Dashlane promises simplified access to your online accounts without compromising security, a crucial balance in today’s digital landscape. But does it deliver? This in-depth review explores Dashlane’s features, pricing, security, and overall performance to determine if it lives up to its claims. From password management to cybersecurity tools, we’ll delve into everything Dashlane offers to help you decide if it’s the right password manager for you.
Dashlane offers two consumer scubscription plans and two busiiness plans.
Dashlane Pricing and Plans: Free vs. Premium
Dashlane offers a free version with all the core features of the paid Premium plan, but limited to 25 logins. While shared logins don’t count towards this limit, making it potentially useful for families sharing a few key accounts, the 25-login cap quickly becomes restrictive. The free version serves primarily as a practical introduction to Dashlane’s capabilities.
Dashlane Premium, starting at $60 annually, unlocks unlimited password storage, secure login sharing, a robust password generator, passwordless login on mobile devices using biometric authentication (Face ID/Touch ID), dark web monitoring, and a VPN. This comprehensive suite makes it a compelling value proposition.
The Friends and Family plan offers significant savings for groups, providing Premium access for up to 10 users at $90 per year. Note that the VPN is limited to the primary account holder. For small businesses, the Business plan, priced at $96 per user annually, adds features like provisioning, activity logs, enforceable policy settings, and dedicated phone support. Enterprise-level solutions are also available through custom quotes. While monthly billing isn’t offered, Dashlane provides a 14-day free trial for Premium and Business plans.
Dashlane Design and User Experience: Cross-Platform Simplicity
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Dashlane boasts a user-friendly interface, making password management straightforward. Testing across Windows PC and iPhone revealed a seamless cross-platform experience. Setup on Windows involved installing the browser extension, setting a master password, and importing existing browser passwords. While the master password is crucial for Windows access, iPhone users can leverage Face ID for convenient vault access. Synchronization between devices was flawless, allowing for effortless login management. It’s worth noting that the iOS app doesn’t directly import passwords from iCloud Keychain, requiring a Mac or Windows computer for initial login migration, though import from other password managers via Safari is possible.
Feature-Rich Password Management and Beyond
Dashlane identified old, at-risk passwords in my vault.
Dashlane excels at its core function: auto-filling login credentials. Beyond this, it offers secure storage for notes, addresses, phone numbers, and ID information. The password health dashboard provides valuable insights into potential vulnerabilities, flagging leaked credentials, reused passwords, and weak passwords. This feature promotes proactive password hygiene and enhances overall account security. Duplicate logins and old, unused accounts are also highlighted, encouraging cleanup for improved security and a more accurate health score.
Integrated VPN Performance: A Value-Added Bonus
The Hotspot Shield VPN included with Dashlane is quite fast.
Dashlane integrates Hotspot Shield VPN, a valuable addition for enhanced online privacy. Speed tests revealed impressive performance, reaching download speeds of 448 Mbps on a 1 Gb connection. The VPN also effectively masked location, respecting the chosen server’s geography. Considering Hotspot Shield’s standalone cost of $8 per month, the inclusion with Dashlane Premium represents significant added value.
Customer Support: Room for Improvement
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Dashlane offers extensive support documentation and an AI chatbot named Dashy for immediate assistance. Live chat support is available during business hours, a feature not commonly found with password managers. Business users also have access to phone support. However, the chatbot’s effectiveness could be improved, as it occasionally misinterprets queries. While Dashlane generally enjoys positive customer reviews, the live chat experience could be more consistent and reliable.
Privacy and Security: A Strong Track Record
Dashlane maintains a strong commitment to user privacy, refraining from selling or sharing personal data with third-party advertisers. Data is only shared with service providers essential for functionality or in response to legal requests. Security is paramount for a password manager, and Dashlane boasts a spotless 12-year record with no breaches, inspiring confidence in its ability to protect user data.
Is Dashlane the Right Choice for You?
Dashlane is undoubtedly a top-tier password manager, offering seamless cross-platform functionality and robust security. However, the inclusion of a VPN and dark web monitoring may be redundant for users already subscribing to comprehensive antivirus suites. The absence of a dedicated Windows app necessitates manual copy-pasting for app logins. While the price point is slightly higher than some competitors, the feature set and unwavering security make Dashlane a strong contender. Consider your individual needs and budget to determine if Dashlane is the ideal password management solution for you.
