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# Vault vs passbolt Comparison - What are their main differences?

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IBM Vault (formerly HashiCorp Vault)passbolt[+ Add Product](#)

Pricing

**Vault**
Free Trial

No pricing available

**passbolt**
Free Trial

**Free** · Passbolt Community Edition

**Pricing Insights**
from reviews

Time to Implement

**Vault**
2 months

Based on 7 responses

**passbolt**
\<1 monthFaster

Based on 7 responses

Return on Investment

**Vault**
8 months

Based on 7 responses

**passbolt**
5 months3 months sooner

Based on 7 responses

Perceived Cost

**Vault**
$$$$$

**passbolt**
Not enough reviews yet

Average Discount

**Vault**
Not enough reviews yet

**passbolt**
Not enough reviews yet

**Pros & Cons**
from reviews

**Vault**
[
Useful (2)
](https://www.g2.com/products/hashicorp-vault/reviews?filters%5Bsentiment_snippet%5D=2509403&qs=pros-and-cons#reviews)[
Authentication (1)
](https://www.g2.com/products/hashicorp-vault/reviews?filters%5Bsentiment_snippet%5D=2509401&qs=pros-and-cons#reviews)[
Complexity Issues (1)
](https://www.g2.com/products/hashicorp-vault/reviews?filters%5Bsentiment_snippet%5D=2509426&qs=pros-and-cons#reviews)[
Complex Usage (1)
](https://www.g2.com/products/hashicorp-vault/reviews?filters%5Bsentiment_snippet%5D=2509405&qs=pros-and-cons#reviews)

**passbolt**
[
Convenience (1)
](https://www.g2.com/products/passbolt/reviews?filters%5Bsentiment_snippet%5D=2245369&qs=pros-and-cons#reviews)[
Data Storage (1)
](https://www.g2.com/products/passbolt/reviews?filters%5Bsentiment_snippet%5D=2245376&qs=pros-and-cons#reviews)[
Login Issues (1)
](https://www.g2.com/products/passbolt/reviews?filters%5Bsentiment_snippet%5D=2245396&qs=pros-and-cons#reviews)[
Password Issues (1)
](https://www.g2.com/products/passbolt/reviews?filters%5Bsentiment_snippet%5D=2245414&qs=pros-and-cons#reviews)

Integrations

**Vault**
[

 ![Product Avatar Image](https://images.g2crowd.com/uploads/product/image/large_detail/large_detail_3e48424a2018bcf0ee79be458ca923cb/vmware-vsphere.png "Product Avatar Image")

VMware vSphere

](https://www.g2.com/products/vmware-vsphere/reviews)[
View all
](https://www.g2.com/products/hashicorp-vault/integrations)

**passbolt**
Not enough data

Screenshots

**Vault**
 ![Vault screenshot](https://images.g2crowd.com/cdn-cgi/image/width=600,height=600,fit=scale-down,format=auto,onerror=redirect,/https://images.g2crowd.com/uploads/attachment/file/103377/Vault-writing-a-secret.png)

**passbolt**
 ![passbolt screenshot](https://images.g2crowd.com/cdn-cgi/image/width=600,height=600,fit=scale-down,format=auto,onerror=redirect,/https://images.g2crowd.com/uploads/attachment/file/1835024/Passbolt_Dark_theme.png)

**Ratings**
from reviews

Meets Requirements

**Vault**

8.7

8.742

**passbolt**

8.6

8.612

Ease of Use

**Vault**

7.6

7.651

**passbolt**

8.8

8.812

Ease of Setup

**Vault**

6.8

6.836

**passbolt**

8.5

8.58

Ease of Admin

**Vault**

7.5

7.523

**passbolt**

8.3

8.37

Quality of Support

**Vault**

7.9

7.934

**passbolt**

6.9

6.97

Has the product been a good partner in doing business?

