Apple Passwords vs. Dashlane 2024: Your Top Comparison Guide

Apple is building on its iCloud Keychain technology with the development of a dedicated password manager. iOS 18 debuts this fall, and with it comes the new Apple Passwords app.

You’ll get security alerts and verifications, and all your passwords will be securely stored in one convenient application. Passwords also syncs across all devices, including Windows.

Dashlane has a free version and includes browser extensions for most platforms. If you want a password manager that secures your login information and is built on AES-256-bit encryption, Dashlane would be a good choice.

We’ll cover all the data we have so far for these two apps, so you can decide which one fits your security needs.

Apple Passwords vs. Dashlane review at a glance

Apple Passwords will come free with the release of iOS 18 this fall. Your saved information is securely stored in Apple Password’s All section, which is one of six categories.

You can view all of your data in one place, making it lightning fast to access things like Wi-Fi passwords and other files.

Dashlane comes with passwordless authentication and has additional security features like dark web monitoring and a secure virtual private network (VPN) , if you buy a paid plan.

• Apple Passwords: Best for Apple users who want more organization
• Dashlane: Best free product with extra features available

Apple Passwords vs. Dashlane

Price	Free	Starts at $4.99/mo
Free version
Number of devices	Unlimited	Unlimited
Browser extensions		Chrome, Firefox, Edge, Safari
Password sharing	Yes, unlimited with Apple iOS	Yes, unlimited
Encryption	Data Protection and File Vault	AES-256
Password generator
Form filler
Learn more	Get Apple Passwords Read Apple Passwords Review	Get Dashlane Read Dashlane Review

Apple Passwords vs. Dashlane: prices

	Our Pick
Price range	Free	Free/Free-$7.49/mo
Best value plan	Only one plan	Family plan for $7.49/mo
Money-back guarantee	N/A	Yes, 30 days
Learn more	Get Apple Passwords Read Apple Passwords Review	Get Dashlane Read Dashlane Review

Apple Passwords hasn’t been released yet, but we know that it’s free and without any associated fees for using the app.

Dashlane has a free version, but if you want all the features, you’ll need the paid plan, which starts at $4.99/mo.

With a paid subscription, you get unlimited password sharing and device usage. The paid plans also include a VPN and dark web monitoring, which aren’t essential for a secure password manager, but they certainly add more value for your money.

We think Dashlane’s best value comes from its Family plan for $7.49/mo, because for a few bucks more, you can cover up to 10 family members.

Apple Passwords vs. Dashlane: features

Feature
Password sharing
Two-factor authentication
Password generator
Autofill
Password strength report
Digital legacy
Learn more	Get Apple Passwords Read Apple Passwords Review	Get Dashlane Read Dashlane Review

The features are pretty even between Apple Passwords and Dashlane, but so far we’ve tried only the beta version of Passwords, so there may still be features we haven’t seen yet.

We do know Apple Passwords is similar to iCloud Keychain, but with more organization — credentials now fit neatly into categories that give you quicker access when looking for them on your phone. It also makes it simpler to locate authenticator codes, as they’re built into your app.

Dashlane has all the features you’d expect to find in a solid password manager, including a strength report that notifies you if you should update or bolster your credentials.

Which is safer, Apple Passwords or Dashlane?

When it comes to safety, Apple doesn’t play around. You can sync your passwords between devices without exposing them via its end-to-end encryption capability. Currently, iCloud Keychain protects your credentials even if your account is compromised or attacked.

Your stored passwords and passcodes will be transferred from devices using Apple servers but are still encrypted, so not even Apple can read the contents.

Dashlane hasn’t had a breach thus far, and we appreciate its bug bounty program, where users report vulnerabilities, but we are somewhat concerned about there being no third-party audits.

Dashlane performs self audits, but not as transparently as we would like. It also makes it hard for Dashlane to be impartial if there are any security vulnerabilities.

The privacy policy is also a little unclear, but since it uses a zero-trust model, we do think it’s a safe password manager.

Since only the beta version has been released for Apple Passwords, there are no reports of security audits and, of course, no data breaches.

Apple Passwords vs. Dashlane: compatibility and customer support

	Our Pick
Windows
macOS
Android
iOS
Browser extensions	None	Chrome, Firefox, Edge, Safari
24/7 customer support
Customer support options	Phone, chat, email, in-store	Chat, email, help center
Learn more	Get Apple Passwords Read Apple Passwords Review	Get Dashlane Read Dashlane Review

Apple Passwords’s interface was easy to use and even included suggestions for navigating your way around, like using autofill, syncing your saved passwords, and securing your encryption.

The authenticator feature was a hit with us, providing one-time passcodes for two-factor authentication.

Likewise, Dashlane was easy to use and came with a tutorial when we started. We had no issues while testing and found the interface to be user friendly, with guides available to help with issues.

Dashlane’s features were simple to use, and the password generator worked without fail.

Apple has 24/7 customer support, which is a far cry from Dashlane’s availability. If you need assistance, Dashlane includes a few options like chat and email support, but you won’t get around-the-clock attention like you will with Apple.

Apple Passwords vs. Dashlane FAQs

Apple Passwords vs. Dashlane: Which is better?

Overall, we think Apple Passwords is better because of its strong encryption security and the organization of the interface. While we haven’t been wild about Apple Keychain because of its minimal features, we think Apple Passwords raises the bar with better efficiency, cross-device syncing, and solid security.

Dashlane’s paid plans include a secure VPN and dark web monitoring. The one drawback is the unclear privacy policy, which makes us a little hesitant. We’d feel better with some third-party audits to confirm security and a privacy policy that is more transparent about how data gets shared.

Apple Passwords vs. Dashlane alternatives

If you’re not quite sold on Apple Passwords because you can’t get your hands on it yet or if Dashlane makes you nervous with its lack of third-party security audits, we have some alternatives you might love.

These options encompass a variety of features and prices that make them some of the best password managers.

• NordPass: NordPass starts at a low price of $1.29/mo (billed every two years) if you opt for the 2-year plan and also includes two-factor authentication and multi-browser compatibility.

  Get NordPass | Read Our NordPass Review

• RoboForm: RoboForm has password sharing on unlimited devices and uses strong AES-256-bit encryption to keep your credentials secure. The paid plans include digital legacy, and the identity feature stores all your private data.

  Get RoboForm | Read Our RoboForm Review

• Keeper Password Manager: Keeper has a free version if its low-cost monthly plan is not for you. You can get coverage for up to five devices with unlimited password storage and plenty of customer support options with paid plans.

  Get Keeper Password Manager | Read Our Keeper Password Manager Review