Dashlane vs. 1Password 2024: Which Juggernaut Wins the Battle?

Should you opt for 1Password, the straightforward, easy password manager that comes with plenty of features, or Dashlane, which offers end-to-end encryption and lets you take your data with you if you leave?
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Best for a Free App or Free Trial

4.6
Editorial Rating
Learn More
On Dashlane's website

Password Manager
Dashlane
  • Easy to use and seamless
  • Paid plans come with Hotspot Shield VPN
  • Extra features boost security
  • Free plan is limited to one device and 25 passwords

Best Overall

4.9
Editorial Rating
Learn More
On 1Password's website

Password Manager
1Password
  • Secure password manager with no history of being hacked
  • Unique features, like Travel Mode
  • No free version or money-back guarantee

Though both Dashlane and 1Password are highly ranked password managers, 1Password is the better overall option thanks to its full suite of features and cheaper price tag.

That said, if you just need to save 25 passwords, then Dashlane does offer a free version you may want to consider. The rest of the product is good too, just not quite as good as 1Pass.

Here's our full, in-depth comparison of these two titans of password management.

In this article
Dashlane vs. 1Password
Prices
Features
Safety
Compatibility and customer service
FAQs
Which is better?

Dashlane vs. 1Password

These two password managers have a lot in common. Dashlane and 1Password both offer two-factor authentication. Multi-factor authentication (MFA) gives you that extra layer of security, as you must use more than one method to access your account. The included passwordless authentication keeps your data secure without entering a passcode each time you access an account. 1Password supports the use of biometrics so using Touch ID or Android Face Unlock is no problem with the app. Dashlane allows you to unlock its vault with an authenticator app, such as Google Authenticator.

Dashlane allows for secure file storage of up to 1 GB, and 1Password gives you the same amount for personal use. These password managers line up equally with storage. But with Dashlane you get a free version, which 1Password doesn’t offer.

Dashlane’s free plan allows you to store up to 50 passwords and comes with some basic features, such as the password generator and a payment autofill feature, but on one device only. If you opt for one of the paid plans, you can use it with multiple devices.

1Password comes with unlimited passwords and allows you to share passwords, credit cards, and secure notes. You also get 24/7 email support. Dashlane doesn’t offer a 24/7 plan, but you can use the live chat feature Monday through Friday from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. EST.

  • Dashlane: Best for users wanting a free option or a longer trial period to check out the product
  • 1Password: Best for users wanting a straightforward user interface with plenty of features, like secure document storage and digital legacy, and don’t need a free version

Dashlane vs. 1Password review at a glance

Our Pick
Free version
4.6
4.9
Price Starts at $4.99/mo (billed annually) Starts at $2.99/mo (billed annually)
Free version Yes, up to 25 passwords
Number of users 1-10 1-5
Compatibility Windows, macOS, Android, iOS, Linux Windows, macOS, Android, iOS, Linux, CLI
Browser extensions Chrome, Firefox, Edge, Safari Chrome, Firefox, Safari, Brave, Edge
Password sharing
Encryption AES-256 AES-256
Password generator
Autofill
Digital legacy
Cloud storage Up to 1GB Up to 1GB
Get Dashlane
Read Our Dashlane Review
Get 1Password
Read Our 1Password Review

How we test and rate password managers

We put every password manager through vigorous hands-on testing by downloading the software to our own devices. We test how the product works on both mobile and desktop, evaluating how well we're able to save, share, and use passwords across a variety of situations.

By taking a fine-tooth comb through all available features and settings, we carefully compare each product using our proprietary grading rubric. The star ratings take into account price, features, extras like cloud storage and data breach alerts, plus looks at security and privacy features like encryption levels and past data breaches. 

To learn more about how we test, check out our full testing methodology here.

Dashlane pros and cons

Pros
  • Easy to use and seamless
  • User-friendly dashboard and no data breaches
  • Easy to secure store payment methods and other important info
Cons
  • Free plan limited to 25 passwords and one device
  • Can only share passwords with other Dashlane customers

Dashlane is a secure password manager that can fit any budget because it comes with a free version and three paid plans. With the paid subscriptions, you get dark web monitoring, unlimited devices, and a virtual private network (VPN) with the Premium and Friends & Family plans. If you choose the Friends & Family plan, you get up to 10 accounts managed under one account. However, that is a more expensive plan at $7.49/mo (billed annually).

