Dashlane Review: Password Protection with Plenty of Perks

We updated this piece with new Dashlane prices and information.
Best password manager with identity theft coverage
Dashlane
Our rating:
3.5 out of 5.0
3.5 out of 5 stars3.5
  • Free plan available
  • Can update multiple passwords simultaneously
  • Identity protection features
The bottom line

Dashlane offers comprehensive password management tools with unique perks, like VPN access and identity theft protection. But its plans are more expensive than the competition.

Overview
Most password managers fundamentally do the same thing: they allow you to manage and generate secure passwords, so you don’t have to keep a list of every password for every account on a vulnerable Notes app. Where password managers differ is the extra perks they offer.

The Dashlane password manager sets itself apart from the pack by adding basic identity theft protection services, VPN access, and a bulk password changer. But with premium plans starting at $4.99/mo., it’s also one of the more expensive password management tools.

Read on to see how else Dashlane stands out and how it compares to our other favorite password managers.


Dashlane pros and cons

Pros
  • Pro BulletUser-friendly design
  • Pro BulletCan update multiple passwords simultaneously
  • Pro BulletIdentity theft protection features
  • Pro BulletCompatible with all major OS and browsers
  • Pro BulletIncludes VPN access
Cons
  • Con BulletMore expensive price
  • Con BulletLimited password coverage with free version
  • Con BulletNo family plan

Dashlane Free vs. Premium vs. Premium Plus

Data effective 12/30/2019. Offers and availability subject to change.

Dashlane Free version review

Dashlane Free
  • Includes password generator
  • Auto-fills password fields
  • Sends security alerts

Why we recommend Dashlane Free

If you’re not sure if you want to commit to a Dashlane subscription, Dashlane Free could be a good way to get your bearings. Otherwise, we don’t really recommend it: Dashlane’s free version allows you to manage up to only 50 passwords, and you’ll be able to use it on only one device. That makes for a pretty limited experience.

Standout features

Dashlane Free doesn’t cover much more than the basics. You’ll be able to manage your old passwords and create new ones with Dashlane’s password generator. Plus, Dashlane’s digital wallet securely stores your bank account, PayPal, and credit card information, and automatically fills those fields when you’re shopping. So next time you want to splurge on an impulse buy, you won’t have to go searching for your actual wallet.

Try before you buy
Protip

Still deciding? Whether you go for Dashlane Free or a paid subscription, first-time users will automatically get a 30-day free trial of Dashlane Premium to test out.

Dashlane Free also sends security alerts, which will tell you about any data breaches that could affect one of your accounts. That way, you can update your weak passwords when they’re vulnerable.

Is Dashlane really free?

Dashlane’s free version is really, truly free. You won’t have to pay anything unless you decide to upgrade to Dashlane Premium or Premium Plus.

ASecureLife.com’s recommendation: Dashlane Free is light on perks and will let you manage only a limited number of passwords. Still, it can serve as a good test run before you decide to commit to a subscription.

>>Learn more. Get Dashlane Free


Dashlane Premium review

Dashlane Premium
 
$4.99
/mo.
  • Dark web monitoring
  • Secure file storage
  • Secure VPN

Why we recommend Dashlane Premium

Dashlane Premium is a bit on the pricey side, but it offers a lot of unique features. You’ll be able to manage an unlimited number of passwords and sync them across as many devices as you like. And when you’ve discovered that one (or many) of your passwords are no longer up to snuff, you can use Dashlane’s bulk password changer to change a bunch of passwords at once.

Standout features

The feature-rich Dashlane Premium subscription lets you share passwords with an unlimited number of Dashlane users, so you can share logins with your live-ins.  You’ll also be granted remote account access, so you can still manage your passwords when you’re offline. And the perks don’t stop there: Dashlane Premium is chock-full of unique features that other password managers don’t offer.

Dashlane Premium is chock-full of unique features that other password managers don’t offer.

Bulk password changer

In the Dashlane app, you can use the Password Changer feature to change a single password or many passwords at once. Once you select the accounts that you want new passwords for, Dashlane will automatically generate new, more secure passwords for those logins.

Dark web monitoring

At its premium tiers, Dashlane offers a bit of identity theft protection. With its dark web monitoring feature, Dashlane will scour the web for any leaked or stolen personal data and send you an alert if they find anything suspicious.

Secure file storage

You can’t exactly carry sensitive documents around with you everywhere. If you want to access your passport or birth certificate without taking it out of your home safe, Dashlane can encrypt and store a digital copy, so you always have it on hand. You’ll get access to 1GB worth of storage—that’s about 600 pictures or 3,000 documents.

Secure VPN

Dashlane Premium’s secure VPN (Virtual Private Network) is a thoughtful addition too. VPNs work by encrypting your online activity on unsecured Wi-Fi networks, so you can surf safely from your local ice cream shop. It’s a bit of an unexpected perk, since VPNs are usually bundled with antivirus software packages or sold as a standalone product.

Dashlane Free vs. Dashlane Premium

Dashlane Free offers bare-bones password management. But Dashlane Premium offers much more in the way of features. Dashlane Free limits the number of passwords you can save and lets you use the app on only one device.

More than likely, you’ll need to at least be able to sync passwords between your mobile phone and your home computer. That’s where Dashlane Premium hits the mark. Dashlane Premium allows you an unlimited number of passwords, and you can sync them to an unlimited number of devices. You’ll also get some more advanced password management features, like secure file storage. If you’re trying to decide between the two, we recommend giving Dashlane Premium a go.

