Are you finally ready to download a password manager? If so, then you’ve probably already heard of Dashlane; one of the world’s most popular password management apps.
Today, we look at why Dashlane is so popular. Is this app all hype, or is it really the best in class? Let’s get started.
What is Dashlane?
Dashlane is a password management service. It lets you store passwords so you don’t have to enter them manually. It also functions as a password generator that’s full of options.
How Much Does it Cost?
Dashlane offers a few pricing options based on your needs.
The basic plan grants you access to most of the service’s features. Without spending any money, you’ll be able to store an unlimited amount of passwords and data on one device. This device will be able to access your Dashlane information and help you never enter another password. You’ll also be able to use the service’s password generation function and security monitoring services.
However, it’s Dashlane Premium that offers the most single consumer options. With a Premium account, you can sync and store passwords across multiple devices, enjoy additional authentication options via YubiKey, and even receive priority support from the service’s staff. The Dashlane Premium plan currently costs $3.33 a month, and that charge is billed annually.
Finally, there is the Dashlane Business plan, which is really only recommended for small-to-large business owners. This plan offers many of the Premium options, but includes access to an admin console that lets you create custom policies, enhance group management features, extra security options, and more. That plan costs $4 a month per user, and it is also billed annually.
Dashlane Stores My Passwords? How do I Know It’s Secure?
That’s a great question.
So far as protecting your passwords goes, this manager’s security options start with the creation of your master password. This is the one password that this manager won’t store, and that’s because it’s the password that lets you access all of your other passwords.
That also means that if you lose your master password, you’re in a bit of trouble. It’s not impossible to access your account without your master password, but doing so will require quite a bit of effort.
If you’re worried about your master password being compromised, there are additional security options available. Along with two-factor authentication – which requires you to verify log-in attempts – there are also Universal 2nd Factor options. The latter allows you to use a USB device that must physically be interacted with before your account can be accessed. Dashlane Premium users are also able to access incredible secure YubiKey authentication options.
Don’t care about the technical jargon? The short answer to your question is, “Yes, Dashlane is secure.” Alongside the front-facing security options, this manager utilizes a series of behind-the-scenes security features that allow the company to confidently ensure the security of your information in the event that the service is “hacked.” Never believe anyone who promises 100% security online, but Dashlane is about as good as it gets in that respect.
Dashlane Can Create Passwords? Are The Passwords Strong? Are They Easy to Manage?
Oh yeah. In fact, this is one of Dashlane’s best features.
In its simplest form, this feature allows you to click a single button and generate a strong password for any new account you create that requires a password. However, Dashlane isn’t just for new accounts and new passwords.
Let’s say that you just started using the service and feel like your old passwords aren’t good enough. Well, this manager is able to review the passwords you use or the ones that the service generates. Dashlane also assigns a security rating to your passwords that not only takes into account the password itself but how often you’ve used it. Along with being practical, these features give you a better understanding of why passwords are strong in the first place.
It gets even better. Not only can the service generate passwords for new and old accounts, but it even lets you set “rules” about the passwords it creates. Want your passwords to be a certain amount of characters long? You can tell this manager to do that. Want them to only contain lowercase letters? This service can do that. You can even ask the generator function to make sure your password is pronounceable.
This service also offers the option to “auto-change” passwords regularly so you don’t have to mess with it. It’s also easy to manually change passwords in bulk. Basically, this manager accounts for just about any password modification features you can think of.
Ok, but What If I Do Have To Give My Dashlane Passwords to Someone Else?
While Dashlane is all about security, there are a couple of ways the service allows you to share information.
The easiest way is through the service’s built-in share features. Much like Google Docs, this service allows you to send password information to other users just by entering their e-mail address. Before you do, you’re able to set their permission levels so that the app knows whether they’re only able to use, view, or even modify the information that you send them. Of course, you can always revoke or modify their permission.
But what happens if something unfortunate happens to you and you’re not able to access your account? Well, it’s possible to designate an “Emergency Contact” who will receive your information if something happens to you. It’s even possible to grant permission to certain people for certain passwords. So, if your boss should happen to need work-related passwords that you’re not around to give them, you can make sure they see those passwords and only those passwords.
What Else Does Dashlane Do Besides Store Passwords?
While password storage and management is Dashlane’s primary function, it’s also quite handy as a form filler and purchase manager.
This password manager’s form filling options aren’t the best – it’s not a fully-fledged form filling service RoboForm – but they’re not bad. The service is able to store basic information like your e-mail, address, and phone number so that you can just click a button and let the service fill out that information in online fields. You’ll occasionally encounter errors like unrecognized fields, but they’re fairly rare.
