Dashlane Review
Last updated: 2026-08-18
Overview
Dashlane is a password manager founded in 2009 by Bernard Liautaud and Alexa Fritel, headquartered in Paris and New York. It provides encrypted password storage, automatic form filling, dark web monitoring, and a built-in VPN on premium plans. Rated 4.2/5, Dashlane serves over 15 million users with a focus on consumer-friendly design and automated security alerts. The platform has shifted toward B2B with Dashlane Business, though its consumer product remains popular for its polished interface and breach alerts.
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
Features
Dashlane's key features include automatic password capture and autofill across web and mobile, dark web monitoring (scans 80+ breach databases and alerts on exposed credentials), and Password Health score (rates vault strength with actionable recommendations). The Premium plan includes a bundled Hotspot Shield VPN (unlimited data, 80+ countries). Secure Notes support encrypted text and file attachments. Dashlane Business adds SSO via SAML, SCIM provisioning with Okta and Azure AD, role-based access controls, and automated employee offboarding. The password changer feature auto-resets passwords on supported sites. Limitations: the free tier is capped at 25 passwords (reduced from 50 in 2023), no self-hosting option exists, the VPN is limited to a single partner (Hotspot Shield), and the mobile app has occasional sync delays. No Linux desktop app is available — Linux users rely on the browser extension only.
| Free plan | 25 passwords, 1 device |
| Starting paid price | $4.99/mo (Premium), $7.49/mo (Friends & Family) |
| Encryption | AES-256, zero-knowledge |
| VPN | Premium plan (Hotspot Shield) |
| Dark web monitoring | ✅ Yes |
| Password changer | ✅ Yes |
| Platforms | iOS, Android, macOS, Windows, browser |
| Biometric unlock | ✅ Yes |
| File storage | 1GB (Premium) |
| Support | Email (Premium), Chat (Premium) |
Pricing
Dashlane Free: 25 passwords on one device, limited dark web monitoring. Advanced: $2.75/month billed annually for unlimited passwords on unlimited devices, dark web monitoring, and Password Health. Premium: $4.99/month billed annually adding the Hotspot Shield VPN and secure file storage. Friends & Family: $7.49/month for up to 10 accounts with individual Premium benefits. Business: Starter at $2/user/month for 10 users max, Team at $5/user/month, Business at $8/user/month with SSO and SCIM. A 30-day free trial of Premium is available.
Final Verdict
Rated 4.2/5. Dashlane is best for users who want a polished, consumer-friendly password manager with built-in VPN and dark web monitoring. Its UI is among the best in class. Drawbacks include the restrictive 25-password free tier, no self-hosting, no Linux desktop app, and higher pricing than Bitwarden. The bundled VPN adds value but locks you into Hotspot Shield specifically.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Dashlane worth it in 2026?
Dashlane is worth it if you value a polished UI, built-in VPN, and automated dark web monitoring. The Password Health score is genuinely useful. However, Bitwarden offers more features for less money, and the 25-password free limit is restrictive compared to Bitwarden's unlimited free tier.
How much does Dashlane cost?
Free for 25 passwords on one device. Advanced is $2.75/month annually for unlimited passwords. Premium is $4.99/month adding a bundled VPN. Business ranges from $2 to $8/user/month. A 30-day Premium trial is available.
What are the best Dashlane alternatives?
1Password (better enterprise features, Travel Mode), Bitwarden (free unlimited tier, open-source, self-hosting), KeePassXC (offline, free), and LastPass (despite security concerns, still widely used). Bitwarden is the strongest value alternative.
Does Dashlane offer a free trial or free plan?
Dashlane offers a free plan limited to 25 passwords on a single device with basic dark web monitoring. A 30-day free trial of the Premium plan with VPN is available for new users. The free tier is more restrictive than Bitwarden's.