1Password vs Dashlane
Two premium managers with different angles. The polished vault specialist goes up against the all-in-one security bundle.
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1Password
The most polished password manager there is.
Dashlane
The complete manager with a VPN and dark web monitoring built in.
Prices last checked on
| Feature | 1Password | Dashlane |
|---|---|---|
| Our score | 4.7 / 5 | 4.3 / 5 |
| Price | From $3.99/mo | From $4.99/mo |
| Free plan | No | No |
| Best for | Families and power users | All-in-one security |
| Category | Top picks | Top picks |
| Provider | AgileBits Inc. | Dashlane Inc. |
| Visit 1Password | Visit Dashlane |
Our verdict
Dashlane throws in a lot. Dark web monitoring and even a simple VPN, and its ten-person family plan is cheap per head. But as a password manager itself, 1Password is the better product, with nicer apps, the extra Secret Key, and the best family management with recovery for forgotten master passwords.
If you mostly want an excellent vault, pick 1Password. If you will genuinely use Dashlane's extras, it is a decent bundle.
“The most polished apps of this line-up, thoughtful family sharing, and an extra secret key on top of your master password. Slightly pricier since March 2026, but still the best overall experience.”Editorial team, on 1Password
“A complete bundle with dark web monitoring and even a simple VPN. It sits on the pricey side though, and there is no longer a free plan, only a trial.”Editorial team, on Dashlane
Frequently asked questions
Is 1Password or Dashlane the better password manager?
1Password, if you judge them purely as password managers. It has the nicer apps, the extra Secret Key alongside your master password, and the best family management, including recovery for a forgotten master password. Dashlane's case rests on the bundle around it, namely dark web monitoring and a simple VPN. If you will genuinely use those, it is decent value. If not, you pay for them regardless.
Which costs more, 1Password or Dashlane?
Dashlane. Premium is $4.99 a month, billed as $59.88 a year, against $3.99 a month and $47.88 a year for 1Password Individual. Guide prices on annual billing, last checked August 2026, and monthly billing typically runs 20 to 40 percent higher. On family plans it flips on headcount. Dashlane Friends & Family is $7.49 a month for ten accounts, 1Password Families $5.99 for five.
Is the VPN included with Dashlane good enough to replace a VPN subscription?
No. Dashlane includes a simple VPN and we treat it as a bonus, not a replacement for a full VPN service. If a VPN is the reason Dashlane is on your list, budget separately for one and judge Dashlane on its password management alone. Measured that way, 1Password is the stronger product for the money.
Does Dashlane still have a free plan?
No. Dashlane discontinued its free plan, so the only route in is a trial followed by a paid subscription starting at $4.99 a month, or $59.88 a year (checked August 2026). 1Password has no free plan either, just a 14-day trial. If free is a hard requirement, neither of these two answers it and Bitwarden does.