1Password vs Dashlane
Last updated: 2026-08-18
Two premium password managers compared — which is better value? — pricing, features, and our verdict.
Feature Comparison
| Feature | popular 1Password | best Dashlane |
|---|---|---|
| Price from | $2.99/mo | $0/mo (Free) |
| Free trial | 14-day free trial | Free plan available (25 passwords, 1 device) |
| Best for | Best overall password manager | Premium features with built-in VPN |
| Free plan | ✗ | 25 passwords, 1 device |
| Starting price | $2.99/mo (Individual), $4.99/mo (Families), $7.99/user/mo (Teams) | — |
| Encryption | AES-256, zero-knowledge | AES-256, zero-knowledge |
| Travel mode | ✓ | — |
| Watchtower | Breach monitoring, weak password alerts | — |
| Passkey support | ✓ | — |
| Platforms | iOS, Android, macOS, Windows, Linux, browser | iOS, Android, macOS, Windows, browser |
| Biometric unlock | ✓ | ✓ |
| API access | Business plan | — |
| Support | Email + community (Individual), Priority (Business) | Email (Premium), Chat (Premium) |
| Starting paid price | — | $4.99/mo (Premium), $7.49/mo (Friends & Family) |
| VPN | — | Premium plan (Hotspot Shield) |
| Dark web monitoring | — | ✓ |
| Password changer | — | ✓ |
| File storage | — | 1GB (Premium) |
1Password Pros & Cons
Pros
- Best security — zero-knowledge architecture, end-to-end encryption
- Travel Mode — temporarily remove sensitive vaults when crossing borders
- Watchtower — alerts you to breached passwords and weak passwords
- Excellent family plan ($4.99/mo for 5 people)
- Apps on every platform with biometric unlock
- Passkey support and integration
Cons
- No free plan (14-day trial only)
- More expensive than Bitwarden ($2.99/mo vs free)
- Some advanced features only on Teams/Business plans
- No password inheritance for family members after death
- Browser extension less polished than native apps
Dashlane Pros & Cons
Pros
- Built-in VPN on Premium plan (Hotspot Shield powered)
- Dark web monitoring with breach alerts
- Password changer — auto-updates passwords on supported sites
- Clean, modern interface
- Secure file storage (1GB on Premium)
Cons
- Free plan very limited (25 passwords, 1 device)
- Premium $4.99/mo, Friends & Family $7.49/mo — more expensive than 1Password
- VPN is basic (not a full VPN replacement)
- No self-hosting option
- Has reduced free plan limits over time
Final Verdict
Both 1Password and Dashlane are solid choices in the Password Manager space. The right pick depends on your budget, team size, and specific feature needs. We recommend trying both via their free plans or trials before committing.
Our pick: Dashlane
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is better for small businesses: 1Password or Dashlane?
For small businesses, the better choice depends on your budget and specific needs. Dashlane generally offers better value for money, while 1Password has more advanced features for growing teams.
Do 1Password and Dashlane offer free trials?
Yes, both platforms offer ways to try before buying. 14-day free trial offers a trial, and Free plan available (25 passwords, 1 device) also offers a trial. We recommend trying both before committing.
Can I switch from 1Password to Dashlane (or vice versa)?
Yes, most platforms offer data export tools. Contact lists, settings, and historical data can usually be migrated, though some manual setup will be required. Check each platform's migration documentation before switching.
Ready to try?
Start with a free trial and see which tool fits your workflow.