Dashlane password manager review 2022: Is it safe enough?

Dashlane is the luxurious sedan of the password manager world. It has more features than most other tools on the market, putting it ahead of most competitors in terms of quality.

You'll enjoy it if you're looking for an all-in-one cybersecurity suite with a focus on keeping your passwords safe. Not only does it offer all the bells and whistles of a password manager, but the tool even includes a VPN and identity theft protection.

So, in this Dashlane review, let's take a closer look at a massive package of features, compare the pricing plans, and look at the apps. Find out if this great service is ideal for you.

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Pros and cons

Dashlane is one of the most complete password managers in the market – and there's a lot for us to cover. On top of some classic password manager features, Dashlane offers solutions such as automatic form filling, secure notes, and dark web monitoring.

Visit Dashlane to read more about the features

How to download and install Dashlane?

1. Download the Dashlane application from the official website.
2. Install and launch the app.
3. Open the app and login or create a new account.
4. Start saving the passwords or import them from a browser, or other password manager.

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Security

The number of features available in both the free and premium versions is impressive. However, the main question remains: is Dashlane safe?

The quick answer is YES, Dashlane is safe. Security features include 2-Factor Authentication, military-grade 256-bit AES encryption, and zero-trust architecture to name a few. All your data is encrypted using your master password as a key and stored securely on your device.

With the removal of Dashlane’s desktop apps, the provider promised not to compromise the most important quality of a password manager – security. For this reason, all security features, such as 2FA, a VPN, and the most secure encryption on the market – AES-256, weren’t removed. That is, except the Emergency access feature which was meant to add an extra step of protection in case you cannot access your vault.

Dashlane 2FA

Like most password managers, Dashlane has 2-Factor Authentication (2FA) which provides an extra layer of security when logging in. With 2FA enabled, Dashlane will require you to verify your identity by sending a one-time password to your designated mobile device (Android or iOS).

Dashlane’s 2FA integrates with several different authenticator apps such as Google Authenticator and Authy, while premium subscribers can use 2FA with USB authentication from YubiKey. There’s even an option to use your Apple Watch. However, sending temporary 2FA codes via SMS is not possible due to security concerns.

Dashlane VPN

Using a VPN (Virtual Private Network) is a popular way to keep your personal information safe, especially when using open or insecure networks. A VPN encrypts your data and hides your IP address, increasing your online security and privacy. However, finding a VPN as a password manager feature is rare, to say the least.

At the moment of writing this review, Dashlane's VPN is a unique feature, and an advantage over other password managers. However, it's available to Premium users only.

Dashlane didn't build this VPN from scratch. It's based on the well-known Hotspot Shield service, which is among the fastest ones in 2022. Speed is important for VPNs because they inevitably slow your connection down to some extent due to encryption and distance from servers. Dashlane has decided to keep unlimited bandwidth, meaning it doesn’t place a cap on the amount of data you can send and receive while connected.

To start using Dashlane VPN, you simply need to choose a server and click “Connect” to enable data protection. At the moment of writing this Dashlane review, one could pick from servers in 20+ countries.

Unfortunately for the advanced users, there's no way to choose a tunneling protocol, and the VPN doesn't reconnect when the connection is lost. To make matters worse, Dashlane VPN doesn't have a kill switch. This means that in case of a VPN failure, your real IP will be exposed. Therefore, those looking for a proper VPN should choose a dedicated, well-known service.

256-bit AES encryption

Dashlane uses 256-bit AES encryption which is practically unbreakable. This military-grade encryption is used by the majority of its competitors, making it the industry-standard for password managers.

In addition to this, Dashlane encrypts all your personal data locally on your device, meaning no one within the company reviews or has access to any of your secure data. This zero-knowledge protocol adds yet another layer of protection for users.

Biometric authentication

You can access your Dashlane passwords with biometric authentication – using your fingerprint. To unlock the app using your fingerprint, you have to turn on biometrics for your device, and then turn on the Biometric Unlock in the Dashlane app.

Fingerprints are are secure ways to lock and unlock your device. However, they cannot replace the Master Password entirely because it's required to decrypt your data.

