dotenvx vs Phase

dotenvx encrypts secrets stored in.env files, then decrypts and injects them when an application runs. Its maker describes it as free and open source, with hosted and self-hosted deployment options. Public-key encryption uses a secp256k1 key pair, keeping the private decryption key separate from the encrypted file. For development, the private key can be stored in the operating system’s secret store, including macOS Keychain, Windows Credential Manager, or Linux Secret Service. Listed workflow tools include environment selection and composition, validation, pre-commit leak prevention, Docker image protection, key/value operations, and runtime log redaction. The maker says encrypted files can travel with code and be decrypted at runtime using a private key supplied in the deployment environment, without a secrets service in the application’s critical path. Installation options include CLI, npm, winget, Homebrew, GitHub releases, Docker, a Ruby gem, and Python pip. Guides cover developer tools, programming languages, and deployment services. The free User plan includes CLI, SDKs, encryption, and GitHub Issues support. Member is $5 a month; Business is $90 a month. The paid product has a 14-day free trial.

Phase is an open-source platform for managing application secrets from development through production. It runs as a managed cloud service or on your infrastructure, including in air-gapped environments. Phase says end-to-end encryption is enabled by default, with servers storing ciphertext in that mode. Its CLI keeps secrets encrypted at rest locally and can inject them while offline; it also installs skills for Claude Code, Codex, Cursor, OpenCode, and VS Code Copilot to work with secrets using natural language. Teams can assign managed or custom roles by app and environment, set IP allow-lists, review records of access and changes, and use point-in-time rollback. Integrations include AWS, Azure, HashiCorp Vault, Docker, Kubernetes, Cloudflare, GitHub, GitLab, Vercel, and Railway. Phase lists SOC 2 Type 2 and penetration testing by Oneleet. The Free plan is limited to 5 users or service accounts, 3 apps, and 3 environments. Pro costs $10 per month, billed annually at $120 ($144 shown), with a 14-day trial.