Dashlane review 2024

In 2024, Dashlane stands out as one of the top password managers. With it, your passwords are protected using top-notch AES encryption, biometric authentication, and offers loads of useful extras. Not only your passwords are taken care of, but your whole online traffic is encrypted with a built-in VPN.

Yet, Dashlane is one of the more expensive password managers on the market. Compared with NordPass, which costs $1.24/month, Dashlane’s price of $3.75/month is twice as high. In addition, Dashlane’s decision to remove desktop apps wasn’t favorable considering other competitors still offer a variety of OS support with dedicated apps.

In this Dashlane review, I’ll investigate the security features, tools for protecting your credentials, ease of use, and price-to-value ratio to determine if Dashlane truly lives up to its claim of being one of the best password managers. Is Dashlane safe? Continue reading to uncover this password manager’s strengths, weaknesses, and whether it’s worth the investment.

Dashlane review: key takeaways

Dashlane is a popular password manager with reliable security tools and features to ensure your credential protection. This password manager offers apps specifically designed for mobile devices but doesn't provide a desktop application. Instead, it functions through web apps and browser extensions, which might feel restrictive for users who prefer a desktop solution.

• Security. In my opinion, Dashlane is a safe password manager because it uses a zero-trust architecture, so only you can access your data with a master password. Your info is stored and encrypted on Dashlane's servers. I liked that with 256-bit AES encryption and 2FA, outsiders can't decrypt your vault.
• Ease of use. Dashlane is really easy to use, with a clear and simple interface, especially on mobile. Setting it up was quick, though I did have to adjust a few autofill details manually.
• Performance. Dashlane's Premium plan includes Hotspot Shield VPN, adding value to the password manager. Despite Hotspot Shield not being top-tier, it's a useful addition. I was impressed that both in Australia and the US it retained 95% and 92% of their download speeds, respectively.
• Features. Dashlane offers a wide range of password manager features, from basics like password generation and form filling to more advanced options like secure notes and Dark Web Monitoring. I found features like Single Sign-On and login capture to be highly practical, adding ease to my daily use.
• Pricing. Dashlane has simple pricing options: Free, Premium, and Friends & Family plans for personal use, starting at $3.75/month. For teams and advanced needs, there's a Business plan. In my opinion, the ability to switch to monthly payments offers a lot of flexibility.

Who we recommend Dashlane for

• Individuals. Dashlane’s intuitive interface and wide range of security features make it a great choice for those looking to secure personal information and manage passwords efficiently across multiple devices.
• Families and friends. Families & Friends plan allows multiple users to share a subscription while maintaining individual accounts. It’s perfect for securely managing logins and data within a family or a group of friends.
• Businesses. Dashlane’s advanced security features and management tools, such as admin controls and team password sharing, make it ideal for businesses needing to secure sensitive information across teams.

Dashlane pricing and plans

Dashlane has 4 different plans: Free, Premium, Friends & Family, and Business. You can choose between a monthly or yearly subscription. Take a look at the table below to see what features each plan offers.

Plans	Free	Premium	Friends & Family	Business
Price starts (1-year)	✅ Yes	$59.99/year	$89.99/year	$480.00/year
Password storage	25	Unlimited	Unlimited	Unlimited
Devices	1	Unlimited	Unlimited	Unlimited
Accounts	1	1	10	Unlimited
Password generator	✅ Yes	✅ Yes	✅ Yes	✅ Yes
Two-factor authentication	✅ Yes	✅ Yes	✅ Yes	✅ Yes
Form/payment autofill	✅ Yes	✅ Yes	✅Yes	✅ Yes
Secure notes	✅ Yes	✅ Yes	✅ Yes	✅ Yes
Dark web monitoring	❌ No	5 emails	5 emails/account	✅ Yes
VPN	❌ No	✅ Yes	✅ Yes	✅ Yes
Encrypted file storage	❌ No	1GB	1GB/account	Unlimited

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While the prices are slightly higher than those of most competitors, the features included in the Premium and Friends & Family plan still make it one of the best value-for-money password managers available. In addition, all plans come with a 30-day money-back guarantee.

Here’s what you can get with each Dashlane plan:

Dashlane Free

Dashlane offers a free tier, but it comes with limitations. You can store up to 25 passwords on a single device, which means you won’t be able to sync your passwords across multiple devices, such as your smartphone or tablet. Additionally, this free version only provides access to the most basic features. Given these constraints, I don’t recommend it for practical use if you need a more comprehensive password management solution.