**Vault**

8.1

8.118

**passbolt**
Not enough data

Product Direction (% positive)

**Vault**

9.4

9.441

**passbolt**

9.0

9.012

**Features**
ratings from reviews

Password Managers

8.9

27

8.3

8

Database Security

8.0

19

Not enough data

Encryption Key Management

8.9

13

Not enough data

Secrets Management Tools

8.5

12

Not enough data

Data Center Security Solutions

8.1

6

Not enough data

User Insights

**Reviewers' Company Size**

Small-Business(50 or fewer emp.)
24.2%

Mid-Market(51-1000 emp.)
30.3%

Enterprise(\> 1000 emp.)
45.5%

Small-Business(50 or fewer emp.)
24.2%

Mid-Market(51-1000 emp.)
30.3%

Enterprise(\> 1000 emp.)
45.5%

Small-Business(50 or fewer emp.)
64.3%

Mid-Market(51-1000 emp.)
35.7%

Enterprise(\> 1000 emp.)
0%

Small-Business(50 or fewer emp.)
64.3%

Mid-Market(51-1000 emp.)
35.7%

Enterprise(\> 1000 emp.)
0%

**Reviewers' Industry**

[![Vault](https://images.g2crowd.com/uploads/product/hd_favicon/0ee75f8aa7a545be51fce5cd41f4741e/hashicorp-vault.svg "Vault")](https://www.g2.com/products/hashicorp-vault/reviews)
Vault

Computer Software
19.3%

Information Technology and Services
17.5%

Telecommunications
7.0%

Banking
7.0%

Financial Services
5.3%

Other
43.9%

[![passbolt](https://images.g2crowd.com/uploads/product/hd_favicon/eb3c91e97785368cdad565ef503a85c0/passbolt.svg "passbolt")](https://www.g2.com/products/passbolt/reviews)
passbolt

Information Technology and Services
21.4%

Computer Software
21.4%

Consulting
7.1%

Transportation/Trucking/Railroad
7.1%

Security and Investigations
7.1%

Other
35.7%

Alternatives

**Vault Alternatives**

 ![Keeper Business Password Manager](https://images.g2crowd.com/uploads/product/image/thumb_square/thumb_square_01594bd607354336a9061abbe06a71a2/keeper-business-password-manager.png "Keeper Business Password Manager")

[
Keeper Password Manager
](/products/keeper-business-password-manager/reviews)

 ![1Password](https://images.g2crowd.com/uploads/product/hd_favicon/44a92221962a61e97eaf7f9b7327e4fc/1password.svg "1Password")

[
1Password
](/products/1password/reviews)

 ![Akeyless Identity Security Platform](https://images.g2crowd.com/uploads/product/hd_favicon/7e75241041bf98f88097af7d2cceb929/akeyless-identity-security-platform.svg "Akeyless Identity Security Platform")

[
Akeyless Identity Security...
](/products/akeyless-identity-security-platform/reviews)

 ![LastPass](https://images.g2crowd.com/uploads/product/hd_favicon/9020c8120331d4c9d0995cb91a5b1f9d/lastpass.svg "LastPass")

[
LastPass
](/products/lastpass/reviews)

**passbolt Alternatives**

 ![Bitwarden](https://images.g2crowd.com/uploads/product/hd_favicon/7a18cba840a3f72cda49adb289ab9fb2/bitwarden.svg "Bitwarden")

[
Bitwarden
](/products/bitwarden/reviews)

 ![KeePass](https://images.g2crowd.com/uploads/product/hd_favicon/1487566713/keepass.png "KeePass")

[
KeePass
](/products/keepass/reviews)

 ![LastPass](https://images.g2crowd.com/uploads/product/hd_favicon/9020c8120331d4c9d0995cb91a5b1f9d/lastpass.svg "LastPass")

[
LastPass
](/products/lastpass/reviews)

 ![Psono Password Manager](https://images.g2crowd.com/uploads/product/hd_favicon/bc7178531490d2f1347fc369ef72fd38/psono-password-manager.svg "Psono Password Manager")

