Dashlane vs 1 — Which Is Better in 2025? (Full Tests)
Dashlane and 1 are both industry-leading managers with reliable security and many features for convenience. However, I wanted to see which is the superior app, so I compared both across various categories to determine the better option.
During tests, I found that Dashlane and 1 offer many reliable security and management features. However, Dashlane stands out as the better option, as it includes a built-in VPN, a money-back guarantee, better , and a completely free plan.
While 1 has some unique strengths, like its travel mode, masked emails, and privacy cards, Dashlane emerges as the better option. It offers more value for money and is a more well-rounded manager. Best of all, there’s a 30-day free trial and a 30-day money-back guarantee so you try Dashlane’s plans to see for yourself.
No Time? Here’s a 1-Minute Summary of Category Winners
Both Dashlane and 1 are industry-leading managers, so I’m not surprised that they’re equally effective in most categories. However, Dashlane stands out in a few categories, like ease of use, pricing, and customer .
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Encryption | Uses AES 256-bit encryption to safeguard vault data. | Protects vault data with AES 256-bit encryption. |
Two-Factor Authentication (2FA) | s two-factor authentication through various methods. | Offers multiple methods to set up two-factor authentication. |
Storage | Has a secure vault with encrypted file storage and space for all your sensitive data. | Comes with a secure vault with file storage and for various data types. |
Auto-Save and Fill | Has excellent auto-save and auto-fill with phishing protection mechanisms. | Provides smooth and reliable auto-save and auto-fill functionality. |
Generator | Comes with a built-in generator. | Includes a built-in generator. |
Privacy | SOC 2 Type 2 certified with a zero-knowledge architecture. | Has a zero-knowledge architecture, is SOC 2 Type 2 certified, and has cleared multiple independent audits. |
Auditing | Has a Health feature for auditing purposes. | Includes the Watchtower for auditing. |
Sharing | Provides tools for safe and secure sharing. | Allows secure -sharing. |
Ease of Use | Has beginner-friendly and easy-to-install apps and extensions. | Provides -friendly apps and extensions. |
Extra Features | Includes key , health monitoring, dark web monitoring, and more. | Offers masked emails, key , a travel mode, dark web monitoring, and more. |
Device Compatibility | Works on Windows, macOS, Linux, Android, and iOS. | s Windows, macOS, Linux, Android, and iOS. |
Customer Service | Includes live chat, ticket-based , and an online knowledge base. | Offers email , community forums, and an online knowledge base. |
Price | Delivers more value for money with its plans. | Has multiple plans that offer good value. |
Free Version | Includes a free plan. | Doesn’t have a free plan. |
Money-Back Guarantee | Has a 30-day money-back guarantee. | Only has a 14-day trial. |
How I Tested and Compared Dashlane vs 1
I used the following criteria to compare these 2 managers and determine the better choice:
- Encryption — I compared the encryption standards these apps use to safeguard the data in vaults.
- Two-Factor Authentication (2FA) — I checked if these apps allow additional security via two-factor authentication.
- Storage — I analyzed both apps’ vaults to see which offers better storage.
- Auto-Save and Fill — I tested the auto-save and fill functionality in both apps to see which manager offers more convenience.
- Generator — I used the generators in both managers to learn which one performs better.
- Privacy — I researched and checked which manager has a more privacy-focused design.
- Auditing — I used the auditing tools in both managers to see which is better for monitoring your overall safety.
- Sharing — I compared how easy it is to share s using both these apps.
- Ease of Use — I checked which manager has more beginner-friendly and easy-to-use apps.
- Extra Features — I compared the feature variety to see which manager offers more.
- Device Compatibility — I analyzed which of these managers works with a wider variety of devices.
- Customer Service — I talked to each app’s customer to see which is more helpful.
- Price — I compared price plans to learn which manager offers better value for money.
- Free Version — I checked whether these apps have free plans and which manager has a better free version.
- Money-Back Guarantee — I looked at whether these managers offer money-back guarantees and which app makes it easier to get a refund.
1. Encryption — Both Managers Use Unbreakable Aes 256-Bit Encryption
Having top-grade encryption is crucial for a manager to ensure safety, and both Dashlane and 1 offer unbreakable encryption. They use military-grade AES 256-bit encryption to safeguard the data on your vaults and ensure no one except you can access it.
I also like that both Dashlane and 1 use end-to-end encryption. This means your data is encrypted locally on your device before being communicated with the app’s servers, thus ensuring hackers spying on your traffic can’t get your information.
While the master is usually the only way to access your vault, you’ll be pleased to know that 1 and Dashlane offer recovery keys. These recovery keys are provided when you set up your vault for the first time and let you regain access if you ever forget your master .
Since both these s employ impenetrable encryption standards and have reliable recovery methods, they are tied in this category.
Encryption Winner: Tie
2. Two-Factor Authentication (2FA) — You Can Easily Set Up 2FA in Multiple Ways on Both Apps
Two-factor authentication (2FA) adds an extra layer of security to your vault besides the master . So I was happy to see that both Dashlane and 1 include multiple ways you can set up two-factor authentication. This makes it easy to add further protection for your sensitive data.
During my tests, Dashlane made it easy to set up 2FA. Navigate to the settings menu, access security settings, enable two-factor authentication, and set it up via your preferred method. You can set up 2FA on Dashlane via TOTP apps like Authy or through email. Dashlane doesn’t allow 2FA codes via text messages due to security concerns, though.

