Bitwarden vs Dashlane 2026: Which Is Better Overall?
- Written by Sayb Saad Former Writer
- Fact-Checked by Sarah Frazier Former Content Manager
Short on time? Here’s our verdict: Dashlane is the overall winner between these 2 password managers. It gives you stronger default security, smoother autofill, and built-in extras like breach monitoring and a VPN, making it the easier everyday choice.
You don’t think about a password manager until you have a locked account, a leak notice, or a login form that refuses to save. That’s when you start asking which tool is better to guard the keys to your digital life? And the showdown often boils down to Bitwarden and Dashlane .
I put both through their paces, saving logins, testing autofill on messy forms, and diving deep into their security setups. Bitwarden flexed with open-source roots, advanced 2FA, and even self-hosting. Dashlane hit back with a slick design, flawless autofill, and useful built-in extras.
Here’s the truth: both protect your data with top-tier encryption, but they serve different needs . Bitwarden is great for control and long-term value, Dashlane for polish and bundled perks like a VPN. If you ask me, I’d pick Dashlane because I found it easier to use and it’s packed with extra tools. It comes with a 30-day money-back guarantee, so you can try it risk-free.
Protect your credentials with Dashlane
No Time? Here’s a 1-Minute Summary of Category Winners
Dashlane is easier to use and has slightly better encryption, smoother autofill, and extras like breach monitoring and a built-in VPN make it the easier everyday pick. Bitwarden isn’t far behind, though. It offers open-source transparency, more flexible 2FA, and detailed reports. Add in a generous free plan, and it’s an excellent value if budget is your top concern.
| Security | Open-source and flexible; Argon2id available, though PBKDF2 remains the default | Uses Argon2 by default with strong audits, giving out-of-the-box protection |
| Password Storage | Powerful vault with SSH Keys, attachments, and granular organization via Collections | Cleaner layout and health tools; Secrets and group sharing on business plans |
| Privacy | Open-source transparency, SOC 3, flexible self-hosting, and US/EU data residency choices | EU hosting with ISO 27001 and SOC 2; hashed IDs for ad suppression |
| Ease of Use | Straightforward but more hands-on; settings and reports can take extra clicks | Smoother UI with clear actions; faster cleanup of weak and reused passwords |
| Customer Service | Tickets and a forum for most; business plans include 24/7 priority email | Live chat for individuals; enterprise admins also get phone support and Zoom |
| Plans & Pricing | Lowest-cost paid tiers and generous free plan deliver the best value | Higher pricing balanced by VPN bundle and built-in breach monitoring extras |
Jump to see a full comparison of features
What to Look for When Comparing Password Managers
When comparing password managers, we didn’t just skim the feature lists but rather dug into the parts that shape your daily use and decide whether a tool will protect you when it matters most. Here’s the checklist I used to judge Bitwarden and Dashlane.
- Security — Strong encryption and zero-knowledge design are musts, but we also checked how each handles 2FA and whether outside audits back up their claims.
- Password Storage — A vault isn’t just for logins, so we tested generators, auditing tools, and how each handles files and attachments.
- Auto-Save and Fill — This makes or breaks your workflow. We tested each on tricky forms, from shopping checkouts to multi-step logins.
- Privacy — Policies can hide a lot, so we looked at what data they actually collect and whether their systems have been tested by independent firms.
- Ease of Use — We checked how smooth the setup was and whether features felt the same across desktop, mobile, and browser extensions.
- Extra Features — Things like dark web alerts, VPN bundles, and emergency access can tip the scale, so we put them to the test.
- Customer Service — When things break, you need help fast. We measured response speed and the quality of the answers we got.
- Plans and Pricing — Last, we weighed every feature against the price tag to see which one truly delivers value for your money.
1. Security — Dashlane Has Stronger Default Encryption
Dashlane is safer out of the box because it uses Argon2 , which makes brute-force attacks much harder than the older method Bitwarden starts with. Both companies are checked by outside auditors. Dashlane has ISO 27001 and SOC 2 Type II certifications to show this, but Bitwarden also publishes a SOC 3 report so anyone can see the results.
