Dashlane vs Bitwarden
Last updated: 2026-08-18
Premium password manager vs free open-source — which is better? — pricing, features, and our verdict.
Feature Comparison
| Feature | popular Dashlane | best Bitwarden |
|---|---|---|
| Price from | $0/mo (Free) | $0 (Free) |
| Free trial | Free plan available (25 passwords, 1 device) | Free plan available (unlimited passwords, unlimited devices) |
| Best for | Premium features with built-in VPN | Best free password manager |
| Free plan | 25 passwords, 1 device | Unlimited passwords, unlimited devices |
| Starting paid price | $4.99/mo (Premium), $7.49/mo (Friends & Family) | $10/year (Premium), $3/user/mo (Teams) |
| Encryption | AES-256, zero-knowledge | AES-256, zero-knowledge, open-source |
| VPN | Premium plan (Hotspot Shield) | — |
| Dark web monitoring | ✓ | — |
| Password changer | ✓ | — |
| Platforms | iOS, Android, macOS, Windows, browser | iOS, Android, macOS, Windows, Linux, browser |
| Biometric unlock | ✓ | ✓ |
| File storage | 1GB (Premium) | — |
| Support | Email (Premium), Chat (Premium) | Community (Free), Email (Premium), Priority (Teams) |
| Self-hosting | — | ✓ |
| Password generator | — | ✓ |
| Breach monitoring | — | Premium only |
| API access | — | ✓ |
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
Bitwarden Pros & Cons
Pros
- Most generous free plan — unlimited passwords and devices
- Open-source — code is auditable and transparent
- Premium only $10/year — incredible value
- Self-hosting option for organisations
- Cross-platform — iOS, Android, desktop, browser extensions
Cons
- Interface less polished than 1Password or Dashlane
- Auto-fill can be inconsistent on some sites
- No travel mode (like 1Password)
- Free plan lacks breach monitoring (premium only)
- Mobile app can be slow to load vault
Final Verdict
Both Dashlane and Bitwarden 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: Bitwarden
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is better for small businesses: Dashlane or Bitwarden?
For small businesses, the better choice depends on your budget and specific needs. Bitwarden generally offers better value for money, while Dashlane has more advanced features for growing teams.
Do Dashlane and Bitwarden offer free trials?
Yes, both platforms offer ways to try before buying. Free plan available (25 passwords, 1 device) offers a trial, and Free plan available (unlimited passwords, unlimited devices) also offers a trial. We recommend trying both before committing.
Can I switch from Dashlane to Bitwarden (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.