5 best Identity Guard alternatives for identity theft protection
Identity Guard has been around for quite some time, successfully protecting people from identity theft.
But being in the game this long means it may no longer be competitive with younger players.
Identity Guard doesn’t include many modern features that other services now offer—like built-in VPNs, antivirus software, or parental controls.
If you’re looking for alternatives that give you more value, we’ve reviewed the major competitors to help you decide whether to stick with Identity Guard or switch to something better.
Let’s dive in!
Quick verdict: Which Identity Guard alternative is right for you?
| Best overall alternative: Aura If you want an all-in-one solution with identity protection plus VPN, antivirus, and parental controls, Aura is the natural upgrade—offering the same core technology as Identity Guard but with more features included. |
| Best for premium protection: LifeLock If you want the highest coverage limits and dedicated US-based restoration specialists, LifeLock offers industry-leading support and up to $3 million in reimbursement. |
| Best for credit monitoring: IdentityForce If you want the most detailed credit insights and three-bureau monitoring from day one, IdentityForce delivers deep credit data and tracking tools that Identity Guard doesn’t offer. |
Did you know? Aura owns Identity Guard
Before we dive into alternatives, here’s something important to understand: Aura is Identity Guard’s parent company.
In 2019, Identity Guard’s founding company merged with iSubscribed to create Aura. Identity Guard continues to operate as its own brand, but Aura is the “modern” version of the service—built with more features for today’s digital world.
This means switching from Identity Guard to Aura isn’t really switching companies—it’s more like upgrading within the same family. You get the same core protection technology, just packaged with more tools.
The 5 best Identity Guard alternatives
1. Aura: The modern upgrade
| Best for: Choose Aura if you want Identity Guard’s core protection plus modern security tools like VPN, antivirus, and parental controls—all in one easy subscription. |
| Pros | Cons |
| ✅ Same core protection as Identity Guard with more features ✅ VPN with 80+ server locations included ✅ Antivirus and password manager built in ✅ Parental controls and child monitoring ✅ Three-bureau credit monitoring on all plans ✅ Simple pricing with no confusing tiers | ⛔ More expensive than Identity Guard’s entry-level plan ⛔ Fewer VPN server locations than standalone VPN services ⛔ Some features powered by third-party tools ⛔ 14-day free trial is shorter than some competitors |
Aura is what you get when you take Identity Guard’s identity protection and add everything else you need for digital security.
Every Aura plan comes with up to $1 million in identity theft insurance
Family plans include coverage up to $5 million total.
The coverage itself is the same as with Identity Guard. It protects you against five types of identity fraud, including fraud or embezzlement, theft, forgery, data breaches, and full identity takeover.
If identity theft causes you to miss work, the plan can replace lost wages for up to 12 months. It also helps cover legal costs (up to $125 per hour), travel expenses, childcare or elder care, and replacing important documents.
Aura also helps you recover money from unauthorized electronic transfers. This benefit can be used once per year, which is the same limit used by Identity Guard.
Both services use the same dark web monitoring infrastructure
Dark web scans check hidden forums, breach databases, and marketplaces for your Social Security number, email, bank accounts, and credit card numbers.
The monitoring scope and alert speed are identical since they share the same backend systems.
Credit monitoring is where Aura pulls ahead
Every plan includes three-bureau monitoring (Experian, Equifax, TransUnion) from day one.
Identity Guard only offers three-bureau monitoring on Total and Ultra plans. The Value plan has no credit monitoring at all—a major gap for a service focused on identity protection.
Three-bureau monitoring catches changes across all credit bureaus simultaneously.
Single-bureau monitoring only sees what’s reported to one agency—if fraud appears at a different bureau, you won’t know.
Both services offer “White Glove” fraud resolution
A US-based specialist guides you through the recovery process—filing reports, contacting creditors, and disputing fraudulent charges.