Encryption — Dashlane Uses Stronger Protection by Default
Both use AES-256 encryption , the same military-grade standard trusted by banks and the NSA. That means your entire vault is locked behind one unbreakable cipher, and decryption happens only on your device. No one else, not even the provider, can access your data.
But Dashlane pulls ahead because it uses Argon2 by default . This memory-hard key derivation function makes brute-force attacks way slower than Bitwarden’s default PBKDF2-SHA256. Bitwarden defaults to PBKDF2-SHA256, but you can switch to Argon2id in their account settings.
Unless you’re running your own server or working in a business setup, Dashlane gives you stronger out-of-the-box encryption with no effort on your part.
Encryption Winner: Dashlane
Two-Factor Authentication (2FA) — Bitwarden Offers More Ways to Lock Your Vault
Bitwarden gives you more ways to lock down your vault. It supports TOTP, FIDO2, YubiKey, Duo, and email verification. Free users can use TOTP or email, while paid plans unlock the rest. Plus, Bitwarden Premium (and higher) can generate TOTPs for logins, doubling as an authenticator.
Dashlane only supports authenticator-app TOTP codes plus backup codes. Security keys don’t work as a second step here — instead, you can use them for passwordless login. That’s fine for most people who just want simple app-based codes, but it’s not as flexible as Bitwarden’s mix of hardware keys, Duo, and advanced options.
Two-Factor Authentication (2FA) Winner: Bitwarden
2. Password Storage — Dashlane Is Better for Everyday Use
Dashlane makes storing, finding, and fixing credentials feel effortless. Its vault layout, Password Health score, and breach alerts work together, so you can see what’s weak and fix it fast. Bitwarden lets you store attachments and has a great generator. I was also glad that it now lets you store SSH keys. But its best tools live in the web app, and they take a touch more work.
Password Vault — Dashlane Feels Cleaner; Bitwarden Adds Power Items
Dashlane’s vault is tidy and slick , categorized by logins, secure notes, personal info, payments, and IDs. It’s made for quick wins — add a license or passport, autofill your address, store a bank card, and be done. You can also use Collections to group logins/notes and, on business plans, store and share Secrets (API keys, tokens) as a distinct item type.
Both tools let you move your data easily, but Bitwarden gives you more control. It supports full imports from 70+ apps and exports from anywhere. Dashlane only exports through its desktop or browser app, and imports work best on Android or the web. Just remember: exported files aren’t encrypted, so wipe them right after importing.
Bitwarden supports 5 item types, including SSH keys , plus folders and Collections for organizing shared data. You can attach encrypted files (up to 1 GB total) to items. For one-time sharing, Bitwarden Send supports files up to 500 MB (and 100 MB on the free plan). This is pretty handy for recovery keys or license PDFs.
Both vaults support structured sharing. Dashlane has a Sharing Center for secure item sharing, with business plans adding group sharing and ‘Secrets,’ an encrypted storage for API keys and tokens. Bitwarden uses Organizations (free for 2 users, upgradable to Families or Teams). Devs can also use Bitwarden’s standalone Secrets Manager for CI/CD and automation.
Password Vault Winner: Dashlane
Password Generator — Bitwarden Can Create More Complex Passwords
If you want the strongest possible random strings or a dialed-in passphrase, Bitwarden is your tool. It generates passwords up to 128 characters and offers granular controls; Bitwarden also supports passphrases with flexible word counts . That’s ideal for sites with strict rules or when you want long, memorable phrases.
Dashlane’s generator is fast and friendly. It supports passphrases in the web app and browser extension (mobile support isn’t available yet) and lets you include/exclude look-alike characters. Dashlane passwords can be 40 characters long , which is plenty for most sites but not ideal for edge cases like service accounts.
Overall, Bitwarden has a clear edge in terms of range and control , but Dashlane is also great for quick, sane defaults where 40 characters are enough.
Password Generator Winner: Bitwarden
Password Auditing — Dashlane Shows You What to Fix First
Dashlane rolls all your weak, reused, and breached logins into one clear score. You also get real-time alerts tied to Dark Web Monitoring. Update a bad password, and your score instantly climbs, which makes it obvious you’re making progress. It’s quick, visual, and motivating.