[
Psono Password Manager
](/products/psono-password-manager/reviews)

## IBM Vault (formerly HashiCorp Vault) vs passbolt FAQs

Generated using AI

Last updated: August 14, 2026

### What is the difference between IBM Vault (formerly HashiCorp Vault) vs passbolt?

IBM Vault (formerly HashiCorp Vault) and passbolt differ most in their setup experience, support quality, and reviewer-cited strengths, with IBM Vault favored for security and integrations, and passbolt for ease of use and team password sharing.

| [IBM Vault (formerly HashiCorp Vault)](https://www.g2.com/products/ibm-vault-formerly-hashicorp-vault/reviews) | [passbolt](https://www.g2.com/products/passbolt/reviews) |
| --- | --- |
| 4.3/5 (53 reviews) | 4.3/5 (15 reviews) |
| — | — |
| 6.7 | 8.1 |
| 7.9 | 6.9 |
| Security (3 all-time mentions) | Password Sharing (1 all-time mention) |

### How do the pricing models of IBM Vault (formerly HashiCorp Vault) and passbolt compare?

Reviewers rate IBM Vault (formerly HashiCorp Vault) and passbolt at parity for value, with no Price/Cost dimension score difference.

- **IBM Vault (formerly HashiCorp Vault):** In recent reviews, several reviewers mention that the product can be expensive, especially for unlocking enterprise capabilities, but appreciate its robust feature set.
- **passbolt:** Recent reviewers highlight that passbolt offers strong value, especially with its open-source and self-hosted options, and note that it costs $0 for basic use while providing core password management features.

### What are the best alternatives to IBM Vault (formerly HashiCorp Vault) and passbolt?

The top 3 alternatives to IBM Vault (formerly HashiCorp Vault) and passbolt are Bitwarden, Keeper Password Manager, and 1Password.

| Product | G2 Rating (reviews) | Largest Segment | Pricing Insight | Top Reviewer-Cited Strength |
| --- | --- | --- | --- | --- |
| [IBM Vault (formerly HashiCorp Vault)](https://www.g2.com/products/ibm-vault-formerly-hashicorp-vault/reviews) | 4.3/5 (53 reviews) | — | In recent reviews, some reviewers find it expensive for enterprise features | Security (3 all-time mentions) |
| [passbolt](https://www.g2.com/products/passbolt/reviews) | 4.3/5 (15 reviews) | — | Recent reviewers highlight strong value, especially for open-source/self-hosted use | Password Sharing (1 all-time mention) |
| [Bitwarden](https://www.g2.com/products/bitwarden/reviews) | 4.6/5 (1415 reviews) | Small-Business | — | — |
| [Keeper Password Manager](https://www.g2.com/products/keeper-password-manager/reviews) | 4.6/5 (1235 reviews) | Mid-Market | — | — |
| [1Password](https://www.g2.com/products/1password/reviews) | 4.6/5 (1810 reviews) | Small-Business | — | — |

### Which Secrets Management Tools features should I prioritize when comparing IBM Vault (formerly HashiCorp Vault) and passbolt?

Buyers should prioritize Ease of Setup, Ease of Use, Password Sharing, Security, and Quality of Support when comparing IBM Vault (formerly HashiCorp Vault) and passbolt.

- **Ease of Setup:** IBM Vault (formerly HashiCorp Vault) scores 6.7; passbolt scores 8.1.
- **Ease of Use:** IBM Vault (formerly HashiCorp Vault) scores 7.7; passbolt scores 8.7.
- **Password Sharing:** passbolt is frequently cited for its password sharing capabilities (1 all-time mention); IBM Vault (formerly HashiCorp Vault) is not cited for this feature.
- **Security:** IBM Vault (formerly HashiCorp Vault) is cited for security (3 all-time mentions); passbolt is cited for secure storage (1 all-time mention).
- **Quality of Support:** IBM Vault (formerly HashiCorp Vault) scores 7.9; passbolt scores 6.9.

