Dashlane vs 1Password – comparing password managers

Dashlane and 1Password are two of the top password manager apps. These tools make our lives easier, so we don't have to remember all the passwords, Captchas, two-factor authentications, and maternal grandmother’s maiden name.

Both offer similar core features any good password manager should. For instance, 1Password has an extra protection of the secret key and has undergone third-party security and privacy audits, whereas Dashlane uses the standard encryption and implements an intuitive setup. However, there are several important differences and unique features worth knowing before making the decision.

So which is better? Each has its defenders. Let’s pit them against each other in a grudge match to see which is better – Dashlane or 1Password.

Dashlane vs 1Password – an overview

Dashlane and 1 Password have a lot of things in common. Both are great password managers that use strong AES-256 encryption to keep your personal data completely secure. Both offer 1GB file storage per person and unlimited simultaneous connections. But there are some differences, too.

1Password is cheaper and supports Linux, among other platforms. But Dashlane has a free version, which, for some, might be more important than any other feature. Here’s a short overview of some key similarities and differences:

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Dashlane vs 1Password: Plans and pricing

Dashlane provides a free version, but it lacks the most essential security features, making it less suitable for long-term use. Dashlane also offers paid plans, with some including a built-in VPN. However, it's worth noting that the VPN isn't available for Friends & Family plan users.

On the other hand, 1Password doesn't have a free version but includes all core features, like Travel Mode, in its Individual plan, which Dashlane reserves for its higher tiers. Additionally, Dashlane tends to be nearly twice as expensive as 1Password, making 1Password a more budget-friendly option without sacrificing key features.

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In my experience, Dashlane’s free plan is good for getting started but feels quite limited. It’s restricted to one device and allows only up to 25 passwords, which is fine if you have minimal needs. It also offers password sharing and two-factor authentication, which adds a layer of security. You do get a 30-day free trial of their Premium features, which I found useful for testing the full capabilities. However, if you're looking for advanced security features, the free version falls short.

With 1Password, there isn’t a completely free plan, but their 14-day free trial lets you explore all features right from the get-go. I found it particularly useful that essential features like Travel Mode and strong security measures are available in even their basic paid plan.

When it comes to family use, Dashlane supports up to 10 users under its Friends & Family plan, while 1Password’s Families plan supports 5 users. Both options offer private accounts, secure password sharing, and account recovery, making them suitable for keeping the whole family’s passwords secure.

For business, I noticed 1Password is slightly cheaper at $7.99 per user per month, compared to Dashlane’s $8.00, and both include a free family plan, which adds value.

Dashlane vs 1Password: which one is more secure?

Both Dashlane and 1Password provide strong security features, but I noticed that 1Password has a slight edge thanks to its Secret Key feature. This feature acts as an additional security layer, essentially a unique key that, along with the Master Password, is required to unlock your vault. Knowing that there's this extra barrier, even if my Master Password were compromised, gave me a greater sense of security.

Both password managers use 256-bit AES encryption, which is the gold standard for protecting data, and both support multi-factor authentication (MFA), adding another layer of security. I did appreciate Dashlane's dark web monitoring and built-in VPN, which are nice extras, especially for premium users. However, the absence of a Secret Key feature in Dashlane feels like a missing puzzle piece when compared to 1Password's more comprehensive security approach.

Another point in favor of both services is their commitment to transparency, as evidenced by independent security audits. These audits are crucial because they validate the security claims made by each service. While both Dashlane and 1Password have passed these audits, the added layer of security with 1Password’s Secret Key made me lean slightly more towards it for overall peace of mind.

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Encryption and MFA

Both Dashlane and 1Password use industry-standard 256-bit AES encryption to secure user data, ensuring a high level of security against unauthorized access. Additionally, both offer multi-factor authentication (MFA) to add an extra layer of protection when accessing your accounts.

Dashlane uses PBKDF2 encryption to secure your master password, ensuring that it cannot be easily cracked. It also generates passwords using a randomizer that combines upper and lower-case letters, numerals, and special characters to create strong, guess-proof passwords.