You should also note that Dashlane doesn’t allow USB keys as a second factor for two-factor authentication. You can use them to unlock your vault on Windows locally, but that’s it.
On the other hand, 1 also allows 2FA via TOTP apps, email, and USB keys. It’s equally easy to set up two-factor authentication on 1 via the settings menu, and your vault will be much safer once it’s set up.
Overall, since both apps allow multiple reliable two-factor authentication methods, it’s a tie in this category.
Two-Factor Authentication (2FA) Winner: Tie
3. Storage — 1’s Vault Offers Storage for More Kinds of Data
While both managers include well-organized vaults, 1’s storage was more impressive in my tests.
What helps 1’s vault stand out is that it offers storage for all kinds of sensitive data. You can store s, credit cards, secure notes, bank details, databases, SSH keys, crypto wallets, API credentials, and more. I’ve never seen any other vault offer storage for so many different kinds of data.

I also like that 1 has an item history feature that easily lets you recover mistakenly edited or deleted items. It also lets you create multiple vaults for different purposes to make organization easier.
On the other hand, Dashlane’s vault offers storage for s, notes, identities, and payment details. You can save other data using the secure notes tab, but 1 makes it much easier to save other types of information. To help with organization, Dashlane lets you make collections that hold certain kinds of s.
You’ll be pleased to know that both managers offer 1GB of secure file storage. So, you can use them to store sensitive files and documents that you don’t want others to access.
Overall, while both apps have reliable storage, 1 wins in this category. Its vaults have space for more kinds of information.
Storage Winner: 1
4. Auto-Save and Fill — Dashlane’s Auto-Fill Is Safer
Auto-save and fill are vital manager features. They provide convenience and save lots of time when logging into websites online. In my tests, both these managers showed they had reliable auto-save and fill, but Dashlane stood out more because of its built-in safety mechanisms.
While testing Dashlane, I found that its auto-save and auto-fill dialogs instantly appeared whenever needed. The app asked to save any new s I used on websites, and the auto-fill feature showed up when I reassessed them. I tested various websites, including Facebook, Netflix, Namecheap, and more, and Dashlane’s auto-save and auto-fill never had issues.
What helps Dashlane stand out, though, is the built-in phishing protection in its auto-fill. When logging into ExpressVPN’s .xyz domain instead of the .com domain, Dashlane asked if I trusted the website. While the domain itself was safe, I was pleased to see that Dashlane picks up the slightest changes in domain names to protect against phishing attempts.

