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What’s the Best Tool for Protecting Your Identity?
For the past 25 years, Identity Guard has helped protect over 47 million customers against identity theft — and has successfully resolved over 140,000 fraud cases.
But while Identity Guard has built its reputation on rock-solid identity monitoring, fast alerts, and reliable fraud resolution, the threat landscape in 2025 is vastly different from what it was when the company first launched.
Many modern identity theft protection providers take a more proactive approach than Identity Guard does — bundling digital security and online privacy features with classic identity monitoring and resolution services.
For customers seeking reliable identity and credit monitoring with helpful U.S.-based support, Identity Guard is a fantastic option. But for those users who want more robust all-in-one protection against modern online threats, there are a few Identity Guard alternatives to consider.
How To Decide If Identity Guard Is Worth It for You
Identity Guard is primarily an identity theft and credit protection tool. Customers are alerted if their sensitive information appears on the Dark Web, in data breaches and public records, or if suspicious activity is detected in their credit and bank accounts.
All plans come with a basic digital security suite (including a password manager and Safe Browsing tools for protection against phishing links), 24/7 access to a U.S.-based support team and identity restoration services, and up to $1 million in identity theft insurance.
Beyond those features, the plan you choose will determine the level of protection that you receive.
Like many of its competitors, Identity Guard offers different plan “tiers” — Value, Total, and Ultra — with each level adding additional features.
For example, the Value plan only provides identity and high-risk transaction alerts with no credit monitoring services. The Ultra plan layers on three-bureau credit monitoring, advanced financial and identity monitoring, home title monitoring, and White Glove Fraud Resolution services.
How much does Identity Guard cost?
Identity Guard’s plans range from $7.50 to $25/month for individual plans and $12.50 to $33.33/month for families (up to five adults and unlimited children) when you pay for an annual plan. This is comparable with most other identity theft protection plans.
If you opt for monthly billing, you’ll pay slightly more and won’t be eligible for the advertised 60-day money-back guarantee.
Who is Identity Guard best suited for?
- Past victims of identity theft, fraud, or scams. According to the Identity Theft Resource Center (ITRC) the number of people experiencing multiple identity-related incidents has increased from 15% to 24% year-over-year. If you’ve been a victim once, Identity Guard’s powerful identity monitoring features can help ensure that you stay safe moving forward.
- Price-conscious customers who want identity monitoring and support. Identity Guard’s Value plan offers strong identity monitoring at a very competitive price. For a small monthly increase, the Total plan also includes three-bureau credit monitoring.
- Users who don’t want bundled services. Some people prefer to pick specific safety tools — such as antivirus software, a password manager, and a virtual private network (VPN) — rather than be forced into a package deal. If your focus is just on identity monitoring and protection, Identity Guard could fit that role.
The bottom line: Identity Guard’s Value and Total plans are great options for individuals looking for affordable identity protection and insurance coverage — but the more expensive Ultra plan may not include as many features, tools, or as much protection as offered by some competitors.
📚 Related: Is Identity Guard Legit? What You Need To Know →
The 8 Best Identity Guard Alternatives in 2025
Identity Guard has made a name for itself as a budget-friendly, flexible, and intuitive identity protection platform. But that doesn’t mean it provides all the features you may need.
These are the best Identity Guard alternatives to consider in 2025 based on cost, feature parity, and support:
1. Aura
Why we picked it: Aura’s all-in-one intelligent safety solution is consistently rated as the best identity theft protection service available.
Despite being relatively new to the market, Aura has received the CNET Editor’s Choice for best identity theft protection service of 2025 — as well as #1-ratings from Tom’s Guide, TechRadar, NerdWallet, Forbes, and more.
Reviewers praise Aura’s all-in-one approach, which combines identity theft protection and three-bureau credit monitoring with credit score updates, advanced digital security tools, online privacy features, U.S.-based support, and generous identity theft insurance — all included in a single affordable plan.
Unlike Identity Guard and other alternatives (including LifeLock), Aura doesn’t hold back critical features or offer “tiered” plans.
Instead, Aura’s plan options are based simply on how many people you want to protect, with its individual, family, and couple plans all offering the same high level of protection. (The only difference is that additional family-focused features are available with the family and kids plans.)
When it comes to identity monitoring, Aura actively monitors over 140 pieces of personal and sensitive information — such as your Social Security number (SSN), credit card details, and passwords — across the Dark Web, data breaches, public records, and more.
All users get access to a full suite of digital security tools — including antivirus software, a military-grade virtual private network (VPN), phishing protection, a secure password manager, and more.
Aura also excels at credit protection — monitoring your credit reports at all three major credit bureaus for new credit accounts, inquiries, and changes — and provides the fastest fraud alerts in the industry3.
Aura even monitors linked bank, credit card, and investment accounts to help keep your personal finances safe from scammers.
Best plan & average cost: Aura individual for $9.99/month (using this special discount link).
Aura’s individual plan offers some of the most extensive identity, device, and financial protection on the market — at one of the lowest prices available.
But where Aura truly shines is with full-family protection. For $24.99/month, you can protect up to five adults and an unlimited number of kids under the age of 18 — all with a single plan.
Aura’s family plans also include child identity monitoring, parental controls, Safe Gaming and cyberbullying alerts, AI-powered spam call and text protection, and up to $5 million in identity theft insurance.
To ensure optimal family protection, Aura family plan members can reside in different households, such as kids away at college or elderly grandparents (who are often particularly vulnerable targets for cybercrimes and scams).