Dashlane uses a zero-knowledge security system, which means no one on their team has access to your data. Dashlane also audits its products and scans its servers for suspicious activity.

1Password pros and cons

1Password doesn’t have a free plan, but it does offer affordable pricing that starts at $2.99/mo (billed annually). The 1Password Families subscription is $4.99/mo (billed annually) for five family members. The Families option has shared vaults, which lets family members choose what they want to share with others. You’ll also get alerts for weak passwords.

1Password routinely requests penetration audits on its products, with the last recorded tests performed in December 2022.

Pros
  • No history of being hacked
  • Unique features, like Travel Mode and Watchtower
  • Customizable and compatible with many operating systems and browsers
Cons
  • No free version or money-back guarantee
  • 24/7 support is only available via email

Which password manager is the better value?

While 1Password's plans are cheaper, Dashlane offers a decent free version, longer free trial, and a bundle of extras like a VPN.

Our Pick
Price range Free-$7.49/mo $2.99-$4.99/mo
Best value plan Dashlane Friends & Family for $7.49/mo (billed annually) 1Password Families for $4.99/mo (billed annually)
Money-back guarantee Yes, for 30 days
Free trial Yes, for 30 days Yes, for 14 days
See Full Pricing Details See Full Pricing Details

If you choose Dashlane as your password manager, you can do so for free if you only want to save up to 25 passwords. If you still want to use Dashlane but need more features, you can get the Premium plan for $4.99/mo (billed annually). The most you’ll pay for Dashlane is $7.49/mo (billed annually) for the Friends & Family plan. On top of unlimited passwords, these premium plans also give you access to a VPN.

If you want 1Password, you won’t find a free version, but you can start with the bottom tier for $2.99/mo (billed annually). The most you will pay with 1Password is $4.99/mo (billed annually) for the 1Password Families subscription. That’s a saving over what Dashlane offers for the family option, but Dashlane includes 10 accounts with its family plan, whereas 1Password includes five accounts.

To save some money, you can always try out each of these products before you make a firm decision. 1Password gives you 14 days to try the password manager, whereas Dashlane lets you keep the product for 30 days.

Winner: When it comes to the price point, it depends on what you want. If you're looking for a free product, Dashlane is the clear winner. 

Which password manager has the better features?

Both password managers brings a little extra to the table, but the addition of digital legacy for 1Password secures it the win.

Feature

Our Pick
Import/export tool
Password sharing
Password generator
Autofill
Password strength report
Digital legacy
Cloud storage Up to 1GB Up to 1GB
Extras VPN, dark web monitoring Travel mode, data breach scanner
Get Dashlane
Read Our Dashlane Review
Get 1Password
Read Our 1Password Review

As you can see, the features between these two password managers are well-matched. The main difference is that Dashlane doesn't have a digital legacy tool, which helps your loved ones to access your passwords in the case of an emergency or death.

However, Dashlane includes a virtual private network (VPN) with its Premium plan, which 1Password doesn’t offer at all.

A pop-up for Dashlane stating that it's VPN isn't available during the trial, one with the Premium plan

According to a 1Password team member, not offering a VPN isn’t likely to change anytime soon because the company believes the Watchtower function provides enough security without an added VPN.

1Password's Watchtower feature with password strength reports and data breach reports.

Also, 1Password has a Travel Mode feature, whereas Dashlane does not have this feature. Travel Mode may appeal to many users who are on the go because it removes password vaults from your devices. Only the ones you mark as safe for travel will remain. Every 1Password subscription includes Travel Mode. Before you take a trip, you can decide which vaults you want to mark safe for travel and leave them on your computer.

Winner: We give this one to 1Password because it hits every single major feature we look for, including digital legacy.

Which password manager is safer?

Both password managers employ industry-standard (or better) security features and have no history of data breaches.

Encryption AES-256 AES-256
Password hashing Argon2 PBKDF2-HMAC-SHA256
Two-factor authentication
Overgone a security audit?
Most recent data breach No data breaches reported No data breaches reported
Get Dashlane
Read Our Dashlane Review
Get 1Password
Read Our 1Password Review

1Password’s privacy policy describes how data gets collected and used. From reading through the fine print, it appears information gathered on users remains limited to what is needed for providing its password manager services.

Dashlane’s privacy policy is similar, informing users that the company does collect data, but it is not used for purposes other than providing the password manager service. There are parts that are shown as not collected, and the policy highlights these in bold. Both of these privacy policies seem standard for software products.