On the other hand, 1’s auto-save and fill features were also impressive. I had no trouble using the app’s auto-save or auto-fill on websites like Netflix, Facebook, and various others. The auto-save dialog always asked to save any new information I used, while the auto-fill appeared whenever I accessed a page for a website.

Overall, while both apps have reliable auto-save and fill functionality, Dashlane wins in this category because of its added phishing protection.
Auto-Save and Fill Winner: Dashlane
5. Generator — Both Apps Can Generate Unbreakable s
generators help create safe and unbreakable s to use with your s, and both Dashlane and 1 have secure generators.
Dashlane’s generator has a straightforward design that lets you configure if your s should include letters, digits, symbols, and similar characters. Plus, Dashlane lets you see a history of previously generated s, which is useful if you forget a you made for an .

1’s generator is equally effective and impressive. It lets you customize your s’ lengths and configure if it should have special characters, letters, and numbers. Also, 1 can generate secure phrases.

Another highlight of both apps’ generators is that they automatically appear when g up for new websites. When testing these apps, I found that they automatically ask to generate a secure new for your whenever you’re g up. This functionality worked across all websites I tested and is quite useful, as the is then auto-saved to be used later.
Since both apps have reliable -generation tools, it’s a tie in this category.
Generator Winner: Tie
6. Privacy — Both Apps Have a Privacy-Focused Design
Considering the sensitive data a manager holds, it must be built with a ’s privacy in mind. Thankfully, both 1 and Dashlane are privacy-focused managers that will never compromise your sensitive data.
The easiest way to tell if a manager is privacy-focused is to check whether it has a zero-knowledge architecture, and both these apps do. Not even Dashlane or 1’s employees can ever know what’s in your vault, as the information is encrypted using a master that only you have.
It’s also worth noting that both Dashlane and 1 are SOC 2 Type 2 certified, meaning they use industry-standard data management practices.
However, 1 was the winner in this category because it’s been independently evaluated by 3rd-party security companies including Cure53, AppSec, and CloudNative, which gives me added confidence.
Privacy Winner: 1
7. Auditing — It’s Easy to Monitor Your Safety Using either Option
The top managers offer auditing tools to help monitor and manage your overall safety. During tests, I found that both 1 and Dashlane include useful auditing features that help ensure you have the safest s possible.
Dashlane’s auditing tool is the Health feature, which you can easily use via its web app and mobile apps. The Health feature informs you about any weak, reused, and compromised s you have. Plus, it gives you an overall security score and provides tips that you can use to improve weaker s.

On the other hand, 1 offers the Watchtower for auditing. The Watchtower is just as effective as Dashlane’s Health feature. It tracks weak, reused, and compromised s. Also, it highlights s where you can activate two-factor authentication and websites that let you switch to keys for less s.

Overall, it’s a tie in this category, as both managers provide reliable auditing tools.
Auditing Winner: Tie
8. Sharing — Both Managers Offer Safe Ways to Share s and Information
sharing tools let you safely share s and other sensitive information with others. In my tests, I learned that both Dashlane and 1 include reliable -sharing features that let you safely give others access to your s.
Dashlane has a complete sharing center where you can select the items you want to share, enter a recipient’s email, and the app will share the items with them. Afterward, the recipient just has to install Dashlane if they haven’t already and access the shared credentials. You can also limit recipients — by only letting them use the s or giving them edit privileges.
1 allows sharing via Psst! ( secure sharing tool) — an easy-to-use feature that lets you safely give others your s. You can create a link to share items with others, which they can easily access from anywhere for 1 hour, 1 day, 14 days, or 30 days. So you can set limits on how long others can access the information.
Overall, I’m quite pleased with the sharing features in both apps, as they safely and easily let you share s and sensitive data with others. So, it’s a tie in this category.
Sharing Winner: Tie
9. Ease of Use — Dashlane Is Easier to Install and Start Using
Although both managers have beginner-friendly apps and extensions, I found Dashlane easier to install and use during my tests.
Dashlane works on desktop platforms via its various browser extensions, which you can set up within a few minutes. All its extensions include the necessary features, and you can also access the web app from anywhere to manage your s.
Besides the reliable web extensions, Dashlane has intuitive native Android and iOS apps. You can easily install these apps from your phone’s app store, to your vault, and have them running within minutes. It’s easy to navigate the mobile apps and use the features they offer.

