Dashlane vs Surfshark: Which Security & VPN Tool Is Better in 2026?
Dashlane
From $4.99Surfshark
From $2.19Quick verdict
Overall pick: Tie
Choose Dashlane if you need a zero-knowledge password vault, dark web monitoring, and per-seat pricing for a team. Choose Surfshark if you want a flat-priced VPN with kill switch, multi-hop, and unlimited device connections for a household. Dashlane lacks kill switch and multi-hop, while Surfshark lacks a password vault.
- Surfshark's entry plan ($2.19) is 56% cheaper than Dashlane's ($4.99).
- Dashlane charges per user while Surfshark uses a flat price, so Surfshark gets relatively cheaper as your team grows.
- Dashlane has a free plan; Surfshark does not.
- Only Dashlane offers: zero-knowledge encrypted password vault.
- Only Surfshark offers: automatic kill switch & dns leak shield, multi-hop double encryption routing.
Cost calculator
| Tool | Monthly | Yearly |
|---|---|---|
| Dashlane · per user | $24.95 | $299 |
| Surfshark · flat | $2.19 | $26 |
Based on entry-level paid plans. Prices change, so check the vendor before you buy.
Which one should you choose?
| If you need… | Pick | Why |
|---|---|---|
| Managing passwords and dark web alerts for a team | Dashlane | Dashlane includes a zero-knowledge password vault, dark web monitoring, and team management, priced per seat at $4.99. |
| Budget VPN for a household with many devices | Surfshark | Surfshark offers a flat price starting at $2.19 with unlimited simultaneous device connections, kill switch, and multi-hop. |
| Executive needing both password security and a VPN | Dashlane | Dashlane bundles a hotspot VPN with its password manager and phishing protection, though it lacks kill switch and multi-hop. |
| Privacy-focused user requiring no-logs audit and multi-hop | Surfshark | Surfshark has an independent no-logs audit and multi-hop double encryption, which Dashlane does not offer. |
| Team admin console with API access | Tie | Both tools provide centralized team management and developer CLI/API access. |
Feature comparison: Dashlane vs Surfshark
| Feature | ||
|---|---|---|
| Free plan | ✅ | ❌ |
| Starting price | $4.99 /user/mo | $2.19 /mo |
| Independent no-logs security audit | ✅ | ✅ |
| Automatic kill switch & DNS leak shield | — | ✅ |
| Multi-hop double encryption routing | — | ✅ |
| Zero-knowledge encrypted password vault | ✅ | — |
| Biometric / hardware security key 2FA | ✅ | ✅ |
| Dark web breach monitoring & alerts | ✅ | ✅ |
| Centralized team admin console | ✅ | ✅ |
| Developer CLI & API access | ✅ | ✅ |
Highlighted rows are where the tools differ.
Pros and cons
Dashlane
- Includes a zero-knowledge encrypted password vault
- Offers dark web breach monitoring and alerts
- Provides centralized team admin console and API access
- Has a free plan and starts at $4.99 per seat
- Lacks automatic kill switch and DNS leak shield
- Does not offer multi-hop double encryption routing
- Priced per seat, which can be costly for larger teams
Surfshark
- Flat pricing starting at $2.19, cheaper for multiple users
- Includes kill switch, DNS leak shield, and multi-hop routing
- Supports unlimited simultaneous device connections
- Has independent no-logs audit and dark web monitoring
- Does not include a password vault
- No free plan available
- Founded in 2018, shorter track record than Dashlane (2009)
Which tool would you pick for your stack?
Cast your vote to see real-time peer recommendations from other software buyers.
At a glance
All-in-one password manager with bundled hotspot VPN and phishing protection.
Founded 2009 · From $4.99 · 6/8 tracked features
Best for: executives, consumer password and dark web alerts
See Dashlane alternatives →Feature-packed budget VPN with unlimited simultaneous device connections and CleanWeb.
Founded 2018 · From $2.19 · 7/8 tracked features
Best for: households, unlimited devices on a budget
See Surfshark alternatives →FAQ
Is Dashlane cheaper than Surfshark?
No, Dashlane starts at $4.99 per seat, while Surfshark starts at $2.19 flat. Surfshark is cheaper for multiple users.
Does Surfshark include a password manager?
No, Surfshark does not have a zero-knowledge encrypted password vault according to the provided data.
Which tool offers multi-hop encryption?
Surfshark offers multi-hop double encryption routing; Dashlane does not.
Do both tools have dark web monitoring?
Yes, both Dashlane and Surfshark include dark web breach monitoring and alerts.
Which tool has a free plan?
Dashlane offers a free plan; Surfshark does not.
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Data last reviewed: pending verification. All Security & VPN tools →