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Password Managers review
Dashlane logo

Dashlane review

Best with a built-in VPN

Browser-based password manager with phishing protection, breach alerts and a VPN on Premium. People who mostly work in a browser and like having a VPN and breach alerts bundled in. We rank it #5 of 7 in our password managers comparison, with an editorial score of 8.5 out of 10.

Updated By the ChoosyOwl editorial teamHow we rank
8.5/10
Our editorial score

Dashlane does well on Security model & transparency because its security page documents local encryption with AES-256 and Argon2 key derivation, and on Passkeys & account protection with passkeys, phishing protection and breach alerts. Its Premium plan includes a VPN. It scores lower on Free plan & value transparency, since it offers a free trial rather than a free plan, and on Platforms & everyday use because it relies on browser extensions and mobile apps rather than desktop apps.

How we score password managers

Visit site (Dashlane, opens in a new tab)

Quick facts

Our rank#5 of 7
Best forBest with a built-in VPN
PlatformsBrowser extension, iOS, Android
Free planNo; free trial available
Security model (as stated)Zero-knowledge; AES-256 with Argon2d key derivation (as stated)
Facts checkedNovember 14, 2026

Details are general and can change. Check current plans, prices and terms on the Dashlane site. See the Dashlane company profile in our brand directory.

Overview

Dashlane says vaults are encrypted and decrypted locally on your devices with a zero-knowledge design, so it can never view your credentials. Its security page names AES-256 encryption with Argon2d key derivation and describes using confidential computing in the cloud.

Personal plans are Premium, which includes a VPN, breach alerts, phishing protection and secure sharing, and Family, which covers up to ten people with a private account each (the VPN is for the plan manager only). Dashlane offers a free trial rather than a free plan. Business plans add admin controls and dark web insights.

Dashlane works through a browser extension and iOS and Android apps; its site does not list standalone desktop apps. Passkeys are supported. Check current plans on Dashlane's site.

Pros and cons

Pros

  • Clearly documented encryption details
  • VPN bundled with Premium
  • Large family plan
  • Phishing protection before you log in

Cons

  • No free plan, only a free trial
  • No standalone desktop apps listed
  • On Family, the VPN is for the plan manager only

Key features

  • Local, zero-knowledge encryption with AES-256 and Argon2d (as stated)
  • Passkey support and phishing protection
  • Breach alerts and Dark Web Insights
  • VPN included with Premium
  • Family plan for up to ten people

Who Dashlane is for

A good fit if

People who mostly work in a browser and like having a VPN and breach alerts bundled in.

Look elsewhere if

Anyone who wants a free plan or a dedicated desktop app.

How we scored Dashlane

Dashlane does well on Security model & transparency because its security page documents local encryption with AES-256 and Argon2 key derivation, and on Passkeys & account protection with passkeys, phishing protection and breach alerts. Its Premium plan includes a VPN. It scores lower on Free plan & value transparency, since it offers a free trial rather than a free plan, and on Platforms & everyday use because it relies on browser extensions and mobile apps rather than desktop apps.

Our password managers score weighs security model & transparency (30%), platforms & everyday use (20%), passkeys & account protection (15%), sharing, family & business plans (15%), free plan & value transparency (20%). See the methodology.

Dashlane alternatives

  1. #1
    Bitwarden logo

    Bitwarden

    Best overall

    Open-source, end-to-end encrypted password manager with a free plan that covers every device.

    • Always-free personal plan with sync across devices
    • Open-source code and published third-party audits
    • Passkey management and an integrated authenticator
    • Families plan for up to six users
    9.4/10
    Editorial score
    Visit site (Bitwarden, opens in a new tab) Read review
  2. #2
    1Password logo

    1Password

    Best for families

    Polished, security-focused password manager with strong family and business plans.

    • Account password plus device-generated Secret Key
    • Watchtower alerts for weak, reused or exposed passwords
    • Passkey support
    • Families plan for five users
    9.3/10
    Editorial score
    Visit site (1Password, opens in a new tab) Read review
  3. #3
    Proton Pass logo

    Proton Pass

    Best for privacy

    Privacy-first password manager from Proton with email aliases and a generous free plan.

    • Free plan with unlimited logins, devices and passkeys
    • Hide-my-email aliases built in
    • Zero-knowledge, end-to-end encryption (as stated)
    • Open source and independently audited (as stated)
    9.0/10
    Editorial score
    Visit site (Proton Pass, opens in a new tab) Read review

Head-to-head

See all 7 password managers compared

Dashlane FAQ

Does Dashlane have a free plan?

Dashlane's personal plans page offers a free trial rather than a free plan. Check the current trial length and terms on Dashlane's site.

Does Dashlane include a VPN?

Dashlane says its Premium plan includes a VPN. On the Family plan, the VPN is available to the plan manager only.

How does Dashlane protect my data?

Dashlane says your vault is encrypted and decrypted locally on your devices, so it cannot view your credentials. Its security page names AES-256 encryption with Argon2d key derivation.

Sources and fact check

We checked the facts on this page against Dashlane's own website on .