1Password, in addition to using 256-bit AES encryption and multi-factor authentication, offers a unique 64-digit secret key. This key is required to authorize new devices and recover master passwords, providing an extra level of security that Dashlane does not offer. Like Dashlane, 1Password also employs a randomizer to generate strong passwords using various character combinations.

Multifactor security

When testing both Dashlane and 1Password, I found that both password managers support two-factor authentication (2FA), which adds an extra layer of security. However, 1Password offers a bit more flexibility when it comes to account recovery and proving your identity.

With 1Password, I needed to download an external authenticator app to set up 2FA. The recommended options included Authy, Microsoft Authenticator, and Okta Verify, but hardware keys like YubiKey and Titan were also supported. What stood out to me was that 1Password also requires remembering both a Master Password and a Security Key for the login process. While it seemed a bit more complex at first, this approach definitely made me feel like my account was more secure. Interestingly, if you mark your device as trusted, you won't need to go through the whole authentication process every time, which is a nice touch for everyday use.

Dashlane also requires setting up 2FA through a third-party authenticator app and remembering your Master Password. However, Dashlane's approach felt more straightforward, with fewer steps involved compared to 1Password. I appreciated that if you lose your phone, Dashlane allows you to disable 2FA by sending recovery codes to your registered email, which seemed like a convenient safety net.

Overall, while both services do a good job with 2FA, 1Password's additional recovery options and use of a unique Security Key made me feel like it provided a more robust security solution. Dashlane, on the other hand, is simpler to set up and manage, which might appeal to those looking for an easier user experience.

Data storage

Dashlane and 1Password have slightly different ways to store your files (mainly passwords). But they both offer similar storage limits.

Depending on your 1Password subscription plan – Families or Teams – you get 1GB of storage space per person. So, with the Families plan, 5 people get 1GB each, and with Teams, 10 people get it. But there’s also a Business plan that allows unlimited device connections and up to 5GB of storage per person. All the passwords are stored in a highly secure 1Password cloud vault. And just as an example of how secure it is, 1Password, unlike LastPass, never had data leaks.

As for Dashlane, your data and passwords will be stored in a securely encrypted file on your device and also on Dashlane’s servers. With a free subscription, Dashlane supports up to 25 simultaneous connections, giving 1GB of file storage per person. Paid plans have unlimited simultaneous connections, but the storage limit remains the same.

Privacy policy

Although both Dashlane and 1Password implement zero-knowledge architecture to ensure your password data remains private, they do collect some user information. Dashlane stores details like your account type, email address, and some payment information. Additionally, it might log your IP address for security purposes. 1Password also collects similar data, including your account type, payment details, IP address, name, and email address. However, it goes a step further with a 64-digit secret key for extra security.

Both Dashlane and 1Password state that they can share user data with government and law enforcement agencies if legally required. However, 1Password’s privacy policy tends to be more user-friendly, as it doesn’t easily share information with third parties and emphasizes its commitment to protecting user privacy as much as possible.

Third-party security audits

Both Dashlane and 1Password have undergone independent security audits, which is a crucial factor to consider when choosing a password manager to ensure its security claims are credible. Dashlane has been audited by third-party organizations to confirm its zero-knowledge architecture and overall security measures. Similarly, 1Password has undergone multiple independent audits, confirming its robust security framework, including its use of strong encryption and the unique 64-digit secret key.

These audits are essential as they verify that both password managers maintain high security standards and keep user data private, providing peace of mind to their users.

While I didn’t find information about which auditors inspected Dashlane, there are a number of reasons why you can trust this password manager. Aside from the fact that Dashline performs internal audits, this password manager meets International Organization for Standardization standards and has received official ISO certification. It means that Dashlane has been independently audited and follows strict security measures.

Meanwhile, 1Password has been audited by SOC, Bugcrowd, ISE, and Onica auditors, and you can read their reports on 1Password’s website. The password manager also conducts regular independent penetration tests to determine its security, with the last one performed in the summer of 2023. All results point to 1Password being a reliable and secure password manager.