Dashlane Premium

The Premium plan starts at $3.75/month and adds to the free Dashlane plan. You’ll have unlimited device support and password storage with one account. In addition, you’ll get dark web monitoring for 5 emails, a VPN, and 1GB of encrypted storage (also available in the free plan). The Dashlane Premium plan is ideal for individual users seeking enhanced security. The Dashlane Premium plan is ideal for individual users seeking enhanced security.

Dashlane Friends & Family

Dashlane Friends & Family plan has everything that Premium does but adds up to 10 accounts with one subscription, dark web monitoring for 5 emails per account, and 1GB of encrypted storage per account. All that for $5.62/month. This plan is perfect for families or groups of friends looking to share advanced security features under a single subscription.

Dashlane Business

Dashlane Business plan costs $8.00/month per user and offers the most features without any restrictions. You’ll get unlimited devices, accounts, and encrypted storage. There will be no limits on the number of accounts scanned for leaks on the dark web. This plan is best suited for businesses that need extensive security for multiple accounts and devices without any limitations.

Subscriptions and refund policy

Payments are billed annually, and users can manage or cancel their subscriptions through their account settings. Dashlane provides a 30-day money-back guarantee for Premium and Friends & Family plans, allowing users to request a refund if they are unsatisfied within this period. Business subscriptions typically offer a free trial and a refund policy based on the terms agreed upon at the time of purchase.

Is Dashlane safe?

In terms of security, Dashlane employs 256-bit AES encryption, which is considered the gold standard in the industry, ensuring your data is kept as safe and secure as possible. Furthermore, it encrypts your data locally on your device, using its patented security architecture to add an extra layer of protection, so even Dashlane itself cannot access your information.

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Dashlane's top feature is its security. It offers extras like a top-notch VPN and even real-time dark web monitoring, along with essentials like saving and filling passwords automatically.

With the security features in place, there are still certain limitations Dashlane has. Regarding the 2FA, Dashlane doesn’t allow sending temporary 2FA codes via SMS due to security concerns. Alternatively, you can use different authenticator apps such as Google Authenticator and Authy, while premium subscribers can use 2FA with USB authentication from YubiKey. I could even use my Apple Watch, which I absolutely love.

Overall, Dashlane covers the basics of securing your passwords. There’s strong encryption, zero-knowledge infrastructure, 2FAs, and a few other tools. However, I did miss out on some extras that other top providers like NordPass have, like independent audits that would ensure your data protection.

Top-class encryption

AES-256 encryption, used by Dashlane, is the strongest encryption available. It works like sending a secret letter that only the intended recipient can read with a special key. AES-256 scrambles data into unrecognizable blocks using complex algorithms, making it nearly impossible to crack without the correct key. Even with advanced technology, it would take billions of years to break, ensuring your data and passwords remain safe with Dashlane.

Zero-knowledge architecture

Zero-knowledge architecture keeps our data safe by encrypting and decrypting it only on our devices, not on any server. This means our data stays protected, even if there's a breach elsewhere. It's like having a personal lock on our information, ensuring privacy and security online. The zero-knowledge security model ensures that neither Dashlane nor anyone else can access your data. Your logins and personal information are encrypted, making them indecipherable without your Master Password.

You might know about 2FA, which stands for two-factor authentication, from using it with Google, Microsoft, or Amazon. It adds an extra layer of security to your online accounts beyond just a username and password. With 2FA, when you log in, you'll also need to verify your identity with a unique token or push notification. This makes it tougher for hackers to access your account.

No data breaches

In addition to all security features, such as 2FA, a VPN, emergency access, and the most secure encryption on the market, AES-256, Dashlane has never had a security breach. Meaning, it has a spotless history in terms of security.

Security audits

Dashlane is excited to share that it has earned ISO 27001 certification, a globally recognized standard for security. This certification shows that Dashlane follows strict security practices. Notably, Dashlane is the first major credential management provider to meet the updated 2022 ISO standards. This achievement highlights Dashlane’s commitment to offering the latest and highest security measures, ensuring that users get the best protection available.

Dashlane security features

With Dashlane, you can quickly generate and store strong, unique passwords for all your accounts, safeguarding your digital identity. It allows you to autofill passwords, personal information, and payment details, saving you time. Dashlane acts as a shortcut, enabling you to manage your online activities more efficiently and securely across all your devices.