### What are the pros and cons of IBM Vault (formerly HashiCorp Vault) vs passbolt?

IBM Vault (formerly HashiCorp Vault) is strongest in security and integrations, while passbolt excels in ease of use and team password sharing.

- **IBM Vault (formerly HashiCorp Vault) strengths:** Security (3 all-time mentions), easy integrations (2 all-time mentions), centralized secret management, dynamic secret access control, audit logging, and robust authentication options.
- **IBM Vault (formerly HashiCorp Vault) trade-offs:** Complexity issues (1 all-time mention), learning curve (1 all-time mention), interface and navigation issues (1 all-time mention), and higher cost for enterprise features (1 all-time mention).
- **passbolt strengths:** Password sharing (1 all-time mention), ease of use (1 all-time mention), secure storage (1 all-time mention), team collaboration, and open-source/self-hosted flexibility.
- **passbolt trade-offs:** Login and SSO issues (1 all-time mention), browser extension limitations, and onboarding complexity for new users.

### Is IBM Vault (formerly HashiCorp Vault) or passbolt better for small businesses?

passbolt is the better fit for small businesses, with strong reviewer sentiment for ease of use and team password sharing.

- **IBM Vault (formerly HashiCorp Vault):** Largest segment not specified; reviewers highlight robust security and integrations but note a steeper learning curve and higher cost for advanced features.
- **passbolt:** Largest segment not specified; reviewers consistently praise its ease of setup, open-source value, and suitability for small teams needing secure password sharing.

### Which Secrets Management Tools platform has better integrations?

IBM Vault (formerly HashiCorp Vault) is favored for integrations, with multiple reviewers citing its broad integration capabilities.

- **IBM Vault (formerly HashiCorp Vault):** Integrations are cited in 2 all-time mentions, including with CICD partners, cloud services, GitHub Actions, Terraform, Kubernetes, and LDAP.
- **passbolt:** Integrations are cited in 1 all-time mention, with reviewers highlighting browser extension and team collaboration features.

### How do IBM Vault (formerly HashiCorp Vault) and passbolt compare on customer support?

IBM Vault (formerly HashiCorp Vault) scores higher on Quality of Support (7.9 vs 6.9), a material difference of 1.0 points.

- **IBM Vault (formerly HashiCorp Vault):** Reviewers describe knowledgeable product and account teams, helpful documentation, and responsive support, though some note inconsistent communication for demos or quotes.
- **passbolt:** Reviewers report generally positive support experiences, but some mention challenges with account recovery and onboarding, and a few cite limited support responsiveness.

### Which is easier to implement, IBM Vault (formerly HashiCorp Vault) or passbolt?

passbolt is easier to implement, with a 1.4-point higher Ease of Setup score (8.1 vs 6.7).

- **IBM Vault (formerly HashiCorp Vault):** Reviewers note a steeper learning curve, more complex setup, and the need for planning, especially for advanced configurations and integrations.
- **passbolt:** Reviewers highlight quick setup, straightforward onboarding for teams, and a user-friendly experience, though some mention initial onboarding complexity for new users.

### Which product has better Browser Extension?

passbolt is more frequently cited for its Browser Extension, with reviewers highlighting its convenience and limitations.

- **IBM Vault (formerly HashiCorp Vault):** No reviewer-cited Browser Extension features or mention counts.
- **passbolt:** Browser Extension is cited in recent reviews for enabling secure login, autofill, and credential management, but reviewers also note limitations such as single-device use and occasional extension resets.

## Vault vs passbolt

- Reviewers felt that Vault meets the needs of their business better than passbolt.
- When comparing quality of ongoing product support, reviewers felt that Vault is the preferred option.
- For feature updates and roadmaps, our reviewers preferred the direction of Vault over passbolt.