Quick Facts About Dashlane
- Rating: 4.4 out of 5 stars
- Pricing: Starts at $4.99 monthly
- Key Features:
- Strong encryption for password vault
- Zero recorded data breaches
- User-friendly interface
Dashlane has gained popularity as a top password manager. It offers robust zero-knowledge encryption for your password vault and a user-friendly interface loaded with practical features. Although some cheaper alternatives exist, Dashlane stands out with its comprehensive offerings.
Does Dashlane provide a free version? Yes, it does, but it’s quite limited. You can only store up to 25 passwords, which isn’t realistic for most users. For those seeking a long-term free solution, Bitwarden and NordPass are better choices, allowing unlimited passwords. A recent update also states that users exceeding the 25-password limit will be switched to read-only mode unless they upgrade, suggesting that Dashlane focuses mainly on its paid users. However, it offers a 30-day trial for its Premium plan, giving potential users a taste of its features without the restrictions of the free plan.
Dashlane Pricing Overview
Dashlane offers two main subscription tiers: Personal and Business.
Personal Plans:
- Free plan: Limited to 25 passwords
- Premium: $4.99 per month (billed annually)
- Unlimited passwords, sharing, dark web monitoring, VPN, real-time phishing alerts
- Friends & Family: $7.49 per month, covers up to 10 users.
Business Plans:
- Standard: $20 for 10 users
- Business: $8 per user, per month
- Business Plus: $5 per user, but requires a minimum of 100 users.
While Dashlane’s prices are higher than some competitors, you get a complete package that includes features like a built-in VPN—an unusual but valuable addition among password managers. The Family plan accommodates up to 10 people, which is more generous than many other offerings.
Security and Safety
When it comes to security, Dashlane ticks all the right boxes. It employs zero-knowledge architecture, ensuring that only you have access to your passwords. It uses AES 256-bit encryption to protect your data, encrypting it locally on your device before storing it on their servers—this means Dashlane never sees your unencrypted data. Notably, it hasn’t recorded any data breaches since its launch in 2012.
Key Features
Beyond basic password management, Dashlane includes:
- Password History: Automatically saves passwords you generate or change, even if you forget to save them.
- Password Health Dashboard: Analyzes the strength of your passwords, prioritizing crucial accounts like banking and emails.
- Dark Web Monitoring: Scans for your personal information to alert you if it’s compromised.
Authentication Options
Dashlane offers two-factor authentication (2FA) to add extra protection whenever you add a new device. It also supports biometric logins via fingerprint or facial recognition. If you forget your Master Password, Dashlane has recovery options like a recovery key or biometric recovery, though losing access without recovery options will result in data loss.
User Experience
Dashlane’s interface is intuitive and aesthetically pleasing. During my testing, I found it easy to navigate with a well-organized dashboard. The autofill feature worked seamlessly for logins, and creating new passwords was straightforward.
The mobile app shares the same user-friendly design but had a minor issue initially with 2FA codes not being accepted. A simple reinstall fixed the glitch. It’s worth noting that the app blocks screenshots by default, enhancing user security.
Pros and Cons of Dashlane
Pros:
- Strong encryption.
- User-friendly design.
- Saves password history.
- No data breaches reported.
Cons:
- Higher pricing than some competitors.
- Minor bugs with the Android app.
- Limited free version.
If Dashlane doesn’t meet your needs, several alternatives are worth exploring. Bitwarden is a solid choice for budget-conscious users, offering unlimited password storage for free. 1Password provides robust security and unique features like clipboard management. NordPass offers impressive encryption and a user-friendly interface as well.
Review Methodology
This assessment is based on hands-on experience with Dashlane’s free version and trialing premium features. I also considered feedback from other users and expert reviews to evaluate its performance systematically. My rating considers both Dashlane’s capabilities and its standing among competing password managers.