Feature	Functionality
Password generator	Generates up to 40-character passwords using all character sets (including numbers and symbols).
Capturing logins	Dashlane will capture your login details and credentials whenever you sign into an account. This applies to both one-page and multi-page websites.
Advanced form filling	Dashlane can fill in personal details in web forms. This includes basic information, such as your name, email address, or phone number, of which you’re able to store as many as you like.
Secure Notes	Allows you to safely store sensitive information, like IDs, banking information, notes, or any other data that could cause issues if leaked.
Dark Web monitoring	Checks if your personal info has been compromised. The check is done by entering your email, which can then be linked to your credit card or physical address.
Password sharing	After selecting Share item within your Dashlane account and entering the recipient’s email address, they will receive an email and a notification in Dashlane’s Sharing Centre with an invitation to access that account.
Passwordless	Allows users to log in securely without needing a Master Password by using biometric authentication, such as facial recognition or a fingerprint, for quicker access to accounts.
Passkeys	When registering on a passkey-compatible site, Dashlane generates private and public keys. The private key stays secure in the Dashlane app, while the public key is sent to the website's server. Both keys are used for authentication during login, enhancing security and efficiency.
Password Health Checker	Password Health scans your saved accounts for compromised, reused, and weak passwords, assigning an overall health score.
Dashlane VPN	Dashlane stands out with its VPN as a unique feature, giving it an edge over other password managers. While Dashlane didn't create this VPN themselves, they partnered with Hotspot Shield, which provided Dashlane access to their VPN app. To get started, simply activate the VPN account from Dashlane's settings.
Real-time phishing alerts	When you attempt to autofill your credentials on a suspicious site or app, Dashlane alerts you, helping to prevent potential data breaches. This feature continuously scans for phishing threats and provides immediate warnings, enhancing your online security. By staying alert to potential risks, Dashlane helps ensure that your sensitive information remains protected.
Confidential SSO & Provisioning	Allows organizations to securely manage employee access by automating account setup and providing encrypted, streamlined access to apps with one set of credentials.

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Password generator

Dashlane's password generator is user-friendly and effective, allowing you to create strong passwords with numbers, letters, symbols, and more. You can access it through the browser extension and mobile apps, and it pops up automatically when creating a new account. However, it's not directly available in the web app unless you're using the Safari app, which I find a bit odd.

By default, Dashlane generates 16-character passwords with a mix of characters, but you can easily customize this. While Dashlane's default length is similar to other password managers like LastPass, it falls short in maximum length, capping at 40 characters compared to competitors' 99-character limits. Additionally, Dashlane only generates random strings, whereas competitors like 1Password offer passphrase options.

Our research team tested a password generator on our mobile apps, and it was straightforward and easy to use. You can pick elements for your password, such as numbers, letters, symbols, and similar characters. However, it couldn’t generate pronounceable word-based passwords for easier remembering, something that NordPass can offer.

One standout feature is Dashlane's Generator History, which allows you to retrieve generated passwords if you forget to save them. This feature sets Dashlane apart, as not many competitors offer password history. Overall, Dashlane's password generator excels in creating highly secure passwords, making it a valuable tool for users.

Capturing logins and advanced form-filling

Just like other password managers, Dashlane automatically saves your passwords as you log in to websites. Simply log in as usual, and when Dashlane's pop-up prompt appears, accept it to save the login details in your vault.

After that, you can set Dashlane to autofill regarding your needs (names, emails, phone numbers).

While testing Dashlane, I discovered that for multi-page websites, you might need to manually enter the second (or third) login by clicking on the Dashlane logo and selecting the right login details. This isn't a major inconvenience, but I'd like to have it fixed in the near future.

Dashlane Secure Notes

In Dashlane's web app, you can store more than just passwords. You can keep secure notes, personal info, payment details, and IDs. It's a one-stop shop for all your sensitive information.

Dashlane Secure Notes allows you to save any sensitive information. It has pre-set options for the following:

• Application password
• Database
• Finance
• Legal document
• Membership
• Server info
• Software license

Unfortunately, Dashlane offers only paid storage that's limited to 1GB, while NordPass offers up to 3GB storage. For some users, this will clearly not be enough.

