Dashlane vs. LastPass: Which password manager should I pick?

Compare Dashlane and LastPass to determine which password manager you can rely on. Discover their features, security, and usability in this guide.

Password management is a huge priority in today’s digital world where everyone is online.

Dashlane and LastPass are great options to consider. But which might suit you best?

Keep reading to find out which contender wins in our eyes and why you should check it out. 

You can also read our detailed reviews of Dashlane and LastPass.

Now, let’s dive in!

Dashlane vs. LastPass: At a Glance

Explore how Dashlane and LastPass stack up across various criteria in our detailed comparison.

Criteria	Dashlane	LastPass	Winner
SMB Guide’s Rating	8.4/10	8.8/10	LastPass
Multi-factor Security and Authentication	✅	✅	Tie
One-time Passwords	✅	✅	Dashlane
Password Capture and Generation	✅	✅	Tie
Password Sharing	✅	✅	Dashlane
Emergency Access	❌	✅	LastPass
Security Dashboard	✅	✅	Tie
Account Recovery	✅	✅	LastPass
Browser Extensions	✅	✅	LastPass
Data Privacy and Compliance	✅	✅	Dashlane
User Experience and User Interface	Clean interface	User-friendly interface	LastPass
Integrations and Compatibility	✅	✅	Tie
Customer Support	Provides phone (business), live chat, Reddit, and X DMs	Phone; Chatbot; DIY	LastPass
Pricing	$4.99/mo – $8/mo	Free – $7/mo	LastPass
Scalability	❌	❌	Tie

Dashlane: Key Features, Pros, Cons, & Pricing

Dashlane is a comprehensive password management solution that enhances online security and simplifies password handling for individuals and businesses.

With robust security measures, an intuitive interface, and unique features like dark web monitoring and an integrated VPN, Dashlane empowers users to take control of their digital identities effortlessly.

Dashlane’s easy setup process and diverse pricing plans cater to users with varying needs and budgets. Experience the convenience and peace of mind that Dashlane’s complete password management features offer.

Pros & Cons

Pricing

Dashlane provides a versatile four-tier pricing structure for both individuals and businesses, allowing users to select the plan that best meets their needs and desired features.

Additionally, Dashlane offers a 30-day free trial, enabling businesses to explore the premium features at no cost before committing to a subscription plan.

Here are Dashlane’s plans: 

• Free: $0
• Premium: $4.99 per month (billed annually)
• Friends & Family: $7.49 per month per year (billed annually)
• Business: $8 per seat per month (billed annually)
• Enterprise: Custom pricing

LastPass: Key Features, Pros, Cons, & Pricing

LastPass is a top-tier password management tool designed to securely store, manage, and autofill your login details. All your data is encrypted in a personal password vault, so you only need to remember your master password.

LastPass features intuitive tools to streamline password management, including a web vault and browser extension.

Additional features include various two-factor authentication methods, account recovery options, secure password sharing, password security audits, and emergency access.

Pros & Cons

Pricing

LastPass offers two pricing categories: personal and business plans. For personal use, LastPass provides three plans: Free, Premium, and Family.

For business use, LastPass offers Teams and Business plans.

Here’s an overview of the pricing for each plan:

• Free: $0
• Premium: $3 per month (billed annually)
• Family: $4 per month (billed annually)
• Teams: $4 per month (billed annually) 
• Business: $7 per month (billed annually)

Multi-Factor Security and Authentication

Dashlane enhances password vault security with a variety of multi-factor authentication (MFA) options, including SMS, email, authenticator apps like Google Authenticator and Authy, and physical security keys like YubiKey.

Setting up MFA is simple, strengthening accounts against phishing attacks. However, the lack of support for hardware tokens might deter some users seeking maximum security.

When MFA is enabled, users must provide a one-time code or use their hardware key during login attempts, adding an extra layer of protection. Biometric methods on mobile devices, such as fingerprint and face recognition, further enhance security and usability.

Despite not supporting hardware tokens, Dashlane remains a robust option for individuals and organizations, offering a balance of security, convenience, and accessibility in password management.

LastPass enhances data security with support for both multi-factor authentication (MFA) and two-factor authentication (2FA).

Their adaptive verification system modifies authentication requirements based on user behavior and risk levels.

Users can choose from several second-factor options, including the LastPass Authenticator app, mobile apps, software-based services, and hardware tokens. Premium users gain access to additional methods such as hardware keys and biometrics.

