On this page
Dashlane and 1Password are two of the most polished paid password managers. Both have clean apps, strong autofill and family plans, and neither offers a free plan any more. The question is whether you want a focused password manager or a security bundle. Dashlane adds a VPN and dark web monitoring. 1Password concentrates on the core vault and adds features around it. This comparison covers price, extras, family options and security.
The short verdict
Choose 1Password if you want a refined password manager and the lower individual price. Choose Dashlane if you will use the bundled VPN and monitoring, or you need a family plan for up to ten people. If you want to spend less, see 1Password vs Bitwarden.
Price snapshot
Prices on this page are rounded list prices from published sources in 2026, including the price changes made earlier this year. Plans, trial lengths and family limits change often, so confirm the current price on each provider’s own site before you subscribe.
| Dashlane | 1Password | |
|---|---|---|
| Free plan | No, discontinued | No, 14-day trial |
| Individual | Dashlane annual quote is shown in its current pricing flow; no monthly plan | Standard list price $3.99/month billed annually ($47.88/year); direct-web promos may apply to the first year |
| Family | Friends & Family covers up to 10; check current annual quote | Standard list price $5.99/month billed annually ($71.88/year), for 5 users; promo terms may differ |
| Bundled VPN | Yes, in Premium | No |
1Password raised its prices in March 2026, and Dashlane has been the more expensive of the two for individuals. The picture changes for large households, where Dashlane’s ten-person plan costs less per person.
What Dashlane adds
Dashlane’s Premium plan includes unlimited passwords, passkey support, dark web monitoring and a VPN powered by Hotspot Shield. If you do not already pay for a VPN, that bundle can offset part of the price. The VPN is meant for everyday privacy on public Wi-Fi rather than for demanding uses, and on a family plan it may apply only to the person who manages the plan, so check the details. See our VPN comparisons if you want a standalone service.
What 1Password offers
1Password focuses on the vault and on making it easy to use. It has a clean design across phones, computers and browsers, smooth autofill, alerts for weak or exposed passwords, passkey support and a secret key that adds protection on top of your master password. It does not bundle a VPN.
Design and everyday use
Both are among the easiest managers to live with. 1Password is often described as the best-designed, with very reliable autofill and simple setup on new devices. Dashlane is also polished, and its dashboard puts security alerts and tools in one place. If you mostly want to forget about the manager and have it work, 1Password has a slight edge. If you like an all-in-one security dashboard, Dashlane may feel more complete.
Security
Both encrypt your vault so the company cannot read its contents, and both support two-factor authentication. Neither is open source. Look at each company’s published security information and audit reports, and remember that the strength of your master password and the use of two-factor authentication matter most.
Family plans
Dashlane’s Friends and Family plan covers up to ten people, which is the most generous count among the big managers. 1Password’s family plan covers five members and includes shared vaults and recovery options that make it easy to manage for non-technical relatives. For a household of three or four, 1Password is usually cheaper. For a big extended family, Dashlane’s ten-seat plan can win. Read best password manager for families for more.
Who should pick which
- Pick 1Password if you want a refined password manager, the lower individual price or a simple setup for family.
- Pick Dashlane if you will use the VPN and dark web monitoring, or you need to cover up to ten people.
- Consider other options if you want a free plan. See best free password managers.
How to test them
- Start the 14-day 1Password trial and import your existing passwords.
- Use it daily for a week across your phone and computer.
- Try Dashlane’s trial or money-back option if available and compare autofill on the sites you use most.
- Decide whether you would actually use the VPN.
- Delete any import file when you are done.
Questions to ask before you pay
- Do I need a VPN, or do I already pay for one?
- How many people will share the plan?
- What will the plan cost at renewal?
- Would a cheaper option such as Bitwarden do the same job?
Three example users
Elena wants a clean manager and nothing more. 1Password’s lower price and focused design suit her. Kofi travels often and uses public Wi-Fi. Dashlane’s bundled VPN could replace a separate subscription, as long as it meets his needs. The Rossi family has eight people. Dashlane’s ten-seat plan covers everyone for one price, which is hard for others to match.
A note on the bundled VPN
A VPN encrypts your connection and hides your location from the sites you visit, which is helpful on public Wi-Fi. A bundled VPN is convenient, but it is not always as flexible or fast as a dedicated service, and it does not replace good password habits. If a VPN is a major reason you are considering Dashlane, compare it with standalone options first.
Moving between the two
You can export your vault from one and import it into the other, then delete the export file. Check that folders, notes and secure items came across, and keep the old subscription active until you are sure everything moved. Do the switch just after a renewal so you do not pay twice.
Whichever you choose, set a reminder a week before the trial or renewal date and check the price you will be charged, since both companies have changed prices recently and renewal rates can differ from the first-year offer.
Final take
1Password is the better pick for most individuals who want a premium manager at a lower price. Dashlane is worth a look when the bundled VPN and monitoring matter to you or you need a large family plan. Use the trial, compare the renewal price and remember that a strong master password and two-factor authentication matter more than the brand.
Frequently asked questions
Which is cheaper, Dashlane or 1Password?
1Password’s standard individual list price is $47.88/year before any introductory promotion. Dashlane’s current annual price is shown in its live pricing flow, and the company no longer sells monthly subscriptions, so check the same billing period and renewal total before deciding which is cheaper. Dashlane Friends & Family can include up to 10 people, which may reduce per-person cost for a large household.
Does either have a free plan?
No. Dashlane ended its free plan, and 1Password offers only a 14-day trial.
Does Dashlane include a VPN?
Dashlane’s current Premium listing includes VPN for Wi-Fi protection; Friends & Family plan members do not receive the VPN feature. Check the current plan terms before buying.
Which is easier to use?
Both are polished. 1Password is often praised for its clean design and smooth autofill, and Dashlane includes extra security tools. Compare the current annual features and renewal price before choosing.
Official sources and references
Use these first-party pages to verify current plans, prices, features and eligibility. Offers and terms can change by country, billing period and date; confirm the details that apply to you before buying. Links below are provider documentation, not independent endorsements.