The specialist doesn’t have the power of attorney like LifeLock’s team, but they provide detailed guidance and support throughout the restoration process.
Aura bundles in features Identity Guard doesn’t include
VPN (80+ server locations), antivirus software, password manager with unlimited storage, cloud storage, ad blocker, and AI-powered spam call screening.
For families, Aura includes specialized tools Identity Guard lacks: cyberbullying alerts, gaming platform monitoring (Xbox, PlayStation, Nintendo), child Social Security number tracking, and parental controls with screen time management.
Identity Guard gives you a safe browsing extension and password manager, then stops. If you want VPN or antivirus, you’ll need separate subscriptions—which quickly exceeds Aura’s cost.
The pricing is straightforward too
No confusing tier names or wondering what you’re missing. Each plan is named for exactly who it covers: Kids, Individual, Couple, or Family.
| Individual | Couple | Family |
| $12.00 per month | $22.00 per month | $32.00 per month |
| ➡️ 1 person ➡️ Up to $1 million coverage ➡️ Credit monitoring: three bureaus ➡️ VPN, antivirus, password manager ➡️ …and more | ➡️ 2 adults ➡️ Up to $2 million coverage (combined) ➡️ Credit monitoring: three bureaus for both ➡️ VPN, antivirus, password manager ➡️ …and more | ➡️ 5 adults + unlimited kids ➡️ Up to $5 million coverage (combined) ➡️ Credit monitoring: three bureaus for adults ➡️ Parental controls and child protection features ➡️ VPN, antivirus, password manager ➡️ …and more |
| Best for: Choose LifeLock if you want the highest level of coverage and hands-on support from US-based specialists—and you’re willing to pay more for it. |
| Pros | Cons |
| ✅ Up to $3 million in reimbursement coverage ✅ Dedicated US-based restoration specialists ✅ More monitoring alerts than Identity Guard ✅ Social media and phone takeover monitoring ✅ 100% restoration guarantee ✅ 30-day free trial available | ⛔ Prices increase significantly after the first year ⛔ Many plan options can be confusing ⛔ Entry-level plans have limited features ⛔ Full three-bureau monitoring only on top tiers ⛔ More expensive than Identity Guard |
LifeLock is one of the most recognized names in identity theft protection, earning a 4.8 out of 5 stars on Trustpilot—significantly higher than Identity Guard’s 3.5 stars.
LifeLock’s top plan, Ultimate Plus, includes up to $3 million in coverage
This amount covers stolen funds, personal expenses, and legal help. Each family member gets their own $1 million limit—not shared like Identity Guard’s aggregate coverage.
LifeLock covers things Identity Guard doesn’t: stolen wallet reimbursement (up to $500 cash), tax refund fraud, government benefits fraud (SSI, unemployment), and bail bonds if you’re wrongfully arrested due to identity theft.
One standout: the 100% restoration guarantee. If LifeLock can’t restore your identity, you get 12 months of your subscription refunded. Identity Guard doesn’t offer this guarantee.
LifeLock monitors hidden forums, marketplaces, and breach dumps for your information
However, some tests show alert speed varies. LifeLock sometimes sends alerts within hours; other times it can take days.
Neither service monitors 100% of the dark web—no service can make that claim.
Both LifeLock and Identity Guard offer three-bureau monitoring, but with key differences
Identity Guard includes three-bureau monitoring on Total and Ultra plans ($16.67-$25/month).
LifeLock locks this behind Ultimate Plus ($19.99/month first year).
Both pull data daily from Experian, Equifax, and TransUnion, catching inquiries, new accounts, and address changes that single-bureau checks miss.
Recovery support is where LifeLock significantly outperforms Identity Guard
Identity Guard provides “White Glove” support on the Ultra plan—a specialist who guides you through recovery steps.
But you’re still the one making calls and handling paperwork.
LifeLock assigns a dedicated US-based specialist with limited power of attorney.