LastPass also allows users to designate trusted devices for 30 days, simplifying authentication while keeping access secure.

As they both have a similar range of MFA options, both tie in this category.

✅ Winner: Tie

One-Time Passwords

Dashlane simplifies OTP generation with its built-in generator, offering robust encryption and customizable expiry durations for added security.

Compatible with TOTP, it ensures secure access across platforms.

Generating OTPs is effortless. Users access the generator, copy the code, and input it on the desired site or app.

Even if the master password is compromised, Dashlane maintains OTP secrecy, safeguarding accounts. Its user-friendly interface and automated OTP detection minimize errors. 

Each OTP benefits from the same encryption level as the password vault, ensuring confidentiality. Additionally, Dashlane allows customization of expiry durations, typically ranging from 30 to 60 seconds, bolstering account security.

LastPass provides a one-time password feature to minimize risks when accessing your web vault from unfamiliar devices, guarding against potential keyloggers.

These passwords expire after use, enhancing security by preventing reuse. Additionally, they can be utilized for emergency recovery, offering options for printing or secure storage.

✅ Winner: Dashlane

Password Capture and Generation

Dashlane effortlessly captures existing passwords from web browsers and generates strong, customized passwords for enhanced security.

This dual capability streamlines password management, eliminating manual input.

Users can specify criteria for password generation, ensuring compliance with various security standards. By excelling in both capture and creation, Dashlane enhances digital identity security.

Its password health score function aids in identifying and replacing weak passwords. Dashlane simplifies password management while ensuring strong and unique credentials for every account.

LastPass simplifies password management by securely storing login details and offering flexible import options from browsers and other password managers like 1Password, Bitwarden, and KeePass.

Users can organize logins into folders and customize settings for each entry.

The password generator feature of LastPass provides flexibility through three accessible methods: browser extension, Security Dashboard in the online application, or through the in-field icon.

Users can customize passwords up to 99 characters in length, with default settings typically at 16 characters. This generator allows for the creation of passwords containing lowercase, uppercase, numeric, and symbol characters.

✅ Winner: Tie

Password Sharing

Dashlane’s password sharing feature offers precise access control, allowing users to specify read-only or full editing access and set expiration dates for shared passwords.

Utilizing end-to-end encryption, Dashlane ensures the security of critical information during transmission and storage.

Additionally, Dashlane’s audit trails and activity logs enable users to monitor and trace password sharing actions, fostering transparency and accountability within teams or among trusted individuals. 

Through robust encryption methods and comprehensive audit trails, Dashlane ensures the safe transfer and storage of shared credentials while providing clear insights into sharing actions for oversight and accountability.

Free LastPass users can engage in one-to-one sharing, while Premium and Family members have the capability to share items with multiple users. Family account holders can share an unlimited number of folders.

Sharing a password via LastPass is simple. The individual sharing the password manages the recipient’s access through the Sharing Center in the web vault.

Users can determine whether recipients can view the password and control access to shared credentials.

✅ Winner: Dashlane

Emergency Access

Dashlane’s emergency access feature is no longer available in the desktop app, which has been discontinued. However, you can still ensure that trusted individuals can manage your important matters in emergencies by taking specific steps to share your Dashlane data.

To provide trusted people access to your Dashlane information during an emergency, you can export your passwords into a DASH file and share it with them.

This method allows you to control how and when they can access your data, providing peace of mind.

For those who only want to share a few logins or secure notes with other Dashlane users, the platform offers sharing options detailed in their support articles. 

Although Dashlane does not have a dedicated emergency access feature like some other password managers, exporting and sharing your DASH file serves as an alternative solution.

LastPass offers an Emergency Access feature for Premium users, allowing up to five contacts. You can set a waiting period before access is granted, providing an opportunity to deny the request if necessary.

For instance, in the event of a car accident, your spouse can request emergency access, which you can then approve or deny depending on your condition.

If no action is taken within the specified wait time, access is automatically granted, assuming the request is legitimate.

This feature can be used to:

• Allow your spouse to access health information stored in Secure Notes during medical emergencies.
• Ensure you have access to your aging parents’ account information and digital will if needed.
• Provide vault access to your children if your health is seriously compromised.

✅ Winner: LastPass

Security Dashboard

Dashlne has your run-of-the-mill security dashboard for regular users. However, it also recently introduced a groundbreaking reporting dashboard that provides unprecedented visibility into your company’s password security, allowing you to monitor improvements over time.

This comes in handy for Enterprise users.

