ZDNET’s key takeaways
- Dashlane is a premium password manager that costs $60 annually for an individual, or $90/year for a family subscription up to 10 users.
- It offers seamless credential storage with privacy- and security-focused extras like dark web monitoring and a premium subscription to Hotspot Shield’s VPN
- The platform is pricey for password management alone, so if you don’t need a VPN, you may want to look elsewhere.
The best password managers make it easy to save and fill your logins, payment cards, and personal information as you browse the web while also keeping your data secure and alerting you if your information could be compromised. Dashlane is one such tool that also supports your privacy with dark web monitoring and a VPN subscription.
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Dashlane costs $60 annually for an individual, or you can pay $90 per year for a family subscription with up to 10 users. While pricey, this is a good deal if you have friends or family members who can take advantage of most or all of those slots — in fact, Dashlane is my pick for large groups, as you’ll get a premium password manager at an affordable cost per user.
Premium plans include unlimited passwords and passkeys across unlimited devices, secure sharing and note storage, and live chat support, along with privacy and security features like real-time phishing alerts, dark web monitoring, and a VPN. These are extras that set Dashlane apart from other top password managers (and may help justify the higher annual fee).
Dashlane does have a free tier, but you’re limited to just 25 credentials on a single device with no additional features, which won’t be especially useful for most people. If a no-cost tool is what you’re after, there are other free password managers I recommend instead. Dashlane also offers free trials to students and for referrals.
Dashlane is currently accessible via web app; apps for iOS and Android; and browser extensions for Chrome, Firefox, Edge, Safari, and Chromium-based browsers like Opera and Brave. Beginning on Oct. 1, however, Dashlane will discontinue its web app, so the only way to access your vault on desktop will be through a browser extension.
Installation and setup process
To get started with Dashlane, you’ll need to install the browser extension and create an account using your email and either a master password or a device-specific six-digit PIN for passwordless login. Once you’re logged into your vault, you can follow the onboarding steps from the Get Started menu, such as importing passwords (if you’re transitioning from another password manager) or adding credentials one by one.
Dashlane supports imports of .CSV files from other password managers as well as Dashlane backups (look for the Import data button on the main vault page). To add an individual credential, hit the Add new button and fill in the website, username, password, and any additional information, and select your autofill preferences. You can repeat this process for payment methods, secure notes, personal information, and IDs — such as your driver’s license and passport — from those sections of your vault.
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You’ll find security settings, such as biometric unlock and two-factor authentication, under My account > Settings > Security settings. Note that biometrics are supported on Chrome and Edge only. This is also where you can set up account recovery using a recovery key or biometrics (on mobile).
To get the mobile app, use the QR code in your browser extension, or download it directly from the Apple App Store or Google Play Store. Once logged in, the app syncs quickly and shows you all of your saved items. There’s also a password generator and access to all of Dashlane’s security features under the Tools tab. To set up biometrics and auto-lock, go to Settings > Security. You’ll also need to give Dashlane autofill permissions in your device settings.
Dashlane basics
Dashlane makes it easy to autofill credentials, payment cards, and personal information in your browser and apps as well as generate new passwords when creating and saving logins. You can opt into auto-login or require authentication to unlock and use specific credentials. On desktop, Dashlane supports biometrics on Chrome and Edge only, so I had to enter my master password for authentication in Firefox (a good reason to use a PIN for your vault instead).
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You can share credentials, collections, and secure notes with other Dashlane users and set permission levels with limited, view-only access or full rights to use, edit, and share. If you share an item with someone who doesn’t have a Dashlane account, they’ll be prompted to create one. Note that other platforms allow more flexible sharing with anyone, as well as granular settings like expiration dates.
Dashlane does support file attachments to secure notes, integrated two-factor authentication on mobile, and passkeys for services that offer this functionality. The mobile app also includes a password generator. Finally, Dashlane has several account recovery options, though these must be set up in advance.
Unique features (and how well they work)
The most unusual thing about Dashlane is a virtual private network included for all premium subscribers. The company partners with Hotspot Shield to provide VPN service — you’ll need to activate this plan through your Dashlane vault and install the Hotspot Shield app. You’ll get access to a VPN for up to 10 devices and 24/7 tech support. This allows you to browse privately by masking your location and IP address, as well as access geo-restricted content.
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A premium account also includes dark web monitoring for up to five email addresses. If Dashlane detects any leaked or stolen information associated with monitored addresses on the dark web, you’ll see it in your dashboard along with security recommendations. Finally, your vault includes password health reports visible on both desktop and mobile that show weak, compromised, and reused passwords as well as a password health score. This is useful for ensuring your credentials are secure, though note that this is a feature available with most paid (and some free) password managers.
ZDNET’s buying advice
Dashlane is a solid password manager that does the basics well, but its annual cost may not be worthwhile if that’s all you need. You can get highly secure credential storage with excellent features at a lower price — or no cost — from our other top password manager picks.
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That said, Dashlane offers a lot of value if you are looking for both password management and VPN service. Both Nord and Proton have excellent VPNs you can add onto your password manager plans, but it will cost more than an annual Dashlane subscription that includes a Hotspot Shield account.
Dashlane is also a good choice for larger groups: Its family plan includes up to 10 seats with premium accounts, bringing the annual cost to just $9 per person. (Note, though, that only the plan admin gets VPN access.) We also recommend Dashlane for larger businesses needing proactive credential management.