Dashlane vs 1Password: features overview

While both Dashlane and 1Password are feature-rich password managers, they each offer unique tools that set them apart. Dashlane’s one-click password change is a standout feature that allows users to update multiple saved passwords at once. This can be a lifesaver when a security breach occurs, letting you quickly update passwords across various accounts without needing to handle each one individually. This feature is exclusive to Dashlane, making it especially appealing for users who prioritize convenience in managing their online security. On the other hand, 1Password offers Travel Mode, a unique feature designed for those who travel frequently. Travel Mode protects sensitive password vaults by temporarily disabling more vulnerable ones while you're on the move, ensuring that only the essential vaults remain active and safe from potential security risks. This is something Dashlane doesn’t offer, making 1Password an ideal choice for users with heightened security concerns during travel. In short, while Dashlane is great for automated password management, 1Password shines when it comes to added security for frequent travelers.

Password Importing

Both Dashlane and 1Password make switching between password managers a breeze with their password-importing feature. If you’re considering a switch after reading this, don’t worry — you can easily transfer your vault from Dashlane to 1Password, or vice versa, without losing any of your data.

I’ve tried Dashlane’s import process myself, and it’s quite straightforward. You can import passwords as a CSV file from other password managers like 1Password, LastPass, and RoboForm, or even directly from browsers like Chrome and Safari. The whole process is well-documented with easy-to-follow instructions, which is great for those who might feel a bit nervous about making the switch. However, one thing to note is that Dashlane requires everything to be in CSV format, which might mean a little extra work if your current password manager uses a different format.

1Password’s approach is quite similar but offers a bit more flexibility. It allows imports from CSV, 1PIF, and 1PUX formats. When I tested this, I found the instructions on 1Password’s site to be very user-friendly. The step-by-step guides are clearly laid out, making the process smooth even for someone who’s not particularly tech-savvy. I appreciated this extra support, as it can make the whole transition feel a lot less daunting.

In my experience, both services make importing passwords easy, but 1Password’s support for multiple file types gives it a slight edge in terms of convenience.

Account and password recovery

When it comes to account and password recovery, Dashlane and 1Password take very different approaches. In my experience, Dashlane is a bit more rigid, which can be a double-edged sword. You absolutely need to remember your Master Password, or you could end up locked out of your account for good. While this strictness adds a layer of security, it also feels counterintuitive. After all, the whole reason we use password managers is so we don’t have to remember every password, right? The good news is, if you’ve saved your recovery key somewhere safe, Dashlane does allow you to use that for account recovery. Additionally, enabling biometric authentication provides an extra safety net, so you don’t have to rely solely on memory.

On the other hand, 1Password is much more forgiving if you forget your Master Password. It offers several ways to recover your account. You can use your previous password, which is super handy if you still remember it. If not, Touch ID or Apple Watch authentication can come to the rescue. And for families or team users, 1Password even allows a designated member to help with account recovery, which adds an extra layer of reassurance.

What really impressed me, though, was 1Password’s Emergency Kit. This kit includes crucial recovery details and instructions. It’s like a safety net you can tuck away for emergencies, ensuring you’re never permanently locked out. To me, this makes 1Password feel much more user-friendly and flexible compared to Dashlane when it comes to account recovery.

Password generator

Both 1Password and Dashlane offer intuitive and easy-to-use password generators directly on their websites. You don't need to create an account to use these tools; they're accessible for anyone who visits the respective sites. This feature makes it convenient for users who want to generate secure passwords quickly without going through the registration process or committing to a trial.

While Dashlane’s password generator is a free feature that you can use right now, it’s not as secure as it is when you already have an account. But the good thing is that not only is Dashlane available for free, but you can also generate passwords on both the app and the browser extension. Both ways are very simple. You need to select the length of symbols (1-40) and what you want to have included (letters, numbers, symbols, similar characters).

