Proton Pass vs Dashlane: Which Password Manager Should Your Team Use?
A factual comparison of Proton Pass and Dashlane covering pricing, features, and migration steps for small teams choosing a password manager.
Updated 2026-09 · 2026
Proton Pass
End-to-end encrypted password manager from the Proton privacy ecosystem
Strengths
- +Generous free tier: unlimited passwords and devices, 1 vault
- +Open-source apps with end-to-end encryption, audited by third parties
- +Unlimited hide-my-email aliases even on paid plans
Weaknesses
- -Business admin console and reporting are less mature than competitors
- -Fewer third-party app integrations and SSO options
- -No standalone VPN bundled the way Dashlane offers one
Best for
Privacy-conscious small teams, especially those already using Proton Mail or Proton VPN
Dashlane
Password manager and digital wallet with built-in VPN and dark web monitoring
Strengths
- +Mature admin console with SSO, SCIM, and directory sync
- +Dark web monitoring with real-time breach alerts
- +Includes a built-in VPN (Hotspot Shield) on paid plans
Weaknesses
- -Free tier is capped at 25 passwords and 1 device
- -Closed-source client, less transparent than Proton
- -Notably more expensive per seat at business tier
Best for
Teams that need enterprise-grade admin controls, SSO, and dark web monitoring out of the box
Feature Comparison
| Feature | ||
|---|---|---|
| Free tier limits | Unlimited passwords, 1 vault, unlimited devices | 25 passwords, 1 device |
| Vaults / sharing | Shared vaults on paid plans | Shared folders on paid plans |
| Dark web monitoring | Included on Plus/Business tiers | Included on paid tiers, more detailed alerts |
| Built-in VPN | Separate Proton VPN product (not bundled) | Bundled Hotspot Shield VPN on paid plans |
| SSO / SCIM | Available on Business tier | Available on Business tier, more mature setup |
| Open source | Yes, apps are open-source and audited | No, closed source |
| Passkey support | Yes | Yes |
| Autofill coverage | Standard browser/app autofill | Broader autofill support, incl. payment forms |
| Ecosystem integration | Deep integration with Proton Mail, Drive, VPN, Calendar | Standalone product, integrates via browser extensions/API |
| Data jurisdiction | Switzerland | United States |
| Business entry price | $1.99/user/month (Essentials) | $8/user/month |
| Password health reports | Basic on lower tiers, fuller on Business | Detailed health score across all paid tiers |
The Verdict
If your team already lives in the Proton ecosystem or prioritizes open-source, audited encryption at a low cost, Proton Pass is the better deal, especially given its free tier has no password cap. Dashlane wins if you need a polished admin console, SSO, dark web monitoring, and a bundled VPN right now and don't mind paying roughly 4x more per seat. For most small teams starting out, Proton Pass's free/Essentials tier covers the basics without the premium price tag.
How to switch from Proton Pass to Dashlane
- 1In Proton Pass, go to Settings > Export and export all vaults as a CSV file (or PGP-encrypted JSON if you want to verify integrity before converting).
- 2Open Dashlane, go to Settings > Import, select 'CSV file', and upload the exported Proton Pass CSV, mapping the fields for username, password, and URL.
- 3Immediately delete the unencrypted CSV file from your device and empty the trash, since it contains plaintext credentials.
- 4Recreate any shared vaults manually in Dashlane's shared folders, since vault structure doesn't transfer automatically during CSV import.
- 5Reconnect SSO/SCIM if you were using Proton Pass Business's SSO setup, pointing your identity provider (e.g., Okta, Azure AD) to Dashlane's admin console instead.
- 6Roll out the switch to your team in stages: have each member install the Dashlane extension, log in, confirm their imported credentials work, then revoke their Proton Pass access.
Proton Pass vs Dashlane: common questions
How do I export my passwords from Proton Pass to move to Dashlane?+
In Proton Pass, go to Settings > Export, then choose the CSV or PGP-encrypted JSON format and export all vaults. Dashlane's importer accepts CSV files, so use the unencrypted CSV export and delete it securely after import. Do this on a trusted, offline device since the CSV file is unencrypted.
What features do I lose if I switch from Proton Pass to Dashlane?+
You lose the unlimited hide-my-email aliases that come free with Proton Pass, and you won't have direct integration with Proton Mail, VPN, or Drive anymore. You also move from an open-source, audited client to Dashlane's closed-source app, which matters if code transparency is a priority for your team.
Is Dashlane's free tier enough for a small team?+
No. Dashlane's free tier is limited to 25 passwords and 1 device per user, which isn't practical for a working team. You'll need at least the Business plan at $8/user/month to get shared vaults, admin controls, and enough storage for real use.
Does Dashlane integrate with the tools we already use?+
Dashlane offers browser extensions for all major browsers, mobile apps, and SSO/SCIM integrations with providers like Okta and Azure AD on Business plans. It doesn't have native integrations with Proton services, so any workflows built around Proton Mail or Drive will need to be rebuilt manually.
How does the cost compare over 2-3 years for a 10-person team?+
Proton Pass Business Essentials at $1.99/user/month costs about $2,388 over 3 years for 10 users, while Proton Pass Business at $7.99/user/month costs about $9,588. Dashlane Business at $8/user/month runs about $8,640 over 3 years for the same team, without a lower-cost middle tier like Proton's Essentials plan.
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