Dashlane vs Magic: Which Should You Choose in 2026?
Choosing between Dashlane and Magic comes down to understanding what each tool does best. This comparison breaks down the key differences so you can make an informed decision based on your specific needs, not marketing claims.
Short on time? Here's the quick answer
We've tested both tools. Here's who should pick what:
Dashlane
Password manager with VPN and dark web monitoring
Best for you if:
Magic
Passwordless authentication SDK
Best for you if:
- • You want the higher-rated option (8.0/10 vs 7.9/10)
| At a Glance | ||
|---|---|---|
Price | Free + Paid | Free + Paid |
Best For | Security | Security |
Rating | 79/100 | 80/100 |
| Feature | Dashlane | Magic |
|---|---|---|
| Pricing Model | Freemium | Freemium |
| Editorial Score | 79 | 80 |
| Community Rating | No ratings yet | No ratings yet |
| Total Reviews | 0 | 0 |
| Community Upvotes | 0 | 0 |
| Categories | Security | Security |
Understanding the Differences
Both Dashlane and Magic solve similar problems, but they approach them differently.Dashlane positions itself as "password manager with vpn and dark web monitoring" while Magicfocuses on "passwordless authentication sdk". These differences matter depending on what you're trying to accomplish.
When to Choose Dashlane
Dashlane makes sense if you're looking for a budget-friendly option with a free tier solution.
When to Choose Magic
Magic is worth considering if you need a flexible option with both free and paid tiers tool. Scoring 80/100, it edges ahead in our evaluation.
Who Should Use What?
Bootstrapped or small team?
When every dollar counts, Dashlane lets you get started without pulling out your credit card.
We'd pick: Dashlane
Growing fast?
Your team doubled last quarter and you need tools that won't break when you add 50 more people. Magic is built for teams that are leveling up.
We'd pick: Magic
Enterprise with complex needs?
You need SSO, compliance certifications, and a support team that picks up the phone. Both have enterprise tiers—compare their security features.
We'd pick: Magic
Still not sure? Answer these 3 questions
How much can you spend?
Tight budget? Start free with Dashlane, upgrade when you're ready.
Do you care what other users think?
Both have similar review counts. Read a few before you commit.
Expert opinion or crowd wisdom?
Our team rated Magic higher (80/100). But the community has upvoted Magic more (0 votes). Pick your source of truth.
Key Takeaways
What Magic Does Better
- Higher overall score (80/100)
- Our recommendation for most use cases
Consider Dashlane If
- You want to start free and scale later
- Its specific features better match your workflow
- You prefer its interface or design approach
The Bottom Line
If we had to pick one, we'd go with Magic (80/100). But the honest answer is that "better" depends on your situation. Magic scores higher in our analysis, but Dashlane might be the right choice if its specific strengths align with what you need most. Take advantage of free trials to test both before committing.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Dashlane or Magic better?
Based on our analysis, Magic scores higher with 80/100. Dashlane isfreemium while Magic is freemium. The best choice depends on your specific needs and budget. We recommend testing both with free trials if available.
Can I switch from Dashlane to Magic easily?
Migration difficulty varies. Check if both tools support data export/import in compatible formats. Some tools offer migration assistance or have integration partners who can help with the transition.
Do Dashlane and Magic offer free trials?
Most software in this category offers free trials or free tiers. Dashlane is freemium with a free tier.Magic is freemium with a free tier. Visit their websites for current trial offers.