Passwordstate vs Passwork (2026): which should you pick?

Pick Passwordstate if

• Fits if you run Windows servers and want the vault on your own network
• Works for IT teams that need role-based access and audit reports

Look elsewhere if

• Not for you if you do not run Windows Server, IIS and SQL Server
• Pricey if you add support, which renews at 20% of the licence value
• Watch out: the Password Reset Portal, High Availability and Remote Site Locations modules are priced separately
• Watch out: the 30% charity and education discount does not apply to reseller orders

Pick Passwork if

• Fits if you want a team vault with roles and audit logs
• Works for IT teams that need SSO and directory sync

Look elsewhere if

• Skip it if you want a free plan, because only a one-month trial is offered
• Tight if you use a personal email, as the trial needs a business address
• Watch out: SSO, the CI/CD integration and the Python SDK need the Advanced plan
• Watch out: the self-hosted edition is licensed separately, with a yearly maintenance renewal
• Watch out: the cloud page does not say whether EUR 3 and EUR 4.5 are billed monthly or yearly

Passwordstate

• The server needs Microsoft Windows Server 2022 or later, IIS, .NET Framework 4.8.1 and SQL Server.
• Support and upgrades are a separate yearly cost, renewing at 20% of the license value.
• A 30% discount is listed for registered charities and accredited education providers, but not for orders through resellers.
• The Password Reset Portal, High Availability and Remote Site Locations modules are priced separately.

Passwork

• Business email is required for the free trial; Gmail, Yahoo and Outlook addresses are not accepted.
• SSO, the CI/CD integration and the Python SDK need the Advanced plan.
• The self-hosted edition is licensed separately: its FAQ lists Standard at 3€ per user/month billed annually, with a yearly maintenance renewal.
• The cloud pricing page does not say whether €3 and €4.5 are billed monthly or annually.

Passwordstate

Self-hosted vault

Runs on your own Windows server with IIS, .NET Framework and SQL Server, so the password data stays on infrastructure you control.

Browser extensions

Extensions for Chrome, Firefox, Edge, Brave and other Chromium browsers save and fill logins and work with passkeys on supported sites.

Mobile apps

iOS and Android apps give offline access to cached credentials, biometric unlock and autofill, connected to your own server.

Role-based access and reporting

Permissions are set per password list, with compliance reports and audit trails for administrators.

API and webhooks

An HTTP API lets scripts and applications retrieve and manage passwords, using PowerShell, Curl and other tools.

High availability and add-on modules

Optional modules add a disaster-recovery replica, a self-service Active Directory password reset portal and remote-site agents.

Passwork

Shared vaults and roles

Share credentials through vaults with granular permissions, role-based access and a record of who did what.

Zero-knowledge encryption

The vendor says data is encrypted on the client, so the server never sees it, and is also encrypted in transit and at rest.

Directory and SSO integration

Supports Active Directory and LDAP, with LDAP group mapping to provision users, and SAML single sign-on.

Secrets for developers

An API, a command-line tool, container images and a Python library deliver secrets to CI/CD pipelines, Docker and Kubernetes.

Audit logs and compliance reports

Security teams get audit logs, compliance reports, advanced two-factor options and security policies.

Apps for every device

Browser extensions for Chrome, Firefox, Safari and Edge, desktop apps for Windows, macOS and Linux, and iOS and Android apps.

Passwordstate

• Named Users$368

  once-off for 5 users, plus $73.60 per year for support

  One production install and a set number of named users (the calculator starts at 5); the cost rises with the user count.

• Enterprise LicenseCustom

  One production installation with an unlimited number of users; priced in the licence calculator.

• Global LicenseCustom

  An unlimited number of production installations and users, within one company structure; priced in the licence calculator.

Passwork

• Standard€3

  per user / month (price shown in euros)

  Core features for small and medium businesses: shared vaults and access without training.

• Advanced€4.5

  per user / month (price shown in euros)

  Adds SSO, a role-based model, the CI/CD integration, the Python SDK, a personal manager and priority support.

Passwordstate

• Nonprofit

  30% off for charities and education

  Registered charities and accredited educational institutions get 30% off Passwordstate and High Availability licenses, with proof of eligibility.

Passwork

No public discounts listed.