1Password vs Dashlane
Choose 1Password if you want native apps on every platform, including desktop and Linux, and a Secret Key security design. Choose Dashlane if you mostly work in a browser and want a VPN and phishing protection bundled with your password manager. Neither has a free plan; both offer free trials.
1Password
Best for families
Dashlane
Best with a built-in VPN1Password vs Dashlane at a glance
| 1Password | Dashlane | |
|---|---|---|
| Platforms | macOS, Windows, Linux, iOS, Android, browser, CLI | Browser extension, iOS, Android |
| Free plan | No; free trial | No; free trial |
| Security model | Account password plus Secret Key | Zero-knowledge; AES-256 with Argon2d (as stated) |
| VPN | Not included | Included with Premium |
| Family plan | Five users | Up to ten people |
| Passkeys | Supported | Supported |
| Our editorial score | 9.3 / 10 | 8.5 / 10 |
Which should you choose?
Pick 1Password if you want desktop apps everywhere and a clearly documented security model.
Pick Dashlane if you live in your browser and want a VPN and phishing protection included.
How they differ
1Password and Dashlane are both paid, polished password managers that offer free trials instead of free plans. 1Password puts its effort into native apps on every platform and a distinctive security design. Dashlane leans on its browser extension and mobile apps and bundles extra protection, including a VPN on Premium.
Security
1Password combines your account password with a Secret Key generated on your device, and says it is SOC 2 Type 2 certified and regularly assessed by independent experts. Dashlane says your vault is encrypted and decrypted locally with a zero-knowledge design, and its security page names AES-256 encryption with Argon2d key derivation. Both are clear about how they protect your data.
Platforms
This is the biggest practical difference. 1Password has apps for macOS, Windows, Linux, iOS and Android, plus a browser extension and a command-line tool. Dashlane works through a browser extension and iOS and Android apps; its site does not list standalone desktop apps. If you need to fill logins in desktop software, 1Password is the better fit.
Extras
Dashlane Premium includes a VPN, breach alerts and phishing protection that warns you before you log in to a suspicious site. 1Password's Watchtower flags weak, reused and exposed passwords but does not include a VPN.
Families
Dashlane's Family plan covers up to ten people, each with a private account, though only the plan manager gets the VPN. 1Password Families covers five users. Larger households may prefer Dashlane's bigger plan.
Passkeys and trials
Both managers store passkeys, so you can start moving important accounts away from passwords with either one. Neither has a free plan, but both offer free trials. Use the trial to import your passwords, test autofill on the sites and apps you use most, and check the renewal terms before you subscribe.
The bottom line
For most people we prefer 1Password for its apps and documented security model. Dashlane is a good choice if you mostly use a browser and like the VPN bundle. Compare current prices on both sites, because plans change.
1Password vs Dashlane FAQ
Is 1Password or Dashlane better?
In our editorial scoring 1Password ranks higher thanks to native apps on every platform and its Secret Key design. Dashlane is a good fit if you mostly use a browser and want a VPN included.
Do 1Password and Dashlane have free plans?
No. Both offer free trials of their paid plans rather than free tiers. Check the current trial terms on each site.