ID theft protection services are essential to prevent financial loss, credit score damage, and emotional distress. In 2022, the US alone reported more than 422 million separate cases of ID theft—a number higher than the country's entire population, possibly attributed to individuals experiencing multiple instances of identity theft within the year.
To me, this situation underscores the threat of cybercrime and the need for intensive protective measures.
ID theft services offer comprehensive solutions to secure your personal information. Let's explore the top options for safeguarding your online identity if you haven't found what you need through LifeLock.
Our 5 Best LifeLock Alternatives in 2024:
- Aura - Best LifeLock alternative overall
- Identity Guard - Best for dark web scans
- Zander Insurance Identity Theft Protection - Best for family plans
- myFICO - Best for fraud monitoring
- IDShield - Best for identity restoration
A Closer Look at the Best LifeLock Alternatives in 2024
1. Aura
An all-encompassing digital security system that protects your family's finances
Best for - Advanced ID theft, financial fraud, and device protection tools
Starting price - $12/month
Free trial - Yes
Insurance coverage - $1 million
Aura uses cutting-edge AI and machine learning algorithms to monitor online and offline data sources to proactively detect signs of ID theft or fraud. It also sends you real-time alerts and notifications, ensuring you're always informed about suspicious activities related to your personal information.
Aura takes a multifaceted approach to safeguarding personal information. This includes secure password management, dark web scanning, and social media monitoring. It also provides access to a team of dedicated identity theft specialists who can assist you in case of an identity breach, guiding you through the recovery process and helping to restore your identity.
What Makes Aura a Good Alternative to LifeLock?
Aura leverages more advanced technology to ensure faster detection and response to potential threats. And though Aura is slightly more expensive than LifeLock, I think its robust services make it well worth it—you can even it out for free before committing.
Pros
- Secure Wi-Fi VPN
- Positive user reviews
- 24/7 customer support
Cons
- Fixed plans
- Not all features are available for Mac users
» Be proactive and prepared. Learn about the methods crooks use to steal your identity.
2. Identity Guard
Seamless protection for your financial assets
Best for - Defense against financial fraud and exposure on the dark web
Starting price - $8.99/month
Free trial - Yes
Insurance coverage - $1 million
Identity Guard provides monitoring and alerts for various identity threats, including financial fraud, social media privacy, and dark web exposure. It also offers a unique and user-friendly Identity Theft Recovery Assistance service.
In the unfortunate event of identity theft, their team of experts guides you through the complex process of reclaiming your identity. This hands-on assistance distinguishes Identity Guard from others by providing personalized support to victims.
What Makes Identity Guard a Good Alternative to LifeLock?
Like Aura, Identity Guard is an excellent alternative to LifeLock due to its more comprehensive identity theft protection services. It includes social media monitoring, which LifeLock doesn't. Identity Guard's family protection plan also covers children, while LifeLock charges extra for this feature.
Pros
- $2,000 emergency cash fund
- Easy installation process
- Cyberbullying alerts
Cons
- No credit monitoring on the cheapest plan
- Limited advanced features
3. Zander Insurance
ID theft protection for large households
Best for - Affordable plans
Starting price - $6.75/month
Free trial - No
Insurance coverage - $1 million
Zander Insurance Identity Theft Protection's Elite Cyber Bundle is a game-changer to me. Moreover, Zander's commitment to families is unparalleled: their Family plans include up to $2 million in coverage for two adults and up to 10 children.
It can also monitor your children's Social Security numbers and alert you as soon they detect signs of their personal information being sold online.
What Makes Zander Insurance a Good Alternative to LifeLock?
LifeLock's most affordable plan costs twice as much as Zander's at $18.99/month. This makes Zander Insurance a good alternative if you want similar quality ID theft services at more budget-friendly rates.
Pros
- Affordable plans
- Children are covered for free
- Social Security number monitoring for minors
Cons
- No free trial
- Limited credit reporting
4. myFICO
Active credit monitoring and alerts
Best for - Credit monitoring and alerts for credit inquiries
Starting price - $19.95/month
Free trial - No
Insurance coverage - $1 million
myFICO sets itself apart by providing precise, real-time credit monitoring services, offering access to FICO scores from all three major credit bureaus. This approach allows you to actively monitor your credit health, ensuring early detection of unauthorized credit inquiries or changes in credit scores.
It covers expenses related to identity theft, such as legal fees and lost wages. With AI-driven fraud monitoring, credit expertise, resolution support, and insurance coverage, myFICO is a standout choice for me.
What Makes myFICO a Good Alternative to LifeLock?
While both services help safeguard your personal information, myFICO stands out by providing access to your FICO credit scores from all three major credit bureaus, empowering you with valuable insights into your financial health.
Pros
- Accurate FICO Scores
- Credit Score Simulator
- Educational resources about credit scores
Cons
- Expensive
- Not available in New York
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» React swiftly by knowing what to do if you're a victim of identity theft.
5. IDShield
FCRA-certified credit monitoring and protection
Best for - Round-the-clock monitoring and alerts
Starting price - $14.95/month
Free trial - 30 days
Insurance coverage - $3 million
IDShield has extensive monitoring coverage of your financial data, social media presence, medical records, and criminal records. Another fantastic benefit is its identity restoration service. If your identity is compromised, IDShield offers a team of licensed private investigators to help guide you through the recovery process.
This team not only assists with the paperwork and legal procedures but also takes on the time-consuming and emotionally taxing tasks, such as contacting creditors and clearing your name. This hands-on support distinguishes IDShield from other identity theft protection services that may expect you to handle the restoration process independently.
What Makes IDShield a Good Alternative to LifeLock?
IDShield offers a more affordable family plan than LifeLock does. It also provides 24/7 access to licensed private investigators who actively monitor your personal information, offering a proactive approach rather than a reactive one like LifeLock does.
Pros
- High coverage rates
- Credit monitoring
- Positive customer service reviews
Cons
- Potential for alert and notification overload
- More expensive individual plan than LifeLock
LifeLock Alternatives: Secure a Safer Future
Each of the LifeLock alternatives I mentioned above offers a decent solution for individuals or families. In particular, I'd choose Aura as the most comprehensive solution.
Otherwise, if you want to protect your whole family, I suggest Zander. Or if you want to avoid being one of the estimated 33% of Americans who had to freeze their credit cards due to ID theft, go for Identity Guard.
» ID theft has hit a record high. Learn how to protect yourself from scams.
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