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vpnMentor was established in 2014 to review VPN services and cover privacy-related stories. Today, our team of hundreds of cybersecurity researchers, writers, and editors continues to help readers fight for their online freedom in partnership with Kape Technologies PLC, which also owns the following products: ExpressVPN, CyberGhost, and Private Internet Access which may be ranked and reviewed on this website. The reviews published on vpnMentor are believed to be accurate as of the date of each article, and written according to our strict reviewing standards that prioritize professional and honest examination of the reviewer, taking into account the technical capabilities and qualities of the product together with its commercial value for users. The rankings and reviews we publish may also take into consideration the common ownership mentioned above, and affiliate commissions we earn for purchases through links on our website. We do not review all VPN providers and information is believed to be accurate as of the date of each article.
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vpnMentor was established in 2014 to review VPN services and cover privacy-related stories. Today, our team of hundreds of cybersecurity researchers, writers, and editors continues to help readers fight for their online freedom in partnership with Kape Technologies PLC, which also owns the following products: ExpressVPN, CyberGhost, and Private Internet Access which may be ranked and reviewed on this website. The reviews published on vpnMentor are believed to be accurate as of the date of each article, and written according to our strict reviewing standards that prioritize professional and honest examination of the reviewer, taking into account the technical capabilities and qualities of the product together with its commercial value for users. The rankings and reviews we publish may also take into consideration the common ownership mentioned above, and affiliate commissions we earn for purchases through links on our website. We do not review all VPN providers and information is believed to be accurate as of the date of each article.

Dashlane VPN Review 2024: Is It Free, Good, and Safe?

Our Score: 8.7/10
Ranked 13th out of 198 VPNs
Lawrence Wachira Updated on 24th September 2024 Fact-checked by Matthew Amos Editor
Important. Dashlane's VPN uses Hotspot Shield (HSS), with matching installers and user interface. You can read HSS's comprehensive review here. Below is a summary of Hotspot Shield's performance across all our testing criteria, and any extra features Dashlane offers.

Dashlane, a top-rated password manager, is making waves by teaming up with Hotspot Shield (HSS), a major player in the VPN world. But does this combo truly offer the speed, security, and performance you need? Or is it just a flashy add-on that doesn't quite hit the mark?

After thorough testing, I found that bundling the password manager with a top VPN provides decent value. However, there's a slight limitation — you get fewer simultaneous connections. Still, you'll have access to all of Hotspot Shield's other features, plus Dashlane's password manager functionalities. Read on to see how some other minor issues affected our overall score.

Short on Time? Here Are My Key Findings

Pros

Cons

Dashlane VPN Features — 2024 Update

8.5
💸 Price 4.99 USD/month
📆 Money Back Guarantee 30 Days
📝 Does VPN keep logs? No
🖥 Number of servers 1800+
💻 Number of devices per license 5
🛡 Kill switch Yes
🗺 Based in country France
🛠 Support Live chat

Streaming — A Great Pick for Dedicated Streamers

8.9

Dashlane lets you use HSS premium, which is capable of safely accessing most popular platforms from anywhere. The streaming quality was mostly excellent, with just a few minor issues.

Hotspot Shield's streaming-optimized servers in the US and the UK performed well, but didn’t surpass the regular ones in our tests. HSS securely accessed Netflix libraries in the US, UK, Germany, Japan, and Canada, but struggled with Netflix Brazil, likely due to having only one server there. Minor issues included long loading times for French Netflix.

A screenshot of Netflix streaming The Union while connected to Hotspot Shield's US streaming-optimized serverBoth the regular and optimized servers worked well with Netflix

It also performed impressively with Disney+, Max, ITVX, Amazon Prime Video, Peacock, All 4, BBC iPlayer, and AppleTV+, with minimal troubleshooting required. However, Hulu detected the VPN and blocked secure streaming, no matter the server we tried.

Despite this, Hotspot Shield is still a solid choice if you're looking for a VPN that performs well across a wide range of streaming platforms.

