# Claude Keychain vs direnv

Canonical page: /vs/direnv

direnv is a free, open-source shell extension that automatically loads environment variables from a .envrc file whenever you cd into a project folder, and unloads them when you leave.

direnv removes the need to manually export a variable in every terminal session, which is a real improvement over a plain .env file. It does not remove the file itself, or the fact that the value is still sitting in plain text.

## Comparison

- **Where the value lives** — direnv: A .envrc file in each project folder, in plain text · Claude Keychain: The macOS Keychain, encrypted by macOS
- **Setup per project** — direnv: Create a .envrc, add it to .gitignore, allow it with direnv allow · Claude Keychain: Nothing, one key works everywhere
- **Risk of a git leak** — direnv: Real, if .envrc isn't gitignored · Claude Keychain: None, it is never a file
- **Claude Code integration** — direnv: None built in, still just an environment variable in your shell · Claude Keychain: Ships its own MCP server, connects in one click
- **Interface** — direnv: None, command line only · Claude Keychain: A menu bar app: add, view, delete
- **Price** — direnv: Free, open source · Claude Keychain: <span><span data-price>$4</span>/mo</span>

## Verdict

direnv is a genuine improvement over typing export commands by hand, and it costs nothing. But it is still a text file with your key in it, once per project. Claude Keychain removes the file entirely.

## Common questions

**Is direnv secure?**

It's as secure as any plain text file on your Mac; direnv's job is convenience, not encryption.

**Can I use direnv and Claude Keychain together?**

There's no real reason to for the same key, since Claude Keychain removes what direnv is working around.