You can also use the manager’s features to create and store online receipts. While these receipts are usually available via whatever website you made a purchase at, the service does make it easy to keep all of that information in one place.
However, you will probably want to use a dedicated app for those functions if you’re looking for something more than the basics.
Dashlane Can Do A Lot, But Is It Easy to Use?
For the most part, Dashlane is very easy to use.
In fact, one of the things that separate this manager from its competition is the service’s brilliant user interface. While many password managers are designed to look pretty dry in an apparent attempt to make them appear “professional,” Dashlane offers some visual flair. Colors and logos are liberally used throughout the design, but you never feel overwhelmed by the layout.
Actually, that’s one of Dashlane’s biggest selling points. While the benefit of a good password manager is that you rarely have to “use it,” this app makes it easy to dive into the service’s advanced settings and have some fun with its more involved features. You’ll never feel intimidated by what’s available, which is pretty impressive when you consider what this manager offers.
However, Dashlane’s interface isn’t perfect. For instance, the service has a bad habit of trying to ask you to create a new password after a failed log-in attempt. It can get annoying to dismiss those notifications. The service is also sometimes too eager to log you out of your account, which is annoying when you consider that you do have to enter your master password every time it happens (which does defeat the purpose a bit).
How Good is the Dashlane App?
The Dashlane App for iOS works very well, even if it does sometimes leave you with the feeling that you’re missing out.
Mind you, that’s not because it’s missing any incredibly important features but rather has to do with the fact that this manger was clearly designed to be more of a desktop service. At the very least, it feels like some of the app’s more advanced features are easier to access and utilize via the desktop version than the mobile app.
Still, the app is top-tier among other password managers, and you’ll likely never notice its flaws unless you regularly use the desktop version. Speaking of which…
Do I Really Need a Premium Dashlane Account?
Yes, you kind of do. Sadly, this is Dashlane’s biggest flaw.
We could do without most of the premium features, except for multi-device support. That feature is usually standard for even free managers. Here, though, you’ll need to pay to use the manager on multiple devices.
The problem is that you’ll get to a point where you rely on this service to store and manage a variety of complex passwords. While that’s great if you’re on your enabled device, the moment you navigate to another device and realize you don’t remember any of your Dashlane passwords is a real wake-up call.
Not everyone might have that problem based on their memory and password preferences, but if it sounds like that might be an issue for you one day, then we recommend saving your pennies for Dashlane Premium. It’s a bit of a shame that’s the case, but it’s worth noting that Dashlane’s free version is otherwise quite good.
How is Dashlane’s Customer Service?
It’s funny, but with a service as generally reliable as this one, you’ll likely have very little reason to ever bother the company’s customer service department.
In case you do find cause to do so, though, then you’ll be happy to know that most reports indicate that Dashlane’s customer service is quite good. Outside of reports from the occasional irate customer, most people seem to have had good experiences with Dashlane’s service department.
Dashlane Premium customers are also granted “priority” requests. However, you probably won’t invest in that service solely for that feature.
Overall, What Are The Best Things About Dashlane?
Dashlane is a sleek and secure password manager that rarely forfeits functionality for accessibility.
The thing that you have to love about this app is that you’ll never really feel like you’re missing out when you’re using it. Once you get past the initial set-up process – and maybe change some old passwords – you’ll find that you rarely have to interact with the service more than you want to. You’ll be pleased with how easy it is to navigate this manger’s most advanced features. You can easily make this service your own.
For single users, Dashlane is just one of the most reliable and overall well-designed password managers out there. It’s especially appealing to less tech-savvy users who might not want to bother with complicated encryptions.
Overall, What Are the Worst Things About Dashlane?
The price of Dashlane Premium is the service’s biggest flaw.
While roughly $40 a year for a high-quality password manager isn’t the worst thing ever, the fact that you’re really paying that price just to be able to use the service on multiple devices is a tough pill to swallow.
If the price doesn’t bother you, then you’ll probably have no real issues using this manager. If the premium price tag is an issue, then you might want to look elsewhere for a password manager.
Final Thoughts
As a pure password manager, Dashlane is one of the best on the market. It’s really just a couple of minor fixes away from being pretty much the perfect option for the widest array of users (with the possible exception of businesses).
Premium subscribers are the only ones getting the full experience. Those subscribers are the ones getting everything that makes Dashlane great. Only you know for sure just how much that matters to you.
Score: 9/10
- Brilliant Design
- Tons of Great Features
- Secure and Trustworthy
- The Premium Plan Price Tag
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