Editor’s note. The VPNs we recommend usually follow no-logging policies that stop them from recording your online activities. However, this is not a free pass to ignore legal or streaming restrictions. My teammates and I urge you to follow all copyright laws.

Speed — Fast Connection Speeds on Most Servers

9.0

Hotspot Shield Premium offers great speeds on nearby servers and decent speeds on distant ones. However, a drawback is that speeds can occasionally be slower than anticipated due to its virtual server locations. For instance, the server in India reduced our speeds by just over half since it was actually much farther away from our tester than expected (in Singapore).

To ensure a fair and accurate comparison, we run speed tests from a single location using the same internet connection. Our UK-based speed expert tests HSS servers multiple times weekly to determine reliable averages. All servers were tested using the Catapult Hydra protocol as it consistently outperformed the others.

A 10-20% speed dip on short-distance servers is standard for top VPNs, and HSS fell right within this range, which impressed us. For example, servers in Ukraine and Germany lowered our tester’s connection by just 1%.

Even at longer distances (6,000+ km), it still maintained great speeds for most online activities, though with some fluctuations. For instance, the Indian server reduced speeds by around 30% in some weeks, but during our test week, the average reduction was 56% — still sufficient for most tasks.

A screenshot of Ookla speed tests done while connected to Hotspot Shield's Brazil server and with no VPN connectedEven though it’s 8,000+ km away, it maintained fast download speeds

The app provides useful insights into your connection, including latency estimates and an in-app speed test feature. However, it could benefit from showing load and ping rates before connecting, like some of our other top VPNs.

Gaming — Good for Competitive Play on Nearby Servers

9.2

Optimized servers offer a smooth experience, but the regular servers work just as well. While playing Dota 2, the game loaded well, and there was no delay between our inputs and the in-game actions. Since the optimized servers are only in the US, I recommend using nearby regular servers if you're not close to the States for reliable gameplay.

Server Network — 1,800 Servers in 80 Countries and 35+ Cities

9.0

HSS provides extensive global coverage, including less common locations like Bhutan, Nepal, and the UAE. Europe has the most server options (48 countries), while Africa has the fewest (3 countries), but this is still more than many VPNs offer.

Although HSS ranks high for the number of locations, some VPNs offer more servers, which can help avoid overcrowding and potentially improve speeds. This could explain why services like CyberGhost and ExpressVPN are slightly faster. It also features city-level servers in the US, Italy, Spain, Australia, Canada, France, and the UK.

A screenshot of of Hotspot Shield's server network on the Windows app highlighting the US locationsThe US has the most options in this category

HSS also offers optimized servers for streaming and gaming. The streaming servers are restricted to the US or the UK, and the gaming one is only available in the States. Mobile apps also include specialized servers for social networks and chat apps like TikTok.

All its servers are virtual, which lets you connect to an IP address in one country while the physical server is located elsewhere. This approach provides a safer alternative to physical servers, especially in countries where it may not be wise to house them, like India. However, they can impact speeds, as observed in our tests.

HSS owns all its servers, which is great for your privacy as this helps eliminate third-party involvement. Unfortunately, it doesn’t offer dedicated servers, a feature useful for running websites.

If you encounter connection issues, switching protocols or reaching out to its support team can be effective solutions. Despite some shortcomings, HSS’s broad coverage and optimized servers make it a solid choice.

Security — Secure Encryption, Plus Additional Must-Have Features

9.2

Dashlane's Premium Plan adds its powerful password manager to Hotspot Shield’s already excellent security. Combined, they make for a very effective and comprehensive security package.

Dashlane VPN (Hotspot Shield)

Hotspot Shield uses the highest encryption level (AES 256-bit) to protect your online privacy. I found no leaks when testing servers across its network. And if you wish to choose which traffic moves through the secure tunnel and which bypasses it, its split tunneling feature allows this.

I also tested its kill switch, and it immediately cut my connection during server switches. Plus, its malware protection offers robust defense against a wide range of threats, including viruses and spyware.

A screenshot showing Hotspot Shield's kill switch cuts the internet connection when switching serversYou’ll need to enable it yourself

Additionally, it offers WiFi protection, which automatically activates when you connect to a new network, like public WiFi hotspots. There's even an option to have the VPN connect on launch, and it fully supports Tor usage on all servers, providing an extra layer of security.