For 1Password, the process of generating a password is even simpler than with Dashlane, though you must have an account. 1Password does not require you to select what exactly you want to be included in the password, but it does allow you to pick the number of password words, their separation (symbol), full words or not, as well as capitalization or without capital letters. Also, unlike Dashlane, 1Password generates memorable passwords (with words), random passwords, and PIN codes.

Autofill

Both Dashlane and 1Password have this feature, but 1Password offers greater compatibility.

1Password’s autofill works with all operating systems, including Linux and Chrome OS, and their supported devices. It also can be linked to all major web browsers, like Chrome and Safari. If you have a 1Password app or browser extension, a window will pop up when you click the password slot, and your password will be automatically entered. It works if you have previously saved that website’s password in the 1Password vault.

Dashlane supports slightly fewer operating systems than 1Password overall, but it still offers reliable autofill functionality. Notably, Dashlane extends its compatibility to Linux users through browser extensions, making it accessible on more platforms than it initially seems. It works with Windows, Android, iOS, and macOS operating systems and their supported devices. In all of these devices, Dashlane’s autofill works as a browser extension. It automatically fills in the password slot in websites where you previously logged in and had their passwords saved in Dashlane’s vault.

All in all, while having very similar core features, both password managers allow you to exploit those features in slightly different ways. It’s that difference that makes 1Password a winner in a Dashlane vs 1Password features comparison.

1Password offers more password-importing file formats, makes it easy to recover your account, and has greater OS compatibility if you want to autofill passwords. Dashlane, however great it is, only has a better, more customizable password generation feature.

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Platforms, interface, and ease of use

I tested both Dashlane and 1Password on a Windows laptop and an iPhone to evaluate their ease of use and interface. Dashlane was once celebrated for its intuitive desktop app, making password management straightforward and user-friendly. However, Dashlane recently decided to discontinue its desktop app version, requiring users to rely solely on browser extensions and mobile apps. This change made the experience less seamless on desktop platforms compared to how it used to be.

On the other hand, 1Password continues to offer well-organized and user-friendly apps across all platforms, including Windows, macOS, and mobile devices. I found 1Password’s desktop applications particularly polished, with intuitive navigation and robust functionality, making it a more comfortable choice for managing passwords on both computers and smartphones.

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Desktop apps

When I first started using Dashlane, I realized there was no dedicated desktop app anymore, which felt like a downside. Instead, I had to access Dashlane via a web app on my Windows laptop. The web app is intuitive and does the job, but it lacks the feel of a native desktop experience. If you're someone who likes to have a standalone app, this might be a bit of a letdown.

Switching over to 1Password, the difference was noticeable. I downloaded the 1Password desktop app, and the setup process was straightforward. The app itself is well-organized and provides seamless integration with system-level features. It felt more cohesive and reliable compared to using Dashlane through a browser.

Mobile apps

On my iPhone, both Dashlane and 1Password offered mobile apps, which were quite similar in terms of basic functionality. With Dashlane, I could easily log in using Face ID, and managing my passwords was straightforward. However, knowing there isn't a desktop app made me feel like I was missing out on a complete experience, especially when I switched back to my laptop.

1Password’s iPhone app, on the other hand, felt more in sync with the desktop version. Logging in with Face ID was just as easy, and the app provided all the features I needed, like secure storage and quick access to passwords. Plus, everything synced seamlessly with the desktop app, making the transition between devices effortless.

Browser extensions

Dashlane’s extension is available for popular browsers like Chrome, Safari, Firefox, Internet Explorer, and Edge. It provides useful features like password autofill and the ability to save new login credentials directly from the browser. The extension syncs across devices as long as you log in with your master password.

1Password’s browser extension, on the other hand, stood out with its seamless integration across Chrome, Firefox, Edge, Brave, and Safari. I could easily save new passwords and autofill login details directly from the browser. The extension’s intuitive interface made it easy to access my password vault without having to switch between different apps or windows. Everything synced instantly between my Windows laptop and iPhone, making it incredibly convenient to manage passwords across multiple platforms.

Customer support

Both Dashlane and 1Password provide multiple customer support options, ensuring users can get help when needed. However, each has its own approach and strengths in handling user issues.