ASecureLife.com’s recommendation: Dashlane Premium is expensive, but it offers advanced password management tools, like secure file storage and a bulk password changer. We recommend it if you want to keep an eye on your passwords and take baby steps towards protecting your identity with one app.

>>Learn more. Get Dashlane Premium


Dashlane Premium Plus review

Dashlane Premium Plus
 
$9.99
/mo.
  • Includes basic credit monitoring
  • Identity theft insurance included

Why we recommend Dashlane Premium Plus

Dashlane Premium Plus takes the must-have features of Dashlane Premium and adds credit monitoring and up to $1 million in identity theft insurance. Although we recommend using a dedicated identity theft protection service with credit monitoring, Dashlane Premium Plus could be a good fit if you’re looking for an all-in-one solution to managing your passwords, identity, and credit.

Standout features

Credit monitoring

Dashlane Premium Plus provides basic credit monitoring, so you can keep an eye on your credit score and credit history. Dashlane will also notify you when events happen that may impact your credit score, like when a new inquiry is made or when a fraud alert is placed on your credit report. Just be sure to sign up with TransUnion through the Dashlane app.

Identity theft insurance

Dashlane offers both identity restoration services and up to $1 million in identity theft insurance for any losses directly related to the theft of your identity, like lost wages or legal fees. If you think your identity has been stolen, Dashlane will put you in touch with an expert who will create a custom plan of action to help get your identity back.

ASecureLife.com’s recommendation: At $9.99 per month, Dashlane Premium Plus is a pretty expensive password manager, but as we’ve explained, it can do much more than manage passwords. It may be a good fit for you if you want to bundle identity theft and credit monitoring tools with day-to-day password management.

>>Learn more. Get Dashlane Premium Plus


Dashlane app

Dashlane can help you manage your digital identity on Windows, Mac, iOS, and Android devices. Plus, the Dashlane browser extension is compatible with most web browsers, including Chrome, Firefox, Safari, Internet Explorer, Edge, and Opera. So even if you have a Chromebook, you’ll still be able to access your Dashlane account.

Still, Dashlane’s browser extension doesn’t have as much functionality as the desktop or mobile apps. You won’t be able to share passwords, use the emergency access feature, or access any identification or personal information saved in your digital wallet (although you will still be able to use any saved credit card numbers). For access to any of those more advanced features, you’ll have to use Dashlane’s desktop or mobile app.

A very minor flaw
Take Note

Every now and then, you may find a website where Dashlane won’t automatically populate your password or credit card information. Since Dashlane doesn’t offer manual capture, you’ll have to input your password on your own.

Two-factor authentication

All of Dashlane’s subscriptions support two-factor authentication (2FA) to help keep your accounts secure. To take advantage of 2FA, you’ll need a third-party TOTP (time-based one-time password) mobile authenticator installed on your phone, like Google Authenticator or Authy. Be sure to record the Key Codes Dashlane provides during setup—otherwise, it’ll be difficult to get access to your account if you lose your phone.


Customer service

Dashlane doesn’t offer any support over the phone. However, you can access chat support between 9 a.m. and 6 p.m. EST, Monday through Friday. Dashlane also offers email support seven days a week through their web form.

What customers are saying about Dashlane

From scouring the internet for reviews, it appears that most Dashlane users are happy with the services the brand provides and describe feeling more secure with their online identity. Still, many complain that Dashlane’s prices are too steep and that their customer support isn’t exactly helpful.


What is the best password manager?

Data effective 12/30/2019. Offers and availability subject to change.

Dashlane vs. LastPass

Both Dashlane and LastPass cover the same basics: you’ll be able to manage an unlimited number of passwords, generate secure passwords, and more. But LastPass makes for a much better value.

At $4.99 a month, Dashlane Premium is one of the most expensive password managers. At that price, it offers a lot of the same features that LastPass Free does at no cost, like password syncing and the ability to use the password manager on multiple devices. Plus, if you want to share your password manager with your family, LastPass has a family plan for only $4 a month—that’s something Dashlane doesn’t offer at all.

>>Learn more: Read our LastPass review

Dashlane vs. Keeper

At $2.49 a month, Keeper is one of the most affordable password managers. You’ll get all the must-haves, like an unlimited password vault and a strong password generator, and more unique offerings like fingerprint and face ID authentication.

>>Learn more: Read our Keeper review

Dashlane vs. 1Password

Unlike Dashlane and most other password managers, 1Password doesn’t offer a free version of its services. Still, it has multiple layers of security that make it a good fit for users who travel often. Its travel mode feature can remove or restore information with one click, which can help keep your personal information safe when you’re traveling abroad.

>>Learn more: Read our 1Password review


FAQ

Is Dashlane safe?

Dashlane is a secure password manager that is GDPR compliant. GDPR (General Data Protection Regulation) is a regulation that makes sure your personal data and privacy are protected . . . but only in the European Union.

Other password managers like LastPass, Keeper, and 1Password are SOC2 compliant. That means they’ve been tested for security and privacy stateside so you can be sure your information is safe.

Has Dashlane been hacked?

Dashlane doesn’t have any history of being hacked, but if it’s hacked in the future, your master password is safe. Dashlane uses AES 256-bit encryption, which is the highest encryption standard. It means that Dashlane never has access to your master password, so there’s no chance of it being leaked.


Our recommendation

Although it’s on the pricey side, Dashlane is a safe bet if you want to bundle a password management tool with identity theft protection. With a Premium subscription, you’ll be able to create strong passwords, manage an unlimited number of passwords across your devices, and change multiple passwords at once. You’ll also get some basic identity theft protection features, like dark web monitoring and alerts.

>>Protect your online identity. Get Dashlane Premium now