The VPN also offers advanced security protocols, such as the fast WireGuard and the gold-standard OpenVPN. Its proprietary Catapult Hydra option is also optimized for faster connections, and it performed better than WireGuard in our tests. The Hydra protocol helps conceal your VPN usage from ISP and DPI (Deep Packet Inspection) systems, making it easier to use on restrictive networks.

Dashlane (Password Vault)

Dashlane's password vault is a secure and intuitive solution for managing your passwords and sensitive information. It's accessible via browser extensions, the web app, and mobile apps for Android and iOS. In fact, it’s one of the best password managers we have tested.

Advanced Encryption

Similar to HSS, it utilizes AES-256 encryption, the same standard used by banks to protect your passwords and sensitive data.

Zero-Knowledge Architecture

Dashlane’s zero-knowledge technology means that only you can access your master password and vault contents. All encryption and decryption occur locally on your device, so even Dashlane’s staff cannot view your data.

However, this architecture comes with a trade-off: if you lose your master password, there’s no way for Dashlane to recover your account, as your password isn’t stored anywhere.

Fortunately, the company offers a couple of recovery options to help you regain access if you forget your master password.

  • Use biometric recovery (for Android and iOS). If you've enabled biometric login and recovery on your smartphone, you can reset your master password without losing data.
  • Generate a recovery key. You can also generate a 28-character recovery key for use if you forget your password.
  • Create secure DASH files. These are encrypted files that store your passwords offline, which can help you recover your data or give a trusted contact access in an emergency.

Dark Web Monitoring

Dashlane uses this feature to scan the dark web for breaches that may involve your data and alerts you if your information is found. This allows you to take action before your accounts are compromised.

Automatic Password Generator

Dashlane helps secure your accounts by generating strong and unique passwords. This reduces the risk of using weak or repeated passwords.

A screenshot showing Dashlane's password generator accessible through the browser extensionIt's not accessible directly through the web app

In addition to traditional passwords, it offers a passkey feature that simplifies and strengthens the authentication process. With passkeys, you don’t need to create complex passwords, making logging into websites quicker and more secure.

Using passkey technology is straightforward: you start by registering with a compatible website like Google, Amazon, or Adobe. Once set up, the passkey feature is available across Dashlane’s web, Android, and iOS apps, making it easy to use on all your devices.

Two-Factor Authentication (2FA)

Dashlane supports 2FA using apps like Google Authenticator or via biometric methods on mobile devices. This adds an extra layer of security, making unauthorized access to your account nearly impossible.

It also features a built-in authenticator in its mobile apps, which I found convenient. However, I recommend you use it with care. If you lose access to your account, this feature could make recovery tricky.

Password Health Monitoring

Dashlane’s Password Health feature encourages good password practices by analyzing your stored passwords and offering a score based on their strength. It highlights weak, reused, or compromised passwords that need attention.

A screenshot showing the usefulness of Dashlane's Password Health featureIt also lets you exclude some passwords from the overall score

Secure Sharing

It also lets you securely share passwords, notes, and other sensitive information with trusted contacts. You can control what the recipient can do with the shared item (e.g., view only or view and edit) and revoke access at any time.

Privacy — Transparent Policy, but Not Audited

7.5

Hotspot Shield’s Privacy Policy

Dashlane entrusts Hotspot Shield with managing your VPN connections, which means your data falls under Aura's (Hotspot Shield’s parent company) privacy policy. Although HSS has faced controversies in the past, it has made strides in its privacy practices. This, coupled with its use of obfuscated servers, likely explains its popularity among Chinese users.

Despite China's persistent efforts to block VPNs, there have been no publicly reported cases of the government targeting individuals for using them. However, it's crucial to be aware of the country’s laws to avoid any potential legal issues.

Hotspot Shield gathers some data that might raise privacy concerns, including the duration of your VPN sessions, device hashes, server locations you connect to, and data usage. It also estimates your approximate location to connect you to the nearest server. However, this data is fully anonymized, making it difficult to trace back to you.