Bitwarden’s reports cover a lot too, but they’re split between free and paid features. On the free plan, you can see weak, reused, or exposed passwords in the web app. Premium adds Data Breach Monitoring and other reports, like checking which logins don’t use HTTPS or are missing 2FA. The tools are nice, but they feel like raw data you need to sort through yourself.
If you want a clear to-do list and instant feedback, Dashlane is easier and more actionable , while Bitwarden is better if you prefer digging into detailed reports.
Password Auditing Winner: Dashlane
Password Sharing — Dashlane Makes Sharing Simpler
Dashlane makes sharing simple. From the Sharing Center, you just pick what you want to share — logins, Secure Notes, or Secrets (on pro plans) — and send them to people or groups. You can’t share payment cards, which is a smart move to avoid fraud. On business plans, group sharing keeps access neat and organized.
Bitwarden takes a different route. You create an Organization and sort items into Collections. The free plan covers 2 people (perfect for couples), Families covers 6, and business tiers add fine-tuned permission controls. If you just need to send a note or file once, Bitwarden Send handles up to 500 MB securely .
For everyday use, Dashlane’s UI wins. For budget-minded sharers or families who want low cost and control, Bitwarden is a pretty decent option.
Password Sharing Winner: Dashlane
3. Auto-Save and Fill — Dashlane Wins for Smooth, Smarter Filling
Both password managers can save new logins and fill them back in when you need them. But Dashlane does it with less fuss. It feels quicker and smarter, while Bitwarden still takes a bit more effort to set up.
With Dashlane, you get fine control over when and where autofill works. You can pause it for a whole site, a single field, or even just one saved login. I liked that I could stop auto-login on my bank’s site, where I prefer to type my details myself. It’s easy to tweak with one click, so you don’t feel locked in.
Dashlane also works really well on tricky sites. When we tested two-page logins and forms with extra fields, it handled them without any issues. Bitwarden works well on desktop for these, but on mobile, it struggles with split logins. If you rely on your phone for banking or work apps, that can be a hassle.
Both tools now support passkeys. Dashlane keeps them in a secure cloud and syncs across devices. Bitwarden handles them too, in both the extensions and its mobile apps. Either way, when a site says “Use a passkey,” both managers pop up and guide you through it.
Auto-Save and Fill Winner: Dashlane
4. Privacy — Bitwarden Wins on Transparency and Control
Both Bitwarden and Dashlane protect your data with a zero-knowledge system. This means your vault is locked with encryption on your device, and even the companies themselves can’t read what’s inside. That’s the minimum level of security, and both meet it.
Where Bitwarden pulls ahead is in openness. Its code is public, so anyone can check it. Plus, you can even run Bitwarden on your own server if you want total control.
If you care about where your data is stored, Bitwarden lets you choose between US and EU servers. Dashlane hosts user data on AWS in Ireland (EU) with monitoring via Datadog in France. Both follow strict security standards like ISO 27001 and SOC 2 Type II. Bitwarden also publishes a SOC 3 report and posts results of independent audits.
Both companies also use HackerOne bug bounty programs so security experts can keep testing their systems. Outside your vault, both collect some account and usage data . Dashlane may share hashed emails or device IDs with advertising partners, specifically to avoid showing ads to existing users. None of this ever touches your encrypted vault, but it’s worth being aware of.
Privacy Winner: Bitwarden
5. Ease of Use — Dashlane Wins for a Smoother Everyday Experience
Both Bitwarden and Dashlane are easy to use, but Dashlane feels smoother right from the start . You click less, see more at once, and can clean up weak passwords faster. Bitwarden is also beginner-friendly, but it leans more “hands-on.” Once you start digging into settings and advanced features, you’ll notice it asks for a bit more effort.
Extra Features — Dashlane Packs More “Set-and-Forget” Tools
Dashlane gives you Dark Web Monitoring on Premium, Family, and business plans. It scans for your emails in breach dumps and pings you when it finds a hit, so you can change those passwords right away.
You also get a built-in VPN powered by Hotspot Shield — it’s available on both plans. On Family, only the manager account gets the VPN, though (not member accounts). On business plans, the business admin can enable it for members. It’s not the same as a top-tier standalone VPN , but it’s great for quick privacy on hotel or cafe WiFi.