Although Dashlane mentions a unique set of security measures, which includes not storing your master password on internal servers and auditing its products, we found no data regarding third-party audits or dates of audits.

1Password is transparent about the auditing process and what company performs them. The last audit was performed in December 2022 by Recurity Labs.

Winner: This is a tie.

Which password manager has better compatibility and customer support?

While both password managers are extremely flexible when it comes to compatibility, 1Password takes the lead thanks to its 24/7 customer support.

Our Pick
Windows
macOS
Android
iOS
Browser extensions Chrome, Firefox, Edge, Safari, other Chromium browsers Chrome, Firefox, Edge, Safari, Brave
24/7 customer support
Customer support options Online guides, live chat, email/ticket Email, forums, online guides
Details Get Dashlane
Read Our Dashlane Review
Get 1Password
Read Our 1Password Review

Dashlane and 1Password offer support for the same operating systems with their desktop apps and mobile apps. However, Dashlane does not support the Brave web browser, whereas 1Password does.

We thought both password manager providers were user-friendly when trying them out. We tested both to see if weak passwords would be noticed immediately; 1Password and Dashlane both caught the weak password and notified us. Dashlane showed us that the password is more susceptible to breaches and hacks and encouraged changing it to a strong password.

Dashlane pointing out that your Amazon account has a weak password.

Similarly, 1Password gave us the same information for the password we chose and suggested changing it.

1Password noting that your password is weak with a prompt to change it.

It was easy to navigate both interfaces and use their features. In testing, we used the vaults and entered data to see how it would work in a real-life setting. Both of these products worked great and logged us into websites quickly. We had no trouble going through them to set up autofill information or notes and credit card numbers. Password information was simple to enter and only took seconds for each website.

We found both products a little lacking when it comes to customer support. Although having several ways to use the service is good, many users want the ability to call someone for help. Neither offers 24/7 phone or live chat support, which would be helpful to users who may work different shifts and need assistance during less popular hours. That said, 1Password does have 24/7 email support, which is better than nothing.

Having support forums and online guides is a step in the right direction. Often, asking other users can answer questions before support gets back to you.

Winner: The win goes to 1Password.

FAQs


+

Is there a Dashlane VPN?

There is a Dashlane VPN for the Premium plan. You won’t get this feature with the free version.


+

Does 1Password allow you to share passwords?

1Password allows you to share passwords and other information with others, even if they don’t have a 1Password account.


+

Has Dashlane been compromised?

According to the Dashlane website, the password manager has never been compromised.


+

What does the 1Password Families plan include?

The 1Password Families plan includes alerts for compromised websites, vulnerable password notifications, and 24/7 customer support for five family members.

Dashlane vs. 1Password: Which is better?

Though it's a close race, 1Password is better than Dashlane thanks to its full list of features, cheaper paid plans, and superior customer support options.

Our Pick
Value
Features
Safety Tie Tie
Compatibility & customer support
Details Get Dashlane
Read Our Dashlane Review
Get 1Password
Read Our 1Password Review

4.9
Editorial Rating
Learn More
On 1Password's website
Password Manager
1Password
  • Secure password manager with no history of being hacked
  • Unique features, like Travel Mode
  • No free version or money-back guarantee

Top alternatives

If you're still looking for password managers, check our some more examples of the best password managers.


Star rating
5.0
4.6
4.5
Starting price Starts at $1.29/mo (billed every two years) Starts at $1.66/mo (billed annually) Starts at $2.92/mo (billed annually)
Compatibility Windows, macOS, Linux, iOS, Android, Chrome, Firefox, Edge, Safari, Opera Windows, macOS, Linux, iOS, Android, Chromebook, Chrome, Firefox, Edge Windows, macOS, Linux, iOS, Android, Chrome, Firefox, Edge, Safari, Brave, Opera
Autofill
Password sharing
Password generator
Digital legacy
Learn more Get NordPass Get Roboform Get Keeper

4.9
Editorial Rating
Learn More
On 1Password's website
Password Manager
1Password
  • Secure password manager with no history of being hacked
  • Unique features, like Travel Mode
  • No free version or money-back guarantee
Author Details
Patti Croft is a seasoned writer specializing in technology, with three years of experience. With a B.S. in Computer Science and a background as a technical analyst and security specialist, she covers a range of topics like data security and parental control software.