They contact creditors, file reports, and coordinate with banks directly on your behalf. You’re not left making endless phone calls—the specialist handles the bureaucracy.
Where else does LifeLock pull ahead?
LifeLock monitors threats Identity Guard doesn’t: social media account takeovers, SIM-swap attempts (phone number hijacking), Buy Now Pay Later account fraud (Affirm, Klarna, Afterpay), and utility account fraud (electric, gas, water bills opened in your name).
The stolen wallet coverage is unique—if your wallet is stolen with government-issued ID and you file a police report within 24 hours, LifeLock reimburses the wallet itself plus up to $500 in stolen cash.
The downside: pricing gets complicated
LifeLock offers eight different plans, and renewal prices can nearly double after the first year.
Some of the most important features—like full three-bureau credit monitoring—are only available on the most expensive tiers.
| Identity Advisor | Standard |
| $3.33 per month for the first year, then ~$4.16 per month | $7.50 per month for the first year, then ~$10.40 per month |
| ➡️ 1 person ➡️ Restoration support ❌ No coverage ❌ No credit monitoring | ➡️ 1 person ➡️ Up to $1 million coverage ➡️ Credit monitoring: one bureau ➡️ …and more |
| Advantage | Ultimate Plus |
| $14.99 per month for the first year, then ~$19.99 per month | $19.99 per month for the first year, then ~$28.33 per month |
| ➡️ 1 person ➡️ Up to $1.2 million coverage ➡️ Credit monitoring: one bureau ➡️ …and more | ➡️ 1 person ➡️ Up to $3 million coverage ➡️ Credit monitoring: three bureaus ➡️ …and more |
| Selectwith Norton 360 | Ultimate Plus with Norton 360 |
| $8.33 per month for the first year, then ~$13.33 per month | $25.00 per month for the first year, then ~$30.40 per month |
| ➡️ 1 person ➡️ Up to $1 million coverage ➡️ Credit monitoring: one bureau ➡️ Norton 360 ➡️ …and more | ➡️ 1 person ➡️ Up to $3 million coverage ➡️ Credit monitoring: three bureaus ➡️ Norton 360 ➡️ …and more |
| Standard Couple | Standard Family |
| $12.49 per month for the first year, then ~$20.00 per month | $18.49 per month for the first year, then ~$29.99 per month |
| ➡️ 2 adults + 5 kids ➡️ Up to $1 million coverage per person (kids included) ➡️ Credit monitoring for each adult: one bureau ➡️ …and more | ➡️ 2 adults ➡️ Up to $1 million coverage per person ➡️ Credit monitoring for each adult: one bureau ➡️ …and more |
3. IdentityForce (TransUnion): The credit monitoring specialist
| Best for: Choose IdentityForce if you want the deepest credit insights and three-bureau monitoring—even if it means paying more and missing some digital security tools. |
| Pros | Cons |
| ✅ Credit score simulator for planning ✅ Three-bureau credit monitoring on premium plans ✅ Payday loan and court record monitoring ✅ Up to $2 million in identity theft insurance ✅ Backed by TransUnion’s data infrastructure ✅ 30-day free trial available | ⛔ More expensive than Identity Guard ⛔ No built-in VPN or antivirus ⛔ Entry-level plan has no credit monitoring ⛔ Lower customer satisfaction ratings (3.5 stars on Trustpilot) ⛔ Slower customer support during active cases |
IdentityForce, owned by TransUnion, takes a different approach than Identity Guard. Instead of bundling lots of tools together, it focuses more on deep credit monitoring.
Its top plan includes up to $2 million in identity theft insurance
That’s higher than Identity Guard’s $1 million limit.
The coverage is broader in some areas, too.
It includes medical identity theft, such as fake healthcare claims or prescription fraud. It also helps with criminal defense costs once you prove the crime wasn’t committed by you, plus up to $2,000 for an initial legal consultation.
If identity theft causes you to miss work, lost wages are covered at $2,000 per week for up to five weeks.