Dashlane Features

Dashlane has a great selection of password manager features. It has all the useful ones to keep your passwords secure. Let's look at the features in-depth:

• Dashlane password generator
• Dashlane password changer
• Capturing logins
• Advanced form filling
• Dashlane Secure Notes
• Dark Web monitoring
• Share your passwords
• Emergency access
• Password health checker

Dashlane password generator

One of the most fundamental features of any password manager is its password generator. Dashlane's generator coughs up a strong password whenever you decide to create a new one or change the old one.

By default, the Dashlane password generator creates 12-character passwords using all character sets (including numbers and symbols). However, you can go for a shorter or longer password using only letters and numbers if you want.

The 12-character default is secure enough for almost any situation. Unfortunately, Dashlane can't generate pronounceable word-based passwords, so it probably won't generate anything you can memorize. Thankfully, you don’t actually have to, so you may as well crank up the password length to keep your accounts even more secure.

Dashlane password changer

So the Dashlane password generator is great, but it only helps when you’re creating new accounts or updating each of your existing ones individually. But if you want to secure every single active account, the Dashlane password changer is great. It makes the task of updating old, weak passwords with strong, unique new ones incredibly simple.

Unlike some other password managers, the Dashlane password changer has the option to help you update all out-of-date or unsafe passwords at once. You won’t have to manually log into each account and change every single password.

Dashlane password changer shows your passwords from worst to best and offers to improve them all at once. It's great to know that you don't have to create new passwords for your old accounts one-by-one.

Capturing logins

If you're not importing your password database from a browser or another password manager, you'll need to first capture your logins. Otherwise, you will have to enter each of them separately.

Dashlane will capture your login details and credentials whenever you sign into an account. This applies both to one-page and multi-page websites.

You can set Dashlane to:

• Fill in the details and log you in automatically
• Only complete the autofill
• Disable this altogether

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 we'd like to have it fixed in the near future.

Advanced form filling

In addition to suggesting and generating new, secure passwords for you, Dashlane can fill in personal details in webforms. 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. Whenever you stumble upon a webform, Dashlane will offer you to populate it with your saved information in one click.

Payment information can be added from the main Dashlane menu. In addition to bank accounts and credit cards, you may add PayPal as well. To not mix them up, you can choose a color and even the actual bank.

Finally, storing identification documents is similar. For example, a US passport will have the dark blue color and your driver's license will include the issuing state – all to make it more straightforward and intuitive.

Dashlane Secure Notes

Storing sensitive information like ID scans, wifi codes, software licenses or membership numbers requires a level of security that your computer’s Notepad just doesn’t provide. While at the same time, being able to access this information on multiple devices is incredibly handy.

Dashlane Secure Notes has pre-set options for the following:

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

You can also add blank notes and attach files and images that you want to keep secure and accessible. Unfortunately, Dashlane offers only paid storage that's limited to 1 GB. For some users this will be clearly not enough. Also, some of Dashlane's competitors offer much better deals when it comes to secure notes storage.

This feature is not just about storing your data. You can also send it to your phone and securely share with your family and friends.

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Dark Web monitoring

The Dark Web is a place where most cybercriminals sell stolen data. Dashlane's Dark Web monitoring service 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.

Unfortunately, this is a Premium feature, but in a worst case scenario, you can run a similar check using online tools, such as ours personal data leak check.

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.

After selecting “Share item” within your Dashlane account and entering your friend’s email address, they will receive an email and a notification in Dashlane’s Sharing Centre with an invitation to access that account. 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.

And now comes the big hit to the convenience of this feature. To access the account, your friend must sign up for a free Dashlane account if she or he hasn't done that already.

Dashlane emergency access

Unfortunately, together with the discontinuation of desktop apps, Dashlane’s emergency access feature was removed as well. In the event that you’re unable to access your account, Dashlane used to let you register someone as your emergency contact. The nominated person could retrieve your passwords and secure documents, which was especially useful for business accounts and passwords.

Password health checker

Your Dashlane's password health score is being determined by how many compromised, reused, or weak passwords you have. It indicates how protected your accounts are and how vulnerable you are to a potential breach.

In the health checker you can see which passwords need to be updated immediately and tools that can help you do that.

Plans and pricing – how much does it cost?

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Dashlane pricing is fairly straightforward, with a Free plan, Premium plan, and a Family plan for personal use subscribers. There's also a Business plan for teams and more advanced use. If you don't feel like paying the entire yearly fee, you can also purchase Dashlane on a monthly plan.

