By Sarah Chen
Published · Updated
Quick Summary
Dashlane goes beyond basic password management by bundling a VPN, dark web monitoring, and real-time phishing alerts into a comprehensive digital security package. Its password health score provides a clear overview of your security posture, while the automatic password changer can update weak passwords on supported sites with one click. Dashlane's premium tiers offer unmatched breadth of security features.
Evidence Box
Primary sources and tests behind this review. See the full methodology in our Password Managers Research Program.
- Dashlane security whitepaper and zero-knowledge architecture documentation.
- VPN add-on scope (powered by Hotspot Shield) and dark-web monitoring details.
- Hands-on autofill and passkey tests on Chrome and Safari.
- Family plan pricing captured at checkout.
Researcher: Sarah Chen, Lead Technology Analyst. Reader spotted an error? See corrections or report it.
Score Breakdown
What We Like
- ✓ Built-in VPN included with Premium plan
- ✓ Dark web monitoring for compromised credentials
- ✓ Automatic password changer for supported sites
- ✓ Comprehensive password health dashboard
- ✓ Phishing alerts in real-time
What Could Improve
- ✗ More expensive than most competitors
- ✗ Has shifted to web-app-only on desktop
- ✗ VPN is basic compared to dedicated VPN services
Features
Dashlane's unique features include a built-in VPN powered by Hotspot Shield, dark web monitoring that scans for your email on breach databases, and an automatic password changer that works on hundreds of popular sites. The security dashboard provides a password health score and actionable recommendations. Secure notes, identity documents, and payment info can all be stored.
Pricing
The free plan covers a single device with up to 25 passwords. Premium costs $4.99/month (annual) and adds unlimited passwords, VPN, and dark web monitoring. The Friends & Family plan at $7.49/month covers up to 10 users. Business plans start at $8/user/month. A 30-day Premium trial is available.
Usability
Dashlane recently transitioned to a web-first approach, which may disappoint users who preferred the desktop app. The browser extension handles most functions smoothly, and mobile apps are well-designed with biometric support. The onboarding wizard helps import passwords from browsers and other managers, making the switch relatively painless.
Key Specifications
| Starting Price | $4.99/mo |
| Free Version | Yes (25 passwords, 1 device) |
| Platforms | Web, iOS, Android |
| Browser Extensions | Chrome, Firefox, Safari, Edge |
| 2FA Support | TOTP, U2F |
| Encryption | AES-256 |
| Family Plan | $7.49/mo (10 users) |
Who should skip this
Dashlane is not the right pick for every reader. Skip it if:
- You prefer a lower ongoing cost. Bitwarden and NordPass are significantly cheaper.
- You want a mature desktop app for macOS/Windows power users. Dashlane's web-first architecture may feel limiting.
- You prefer an open-source stack.
We publish this block on every password managers review to make trade-offs visible. See the full rubric in our Password Managers Research Program.
Final Verdict
Dashlane is the best choice for users who want an all-in-one security suite. The bundled VPN and dark web monitoring add genuine value beyond basic password management. While the transition to web-only desktop access is a downside, the overall feature depth and security posture make Dashlane a strong contender at its price point.
Update history
What has changed on this review page. Material fact changes are also logged on our Corrections page.
| Date | Change |
|---|---|
| Added trust blocks; linked to research program. | |
| Updated bundled-VPN scope after vendor disclosure. |