I appreciate that HSS has taken steps toward transparency by auditing its Hydra protocol. However, I’d like to see this level of scrutiny extended to its entire privacy policy to better align with top competitors. While not necessary, relocating its headquarters outside of the US, as AdGuard VPN has done, could further demonstrate its commitment to protecting user privacy.

Subscribing to Hotspot Shield through Dashlane also helps mitigate some privacy concerns that HSS free users might otherwise have.

Dashlane’s Privacy Policy

For all other services offered by Dashlane, your data is protected under Dashlane's privacy policy.

Dashlane gathers personal data like email addresses, IP addresses, and partial payment details primarily for account management, service delivery, and legal compliance. It doesn’t collect biometrics or detailed browsing histories. Secured data, including passwords and stored payment information, is fully encrypted, preventing the company from accessing it.

A screenshot showing some of the data protection laws that Dashlane adheres toOnly a few services inform you of this upfront

They use aggregated and anonymized data for service improvements but don’t sell personal data. You must delete your account yourself, and Dashlane erases all personal data within 30 days of deletion. Like HSS, it unfortunately doesn't support cryptocurrency payments, a method I prefer for maintaining my privacy.

Dashlane collects more data than you may be used to with a VPN. To be fair, this isn’t uncommon with a password manager. However, if you’re looking for something more privacy-friendly than Dashlane or HSS, read our list of the best no-log VPNs.

Torrenting — Solid Pick and Supports P2P on All Servers

9.4

With HSS, you can enjoy quick download speeds whether you're connected to nearby or distant servers. Our tests showed minimal differences in performance across various server locations. We could download a 700MB file in about 12 minutes, which was about the same time it takes with no VPN connected.

While HSS provides secure torrenting capabilities, it's crucial to use it responsibly for P2P activities. Remember, torrenting laws vary by region, and downloading pirated content is a no-go. Stay on the right side of the law by downloading files that are in the public domain.

Installation & Apps

8.5

Installation & Apps — Multi-Platform Support, and Straightforward Signup

Dashlane serves as the gateway to Hotspot Shield, but the actual VPN experience takes place within the HSS apps. Password management, however, stays fully accessible via Dashlane's mobile app, browser extension, and web app.

It once had desktop apps for Windows and Mac, but those have been phased out. Now, the web app keeps all the key features of the old desktop versions, with added functionality and new improvements.

Setup & Installation

Getting started with Hotspot Shield via Dashlane involves a few simple steps:

1. Create a Dashlane Account

Visit the Dashlane website and sign up for a new account. If you already have an account, log in using your master password. Dashlane also lets you create a passwordless account.

2. Upgrade to a Premium Plan

Creating a Dashlane account gives you a 30-day money-back guarantee on all its password-related features.

A screenshot showing that Dashlane VPN (Hotspot Shield) is not included in the free trial and requires a subscription for accessWith the Friends & Family plan, only the admin can access the VPN

3. Activate Hotspot Shield

Within your Dashlane account, click on VPN > Agree to the Hotspot Shield Terms of Service and Privacy Policy > Activate account to link your Dashlane account to Hotspot Shield.

A screenshot showing the process of activating a Hotspot Shield account through DashlaneDashlane will automatically generate HSS's password
Pro Tip. If you've previously used the same email address with Hotspot Shield, Dashlane will prompt you to use a different email for activation.

4. Download Hotspot Shield

Click Get the app to download the Hotspot Shield app for your device. Note that this option will only become clickable once your account is activated.

5. Install and Log In

After you follow the installation instructions, log in to the HSS app with the credentials created during activation. You’re now all set to start using Hotspot Shield.

Device Compatibility

To use Dashlane's VPN, you'll need to download HSS's native VPN apps since Dashlane doesn’t include built-in VPN functionality. Hotspot Shield offers broad device compatibility, supporting Windows, Mac, Linux, Android, iOS, and Chrome browsers. It also supports Android TV, Amazon Fire devices, and several router types like ASUS-WRT and DD-WRT. However, some devices come with fewer features.