Additionally, Dashlane provides detailed entries, allowing users to include specifics like the color of their credit/debit cards. However, I believe it would be beneficial for Dashlane to add custom fields for each entry, similar to what LastPass offers, allowing users to create fully customized entries.

Dark web monitoring

Dark web monitoring scans the dark web for your email address and personal info, alerting you if any data breaches occur. Dashlane's monitoring includes 24/7 surveillance, monitoring up to 5 email addresses, and instant alerts for data breaches.

Unlike competitors using Have I Been Pwned?'s database, Dashlane has its own database with over 12 billion records and adds nearly a million new ones daily. Plus, while others offer on-demand scanning, Dashlane continuously monitors your data.

Our research team tested Dashlane dark web monitoring and found it effective. It alerted us when our test email was leaked, showing details of the breaches. Dashlane prompted me to change passwords for compromised sites, marking breaches as resolved once passwords were changed.

Dashlane's dark web monitoring stands out for its real-time scanning, ease of use, coverage of multiple emails, and efficient resolution of compromised accounts.

Share your passwords

There are times when you might need to share access to personal accounts with friends, family, or colleagues. Rather than having to disclose your passwords, you can use Dashlane to share access to a particular account.

Dashlane allows you to easily share your credentials by simply selecting Share item within your account and entering the recipient’s email address.

You can also specify the level of access you wish to grant them, limiting what they’re able to view, edit, and share. If you decide to revoke access, you can do that whenever you want. I really enjoyed this level of customization, because it allows you to safely share credentials without fearing that they will be edited. This is especially useful for businesses that require different login accesses for their employees.

To access the shared account, the recipient needs to sign up for a free Dashlane account. This is a standard security practice across most password managers to ensure the safe sharing of sensitive data.

Dashlane compatibility and ease of use

To put Dashlane to the test, I used an iPhone (iOS 15), MacBook Air (macOS Sonoma), Samsung (Android 11), and Lenovo ThinkPad (Windows 11) devices. Dashlane is available on Windows, Mac, iOS and Android platforms. You can also get an extension for your favourite browser. The browser extensions are available on Firefox, Safari, Microsoft Edge, Google Chrome, and other Chromium browsers like Opera or Brave. As you can see, the selection is quite diverse, making Dashlane's unlimited connections feature especially useful.

Dashlane setup

To get started, I visited the Dashlane sign-up page and entered my email address to create an account. Dashlane makes this process super straightforward.

If you're wondering, you can use a Dashlane coupon code at this stage to snag a discount. After entering my email, I had two options: to create either a master password or opt for passwordless login, which uses a PIN.

For me, setting up a master password seemed like the safest route, but you also have the option to use a 6-digit PIN through Dashlane’s passwordless system, which is pretty innovative. I liked that both options offer secure access and recovery, but I went with the master password for more control.

After creating my account, I was immediately redirected to my personal Dashlane dashboard. The interface is clean and intuitive, making it easy to find all the features I needed right away.

Once inside the dashboard, Dashlane prompts you to start adding your passwords. You can either do this manually, by adding each login individually, or bulk-import them using a CSV file. I chose to import them.

To import my saved credentials, I clicked on Import data from the dashboard and followed the steps. The process was quick – I just had to upload my CSV file, which contained all my passwords.

Dashlane automatically scanned the file, and I was able to preview my data before importing everything. One click later, all my logins were successfully added.

Dashlane made this whole process incredibly smooth. Even for someone not too tech-savvy, the setup was easy and intuitive, and I appreciated that I could either add or import my logins based on my preference.

Version	Ease of use
Mobile app	The Dashlane app is designed for ease of use, featuring a user-friendly interface that simplifies password management. Its intuitive design allows for quick access to your stored credentials and effortless autofill for passwords and payment details.
Browser extension	The Dashlane browser extension is highly user-friendly, seamlessly integrating with your web browser to simplify password management. It allows for easy autofill of login credentials, forms, and payment details with just a click.

Installing and setting up Dashlane was straightforward. The process was quick, with account creation requiring just basic information and a master password. The interface is easy to use, allowing simple navigation of the dashboard to access saved passwords, secure notes, and form templates.

Saving new credentials generally went smoothly, though there were times when manual adjustments were needed to correctly capture and store login details. Overall, Dashlane is user-friendly, but occasional issues with autofill accuracy and saving credentials can slightly disrupt its otherwise smooth operation.