With this dashboard, you can assess employees’ password hygiene and demonstrate to company leadership the effectiveness of strategies to align organizational habits with best practices.

The LastPass Security Dashboard functions as your central hub for digital security, providing an overview of weak and reused passwords, and alerts for compromised accounts that require immediate attention.

The dashboard prominently features your security score, which evaluates the strength of all your passwords and the use of two-factor authentication.

Alongside the score, it lists weak and reused passwords, encouraging you to update them for better security.

From the dashboard, you can:

• Update weak and reused passwords.
• Assess and improve your overall security score.
• Monitor your email addresses for data breaches and receive alerts if your information is compromised.

✅ Winner: Tie

Account Recovery

Dashlane provides account recovery options to all customers, ensuring access to their accounts and data if they forget their Master Password.

Here are the available methods:

• Account Recovery Key: Users can provide their saved recovery key, complete an identity verification step, and recover their account. If a Master Password is available, users will be prompted to change it during the recovery process.
• Admin-Assisted Recovery: For members of Dashlane Starter, Team, or Business plans, admin-assisted recovery allows users and their admin to recover the account if the Master Password is forgotten.
• Biometric Recovery: Users who have set up Dashlane on their Android or iOS devices to unlock their account with biometrics (like fingerprint or face) can enable Biometric recovery. If the wrong password is entered or authentication fails during login, users can recover their account using biometrics without losing any data.

However, it’s important to note that if you’ve forgotten your Master Password and haven’t turned on a recovery method, you may entirely lose your data as a manual reset is the only option.

LastPass offers various account recovery options in case you forget your master password:

• Email Recovery: Visit the recovery page, enter your associated email ID, and follow the instructions in the email to reset your account.
• Computer Recovery: Use a “recovery one-time password” stored in the browser extension on a computer. Click “Forgot password” on the login window to access LastPass recovery. Follow the email instructions to create a new master password.
• Mobile Recovery: This method is recommended. If biometrics and mobile account recovery were previously set up in the LastPass mobile app, you can reset your master password using FaceID, TouchID, or fingerprint. Simply tap “Forgot password” in the mobile app and follow the prompts to enter your biometric data and set a new master password. Note: Prior setup of mobile account recovery in the app is required for this method.

✅ Winner: LastPass

Browser Extensions

Dashlane’s browser extension is compatible with various browsers on your computer but not on mobile devices. However, it is not supported by the DuckDuckGo browser.

If you wish to use Dashlane on your phone or tablet, you can install the Dashlane mobile app.

The browser extension is available on Chrome and Chromium-based browsers, Microsoft Edge, Firefox, and Safari. Additionally, Dashlane offers apps for both Android and iOS devices.

The LastPass browser extension includes an AutoFill feature that stores passwords, addresses, and payment cards.

This allows the browser to automatically fill in forms, making tasks such as account registration and online purchases easier.

Available on Chrome, Firefox, Edge, Safari, and Opera, LastPass AutoFill offers enhanced features and security compared to standard browser options.

✅ Winner: LastPass

Data Privacy and Compliance

Dashlane boasts a patented security architecture, recognized by a U.S. patent, ensuring robust protection for user data. Employing the strongest encryption methods available, Dashlane implements these measures in a strict and innovative manner.

With a “trust no one” philosophy, Dashlane operates on a zero-knowledge system, meaning no server, code, or individual has access to user data.

In addition to its patented security measures, Dashlane holds certifications such as AICPA SOC, further demonstrating its commitment to maintaining high standards of security and compliance.

LastPass has implemented a thorough data privacy program that complies with key global privacy regulations, such as:

• The Privacy Act of Australia (1988)
• Brazil’s General Data Protection Law (LGPD)
• Various US State and Federal Privacy Regulations (including CCPA, CPRA, VCDPA, etc.)
• The General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR)
• Singapore’s Personal Data Protection Act (PDPA)
• The Data Protection Act of the United Kingdom (2018)

LastPass assures users that all data is handled with the highest level of security, employing multiple encryption methods similar to those used by Dashlane.

However, it’s worth noting that previous data breaches have affected consumer trust in LastPass.

✅ Winner: Dashlane

User Interface and User Experience

Dashlane’s user-friendly interface offers easy navigation with a left-hand vertical toolbar for quick access to different sections of the password vault. 

While customization options are somewhat limited, users can still personalize the interface to their preferences.

Despite this, Dashlane’s straightforward design ensures efficient navigation and task execution, catering to users of all experience levels.