Travel costs, childcare or elder care, and document replacement are each covered up to $2,000 per policy period.
IdentityForce also monitors the dark web
It looks for exposed Social Security numbers, bank and credit card details, medical IDs, and stolen usernames and passwords.
Where IdentityForce really stands out is credit monitoring
But only on its most expensive plan.
The credit score simulator lets you test “what-if” situations before you make a move.
For example, you can see how opening a new credit card or paying down debt might affect your score. Identity Guard does not offer this feature.
The premium plan includes daily monitoring from all three credit bureaus: Experian, Equifax, and TransUnion.
However, the UltraSecure base plan ($19.90 per month) does not include credit monitoring at all.
This is a big drawback compared to Identity Guard’s Total plan, which includes credit monitoring for less money.
IdentityForce also watches for high-risk loan activity, like payday loans, rent-to-own purchases, buy-here-pay-here auto loans, and sub-prime loan applications.
These alerts can catch fraud that standard monitoring might miss.
If something goes wrong, IdentityForce offers identity restoration services
You’re assigned a dedicated case manager who helps guide you through the recovery process.
This includes steps like contacting credit bureaus, filing FTC reports, and working with banks.
Unlike LifeLock, IdentityForce does not give its agents power of attorney. Instead, they provide a personalized action plan, telling you exactly what to do.
You stay in control, but you also do the work.
The credit score simulator is truly unique
No other service in this comparison offers tools that predict score changes using real credit bureau models.
If you’re planning a mortgage, car loan, or refinance, this feature can be extremely helpful.
Because IdentityForce is backed by TransUnion, it has direct access to one of the three major credit bureaus.
This may mean faster credit alerts compared to services that rely on third-party data.
That said, IdentityForce does not include digital security tools
There’s no VPN, antivirus, or password manager.
If you want those protections, you’ll need to pay for them separately—often making IdentityForce more expensive overall than Identity Guard or Aura.
| UltraSecure | UltraSecure + Credit |
| $19.90 per month | $34.90 per month |
| ➡️ 1 person ➡️ Up to $1 million coverage ➡️ …and more ❌ No credit monitoring | ➡️ 1 person ➡️ Up to $2 million coverage ➡️ Credit monitoring: three bureaus ➡️ …and more |
| UltraSecure Family | UltraSecure + Credit Family |
| $24.90 per month | $39.90 per month |
| ➡️ 2 adults + 10 kids ➡️ Up to $1 million coverage ➡️ …and more ❌ No credit monitoring | ➡️ 2 adults + 10 kids ➡️ Up to $2 million coverage ➡️ Credit monitoring: three bureaus ➡️ …and more |
4. IDShield (LegalShield): The hands-on recovery alternative
| Best for: Choose IDShield if you want licensed private investigators handling your case and strong recovery support—even if it costs more than Identity Guard. |
| Pros | Cons |
| ✅ Licensed private investigators for complex cases ✅ Up to $3 million in reimbursement (matching LifeLock) ✅ Trend Micro cybersecurity tools included ✅ Reputation management and data broker removal ✅ 24/7 customer support | ⛔ No annual billing discount ⛔ Mixed customer reviews ⛔ Three-bureau monitoring only on higher tier ⛔ Cybersecurity tools feel like add-ons ⛔ No free trial |
IDShield takes a different approach to identity protection. Instead of relying only on support agents, it gives you access to licensed private investigators.
IDShield offers up to $3 million in identity theft coverage for both individual and family plans
This matches LifeLock’s highest tier and is much higher than Identity Guard’s coverage.
One thing to note: the family plan details aren’t very clear. IDShield doesn’t clearly say whether the $3 million limit is shared across the family or applies to each adult.
The coverage itself is broad.
It includes lost wages (no stated cap), travel costs, childcare or elder care, legal consultations, CPA fees, document replacement, and help with credit freezes and fraud alerts. Investigators can also help protect 401(k) and HSA accounts.
