The new package is its cheapest tier available (outside of its free offering), and lets users manage passwords on two devices. The Essentials plan means that Dashlane now has a more value-led proposition for users, but how does it stack up against its competitors?
Dashlane’s Essentials Tier
The new tier from Dashlane sits between its free package and its Premium one. It’s priced at $2.49 per month, making it ever so slightly cheaper than the $3.99 per month Premium package. So what do you get? The real headline with Essentials is that you can install it on two devices. The free tier only allows for installation on one device, which means that if you install it on your laptop, you’ll have to juggle passwords manually on your phone. Essentials sidesteps this issue by allowing you to install it on both your laptop and phone (or tablet, or two PCs, or two phones). The Essentials plan also includes Dashlane’s password changer, which can automatically generate strong passwords for the user on compatible websites. Essentials also gives you access to Secure Notes, a helpful feature which lets you store plain text securely — think a phone lock screen number or laptop password. Read our full review of Dashlane
How Does Essentials Compare to Other Password Managers?
The timing of Dashlane’s new, cheaper tier isn’t an accident. It comes soon after LastPass announced that its free tier would be more restricted, and only allow users to have an account on either a phone OR a computer. Essentials, on the other hand, can be installed on two separate devices. It’s no coincidence that Dashlane’s new tier costs 50 cents less per month than LastPass’ Premium plan — it’s clearly looking to catch those that wanted a password manager on two devices, but wanted a cheaper deal. But Dashlane and LastPass aren’t the only password managers in town, so how does Essentials compare with the rest of the competition? 1Password’s cheapest package, Standard, costs $2.99 per month, making it 50 cents per month more expensive than the Dashlane Essentials tier. However, 1Password’s offering can be used across an unlimited number of devices. NordPass, meanwhile, has a free tier that allows for use on one device. However, its Premium package can be installed on six devices and costs $1.49 per month. Finally, Sticky Password has a free tier that actually includes unlimited devices. The rub here, though, is that there is no synchronization between those devices, meaning you’ll have to manage them all separately, and what you do on one device won’t be remembered on another. To get cross-device synchronization, you’ll need the Premium package, at $2.49 per month. Read our guide to the best password manager of 2021
Do You Need a Password Manager?
A password manager relieves a lot of the stress of remembering all those passwords and makes logging into sites as simple as tapping a button. Not only that, but password managers will suggest passwords for you, ones that are more secure than the name of your first pet (sorry Fluffkins). Some also monitor the web too, alerting you when a password is compromised through a hack or leak. For just a few dollars a month, we think that a password manager is well worth the money. Of course, there are also free options, but you’ll likely out grow their restrictions pretty quickly. Many password managers include a free trial, so you can give them a go before spending a cent.