While the prices are slightly higher than those of most competitors, the features included in the Premium and Family plan still make it one of the best value-for-money password managers available.

Dashlane Free vs Dashlane Premium

The main difference between Dashlane free vs paid options is the limited number of passwords and devices included. Dashlane free will limit you to just 50 passwords and will only allow you to access them on one device, meaning you won’t be able to sync passwords across your smartphone, tablet, etc. This is a serious drawback for the majority of us who own more than one device.

The free plan is still completely useful and safe – it includes two-factor authentication, password sharing, as well as form & payment autofill. It lacks more advanced features, such as encrypted file storage, VPN, and Dark Web monitoring. If you're interested in that, you'll have to pay.

Here are the main features of all the available Dashlane plans:

Overall, the free version is perfectly usable: it's a great starter package for some of your most crucial online data. However, soon enough you might be looking to upgrade – the 50-password limit being the biggest stumbling block here.

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Dashlane for business

Aside from personal subscriptions, Dashlane also offers plans for businesses. It truly makes sense – after all, protecting your company’s credentials is as important as keeping your own personal info safe.

So, there are actually two plans for companies: Team and Business. The former costs $5 per user, while the latter will take $8 per user out of your pocket. Both plans are fairly similar, but the Business one also offers SAML-based single sign-on and a free Family subscription for every seat.

Both business subscriptions include unlimited backup, a VPN, automatic device sync, priority support dark web insights and dark web monitoring, and password sharing. It’s also really easy for the admin to manage other users’ accounts thanks to an intuitive admin console.

Additionally, Dashlane allows you to separate your personal and business credentials, which is really convenient if you want to use this password vault in both your personal and corporate life.

Platforms and browsers

When subscribing for a paid plan, you will be able to access your information and use Dashlane’s various security features across a number of web apps, mobile apps, and browsers. Unfortunately, as of January 10, 2022, Dashlane discontinued support for its Windows and Mac apps. This means that you’ll only be able to have either a mobile or web-based experience. While some users aren’t sure whether Dashlane won’t compromise security, the provider promises an extra protection layer. While having the same zero-knowledge architecture, there’s also going to be third-party validation.

Dashlane for mobile devices

The Dashlane mobile app is impressive as it includes the majority of features that are available on the full version. This means you’ll have the same access to all your passwords, VPN, Secure Notes, and auto-fill information wherever you are and whichever device you’re using.

Some password manager mobile apps aren’t fully compatible with the full range of mobile browser apps. That's not the case with Dashlane.

The Dashlane mobile app supports all the main mobile browsers when running on iOS and on Android.

iOS compatible mobile browsers:

• Chrome
• Firefox
• Safari

Android compatible mobile browsers:

• Chrome
• Firefox
• Firefox Focus
• DuckDuckGo
• Edge

Using a password manager on a mobile browser is one thing, but the defining benefit of Dashlane is how its mobile apps fair. Unfortunately, a lot of features are still fairly limited on iOS due to Apple’s limitations for third-party apps and general security restrictions. In contrast, Android devices have much more freedom and so can benefit from a lot more Dashlane features.

The Android mobile app can easily handle popular apps like Facebook and LinkedIn, making it a simple matter of tapping when prompted to log back into apps. While this is fairly seamless, if the said app has 2FA, you’ll still need to wait for a one-time code to be sent to you via the authenticator app of your choice. This can make the whole process of logging in a little slower and more frustrating, but it’s far more secure than leaving apps logged in.

High-security apps like internet banking or payment apps like PayPal might be more difficult. However, I was able to log in easily as I had already set a biometric lock for those apps and I was prompted to provide a fingerprint scan after Dashlane filled in my login info. If you do struggle, an inelegant alternative is to open the mobile app and copy the password to your clipboard. It’s not ideal but it’s a viable option when necessary.

Dashlane authenticator app

The Dashlane mobile app can also act as an authenticator, meaning you 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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Web app

Since the switch to a web-first experience, in order to make full use of your password manager, you’ll have to install the Dashlane browser extension which will lead you to the web app.

The perk of the web app is that you can use the Dashlane browser extension in standalone mode, which makes the service accessible on platforms like Chromebook and Linux, which don't have dedicated apps.