There are limits on who gets full protection, however.
Only the main member, spouse, and children under 18 receive full monitoring. Kids ages 18–26 and dependent parents get help if something goes wrong, but no ongoing monitoring.
IDShield also monitors the dark web
It scans breach databases, forums, and online marketplaces for exposed Social Security numbers, driver’s licenses, passports, bank and card numbers, medical IDs, and stolen usernames and passwords.
When your information is found, you get real-time alerts by email or push notification.
For credit monitoring, you can choose one bureau or all three
The base plan monitors Experian only, similar to Identity Guard’s Total plan. The three-bureau option ($19.95 per month) adds TransUnion and Equifax for more complete coverage.
Credit alerts are instant.
You’re notified right away about hard credit inquiries, new accounts, and changes to your credit report. You also get monthly credit score updates with a full 12-month history.
Where IDShield truly stands out is recovery support
If you become a victim, you’re assigned a licensed private investigator.
These investigators are certified and legally authorized to work your case from start to finish. This is very different from services like Identity Guard, which mainly guide you through the steps.
Your investigator is given power of attorney, meaning they can act on your behalf.
They contact creditors, file reports with government agencies, work with law enforcement, and deal directly with credit bureaus and banks.
IDShield’s promise is simple: they stay with your case for as long as it takes. Even complex cases that take 6 to 12 months are fully supported until resolution.
This private investigator model is unique
Most competitors rely on customer support specialists. IDShield gives you a trained investigator with the authority to do the work for you.
IDShield also includes a full digital security bundle from Trend Micro.
This includes a VPN, anti-malware protection, a password manager, and mobile security. Coverage ranges from 3 devices for individuals to 15 devices for families, depending on the tool.
Compared to Identity Guard, which mainly offers a safe browsing extension and a password manager, IDShield provides much stronger built-in digital security.
| 1 credit bureau monitoring | 3 credit bureau monitoring |
| $14.95 per month | $19.95 per month |
| ➡️ 1 person ➡️ Up to $3 million coverage ➡️ Credit monitoring: one bureau ➡️ Trend Micro cybersecurity tools ➡️ …and more | ➡️ 1 person ➡️ Up to $3 million coverage ➡️ Credit monitoring: three bureaus ➡️ Trend Micro cybersecurity tools ➡️ …and more |
| 1 bureau family option | 3 bureau family option |
| $29.95 per month | $34.95 per month |
| ➡️ 2 adults + 10 kids ➡️ Up to $3 million coverage ➡️ Credit monitoring: one bureau ➡️ Trend Micro cybersecurity tools ➡️ …and more | ➡️ 2 adults + 10 kids ➡️ Up to $3 million coverage ➡️ Credit monitoring: three bureaus ➡️ Trend Micro cybersecurity tools ➡️ …and more |
5. Surfshark One+: The VPN-first alternative
| Best for: Choose Surfshark One+ if you want a premium VPN with identity protection added on—not the other way around. Good for people who prioritize online privacy. |
| Pros | Cons |
| ✅ Premium VPN with 4,500+ servers across 100 countries ✅ Data removal from 420+ data brokers with Incogni ✅ Antivirus and data breach alerts included ✅ Unlimited device connections ✅ Very affordable starting price | ⛔ No credit monitoring or credit score tracking ⛔ Focused on prevention, not recovery ⛔ Not a replacement for full identity protection ⛔ Less comprehensive than Identity Guard for identity monitoring |
Surfshark One+ takes a very different approach than Identity Guard. It focuses on preventing identity theft rather than closely monitoring your credit after something happens.
Surfshark includes up to $1 million in identity theft insurance through HSB Specialty Insurance Company
This coverage helps pay for recovery costs like credit reports, document replacement, legal fees, lost wages, and childcare or elder care.
Those last costs are combined and capped at $5,000, with an additional $1,000 for other related expenses.