Bitwarden’s extras are just as strong, but they give you more ways to customize your setup. You get Vault Health Reports, Emergency Access, and Bitwarden Send to securely share files (up to 500 MB). Bitwarden also works with email alias services like SimpleLogin, Firefox Relay, and Fastmail to protect your real email.
Like Dashlane, Bitwarden also supports item sharing via Organizations, from a free 2-person org (great for couples) up to Families and business tiers — and it’s not just text files either.
Extra Features Winner: Dashlane
Device Compatibility — Bitwarden Has Native Desktop Apps
If you want a true desktop app on every operating system, Bitwarden is the clear pick. It has apps for Windows, macOS, Linux, iOS, Android, plus extensions for all major browsers.
Dashlane runs on iOS, Android, and browsers (Chrome, Edge, Firefox, Safari). On macOS, you also get a native app that pairs with Safari. On Windows and Linux, Dashlane skips a full desktop app , but the browser extension and web app still cover what most people need.
Both support biometric unlock (Windows Hello, Touch ID, Face ID) , so you don’t have to type your master password every time. One heads-up for Dashlane users — starting October 1, 2025, Dashlane logins on desktop will move entirely to the browser extension instead of the web console. Day-to-day autofill stays the same; you’ll just manage everything from the extension.
Device Compatibility Winner: Bitwarden
6. Customer Service — Dashlane Has Better Real-Time Help
If you want fast answers, Dashlane is the stronger choice. Its Help Center has a chatbot, and during Monday to Friday, 9 am to 6 pm ET, a real support agent can jump in. You can chat in English, French, German, or Spanish.
Enterprise Omnix admins also get access to phone support and scheduled Zoom calls , which is handy for larger IT teams that need direct help. There’s no phone line for regular Premium or Family users, but the live chat and tickets cover most cases.
Bitwarden takes a more traditional route. You get a well-stocked Help Center, an active Community Forum, and ticket-based support. If you’re on a business plan, Bitwarden also offers 24/7/365 email and ticket support. But for everyone else, you’ll rely on tickets and email since there’s no live chat or phone option.
Both Dashlane and Bitwarden publish status pages. Dashlane’s shows live updates, while Bitwarden lists real-time status plus history for its US and EU servers. It’s worth checking these before you file a ticket. Sometimes the “problem” is just a temporary outage hitting everyone.
Customer Service Winner: Dashlane
7. Plans and Pricing — Bitwarden Wins on Cost; Dashlane Wins on Bundled Value
If you want the lowest bill, go with Bitwarden . It has a solid free plan and some of the cheapest paid tiers you’ll find. If you’d rather pay more upfront to get extras built in like Dark Web Monitoring and a VPN, then Dashlane might make sense.
Price — Bitwarden Gives You More for Less
Bitwarden’s paid plans are much lower-cost than Dashlane’s. Families get a budget-friendly option too, and you can even set up a free 2-person Organization if you only need to share with a partner.
Dashlane starts at $1 a month and bills annually only. But if you account for the extras you’re getting, like a free VPN and dark web monitoring, the pricing starts making sense. Its Family plan supports more users than Bitwarden’s, though only the main account holder gets the VPN. If you’ll actually use those extras, the higher price may be worth it.
Price Winner: Bitwarden
Free Version — Bitwarden Is the Only Real Free Option Left
Bitwarden is one of the few password managers with a free plan that supports unlimited devices. Most other free versions will either restrict you to one of your devices (a mobile or a laptop) or one simultaneous device connection. Bitwarden’s free plan covers all the core things you’d expect from a good manager , including encrypted export and:
| Unlimited devices and passwords | Browser, mobile, and desktop apps | Passkey management | Store notes, credit cards, and identities |
|---|---|---|---|
| Free sharing with another user | Bitwarden Send | Username and password generator | Basic 2-step login (email or authenticator app) |
In contrast, Dashlane discontinued its free plan in September 2025. Its free accounts go into export-only mode, giving you a year to move your data, but you can’t use the free plan anymore. If you need a free password manager long-term, Bitwarden is your only option.
Free Version Winner: Bitwarden
Money-Back Guarantee — Dashlane Lets You Try the Service Free of Cost for Longer
Both Dashlane and Bitwarden give you a 30-day money-back guarantee , but the process isn’t the same. Dashlane’s refund applies only to personal plans. If you paid by credit card, you can request a refund in the web app. If you used PayPal, Google Play, or Apple, you’ll need to go through their chatbot or the store.
