Dashlane
FreemiumPassword manager with VPN
About Dashlane
Dashlane is a password manager with built-in VPN, dark web monitoring, and automatic password changer.
Key Features
Pricing Plans
Verified April 2026Free
- 25 passwords
- 1 device
- Password generator
Premium
- Unlimited passwords
- VPN
- Dark web monitoring
Family
- 6 accounts
- Friends & Family
- VPN for all
Pros
- Built-in VPN included
- Dark web monitoring
- Auto password changer for supported sites
- Simple interface for non-technical users
- Passkey support
- Identity theft protection (higher tiers)
Cons
- Most expensive option ($60+/year)
- No native desktop app (browser only)
- Free tier extremely limited (25 passwords)
- Browser extension removed desktop app
- Significantly pricier than 1Password or Bitwarden
- Users leaving for cheaper alternatives
Best For
- Users wanting all-in-one security with VPN bundled
- Non-technical users who value simplicity
- Those wanting identity theft protection features
Not Ideal For
- Budget-conscious users (Bitwarden at $10/yr wins)
- Users who want a native desktop app
- Power users needing advanced features
Potential Deal Breakers
- Removed desktop app - browser extension only
- Significantly more expensive than alternatives with fewer features
Data & Privacy
Zero-knowledge encryption — Dashlane cannot access your vault. No AI training on credentials. Patented security architecture. EU data hosting available. Vault exportable as CSV/DASH. SOC 2 Type 2 certified. GDPR compliant with published DPA.
Who Is This For?
Hands-on tested May 2026
Signup Experience
Email signup, account created in under a minute. Browser extension install is prompted immediately and auto-fills credentials from the first login. The onboarding import wizard handles CSV from LastPass, 1Password, or any other manager.
For Home Users
Free tier is limited to one device -- functional for a single laptop but frustrating the moment a phone is added. Premium at $4.99/mo unlocks unlimited devices, the VPN, and dark web monitoring. The VPN inclusion makes it a better value than 1Password at the same price point for individuals.
For Business Users
Team plan at $8/user/mo covers password sharing, activity logs, and admin policy controls. The bundled VPN differentiates Dashlane from 1Password at a similar price. 1Password has stronger family sharing and a more polished interface; Dashlane wins on the VPN inclusion and dark web monitoring being built in rather than add-on.
What Users Say
“"Dashlane is way too expensive for what you get. 1Password costs less and Bitwarden is free."”
— Reddit user
“"I switched to 1Password and it's better in almost every way for less money."”
— Reddit user
“"The VPN is nice if you need it, but there are cheaper standalone options."”
— Reddit user
Our Verdict
Dashlane is losing ground to competitors. The premium pricing is hard to justify when 1Password offers a better experience for less and Bitwarden gives you excellent security for free. The built-in VPN is a differentiator, but standalone VPN services are often better. Only consider Dashlane if you specifically want the all-in-one VPN + password manager bundle.
Related Articles
Best Password Manager in 2026 Ranked by Security Price and UX
We ranked the four best password managers for 2026 by security, price, and usability. Bitwarden wins on value (free forever), 1Password wins on UX, Dashlane bundles a VPN, and Vaultwarden is the self-hosting champion.
Read moreComparisons1Password vs Bitwarden vs Dashlane in 2026: Which Password Manager Is Worth It?
You're storing hundreds of passwords, credit cards, and secure notes. Picking the wrong password manager means either overpaying for features you don't need or trusting your digital life to something that cuts corners on security. These three get recommended the most on Reddit, t...
Read morePrice History
Dashlane Premium dropped from $59.99 to $39.99/year, removed VPN
Dashlane removed its bundled VPN (Hotspot Shield) and lowered the price significantly. Users who valued the VPN were frustrated; users who did not care appreciated the price drop. Repositioning to compete directly with 1Password ($36/yr) and Bitwarden ($12/yr).