LastPass provides an intuitive interface, making tasks like importing and exporting passwords from other managers and browsers easy. Bulk transfer of passwords is also simple.

Installation and setup of LastPass are uncomplicated; users only need to provide an email address and create a master password, with guidance on generating a strong, random password.

✅ Winner: LastPass

Integrations and Compatibility

Dashlane is compatible with major operating systems and browsers, including Windows, macOS, Linux, iOS, and Android, with browser extensions for Chrome, Firefox, Edge, Safari, Opera, and Chromium-based browsers. 

While its native connections cover various apps and services, the absence of APIs may pose challenges for custom integrations. 

Despite this, Dashlane’s broad compatibility streamlines password management across both mobile devices and other platforms, enhancing productivity.

Compatibility with third-party apps and services like email clients and cloud storage providers streamlines password management in familiar environments.

In addition, LastPass provides extensive integrations with Directories and Federated Login services such as Microsoft Active Directory Federation Services (ADFS) and Google Workspace.

This simplifies user onboarding and access management, complemented by Single Sign-On (SSO) capabilities, enhancing user experience and efficiency with integration into over 1,200 pre-connected apps.

Moreover, LastPass mobile apps for iOS and Android offer a seamless experience similar to the browser version. They include security features, password viewing and editing, and autofill functionality.

Autofill on mobile devices is effortless, especially with biometric authentication, ensuring secure access to accounts while on the move.

✅ Winner: Tie

Customer Support

Dashlane primarily offers self-help tools like a comprehensive knowledge base, FAQs, and videos. While email and live chat support are available during business hours, this may inconvenience customers in different time zones.

Despite this, support is prompt and skilled. However, the lack of phone support may hinder those seeking direct assistance.

Despite limited phone support, Dashlane ensures responsive and knowledgeable customer service through other channels, including email and live chat, complemented by a well-organized knowledge base for self-service assistance.

Unlike Dashlane, LastPass offers more support options. Phone support and 24/7 web support are exclusively available to Personal and Business plan users.

A chatbot assists with initial queries, and users can open support tickets as required. Additional resources for problem-solving include a knowledge library and forums.

✅ Winner: LastPass

Pricing

Dashlane offers the following pricing plans which are all billed on a monthly basis, for the annual-model plan.

Plans	Pricing
Premium	$4.99/mo
Friends & family	$7.49/mo
Business	$8/mo
Enterprise	Contact for quote

LastPass offers annual billing for all its plans, which include a free option.

Plans	Pricing
Free	$0
Premium	$3/mo
Families	$4/mo
Teams	$4/mo
Business	$7/mo
Custom	Contact for quote

As LastPass offers a free plan and is more budget-friendly for individuals and family users, it wins this category.

✅ Winner: LastPass

Scalability

Both Dashlane and LastPass provide scalable enterprise plans tailored to the needs of larger organizations. These plans offer advanced features and enhanced security measures to meet the demands of enterprise-level password management. 

Additionally, the other tiers offered by both platforms, such as personal and family plans, cater to individual and small group needs with similar use cases and features.

✅ Winner: Tie

Standout Features of Dashlane

Dashlane offers the following unique features that caught our eye:

• Dashlane’s built-in VPN service sets it apart from other password managers, providing users with enhanced security and privacy by encrypting their internet connection, particularly on public Wi-Fi networks. This VPN integration enables anonymous and secure web browsing, reducing the risk of unauthorized access to online activity and personal information.
• Dashlane offers Dark Web Monitoring, helping users stay informed about potential breaches and allows them to respond swiftly to mitigate threats. By monitoring the dark web, Dashlane assists users in identifying and addressing security vulnerabilities before they escalate, ultimately enhancing the safety of sensitive information and minimizing the risk of identity theft or fraud.

Standout Features of LastPass

LastPass offers a distinctive feature: cloud storage. 

Users can securely store data in their LastPass account, even if it doesn’t fit into any other category, by using secure notes. 

However, this online storage is exclusive to Premium LastPass members, with a maximum limit of 1GB, which cannot be expanded. To store data in LastPass, users must link attachments to items.

Dashlane vs. LastPass: SMB Guide’s Verdict

While both Dashlane and LastPass offer robust password management solutions, LastPass emerges as the winner in our comparison. 

Despite past security issues, LastPass provides a comprehensive feature set, making it the top choice. 

Moreover, its availability of a free plan adds value for budget-conscious users.

However, if you’re more security-conscious, you can check out Dashlane.