Bitwarden’s refund policy is more straightforward. The refund policy applies to all paid services, not just certain plans. If you change your mind, you simply contact support and they’ll handle it. Business customers are also covered here, unlike Dashlane , which doesn’t extend the same process to them.
Trials differ as well. Dashlane now gives new users a 30-day Premium trial , after which accounts drop into export-only mode unless upgraded. Students can also claim a free year of Premium, though the VPN isn’t part of trial access. Bitwarden skips a Premium trial (since it has a free plan) but offers 7-day trials for Families, Teams, and Enterprise plans.
Money-Back Guarantee Winner: Dashlane
And the Winner Is… Dashlane
This was a really close contest. While Dashlane edged ahead slightly, Bitwarden is no lightweight . It holds its own with open-source transparency, strong security options, and unbeatable value for the price. But if your budget allows, Dashlane is the slightly better option here, mainly because of a smoother user experience and built-in extras.
| Bitwarden | Dashlane | |
|---|---|---|
| Encryption | Defaults to PBKDF2 but lets all users switch to Argon2id | Uses Argon2 by default with ISO 27001 and SOC 2 certifications |
| Two-Factor Authentication (2FA) | Wide range: TOTP, email, FIDO2, YubiKey, Duo (some paid) | TOTP and backup codes only; keys work for passwordless login |
| Password Storage | 5 item types with SSH keys and 1 GB file attachments | Clean vault with IDs, payments, notes, and Secrets on business plans |
| Auto-Save and Fill | Works well, but mobile struggles with split logins | Smooth autofill, per-site controls, reliable with complex forms |
| Password Generator | Highly customizable, up to 128 characters, flexible passphrases | User-friendly, supports passphrases, but capped at 40 characters |
| Privacy | Open source, self-hosting option, SOC 3 reports, US/EU hosting | Data hosted in the EU, SOC 2 certified, some hashed data sharing |
| Password Auditing | Free covers weak/reused passwords; Premium adds breach monitoring | One score plus real-time breach alerts and motivating feedback |
| Password Sharing | Free 2-user orgs, family/business orgs, Bitwarden Send up to 500 MB | Simple Sharing Center; group sharing and Secrets on business plans |
| Ease of Use | Straightforward but more hands-on, best for tinkerers | Cleaner interface, faster to act on weak passwords |
| Extra Features | Emergency access, Send, health reports, email alias support | Dark Web Monitoring and bundled Hotspot Shield VPN |
| Device Compatibility | Full native desktop apps for Windows, macOS, Linux | No Windows/Linux desktop app; browser extension covers most needs |
| Customer Service | Knowledge base, forum, tickets; business gets 24/7 email support | Live chat for individuals; phone/Zoom for enterprise admins |
| Price | Extremely low-cost paid plans and family sharing | Higher pricing but includes VPN and breach monitoring |
| Free Version | Unlimited devices, notes, cards, passkeys, and basic 2FA | Free plan discontinued in 2025; export-only for one year |
| Money-Back Guarantee | 30-day refund for all paid services, including business | 30-day refund on personal plans; third-party stores vary, but it lets you try it out for longer |
If you want a budget-friendly manager that gives you strong security, flexible 2FA, and the transparency of open-source code, Bitwarden is hard to beat. Its free plan is very generous , and its Premium plan costs less per year than most competitors charge per month. Business teams and privacy enthusiasts who value choice and control will be happiest here.
But Dashlane is the better choice overall if you want security and convenience without tinkering. Its Argon2 default makes it secure right away, while features like Dark Web Monitoring and a built-in VPN add value for anyone who just wants everything handled in one place. You can try it risk-free as Dashlane has a 30-day refund guarantee.
Overall Winner: Dashlane
How to Use Dashlane on Your Device
- Install Dashlane. Open the App Store or Google Play Store, search for Dashlane, and download the app on your phone.
- Create an account. Open the app, tap ‘Get Started,’ and enter the email address you want to set up an account with.
- Set up a master password. Enter your master password and start storing passwords on Dashlane.