One standout benefit is mental health counseling, covered up to $1,000.
Surfshark is the only service in this comparison that includes this. If identity theft causes stress or anxiety, you can speak with licensed mental health professionals.
Surfshark also monitors the dark web
Its Alert feature watches breach databases for exposed email addresses and personal data, and notifies you if your information shows up in a known breach.
That said, the monitoring isn’t as broad as Identity Guard’s.
Surfshark mainly tracks email addresses, passwords, Social Security numbers, and credit card numbers. It does not monitor bank accounts or medical IDs.
Importantly, Surfshark does not offer credit monitoring at all
There’s no credit score tracking, no alerts for new accounts or hard inquiries, and no three-bureau monitoring.
Identity Guard includes credit monitoring on its higher-tier plans; Surfshark doesn’t offer it at any price.
Surfshark One+ is a better fit for people who want to reduce their risk upfront by removing personal information from the internet through Incogni—the extra product bundled with Surfshark.
If credit monitoring is important to you, Surfshark alone won’t be enough.
If identity theft does happen, licensed investigators help guide you through recovery
They assist with figuring out how the breach happened, reviewing legal steps, notifying affected parties, and working with financial institutions.
The support is professional, but it’s more guidance than hands-on action. You’re supported through the process, but you’re still doing much of the work yourself—similar to Identity Guard.
Where Surfshark truly shines is privacy protection
Incogni removes your personal data from over 420 data broker sites.
It sends opt-out requests, tracks confirmations, and repeats the process every 60 to 90 days because many sites re-list your information. Identity Guard doesn’t offer personal data removal at all.
Surfshark also includes a high-quality VPN.
It offers over 4,500 servers in 100 countries, supports unlimited devices, delivers fast speeds, and uses strong encryption. Identity Guard does not include a VPN.
You also get antivirus and malware protection, helping secure your devices in ways Identity Guard doesn’t.
If you mainly want a premium VPN and privacy tools, with identity protection as a bonus, Surfshark One+ makes sense. If your top priority is full identity and credit monitoring, it’s not the right fit.
| Surfshark One+ |
| $6.29 per month for the first 15 months, then~$9.90 |
| ➡️ 1 person ➡️ Up to $1 million coverage ➡️ Premium VPN with 4,500+ servers ➡️ Incogni personal data removal from 420+ brokers ➡️ Antivirus and dark web monitoring ➡️ …and more ❌ No credit monitoring |
Comparison table: Identity Guard vs key alternatives
| Service | Starting price | Max coverage | Credit monitoring |
| Identity Guard | $7.50/mo | $1 million | 1 or 3 bureaus, depending on the plan |
| Aura | $12/mo | $1 million | 3 bureaus on all plans |
| LifeLock | $7.50/mo | $3 million | 1 or 3 bureaus, depending on the plan |
| IdentityForce | $19.99/mo | $2 million | None or 3 bureaus, depending on the plan |
| IDShield | $14.95/mo | $3 million | 1 or 3 bureaus, depending on the plan |
| Surfshark One+ | $6.99 | $1 million | None |
Best Identity Guard alternative for seniors
If you’re looking for identity protection for older family members, LifeLock is often the best choice.
The Norton brand name carries recognition with older adults who’ve been using Norton antivirus for years. LifeLock also has an AARP partnership, which makes it a familiar option for seniors.
More importantly, LifeLock offers 24/7 phone support with US-based representatives—a big advantage for older adults who prefer talking to a real person rather than using apps or live chat.
The dedicated restoration specialists are another plus. If identity theft happens, seniors get a single point of contact who handles all the complicated paperwork and phone calls.
Can you protect your identity for free?
While paid services like Identity Guard offer features you can’t fully replicate, there are still several steps you can take to protect your identity at no cost:
- You can place credit freezes at all three major bureaus (Equifax, Experian, TransUnion) to block new accounts from being opened. This doesn’t protect existing accounts or detect breaches, but it’s free and effective.