On the other hand, 1 offers native apps for every major platform. You can its app on Windows, macOS, Linux, Android, and iOS devices. All its native apps are easy to use, but they may take a bit longer to set up compared to Dashlane’s browser extensions.

Overall, I consider Dashlane the more -friendly option, as its extensions and apps are much easier to set up.
Ease of Use Winner: Dashlane
10. Extra Features — Both Apps Have Many Useful Management Features
Having unique extra features can help the best managers stand out, and it turns out that both Dashlane and 1 include some unique additional features. These extra tools allow these apps to provide better safety and convenience.
Dashlane excels in this category, as it has many features unavailable in other managers. It includes a Hotspot Shield-powered VPN in its subscriptions. So, you can enjoy safer online connections while benefiting from Hotspot Shield features like the proprietary Hydra protocol. It’s not as good as the best standalone VPNs, but it’s a solid overall option.
Besides the VPN, Dashlane also includes dark web monitoring to check if any of your s were compromised. Also, you’ll get useful phishing protection with its auto-fill functionality.

1 is equally impressive when it comes to extra features. Its standout feature is the travel mode, which lets you hide certain vaults while traveling. Another unique 1 feature is that it integrates with Fastmail and lets you create masked emails. You can use these emails on websites you don’t trust to avoid exposing your actual email.

1 also has privacy cards, which are secure virtual bank cards that let you keep your primary details hidden.
Both managers offer many useful extra features, so they are tied in this category.
Extra Features Winner: Tie
11. Device Compatibility — You Can Use Both Managers on All Major Platforms
A manager must be compatible with multiple platforms to ensure you can safeguard your s on all your devices. Thankfully, Dashlane and 1 work on all major platforms, meaning you can use either option on any device.
Dashlane works on Windows, macOS, Linux, iOS, and Android. It doesn’t have native desktop apps, but you can use it on all desktop platforms via the browser extensions. For mobile devices, Dashlane offers intuitive native Android and iOS apps that you can easily install and use.
1 also works on Windows, macOS, Linux, iOS, and Android devices. It offers native apps for all desktop and mobile platforms, but you can also use it on desktops via browser extensions. All of 1’s apps have beginner-friendly setups, meaning you won’t have issues setting them up.
Since both these apps work on all mainstream platforms, they’re tied in this category.
Device Compatibility Winner: Tie
12. Customer Service — Dashlane’s Is More Responsive
It’s critical for a manager to offer reliable customer , as this lets you get the help you need if you face issues or need help with a certain feature. In my tests, I found that both Dashlane and 1 offer various responsive channels, but Dashlane’s remained superior in my tests.
What helps Dashlane stand out in this category is that it offers live chat, while 1 doesn’t. Dashlane’s live chat is available Monday through Friday between 9am and 5pm Eastern time. I connected to an agent within minutes whenever I used Dashlane’s live chat , and they all provided helpful answers to all my questions.

Besides the live chat, Dashlane offers a ticket-based system and a detailed online knowledge base. The ticket system is great if you have a question that isn’t urgent, while the knowledge base has lots of useful troubleshooting information and FAQs.
1 doesn’t have live chat , but its other channels are very helpful. I was especially impressed to see that 1’s email always responded to my questions in under an hour. Plus, the answers were detailed and had the information I was looking for.

