1Password vs Dashlane
A head-to-head comparison for 2026 -- pricing, features, and which is better for different use cases.
Quick Comparison
| Feature | 1Password | Dashlane |
|---|---|---|
| Price | $2.99/mo | $4.99/mo |
| Free Tier | 14-day trial | 25 passwords |
| Family Plan | $4.99/mo (5 users) | $7.49/mo (10 users) |
| Platforms | All | All |
| Unique Feature | Travel Mode | Built-in VPN |
| 2FA | Built-in TOTP | Built-in TOTP |
1Password -- Overview
1Password focuses on doing password management exceptionally well. Watchtower monitors for breaches, Travel Mode protects sensitive data at borders, and the Secret Key system adds an extra encryption layer. The apps feel native on every platform, and the browser extensions integrate smoothly.
At $2.99/month, 1Password is mid-priced but delivers the most reliable, polished experience. The family plan ($4.99/month for 5 users) is the best family value in the category. No free tier beyond a 14-day trial, but the paid experience justifies the cost for most users.
Dashlane -- Overview
Dashlane takes the Swiss Army knife approach to password management. Beyond passwords, it bundles a VPN, dark web monitoring, and an automatic password changer that can update passwords on supported sites without manual effort.
At $4.99/month (Premium), Dashlane is the most expensive password manager on this list. The family plan covers up to 10 users, the largest in the category. The free tier is limited to 25 passwords on one device. If you don't already have a VPN and want dark web monitoring, Dashlane's bundle can replace multiple subscriptions. If you only need passwords, the premium is harder to justify.
Key Differences
Focused excellence vs bundled extras. 1Password does password management better. Dashlane bundles more features. If you already have a VPN and don't need dark web monitoring, 1Password is the better password manager at a lower price. If you don't have a VPN and want everything in one subscription, Dashlane's bundle has genuine value.
Price gap is significant. 1Password at $2.99/month vs Dashlane at $4.99/month is a 67% premium for Dashlane. Over a year, that's $36 vs $60. The question is whether the VPN and dark web monitoring are worth $24/year to you. A standalone VPN costs $3-7/month, so if you'd buy one anyway, Dashlane's bundle math works out.
Family plans differ. 1Password covers 5 users for $4.99/month. Dashlane covers 10 users for $7.49/month. For large families, Dashlane's per-person cost is lower. For smaller families, 1Password is more affordable.
The Verdict
Choose 1Password for the best pure password management experience at a lower price. It's more polished, more secure (Secret Key system), and has never been breached. Choose Dashlane if you want a VPN, dark web monitoring, and password management in one subscription, or if you have a large family (up to 10 users).