- Credit Karma offers free credit monitoring and score tracking, giving alerts for some changes—though without full three-bureau coverage or restoration support.
- Tools such as Have I Been Pwned can check if your email appears in known breaches, but it won’t monitor Social Security numbers or financial accounts.
- Fraud alerts through the credit bureaus require businesses to verify your identity before issuing new credit. These are free but must be renewed every year.
These free tools provide basic protection, but they won’t give you the comprehensive monitoring, instant alerts, or hands-on recovery support that paid services offer.
FAQ
Are there better alternatives to Identity Guard?
Yes—Aura is often cited as better because it’s owned by the same company but offers more features. You get the same core protection technology that Identity Guard uses, plus a VPN, antivirus, parental controls, and better family plan pricing. Aura also includes three-bureau credit monitoring on every plan, while Identity Guard only offers this on higher tiers.
Is Identity Guard part of Aura?
Yes. Aura is Identity Guard’s parent company. While they operate as separate brands, they share the same underlying technology. Aura is the “flagship” modern product with more features, while Identity Guard is the “legacy” brand with simpler, more affordable plans.
How does Identity Guard’s pricing compare to other services?
Identity Guard’s Value plan starts at $7.50/month—cheaper than most competitors. But this plan doesn’t include credit monitoring.
The Total plan ($16.67/month) adds three-bureau credit monitoring, which is comparable to Aura’s Individual plan ($12/month) that includes more features.
LifeLock and IdentityForce are generally more expensive, while Surfshark One+ is cheaper but offers less comprehensive identity protection.
How do Identity Guard’s Value, Total, and Ultra plans compare?
The Value plan ($7.50/month) includes basic identity monitoring and $1 million insurance but no credit monitoring—a significant gap.
The Total plan ($16.67/month) adds three-bureau credit monitoring.
The Ultra plan ($25/month) includes “white glove” fraud resolution with more hands-on support. Most people should skip the Value plan and start with Total to get credit monitoring.
Which is better: Aura or LifeLock?
It depends on what you need.
Aura is better for most people because it costs less, includes more bundled features (VPN, antivirus, parental controls), and has simpler pricing that doesn’t increase after the first year.
LifeLock is better if you want the highest coverage limits (up to $3 million), dedicated US-based restoration specialists, and more comprehensive monitoring alerts. LifeLock is the premium option; Aura is the better value option.
How does Identity Guard compare to other options?
Identity Guard uses IBM Watson AI for monitoring, which is a strong feature. But it lacks the modern security tools (VPN, antivirus) that Aura includes, the high coverage limits that LifeLock offers, and the deep credit insights that IdentityForce provides.
Identity Guard works well for basic identity monitoring on a budget—but if you want more comprehensive protection, the alternatives listed here offer better features for similar or slightly higher prices.
Our methodology
We evaluated these identity theft protection services based on information provided by each service and other sources.
Evaluation criteria:
- Monitoring scope: Number of data sources checked (credit bureaus, dark web sites, public records)
- Alert quality: Speed, accuracy, and actionable guidance in notifications
- Restoration support: Availability of specialists, response time, and hands-on assistance level
- Coverage limitations: Features excluded, common complaints, and blind spots
- Price transparency: Introductory vs. renewal rates, cancellation policies
Technical depth verification:
We analyzed insurance policy documents for each service to understand exact coverage limits, exclusions, and claim requirements.
Limitations and disclaimers:
- Pricing and features can change after publication.
- Individual results may vary based on credit history and fraud complexity.
- We cannot test actual identity theft restoration without experiencing fraud.
- Some technical details are proprietary and confirmed through company documentation.
Sources:
Information gathered from official service websites, insurance policy documents (American Bankers Insurance, United Specialty Insurance, AIG, HSB Specialty Insurance), user reviews on Trustpilot and BBB, Reddit discussions, independent reviews from other sources.