You’ll also get a detailed knowledge base and community forums with 1. The community forums let you various experts and other 1 s directly, while the knowledge base has lots of tutorials, FAQs, and troubleshooting guides.
While both apps offer impressive customer , Dashlane wins here because it includes live chat .
Customer Service Winner: Dashlane
13. Price — You’ll Get More Value for Money With Dashlane’s Plans
While both managers are worth their price, I found that Dashlane’s plans deliver better value for money.
Dashlane’s plans start at $4.99/month, with the Family plan costing slightly more. Although both managers deliver good value, what sets Dashlane apart is that it includes Hotspot Shield’s VPN in its plans. This makes it a great deal, as even the best monthly VPN subscriptions may cost more than Dashlane if purchased separately.
Similarly, 1’s pricing starts at $4.99/month for the plan, with a slightly increased price for the Family plan. You’ll get all the necessary management features for this price, but the lack of a VPN makes it worse value than Dashlane’s plans.
Both managers have the same price for their Family plan, but Dashlane delivers better value here as well. Dashlane’s Family plan allows up to 10 , while 1 only allows up to 5 family .
Overall, it’s clear that Dashlane is the winner here. Its plans deliver more value for money, thanks to the VPN. Also, its Family plan allows more than 1’s Family plan.
Price Winner: Dashlane
14. Free Version — Only Dashlane Has a Free Plan
managers offer many worthwhile features for the price. However, many people only need basic management functionality that you can get from a free plan. For this purpose, Dashlane is the better choice, as it comes with a completely free plan. On the other hand, 1 doesn’t include a free plan at all.
With the free plan, Dashlane lets you store up to 25 s, utilize the auto-save and fill features, save up to 1GB of files, and use the generator. Of course, you won’t get features like automatic sync across multiple devices or Dashlane’s VPN. However, it’s a reliable free plan effective for basic management.
Dashlane is the clear winner here, as it’s the only option with a free plan.
Free Version Winner: Dashlane
15. Money-Back Guarantee — Dashlane Has a Generous Money-Back Guarantee
Money-back guarantees let you test an app risk-free before you commit to a purchase. Unfortunately, Dashlane is the only one of these apps with a money-back guarantee, as 1 only has a 14-day free trial.
Dashlane has a 30-day money-back guarantee, meaning you’ll get a long time to try its features completely risk-free. If you’re unsatisfied, you can easily and get a refund, no questions asked.
Since only one of these apps includes a money-back guarantee, Dashlane wins in this category.
Money-Back Guarantee Winner: Dashlane
And the Winner Is… Dashlane
It was a tough competition, as both these managers are among the best available. However, Dashlane emerges victorious overall. It’s tied with 1 in 7 categories but wins in 5, while 1 only wins in 2 categories.
- Encryption — Tie
- Two-Factor Authentication (2FA) — Tie
- Storage — 1
- Auto-Save and Fill — Dashlane
- Generator — Tie
- Privacy — 1
- Auditing — Tie
- Sharing — Tie
- Ease of Use — Dashlane
- Extra Features — Tie
- Device Compatibility — Tie
- Customer Service — Dashlane
- Price — Dashlane
- Free Version — Dashlane
- Money-Back Guarantee — Dashlane
1 has its strengths, like the robust vault and the fact that it’s cleared multiple independent audits. Also, 1 has unique features like masked emails and privacy cards.
However, between both options, Dashlane is the better choice if you want a more well-rounded manager. It offers more features, better value for money, and live chat customer . Also, it has a generous 30-day money-back guarantee that lets you try Dashlane risk-free.
Overall Winner: Dashlane
How to Install Dashlane on Windows
The following steps explain how you can install Dashlane on your device. I’m using Windows here, as it’s the most popular platform for this app. Note that Dashlane doesn’t have native desktop apps, meaning you must use it via browser extensions. It does have native apps for Android and iOS, though.
- Choose a plan. Navigate to Dashlane’s plans and pick the one that suits you.
- Install Dashlane’s extension. Add the Dashlane extension to your browser.
- Create an . Enter your email to start creating a Dashlane .
- Set a master . Set a strong master for your vault.
- Use Dashlane. Protect your s and other sensitive data with Dashlane.
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