Quick Verdict

Bitwarden and Dashlane represent opposite ends of the password manager spectrum. Bitwarden is open-source, security-focused, and remarkably affordable, the best value in password management. Dashlane is polished, feature-rich, and premium-priced with extras like built-in VPN. For most users, Bitwarden provides everything needed at unbeatable value. For users wanting maximum features and willing to pay, Dashlane delivers a premium experience.

Head-to-Head Comparison

Pricing

Winner: Bitwarden (decisively)

Bitwarden's free tier includes unlimited passwords across unlimited devices, genuinely usable without payment. Premium costs $10/year (not monthly). Family plans are $40/year for 6 users.

Dashlane's free tier limits to one device. Premium costs $60/year; Family is $90/year for 10 users.

Bitwarden is 6x cheaper than Dashlane for individual premium, with a free tier that actually works. The value gap is substantial.

Security and Transparency

Winner: Bitwarden

Bitwarden is fully open-source. The code is publicly auditable on GitHub. Security researchers can verify claims. The zero-knowledge architecture is provable, not just promised.

Dashlane is closed-source. Security claims must be taken on trust. Independent audits provide assurance, but the code itself isn't verifiable.

For security purists, open-source transparency matters. Bitwarden's approach enables verification that closed-source alternatives cannot provide.

User Experience

Winner: Dashlane

Dashlane's apps are polished with excellent design. Password autofill works smoothly, onboarding is guided, and the interface feels premium. The experience matches the premium pricing.

Bitwarden is functional but less refined. The interface is utilitarian. Autofill occasionally requires more interaction. The experience is good, not exceptional.

For users prioritizing experience over value, Dashlane feels more polished.

Features

Winner: Dashlane

Dashlane includes features beyond password management: built-in VPN (premium), dark web monitoring, password health scoring, and one-click password changer for supported sites. The extras justify premium positioning.

Bitwarden focuses on core password management. Premium adds emergency access, security reports, and TOTP authentication. The features are sufficient but not extensive.

For users wanting comprehensive security tools in one package, Dashlane offers more.

Self-Hosting Option

Winner: Bitwarden

Bitwarden can be self-hosted on your own infrastructure. Organizations with strict data sovereignty requirements or individuals who want maximum control can run Bitwarden entirely on their own servers.

Dashlane offers no self-hosting option. Data exists on Dashlane's infrastructure.

For users requiring data control, Bitwarden's self-hosting is unique in the consumer space.

Business Features

Winner: Tie

Both offer business tiers with admin controls, team management, and enterprise features. Bitwarden Teams starts at $4/user/month; Dashlane Business at $8/user/month.

Bitwarden's business pricing is lower. Dashlane's business features are slightly more refined. Both serve business needs adequately.

Cross-Platform Support

Winner: Tie

Both support all major platforms: Windows, macOS, Linux, iOS, Android, and browser extensions. Both handle password autofill across apps and websites.

Neither has significant gaps in platform coverage.

When to Choose Bitwarden

Bitwarden is the right choice when:

• Value matters: Maximum security for minimum cost
• Open-source preferred: Verifiable security through code transparency
• Free tier needed: Genuinely usable without payment
• Self-hosting wanted: Data sovereignty and maximum control
• Security-first mindset: Focus on password management without extras
• Business budget constraints: Lower per-user cost at scale

When to Choose Dashlane

Dashlane is the right choice when:

• Premium experience wanted: Best-in-class apps and interface
• VPN bundled value: Built-in VPN adds convenience
• Guided experience needed: Excellent onboarding for non-technical users
• Password changer valued: Automated credential updates on supported sites
• Budget isn't constrained: Premium pricing acceptable for premium features
• All-in-one preferred: Security tools beyond just passwords

Final Recommendation

Choose Bitwarden for the best value in password management. The free tier is genuinely usable, the premium pricing is remarkably low, and the open-source transparency provides security assurance that closed-source alternatives cannot match. For most users, Bitwarden provides everything needed.

Choose Dashlane if you want a premium, polished experience with extras like VPN and don't mind paying for it. The higher pricing buys genuine refinement and additional features. For users who value experience and bundled security tools, Dashlane delivers.

The functional difference is smaller than the price difference suggests. Bitwarden does password management excellently at a fraction of the cost. Dashlane adds polish and extras for those who value them.