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Dashlane vs 1Password

I am a sysop / devops engineer, love open source and security so I tend to ignore commercial software. For password valet, I have been using KeePass for years and happy with it except a couple of things:

  • written in .NET so cross platform integration has its challenges
  • browser integration

Although the browser integration is reasonably good now on Windows, it’s not as refined as its commercial competitors such as Dashlane or 1Password. So I decided to investigate these utilities to see if they can convince me to switch.

Update - July 28th, 2014:

I have to admit, that most of my concerns around 1Password were related to the earlier Windows version. Since my evaluation, 1Password 4 was made available for Windows and looks, feels, behaves exactly like on OSX.

I am very happy to say that, I made the switch and I am a satisfied 1Password customer ever since. In the end, I decided not to look at cost when it comes to security, and it seems that I made the right decision.

Dashlane vs 1Password

I didn’t want to go into detail and compare the core or advanced features of these apps, you can find elsewhere. My goal was to find something more convenient and easier to use than KeePass but keeping the balance between security, functionality and convenience.

It was also important to me how trusted the vendor is, what kind of reputation they may have and how easy it is to get my data, should they disappear from the market.

This is purely my gut feeling / opinion and based on my quick and dirty trial based on versions available at this time of writing. I looked at how they compare to my current software KeePass regarding functionality, security, design, look / feel and above all, how easy the transition would be.

Dashlane pros:

  • offline or online: you only have to be online while register an account, it does not affect working with an already created local database if you choose not to pay or turn off cloud sync
  • secure: 2 factor authentication supported
  • clean interface: identical look / feel on both Windows and OSX
  • security and authorisation: even if you just want to create a brand new local valet (without cloud sync) on a “new” device, it needs to be “approved” with an online code sent to the registered email. Dashlane essentially tracks the devices associated with an account regardless you sync to the cloud or not.
  • browser integration: seamless plugin install and integration during setup
  • auto login: no need to click (most websites) on submit button ever again. If you happen to have multiple accounts for a single site you will have an “drop down” list to select from.
  • export: csv and its own encrypted .dash format
  • cost: subscription based, annual fee then you can sync your valet to unlimited number of devices including mobile
  • support: good although over email a bit slow
  • security dashboard: gives you warnings about reused passwords, compromised accounts, etc.

Dashlane cons:

  • icon view: I hated it, I don’t need a thumbnail to identify an account, no detailed “list like” view. To see any details about any accounts, I had to click on them individually
  • no copy item: I had to fill new entry for few similar items even if 2 fields changed only
  • the interface: designed for web accounts only, not so useful for example PIN numbers where there is no username, it simply won’t save without username field filled
  • import mismatch: The account name and access URLs are really important for autofill, although I had some websites in the valet after import, on visit I got the popup offering account creation which indicated failed match against my valet stored entry
  • idle lock only: no option to lock on screen lock, etc. although it’s not so much of a concern for an average user
  • import: KeePass import is Windows only, although works sort of well
  • no virtual keyboard: just some extra protection against key-loggers although not so much of a concern
  • main window: over-engineered, password “categories” does not help to organise accounts. Over 100+ accounts this view becomes overwhelming and confusing
  • apache authentication: incapable of filling / recognising apache like authentication popups
  • security: I didn’t like the idea of having the ability to log into their website and browse my password valet (paid only)
  • logo: I just cannot personally associate “antiloop” with password management

1Password pros:

  • offline or online: no built in cloud sync option, Google Drive, iCloud, Dropbox, WiFi or just local valet, it’s your choice
  • design: love the application on OSX, similar to KeePass, easy to see details, password strength, etc. in a “detailed like” list view
  • main window: collapsible folder options, excellent organisation and tags, really nice looking interface
  • import: KeePass import allows “field” selection from the CSV export to mach 1Password fields which comes handy for complex entries
  • security: openly published security design
  • trusted: stable software from vendor with good reputation
  • support: great support and community forums
  • export: csv, text or its own .pif format
  • shared vault: could be very handy between family members
  • security audit: reports weak passwords, old or duplicated entries, etc.

1Password cons:

  • overpriced: no subscription and copies need to be purchased for multiple devices, mobile is also extra
  • Windows version: may be identical functionality wise but looks / feels totally different to OSX. Ugly, clumsy and suggest very early development.
  • browser plugins: install is not part of the setup, needs to be done manually for each browser from various sources and it’s convoluted / confusing especially on Windows
  • no auto login: no auto field population either, even a simple browser does that. I don’t know why I have to hit ”CMD+" key combination to be able to populate fields and log in automatically.
  • no virtual keyboard: just some extra protection against key-loggers although not so much of a concern
  • no 2 factor authentication: and it’s not even planned
  • browser plugins based on “websockets” and it can break things or requires specific settings on some platforms , Windows especially
  • apache authentication: incapable of filling / recognising apache like authentication popups

Verdict

No clear winner for me, decided to keep using KeePass until something better comes along. The big shock for me was the apache server authentication, neither of them could handle those popups so I was left with “cut n’ paste” or “save in the browser”, which was a big deal as I have a lot of those.

I liked Dashlane (2.4.1) but it needs refinement, something that 1Password (4.4.1) has on OSX but it is very pricey and I don’t think it’s justified compared to some of the missing features/ annoying bits. I also need at least Windows and OSX support, which is done well from Dashlane but 1Password is very much beta on Windows and I am not even sure, on what grounds they can charge money for it.

I have not evaluated Lastpass yet, at this stage I simply do not trust that product and their security practices.

This post is licensed under CC BY 4.0 by the author.

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