Dashlane Review 2021
- Terrific, easy-to-use interface
- Built-in VPN protection
- Powerful password changer
- Digital copy of online receipts
- Limited free version
- Premium version on the expensive end
If you’re looking for a feature-rich, versatile yet truly accommodating password manager and don’t mind paying a bit extra, Dashlane is probably your go-to.
About Dashlane
First released in 2012, Dashlane started off as a basic password manager. Over time, the product has evolved into what Dashlane defines “your all-in-one-internet shortcut.” True, this statement seems a bit ambitious, but so is the Dashlane password manager. Among other things, Dashlane provides a built-in VPN service, a digital wallet, powerful form autofill, and a formidable standard of security to top it off. Security is, naturally, a crucial aspect of a password manager. Add a digital wallet to the mix, and you better provide an impenetrable product. According to Dashlane, 11 million users in 180 countries are using Dashlane and have so far handled $17 billion in e-commerce transactions. If these numbers don’t warrant best-in-class security, what does? And indeed, Dashlane relentlessly invests in securing users’ data. Firstly, the app has earned a US-Patent for its security architecture, cloud-based data backup & sync with local storage of access keys. It also takes a zero-knowledge storage approach, meaning no one can access your data but you due to end-to-end encryption. As in other, similar products, a word of caution is in order: in zero-knowledge products, such as Dashlane, you better not lose your master password or you lose access to your data saved in your account indefinitely.
On top of that, you can activate two-factor authentication to further protect your account. Premium users benefit from a broader selection of two-factor authentication methods, including U2F YubiKeys. Lastly, and much like other password managers of a similar level, Dashlane secures data using AES-256-bit encryption, one of the most secure encryption methods out there that is deemed uncrackable.
Usability
Dashlane excels when it comes to ease-of-use. In fact, it boasts the use and feel of a premium password manager. Similar to other password managers, you first need to set up the app, a straightforward and guided process. Once you’ve downloaded the desktop app, you’re prompted to import your passwords from different browsers. Dashlane then prompts you to install its browser extension for autofill purposes. It even provides you with an autofill simulation, exemplifying exactly how easy and accommodating this feature is. We recommend the desktop extension as it truly is remarkable and does an excellent job by squeezing Dashlane’s essentials into a non-intrusive box. In it, you’ll find three items: an overview of all passwords (sorted by item name/last used), details about the webpage/website you are currently visiting, and a shortcut to the password generator.
The standalone app’s menu is more comprehensive and features ten items that are divided into three categories: vault, security, and contacts. Though richer than some of its competitors, the menu is far from overwhelming. Moreover, we found it visually appealing and incredibly intuitive, thanks to a phenomenal layout. One thing we particularly liked is the fact that Dashlane presents the logos of selected websites next to their respective credentials. This is a nice visual touch that helps users find items faster.
Pricing
Dashlane offers a free version, a Premium plan at $39.99 a year, and a Premium Plus at $119.99$ a year. Both paid plans offer a 30-day money-back guarantee.
To be fair, although Dashlane’s paid plans lean toward the expensive side, they offer excellent value for money, whereas the free version is but a sneak peek. For starters, the free version limits password storage to 50 accounts. It also lacks the sync across devices option, a must for most users, and limits password sharing with up to five accounts. Lastly, it lacks some particularly cool features (see below) that turn Dashlane Premium and Premium Plus from a password manager into a sophisticated security tool.
Operating System
Dashlane is compatible with multiple operating systems, including Mac, Windows, iOS, Android, Linux, and Chromebooks. It offers browser extensions for most browsers, including Chrome, Firefox, Safari, Internet Explorer, and Opera. Users can also access Dashlane via its excellent standalone web app that is available on any device and any browser but Internet Explorer. Dashlane Android and iOS apps offer a large variety of features that reflect Dashlane’s standalone web app, which may explain why they are rated 4.6 and 4.7 on Google Play and Apple Store, respectively.
Customer Support
Dashlane offers several ways to contact their support team: email (supported in English, German, and French), chat (English only) from 9:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. EST, Monday through Friday, and Twitter. Though Dashlane does not offer phone support, Premium users are entitled to priority on all platforms.
Naturally, Dashlane also offers a support center that is extremely clear and helpful and covers everything you could possibly need.
Features
As previously mentioned, Dashlane’s free version provides but a glimpse of the extended product, Dashlane Premium. The free version provides users with standard capabilities such as (limited) password storage, form and payment autofill, password generator, standard two-factor authentication, and (limited) password sharing. Dashlane Premium, on the other hand, offers them unlimited password storage and password sharing, the rest of the features available in the free version, premium support, and also:
- Sync across devices—a crucial capability that allows users to sync passwords and other data between their devices.
- Dark web monitoring with personalized alerts—informs users of any leaked or stolen data, allowing them to take immediate action before any damage is done.
- VPN for WiFi protection—allows users to encrypt their data when using public WiFi to prevent any security breaches.
- Secure file storage—allows users to encrypt and store sensitive files and document scans.
- Remote account access—allows users to access their data on the Dashlane web app, even if Dashlane isn’t installed on it.
- Password changer—one brilliant feature that is actually available on the free version but is worth lingering on. It allows users to enhance their security and spare the hassle of manually changing passwords by changing multiple passwords simultaneously and with one click.
Premium Plus plan includes, on top of the above features, features designed to protect users from identity theft, mainly:
- Real-time credit card monitoring
- Identity Restoration support
- Up to $1 million of Identity Theft Insurance
Business Plan
On top of its premium tiers, Dashlane offers a surprisingly affordable business plan at $4 a month per user. This plan includes all of the Premium features excluding VPN, plus business-level add-ons such as Admin Console for user and policy management, secure password sharing with groups, and customer success manager for 50 users or more. One extra touch is the so-called “Smart Spaces,” a feature that separates between users’ business and personal Dashlane account.
Verdict
Dashlane is an excellent password manager that can even be described as a cross between a password manager and other, advanced security apps (such as identity protection and VPN). Though it’s more pricy than most other password managers, its list of services and features make it a security investment that we believe is more than worth the price tag.