A key drawback is the absence of a smart DNS feature, which would simplify installation on devices like gaming consoles and old smart TVs. If your device doesn’t support VPNs, installing HSS on your router can secure your entire network.

Simultaneous Device Connections

With Dashlane Premium, you can link 5 devices to Hotspot Shield, not the usual 10 when buying directly from HSS. So, if you require VPN coverage on more devices, this is a key factor to consider.

Pricing

8.5
Dashlane Premium
$ 4.99 / month per month

Pricing — Buying HotSpot Shield Via Dashlane Offers the Best Value

Dashlane provides a range of options with 3 personal and 3 business plans. On the personal side, you can choose from Free, Premium, and Friends & Family plans. For businesses, it offers Standard, Business, and Enterprise plans.

Personal subscriptions include a reliable money-back guarantee, so you can get a refund if it’s not for you. Business plans typically include a 14-day trial for up to 500 employees.

Here's a quick overview of Dashlane's key personal and business plans:

Free Premium Friends & Family Standard Business Enterprise
Price Free $4.99/month $7.49/month $20.00/month $8.00/month Custom pricing
Compatibility Windows, Mac, iOS, Android, Chrome, Firefox, Edge, Safari, and Chromium-based browsers like Opera and Brave Windows, Mac, iOS, Android, Chrome, Firefox, Edge, Safari, and Chromium-based browsers like Opera and Brave Windows, Mac, iOS, Android, Chrome, Firefox, Edge, Safari, and Chromium-based browsers like Opera and Brave Windows, Mac, iOS, Android, Chrome, Firefox, Edge, Safari, and Chromium-based browsers like Opera and Brave Windows, Mac, iOS, Android, Chrome, Firefox, Edge, Safari, and Chromium-based browsers like Opera and Brave Windows, Mac, iOS, Android, Chrome, Firefox, Edge, Safari, and Chromium-based browsers like Opera and Brave
VPN
# devices for its password manager 1 Unlimited Unlimited Unlimited Unlimited Unlimited
Secure sharing Unlimited Unlimited Unlimited Unlimited Unlimited Unlimited
Unlimited passwords limit of 25
2FA
1GB encrypted storage
Dark web monitoring & alerts
Friends & Family Dashboard
Live chat support

Premium personal plans offer a cost-effective bundle of password management and VPN access. Compared to purchasing HSS separately, they provide significant savings. The annual plan is just $4.99/month through Dashlane, whereas buying HSS directly costs $0/month.

Although Dashlane no longer offers a monthly plan, if you'd rather avoid an upfront payment, I recommend testing the VPN directly from Hotspot Shield to take advantage of its 7-day free trial. Plus, you can earn up to 2 years of Dashlane Premium for free by referring 4 friends — each successful referral gives you 6 months of free access.

Dashlane Premium has a 30-day money-back guarantee. If you decide Dashlane isn't the right fit, claiming a refund is easy. Simply log into your account and go to the subscription section. There, you'll find the option to request a refund if eligible.

A screenshot showing how to cancel a Dashlane subscription and request a refund through the web appI hope Dashlane allows refunds via a live agent in the future

You can cancel your subscription using the above method if it was purchased with a credit card. For PayPal and Google Play transactions, Dashlane's support chatbot will assist you. If your plan was bought through the Apple App Store, you'll need to request a refund directly from Apple.

Reliability & Support

7.5

Reliability and Support — Outcome Depends on Which Service You Contact

Even after subscribing to Hotspot Shield through Dashlane, the best way to get live support is by contacting Hotspot Shield directly — though you’ll need to get past a bot first. Both services support multiple languages beyond English, including Spanish and French.

A screenshot showing why you should contact Hotspot Shield for VPN-related issues instead of DashlaneI reached HSS support in under a minute, even on the weekend

When I used Dashlane’s chat feature, it often connected me to a chatbot that rarely resolved VPN-related issues and eventually directed me to Hotspot Shield’s support. Occasionally, it created a support ticket, but I only received email confirmations with follow-ups over 10 hours later.