1Password offers a comprehensive FAQ section where users can find answers to common questions and issues. During my test, I found the FAQ quite detailed, covering various topics related to password management, security settings, and account management. For more specific queries, users can contact 1Password through an online form, which is easy to use but may not provide immediate responses. I reached out via the online form and received a reply within a day, which was helpful and addressed my concerns thoroughly.

Another great feature of 1Password is its community forum, where users can discuss issues and share solutions. This community-based support provides a platform for troubleshooting that goes beyond what is available in the FAQs. I also noticed that 1Password's support team is active on X (formerly Twitter), making it easy to get quick answers to non-sensitive questions.

Dashlane provides a more personalized support experience with its live chat feature, which I found particularly helpful. The chat starts with AI assistance, which can handle basic inquiries, but it seamlessly escalates to a human representative if the AI cannot resolve the issue. During my testing, I used the live chat on Dashlane’s website and quickly reached a human support specialist after a brief interaction with the AI. The response time was fast, and the support team was knowledgeable, guiding me through the solution to my problem efficiently.

In addition to live chat, Dashlane also has an FAQ section and email support, which ensures users have multiple ways to seek help. I found that the live chat option makes Dashlane feel more responsive and accessible, especially for users who prefer real-time interaction over waiting for email responses.

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1Password vs Dashlane: user reviews

It seems users have a strong preference for 1Password over Dashlane, based on customer reviews. 1Password has a solid reputation with a 4.7/5 rating on G2.com from over 1,351 reviews and similar ratings on Trustpilot, where it holds a 4.7/5 rating from around 12,290 users. This extensive feedback suggests that 1Password is widely trusted and appreciated by its users.

The reviews often highlight 1Password's effectiveness in storing and managing not just passwords but also other sensitive information, such as credit card details and secure notes. Users frequently commend the intuitive interface and robust security features, which provide peace of mind. Additionally, 1Password's customer support receives positive mentions, noted for being responsive and helpful when issues arise.

In comparison, Dashlane also performs well in user reviews but hasn't garnered as many reviews. On G2.com, Dashlane holds a 4.5/5 rating from over 337 users, while on Trustpilot, it has a 4.3/5 rating based on around 6,014 reviews. Users appreciate Dashlane's one-click password change feature and the simplicity of its mobile and web apps. However, some reviews point out that the removal of the desktop app has made the user experience less seamless.

Dashlane vs 1Password: which one wins?

In this comparison of 1Password vs Dashlane, both password managers show strong performance in features, security, and user-friendliness. However, 1Password gains an advantage against Dashlane with more competitive pricing and better compatibility. While both services offer a lot, 1Password wins as a more flexible and cost-efficient option, likely to appeal to a wider range of users who prioritize both functionality and value.

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How I tested 1Password vs Dashlane

My in-depth comparison between 1Password and Dashlane involved rigorous testing and analysis to determine which password manager offers the best value and security. Here's a breakdown of our evaluation process:

1. I started by assessing the overall security protocols of both 1Password and Dashlane. This involved examining their encryption standards (both use AES-256 encryption), reviewing their privacy policies, and checking third-party audit findings to ensure they provide robust account protection.
2. Next, I downloaded the apps for both 1Password and Dashlane on our devices. I evaluated essential password management features like autosave and autofill, along with ease of password sharing and secure note storage. I also noted how user-friendly and intuitive each platform was, focusing on overall user experience.
3. To identify any standout elements, I looked for additional security features. For instance, I tested Dashlane’s dark web monitoring and VPN capabilities against 1Password’s Travel Mode and the use of a Secret Key for enhanced security.
4. I reached out to the customer service teams of both 1Password and Dashlane to gauge their responsiveness and the quality of their support. This included interactions via live chat (available with Dashlane) and email support to see how quickly and effectively they could resolve common user issues.
5. Finally, I summarized our findings to determine whether each password manager's features, security measures, and customer service justified their respective subscription prices. This step helped me recommend the best option based on overall value, considering both free and premium plans.

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