Dashlane mobile app

The Dashlane mobile app gives you access to most of Dashlane's features, like Password Generator, Password Sharing, Password Health monitoring, Dark Web Monitoring, and a VPN. I tested the app on an iPhone running iOS 15 and a Samsung device with Android 11. I found the Android app a bit more feature-rich than the iOS version. However, I still got most of the important features no matter which OS I used.

When I first opened the app and logged in, Dashlane prompted me to set up biometric login and account recovery, which was great in case I forgot my master password. In my tests on an Android phone, I found it easy to navigate and use all the features, and the auto-fill function worked flawlessly every time. I couldn't find any issues with Dashlane's mobile app, except for the inability to import passwords on the iOS version, which wasn't a big problem for me.

One more perk worth mentioning is that I really liked how the Dashlane mobile app can act as an authenticator. This means I can use the app to access websites that use two-factor authentication without the need for an additional third-party app like Microsoft Authenticator.

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Dashlane browser extension

The Dashlane web app is available for Chrome, Safari, Firefox, Opera, Edge, and any Chromium-based browser like Brave or Vivaldi that supports the Chrome Web Store. I tested the Dashlane browser extension on a MacBook Air running macOS Sonoma and a Lenovo ThinkPad with Windows 11. It includes all main features for storing, organizing, and securing passwords under the dedicated Password section. s for features, depending on the plan you have, you can access Dark Web Monitoring, VPN, and Secure Notes features from the main dashboard. There’s even a possibility to monitor your password health – checking your weak, compromised, or reused passwords.

Keep in mind that the extension is heavily tied to the web app. While I was able to use the extension to add and generate passwords, features like payments, secure notes, and IDs were only accessible through the web app.

The only slightly tricky part for me was importing passwords from other platforms or browsers. You can do this by downloading a .csv file from your browser or another password manager, like Keeper, Roboform, or 1Password. Dashlane's knowledge base has a page that explains all of this. Once I figured it out, the whole process only took a few minutes.

Dashlane customer support

Extensive collection of FAQs	English, French, German, and Spanish
Helpful resources	24/7
Live chat	Monday-Friday, 9 AM-6 PM, US Eastern Standard Time, in English
Email support (paid plans only)	7 days a week in English, and Monday-Friday in French and German
Official Reddit support	https://www.reddit.com/r/Dashlane/
Phone support	Only for Dashlane Business users
X (Twitter) support account	@DashlaneSupport

When I tested Dashlane, I tried out their customer support channels and was impressed by how quickly they responded. Dashlane offers support through live chat, email, a detailed knowledge base, and even a supportive Reddit community.

If you encounter an issue outside of the live chat support hours, there’s an automated bot will do its best to provide you with relevant resources, and should that fail, email support is available seven days a week.

Dashlane alternatives

If you're unsure about Dashlane, compare it with other options. Look at pricing, features, and business plans to find the best password manager for you.

	NordPass	1Password	RoboForm	Keeper
Brand
Rating	4.9 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★	4.8 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★	4.7 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★	4.6 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★
Price	$1.24/month	$1.50/month	$0.99/month	$1.46/month
Free version	Yes	14-day trial	Yes	Yes, and a 14-day trial
Biometric login	Yes ✅	Yes ✅	Yes ✅	Yes ✅
Multi-factor authentication	Yes ✅	Yes ✅	Yes ✅	Yes ✅
Business plan	Yes ✅	Yes ✅	Yes ✅	Yes ✅
Open-source	No ❌	Yes ✅	No ❌	Yes ✅

Dashlane video review

If you’re short on time, our Dashlane video review can help. Here, you will learn all key aspects of this password manager, including Dashlane security, ease of use, pricing, and more.

Bottom line: is Dashlane worth it?

I liked Dashlane's security features, including strong encryption and two-factor authentication, ensuring the safety of my sensitive information. And the user-friendly interface made organizing passwords and managing accounts a breeze.

While Dashlane Premium offers a solid range of features, it's not the most cost-effective option. Other password managers, like NordPass and 1Password, provide comparable or even more features than Dashlane at a lower price.

How I tested Dashlane

I thoroughly analyzed Dashlane to assess its features and security. Our research team and I tested its password management on different platforms and devices, evaluating its performance in real-world situations. The test included looking at encryption protocols, security measures such as two-factor authentication, and how well it stood against potential threats. Since Dashlane includes a VPN in its subscription, our research team also looked into whether it's effective and adds value for users.

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