Learn everything about Dashlane VPN: features, comparison with competitors, setup guide, app download, and the best VPN alternatives with speed and security.
In current society, cybersecurity threats are becoming more frequent and complex, password managers and VPNs have become essential digital tools. Dashlane, a well-known password manager, has recently expanded its services to include a built-in VPN. Then, how to use Dashlane VPN? And how does Dashlane VPN stack up against competitors?
In this guide, you will get to know what Dashlane is, how it compares to other password managers, is Dashlane VPN free, and whether its VPN can compete with standalone VPN services. Let’s get started.
Dashlane is primarily a password manager designed to help users securely store and autofill their login credentials. It offers robust features like password health reports, breach alerts, and secure sharing.
Dashlane has a built-in VPN feature, making it more than just a password manager. Dashlane VPN aims to enhance user privacy during internet browsing, especially on public Wi-Fi networks. But does this built-in VPN deliver enough performance and features to replace a standalone solution? Keep reading.
Before diving into its VPN capabilities, it’s essential to understand how Dashlane compares with other top password managers. Dashlane offers a sleek user interface, automatic password changing for supported websites, and zero-knowledge architecture for ultimate security.
Compared to competitors like LastPass and 1Password, Dashlane shines in usability and additional features like its VPN. However, some users find its pricing slightly on the higher side and note that mobile features can be limited unless you're on a premium plan.
Here’s a quick comparison to highlight the differences:
Feature | Dashlane | LastPass | 1Password |
Auto-fill | Yes | Yes | Yes |
Cross-device sync | (Premium only) | Yes | Yes |
Built-in VPN |
Yes | No | No |
Free version limits | 1 device & 25 passwords | Unlimited passwords, but only 1 device | No free version |
Password Sharing | Yes (limited free) | Yes (limited free) | Yes |
After understanding Dashlane’s functions as a password manager, let’s take a closer look at its VPN component.
Dashlane VPN is powered by Hotspot Shield, offering users secure internet browsing without needing a separate VPN subscription. It is integrated directly into Dashlane’s Premium and Family plans, making it a convenient all-in-one security tool. You can use Dashlane VPN iPhone and Dashlane VPN Android for mobile cases.
This built-in VPN provides access to VPN servers in over 80 countries with good unlocking capabilities, helping in bypassing geo-blocks. As well as encrypting your data, hiding your IP address, and ensuring your browsing activity remains private.
Performance-wise, Dashlane VPN delivers acceptable speeds for general browsing, but it does not qualify as the best speed VPN for PC and mobile.
Pros:
Easy to use – Integrated within Dashlane for quick setup.
Unlimited bandwidth – No data caps, suitable for streaming and browsing.
Strong encryption – Protects your data with AES-256 encryption.
Auto-connect on public Wi-Fi – Activates automatically on unsecured networks.
No logs policy – Ensures privacy by not tracking your activity.
Cons:
Limited servers – Fewer locations compared to dedicated VPNs.
Only in paid plans – Not available in the free version.
Basic features – Lacks advanced options like split tunneling.
Possible speed issues – May slow down connections, especially on distant servers.
While Dashlane’s built VPN offers essential protection for casual browsing and general internet security, there are cases where using a more specialized VPN might be necessary.
For users who require advanced privacy features such as obfuscation, dedicated IP addresses, or the ability to bypass geo-restrictions on a wider range of streaming services, third-party VPN providers like iTop VPN, ExpressVPN, or NordVPN will be more suitable.
Other dedicated speed VPNs for PC and mobile often have a larger server network, better speed optimization, and additional features such as split tunneling, which allows users to choose which apps use the VPN connection.
Additionally, if you need consistent high-speed connections for activities like torrenting or gaming, a dedicated VPN service could provide more reliable performance than Dashlane's built-in VPN. There is also a comparison table here to help you quickly understand the additional protection and convenience that other VPNs can bring to you.
Feature | Dashlane VPN | iTop VPN | ExpressVPN | NordVPN |
Servers | Limited | 3200+ | 3000+ | |
Countries | Limited | 100+ | 105 | 60+ |
Security | AES-256 |
AES-256 Multiple protocols |
AES-256 Lightway protocol |
AES-256 NordLynx & OpenVPN |
Split Tunneling | No | Yes | Yes | Yes |
Kill Switch | No | Yes | Yes | Yes |
Pricing | Included in Dashlane Premium | Free & Paid plans (from $1.66/mo) | From $6.67/mo | From $3.29/mo |
Dashlane VPN – Best for basic security, convenient for Dashlane users but lacks advanced features.
iTop VPN – Good budget-friendly option with streaming and P2P support, and dedicated IP support.
ExpressVPN – Best for speed, privacy, and global access, but expensive.
NordVPN – Best for security, advanced features, and affordability with double VPN feature.
If Dashlane’s limited VPN doesn’t meet your expectations, and looking for a more powerful VPN alternative to Dashlane’s built-in service, iTop VPN is one of the best options out there. It's particularly good for users who want rich features from a VPN without compromising on speed or ease of use.
iTop VPN stands out with its global network of 3200+ VPN servers, fast connection speeds, and top-notch security. It supports split tunneling, ad-blocking, and kill switch, and double VPN, etc., giving you complete control over your online activity.
You can also use iTop VPN as a VPN location changer, use it to access content worldwide with ease. It even supports dedicated IP VPN for users needing consistent and secure access to services like remote work tools or streaming platforms.
Whether you're using Windows, macOS, or looking for a reliable VPN for Android or iOS, iTop VPN provides apps for all major platforms. Plus, it offers a free VPN version with about 100 servers, which is great for testing before committing to a premium plan.
Overall, if Dashlane VPN feels too basic for your needs, iTop VPN is a robust, flexible, and feature-rich alternative worth considering.
The Bottom Line
Dashlane VPN is a great bonus for users already subscribed to its password manager services. It offers decent protection for casual browsing and is easy to use. However, it lacks the depth, speed, and advanced features. For those who are serious about online security, want full control over their VPN experience, or need high-speed access with flexible configurations, switching to a dedicated VPN is a smart move. All three alternative VPNs shared in this article are worth trying. If you want to start with a trustworthy free VPN, then download iTop VPN and give it a try.
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