Dashlane vs LastPass

There are plenty of password manager options available, making weighing the options a little overwhelming. Instead of leaving you to make a blind choice, we get down to basics to identify the pros and cons of both Dashlane and LastPass, highlighting the most important features so you can make an easy choice. Note that choosing a password manager is somewhat personal; your ideal password manager may not be right for your friends or business associates.

All password managers do roughly the same thing: store passwords securely for fast and easy use. However, there are a few ways in which various functionality differs. These common features should be an important point of consideration when weighing Dashlane vs LastPass.

1. Security & Encryption

Password manager security is paramount. An insecure system can leave your passwords vulnerable, putting your account access and personal information at risk. A good password manager will use strong encryption methods designed to be as hard to hack as possible, including complex keys and ciphers and two-factor authentication.

Protection measures are always changing and evolving, too, so it’s critical that password managers are always as up to date as possible.

2. App Compatibility

You likely use passwords across various devices, accounts and applications, from the apps on your iPhone to the accounts on work-specific websites. A good password manager should be able to accommodate as much of your normal use as possible, which means that broad compatibility is key. However, not all password managers will be compatible across all hardware and software, including mobile apps, so ensure the one you choose will work where you want it to.

3. Usability & Ease of Use

No one wants to spend hours learning how to use a password manager. As a software program dedicated to convenience, an effective password manager should be easy to learn and easy to use. A challenging installation process, a confusing interface or lackluster help resources can all negatively affect the user experience and make it harder to maximize the benefits a password manager has to offer.

4. Password Sharing

Password sharing can be a valuable feature under certain circumstances, like for business and family users. For those who want to make sure passwords are always available, password sharing should be a priority when evaluating different products. However, for single users who don’t anticipate a need for sharing, this may not be a must-have.

5. Price

Price points can vary considerably from one product to the next. Some products are free with limited use while others come with things like unlimited password storage and device portability with a membership. While personal budget will play a role in deliberation, what can be gained with a paying membership can be important to consider.

To help you make the best decision possible, we spent over 10 hours researching Dashlane and Lastpass to see how they compare on the five key features. Below is the breakdown.

Dashlane is a highly trusted name in security, boasting an advanced use of security measures to keep users protected. Dashlane uses a zero-knowledge model in which user data stored on company servers is inaccessible. This means that even if hacked, user data can’t be retrieved. Dashlane also uses PBKDF2 SHA-256 and AES-256 algorithms to encrypt data — an industry standard used by companies and government entities worldwide. Further, Dashlane generates a device key that is unique to a device’s software and hardware completely separate from the master password in use, creating a model that is nearly impossible to breach. Two-factor authentication is available for an extra level of security.

LastPass is very similar to Dashlane in company security practices. LastPass also uses a zero-knowledge model that protects user data from breaches and employs the same protective algorithms to keep passwords as protected as possible. LastPass was hacked in 2015, but due to the nature of the company’s encryption measures, no unencrypted user data was compromised. LastPass also offers the ability to use multi-factor authentication while most alternatives only permit two-factor functionality. LastPass doesn’t take advantage of the device key strategy Dashlane uses, but the security measures in place are more than adequate to keep users protected.

App compatibility is a primary focus for those using multiple devices across various operating systems. Dashlane offers robust support for a wide variety of technological devices and apps, with all major players supported, including Mac and Window PC operating systems, Chrome, Firefox, Safari and Edge. However, Dashlane isn’t as fully compatible with some alternatives as other password managers. Some alternatives, like Linux, Chromebooks and Brave’s standalone mode, require a browser extension to be installed. Opera doesn’t formally support Dashlane, but a browser extension can be used to achieve genre compatibility. Blackberry, Windows Phone and Windows RT are not supported.

LastPass is a little broader in terms of its availability; there are few avenues not fully supported by LastPass. Similar to Dashlane, LastPass works with all major browsers and operating systems, making it easy to use their product across virtually every avenue desired. In addition, LastPass is also compatible with Dolphin, Windows Phone, and Windows RT — none of which can be used with Dashlane. Blackberry is not supported by LastPass.

For those seeking a fast, easy experience, both Dashlane and LastPass make it easy. Both products boast fast and simple installation and registration with a clean, simple interface.

Once an account and device key have been created, Dashlane makes it easy to upload password information, adding currently saved information from other password managers or even directly from your browser to save time. Once passwords are imported or added, the interface is easy to use. Users can go back and edit information or add more information, like bank account numbers, routing numbers, SSNs, or other details based on relevance to accounts. In browsers, Dashlane’s use of an extension can be a benefit, allowing for easier access to passwords without going into the app itself. Users can choose which, if any, fields they want to autofill, providing a customizable experience. Dashlane will also let you know if your information has been found on the dark web and can automatically change passwords when recommended on select sites.

Like Dashlane, LastPass allows data imports from prior password managers, saving significant time. Unlike Dashlane, LastPass doesn’t function as a standalone app but rather a browser-based UI. This means that the program is accessible from any browser rather than solely a device with the app or browser extension installed. The features offered by LastPass are extremely similar to Dashlane, including the ability to add information and notes to accounts for a more comprehensive experience.

Both Dashlane and LastPass make password sharing fast and easy, allowing users to customize the experience as desired.

Dashlane uses a Sharing Center feature accessible using the menu bar on the left of the home screen. From here, it’s possible to create separate vaults to share with other users. Vaults can include individual accounts or entire categories. Dashlane’s free version limits sharing to five passwords, but the paid versions allow for unlimited sharing.

Using LastPass, users must create a folder containing all accounts they want to share using the Sharing Center on the bottom left of the main screen. This can be very useful for things like streaming platform passwords used by multiple people. With paid plans, passwords can be shared among as many users as desired. The free plan, however, is limited to a single added user.

Cost is always a point of consideration, especially for those who do not have hundreds to spend on a password manager. Luckily, both Dashlane and LastPass are relatively affordable, providing an excellent service at reasonable prices.

Dashlane‘s free plan is quite limiting, allowing up to just 50 entries, but web users who create accounts sparingly or don’t shop online may be fine with this option. Paid plans allow for unlimited entries, VPN access and access to premium customer support while the premium plan even provides $1,000,000 in identity theft protection. Family plans also come in premium and premium plus, and one business plan exists for all team, business, and enterprise use.

LastPass offers a serviceable free option — a rarity in the world of password managers. While features are still limited, LastPass offers something virtually no one else does without a paid package: multi-device sync and password sharing. The free model also allows for unlimited entries, another rarity. The lowest-tiered paid plan adds in priority support and the ability for application autofill.

As evidenced above, both Dashlane and LastPass are excellent options with strong security, comprehensive features and plenty of perks. However, as with any tool, there are differences between the two that can influence the decision-making process. Below is a comparison table that outlines the main functionality differences between each option to help you make an informed choice.

Dashlane vs LastPass Comparison Table