The web app extension is more comprehensive now than it was before switching to web-only apps. You can store, organize, and secure your passwords under the dedicated Password section. You can also save time by safely storing your payment cards and IDs. On top of that, you can use the Sharing Center section to share passwords or Secure Notes with other people securely.

As 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.

The biggest drawback of Dashlane’s switch to being a web-only password manager is that without Internet connection, you cannot access it, which could cause issues for some users.

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Dashlane browser extensions

Dashlane browser extensions are available on:

• Chrome
• Safari
• Firefox
• Opera
• Edge

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.

However, I was able to combine the two without having to download a dedicated Dashlane app to my computer – which is always a positive.

Customer support

It can be incredibly stressful if something does go wrong with your password manager. Not only are you unable to access your details as normal, but there’s a lot of sensitive information stored on your account, so you’ll want to know you’re in safe hands if you need some support.

Dashlane customer support is another reason why it stands out from other password managers, offering a live chat option during the week. The live chat is very responsive, providing support quickly, professionally, and with little to no wait.

If you need support outside of the live chat hours, Dashlane has an extensively detailed FAQ section with step-by-step instructions for every topic. These could help you with any problems while installing apps or extensions, as well as troubleshooting any problems or errors you encounter. You can access these either through the web app or via the Chrome extension.

Finally, if you’re stuck on a problem outside of the live chat hours, 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.

The only missing customer support options are a helpline phone number and a forum. And while phone support is becoming increasingly uncommon, the support forums run by competitors like LastPass can be very useful.

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Dashlane alternatives

Dashlane is one of the best password managers available. But how does it stack up to some of its competitors?

NordPass

NordPass is a simple yet strong security tool that’s especially suitable for beginners.

In comparison to Dashlane, NordPass is better when it comes to the free version, as it doesn’t limit the number of passwords you can store. Meanwhile, Dashlane’s limit is set at 50 passwords.

On the other hand, Dashlane’s Premium plan offers unlimited devices, while NordPass allows only for six simultaneous connections.

Other than that, the services are a bit similar. They both offer such features as secure notes, a data breach scanner, a password generator, and two-factor authentication.

Read more: NordPass review.

LastPass

LastPass is probably the most popular alternative to Dashlane and has many of the same features. LastPass’s biggest pro is a strong free plan. Unlike Dashlane, LastPass free version comes with unlimited passwords, multi-factor authentication, audit reports, and sync across multiple devices.

The main limitation for LastPass free plan subscribers is that only one user can be added to your shared folder.

It’s in the Dashlane Premium plan where LastPass falls behind since Dashlane offers more comprehensive audit reports, simple sharing, and the all-important VPN access included.

Read our comparison of Lastpass vs Dashlane.

1Password

As a Dashlane alternative, 1Password has a lot of great features, and its security arrangements are what make it a strong contender. Both Dashlane and 1Password use 256-bit AES encryption and 2FA, but 1Password also generates a unique "Secret Key" for every user and requires them to enter this key along with the master password in order to unlock your vault.

So, Dashlane is more user-friendly and has more features such as VPN and password-sharing, while 1Password is slightly cheaper and ever-so-slightly more secure.

If you're picking between the two, read our comparison of 1Password and Dashlane.

Keeper

Keeper is pretty comparable to Dashlane in terms of security and features. What's different is that Keeper doesn't offer a free version, so the two are so similar that the only real deciding factor for choosing Keeper over Dashlane is a slight difference in price. Keeper’s paid plan is $34.99 per year instead of $39.99 for Dashlane Premium.

To learn more, read our in-depth Keeper review.

Bottom line

Dashlane is a comprehensive and user-friendly password manager. After writing this review, I can even say that it’s one of the best, and it is bound to stay that way for a while. It offers an impressive bunch of features that will make your online life much, much easier.

For example, Dashlane’s password changer is an incredible time-saver. In addition, its included VPN makes Dashlane stand out from the competition. Keep in mind that it offers unlimited data, which is pretty rare with VPNs that are included as an extra.

And while its Premium plan is slightly more expensive than the majority of its competitors, the cost is far outweighed by the sheer number of features included in your subscription.

In any case, you can start with the app’s free version and pay your way up as soon as you feel the need for all the cool extra features offered by the paid subscription.

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