Given the sparse information on Dashlane’s website about Hotspot Shield, I recommend visiting HSS's site, which offers a comprehensive knowledge base. I found the information there very helpful, often eliminating the need to contact customer support.

Compare Dashlane VPN With The Top Alternative VPNs
Our Score: 9.9
Our Score: 9.7
Our Score: 9.6
Our Score: 9.5
Editor's Note: Transparency and impartiality are important to us when bringing you our best selection of VPNs. Some of the industry-leading products on our list, including Intego, Private Internet Access, CyberGhost, and ExpressVPN are owned by Kape Technologies, our parent company. The VPNs we choose are derived from a thorough testing process.

The Bottom Line

Final Verdict — Fast and Safe for Every Digital Activity

Bundling Hotspot Shield and Dashlane delivers a powerful combo of security and privacy features. I was particularly impressed with the VPN's ability to support HD streaming, its robust security features, and excellent support. The password manager’s features, such as password health checks and Dark Web Monitoring, add an extra layer of protection for your credentials and personal data.

There are only a few tweaks it could use to elevate it to the next level. For example, some distant servers experience slower speeds, and an independent audit of its no-logs policy would build more trust. Adding smart DNS would also make bypassing ISP throttling on more devices a breeze. I recommend you look into this list of the top VPNs around if these shortcomings are concerning to you.

  • Excellent speeds
  • Supports secure streaming on most platforms
  • Great for gaming and torrenting
  • Excellent security features
  • Compatible with most devices
  • Round-the-clock customer support

FAQs on Dashlane VPN

Can I use Dashlane VPN for free?

No, Dashlane's VPN (Hotspot Shield) isn’t free, and the free trial for premium packages doesn’t include VPN access. The VPN feature is only available once you upgrade. If you want to try Hotspot Shield for free, I recommend downloading it directly from its official site.

What devices can I use with Dashlane VPN?

Dashlane VPN (Hotspot Shield) is compatible with all popular operating systems, including Windows, Mac, Android, and iOS. The only slight difference is in how you access Hotspot Shield through Dashlane, but the setup process is straightforward.

Does Dashlane VPN work with Netflix?

Yes, Dashlane VPN (Hotspot Shield) works with Netflix. It can safely access Netflix content in great quality from anywhere. We were able to watch Netflix libraries from several countries. Additionally, Hotspot Shield worked well with several other streaming platforms.

How does Dashlane VPN compare to NordVPN, ExpressVPN, and other top VPNs?

VPNs like ExpressVPN and NordVPN have an edge over Dashlane (Hotspot Shield) in a few areas. They typically offer better speeds on long-distance servers and provide reliable access to Hulu. They have also undergone independent audits of their no-logging policies by reputable firms. However, Hotspot Shield brings its own unique strengths to the table.

Money Back Guarantee (Days): 30
Mobile app:
Number of devices per license: 5
VPN Plans: dashlane.com
We review vendors based on rigorous testing and research but also take into account your feedback and our affiliate commission with providers. Some providers are owned by our parent company.
Learn more
vpnMentor was established in 2014 to review VPN services and cover privacy-related stories. Today, our team of hundreds of cybersecurity researchers, writers, and editors continues to help readers fight for their online freedom in partnership with Kape Technologies PLC, which also owns the following products: ExpressVPN, CyberGhost, and Private Internet Access which may be ranked and reviewed on this website. The reviews published on vpnMentor are believed to be accurate as of the date of each article, and written according to our strict reviewing standards that prioritize professional and honest examination of the reviewer, taking into account the technical capabilities and qualities of the product together with its commercial value for users. The rankings and reviews we publish may also take into consideration the common ownership mentioned above, and affiliate commissions we earn for purchases through links on our website. We do not review all VPN providers and information is believed to be accurate as of the date of each article.
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About the Author

Lawrence Wachira, an Editor at vpnMentor, is dedicated to making the internet safer for everyone. His expertise in VPNs, online privacy, and editing enables him to help the vpnMentor team deliver comprehensive insights, user guides, and comparisons that empower readers to take control of their digital safety.

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