase generator
Pro Easy to use
It has a really clean looking design, unlike Keepass. Makes it really friendly to get into.
Pro Good UI
User-friendly and straightforward. Easy to use.
Pro Better than KeePassX
KeepassX discontinued in 2017.
Pro Support for time-based one-time passwords (TOTP)
Pro Stores passwords locally instead of in the cloud
Don't trust anyone.
Pro Support for adding/removing SSH keys in system key agent
Pro Import and export to different file formats
Pro Available web browser extension (keepassxc-browser)
Pro Outrageous better than some paid password managers
It has plenty tweaks which lets you feel under control of your data.
Pro Portable, Tails and Whonix come loaded with it too
The preferred choice of Qubes users as well. Long story short, it's no coincidence that every one of the Linux distros renowned for it's security and anonymity features comes standard with a massive neon, blinking arrow pointing right at this full-featured, OSS, cross-platform password manager. The Slant community even lauds it as the category's second-only to what is essentially a command-line tool with a title someone could have picked out of a random spoonful of alphabet soup. Approved for Ages 8-78!
Pro File attachments and custom attributes
Pro YubiKey challenge-response support
And onlykey*
Pro Database reports (password health, HIBP, and statistics)
Pro Solid
Pro KeeShare shared databases (import, export, and synchronize)
Cons
Con Requires knowledge of the command line
GnuPG requires technical knowledge, but their FAQ is incredibly helpful for people who want to get started.
Con Dark theme on macOS needs some work
The tabs for multiple databases and about menus are unreadable in dark mode on macOS.
Con Qt dependency hell
Con Browser plugin doesn't always connect to KeepassXC on the first attempt
Restarting the Browser or restarting KeePassXC fixes the integration.
Enabling "Automatically reconnect to KeePassXC" option in KeepassXC Browser Extension fixes this problem permanently.
Con Non native UI
