VaultKeepR vs Dashlane
Compare Dashlane and VaultKeepR by encryption, storage, access, and export format. The notes below distinguish supported settings and account models.
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| Comparison | VaultKeepR | Dashlane |
|---|---|---|
| Encryption and key derivation | XChaCha20-Poly1305 + Argon2id | AES-256 + Argon2 (password-based model) |
| Storage location | Local encrypted vault / IPFS sync | Dashlane-hosted encrypted sync |
| Access & Auth | Password + Secret Key / compatible passkey | Master password / passwordless / SSO (model-dependent) |
| Open-source license | Yes | No |
| Public implementation for review | Public SDK; not an external security audit | Yes |
| Pricing | Free local vault and IPFS sync; Premium extras | Paid plans (see official personal pricing) |
Why users choose Dashlane
- • Published application source for review
- • Password and passkey support
- • Personal and business plans
What to check with Dashlane
- • Hosted service for sync
- • Published application code has license and build limitations
- • Login and recovery differ between master-password and SSO models
Encryption and key derivation
Dashlane documents AES-256 vault encryption and Argon2 for its password-based model. Passwordless and SSO accounts use different access paths. A comparison must distinguish the login model instead of assigning PBKDF2 to every Dashlane user.
VaultKeepR encrypts vault contents with XChaCha20-Poly1305 and uses Argon2id for password-based key derivation. Argon2id raises the cost of offline guessing, but protection still depends on the unlocking secret, KDF parameters, and device security.
Vault copies and remote availability
Dashlane synchronizes encrypted vault data through its hosted service. Its published design separates client-side vault encryption from service authentication. Hosted sync has availability dependencies, but does not establish provider access to plaintext.
VaultKeepR keeps an encrypted local vault and syncs an encrypted vault blob through IPFS. Shamir recovery fragments are separate from that blob. Remote access depends on gateways, continued pinning, and the configured storage services, including S3 backup. Keep a local copy or export that you can unlock.
Account and unlocking methods
Dashlane's master-password, passwordless, and enterprise SSO models are not interchangeable. Check which one your account uses and how a new device is authorized. Dashlane publishes application code for review; source availability is not the same as an unrestricted open-source license or a reproducible build.
VaultKeepR does not require an email-based vault account. Unlock methods depend on the app and compatible hardware. Removing email registration does not prevent phishing, compromised-device access, or metadata linkage.
Recovery and independent backups
The local vault and IPFS sync are free. Shamir 3-of-5 fragmented recovery is part of Premium. Set it up before losing access; recovery requires the necessary fragments and recovery information.
If you lose the unlocking secrets without a usable recovery setup or another accessible vault copy, you can lose access to the vault. An email reset cannot recreate a lost encryption key. Test recovery and keep independent backups before relying on them.
Sources and scope
Facts checked on . Features depend on the client, format, KDF settings, and account model. Pricing can change by region, billing period, and promotion. USD prices are not converted to EUR here.
VaultKeepR references: Architecture, threat model, recovery, pricing.
Frequently asked questions
How can I transfer my passwords from Dashlane?
Open the Dashlane extension or web app. Go to Settings > Export Data. Select CSV format. Confirm password and download. Import it in VaultKeepR. An unencrypted export exposes your secrets. Use a trusted device, verify the transferred entries, and delete the unencrypted export after verification.
Can I access my passwords offline?
You can read a local vault without an internet connection once it is available on that device and you can unlock it. Syncing or downloading a remote copy requires network access. A new device needs a vault copy and a supported unlocking method.
Is VaultKeepR really free?
The local vault and IPFS sync are free. Shamir 3-of-5 fragmented recovery is part of Premium. Set it up before losing access; recovery requires the necessary fragments and recovery information.
Does VaultKeepR work with passkeys and biometrics?
VaultKeepR supports WebAuthn passkey unlocking through PRF on compatible browsers and authenticators. Biometric unlocking and autofill depend on the app, device, and OS support. Check your setup before relying on a passkey as your only way back into the vault.
Where is my data actually stored?
VaultKeepR keeps an encrypted local vault and syncs an encrypted vault blob through IPFS. Shamir recovery fragments are separate from that blob. Remote access depends on gateways, continued pinning, and the configured storage services, including S3 backup. Keep a local copy or export that you can unlock.
Switching managers is also a good time to close the accounts you no longer use. Our guides cover how to delete accounts on 15 major services.
Try a local-first vault
Use the transfer method for Dashlane above, then verify the imported entries. Keep a backup and your unlocking material available.