Criterion by criterion
Where each one wins
Bitwarden9.5
Open-source clients and server with regular independent security audits.
Security & audits
30% weight
Dashlane8.5
Zero-knowledge encryption and published security documentation.
Bitwarden7.5
Works everywhere, though autofill and design are plainer than premium rivals.
Ease of use
20% weight
Dashlane8.5
Web-first apps with smooth autofill in major browsers.
Bitwarden9.0
Premium remains low-cost even after the 2026 increase.
Value for money
20% weight
Dashlane6.0
Priced at the upper end of the category.
Bitwarden9.5
Unlimited passwords on unlimited devices at no cost.
Free tier
15% weight
Dashlane1.0
Free plan discontinued in September 2025.
Bitwarden8.0
Passkeys, secure sharing and two-factor codes on Premium; self-hosting option.
Features
15% weight
Dashlane8.5
Passkeys, phishing alerts and dark-web monitoring.
Published facts
Side by side
| Fact | Bitwarden | Dashlane |
|---|---|---|
| Free plan | Yes | No |
| Open-source clients | Yes | Not published |
| Passkey support | Yes | Yes |
| Trial or refund | Free plan available | Not published |
| Free-plan devices | Unlimited | Not published |
| Company base | United States | United States |
Verdict
Which should you pick?
Choose Bitwarden if…
You want something best for anyone who wants a capable free or low-cost manager.
- + Generous free plan
- + Open source with regular audits
- + Low Premium price
Choose Dashlane if…
You want something best for people who want monitoring and alerts built in.
- + Dark-web monitoring included
- + Phishing alerts in the browser
- + Smooth autofill
Checked 1 Nov 2026.
Questions
Bitwarden vs Dashlane: quick answers
Is Bitwarden better than Dashlane?
Bitwarden leads Dashlane by 1.9 points overall (8.8 vs 6.9). Bitwarden scores higher on security & audits, value for money, free tier. Dashlane scores higher on ease of use, features.
Who should choose Dashlane over Bitwarden?
Dashlane is best for people who want monitoring and alerts built in. Bitwarden is best for anyone who wants a capable free or low-cost manager.
How were Bitwarden and Dashlane scored?
Both were scored on the same 5 weighted criteria for password managers, using public information such as published plans and terms. We do not lab-test products.