How it compares to Identity Guard: While Aura and Identity Guard are owned by the same parent company, Aura takes a more proactive approach to identity theft protection than Identity Guard. You’ll benefit from digital security for all of your devices and accounts, more extensive fraud protection, online privacy features, and optional parental controls and other online family safety tools.
2. IDShield
Why we picked it: IDShield is a compelling alternative to Identity Guard for customers whose main concern is access to identity restoration specialists. The company markets itself as the only identity protection provider with “full-service identity restoration,” thanks to its parent company, LegalShield, which offers prepaid legal services.
When IDShield customers need help recovering their credit, they can tap into LegalShield’s network of private investigators for assistance. Members also get “unlimited” access to customer service and a 24-hour response SLA (service level agreement) for customer emails.
Other benefits of IDShield include optional three-bureau credit monitoring (on certain plans), a monthly credit score tracker, and up to $3 million in identity theft insurance coverage and expense reimbursement.
However, IDShield is more expensive than other Identity Guard alternatives like Aura — especially if you opt for a plan that includes three-bureau credit monitoring. Digital security tools aren’t built into the IDShield app and instead are provided by Trend Micro.
Best plan & average cost: Individual plan with three-bureau credit monitoring for $19.95/month.
While IDShield charges an extra $5/month for three-bureau credit monitoring, it’s worth it for the peace of mind that you’ll get with near real-time alerts for suspicious activity across all three major credit bureaus (Experian, Equifax, and TransUnion).
Families should be aware that IDShield costs upwards of $34.95/month for family protection, with no parental controls included.
How it compares to Identity Guard: IDShield has a leg up on Identity Guard when it comes to reputation management, spam control, and medical data protection. Yet its plans can only support up to three devices at a time, and they don’t include financial account monitoring. Plus, there’s no money-back guarantee.
📚 Related: IDShield vs. Aura Comparison: What You Need To Know →
3. LifeLock
Why we picked it: LifeLock is often regarded as one of the few household names in the identity theft protection industry. But while LifeLock offers a very robust feature set, its plans and pricing can quickly become complicated and expensive.
Unfortunately, LifeLock is another provider with a “feature gating” business model, where critical safety features are reserved for higher-priced plans only.
For example, the value-focused Identity Advisor plan provides just Dark Web and data breach alerts and access to customer support for $4.99/month. To access features similar to Aura’s individual plan, you’ll need to opt for LifeLock’s Ultimate Plus plan, for $34.99/month!
If you want to add Norton 360’s digital security tools or protect your family, you’ll also be required to pay extra — with all-in-one family plans costing upwards of $79.99/month.
Potential buyers should also be aware of the fact that LifeLock has suffered multiple security incidents and data privacy debacles in recent years. This includes a credential stuffing attack that compromised the passwords of nearly one million users.
Best plan & average cost: LifeLock Ultimate Plus with Norton 360 for individuals at $25/month ($239.88 paid annually) for your first year (plan renews at $339.99/year after that).
All of LifeLock’s advertised pricing only applies to your first year as a customer — after that you’ll pay 30–50+% more for the same plan.
If you want the same level of all-in-one protection as Aura and other Identity Guard alternatives, you’ll need to opt for LifeLock’s top-tier plan. While this is a pricey option, it gives you access to three-bureau credit monitoring as well as up to $3 million in insurance coverage, including $1 million in stolen funds coverage.
How it compares to Identity Guard: A combined Norton 360 with LifeLock plan can provide users with more digital security than Identity Guard. Yet some LifeLock customers complain about slow and unhelpful service and a poor app experience. This feedback, the company’s previous security issues, and its steep price increases may have you justifiably questioning whether a LifeLock plan is worth it.
📚 Related: Identity Guard vs. LifeLock: What To Know Before You Choose →
4. IdentityForce
Why we picked it: IdentityForce is an identity theft monitoring service owned by TransUnion, one of the three major credit bureaus.
Due to its close tie to the credit bureau, IdentityForce’s premium plans provide fast, accurate credit-related alerts. However, its basic plans don’t come with credit monitoring at all. Instead, they lean heavily on Dark Web monitoring and security features like a VPN for mobile and online PC protection.
IdentityForce splits its offerings into two plan tiers — one that includes identity monitoring, and a significantly more expensive plan that bundles together identity and credit monitoring.
You can sign up for a free trial of IdentityForce’s UltraSecure plan — without credit monitoring — for 30 days. But the company doesn’t extend the same offer to UltraSecure+Credit plan holders.
Best plan & average cost: IdentityForce UltraSecure+Credit Monitoring for individuals at $34.90/month.
IdentityForce’s base plans do not include credit monitoring. For that reason, we recommend getting an UltraSecure+Credit plan and paying annually to get a discount.
For individuals, these plans work out to approximately $29.16/month (when paid annually). For families, you’ll be paying closer to $33.23/month. This makes IdentityForce one of the most expensive identity theft providers on the market.
How it compares to Identity Guard: IdentityForce’s credit monitoring plans are more expensive than Identity Guard but do offer more device protection — if you’re a Windows PC user. IdentityForce’s privacy and data collection policies are also somewhat concerning for a company that provides identity protection services.
📚 Related: Is IdentityForce Legit? What To Know Before Buying →
5. IdentityIQ
Why we picked it: IdentityIQ carves out a spot in the crowded identity theft protection market by offering a wide array of flexible and customizable plans for individuals.
Starting with the entry-level Secure Basic plan, users receive a decent level of protection, including identity monitoring, SSN alerts, up to $1 million in stolen funds reimbursement, and U.S.-based ID restoration services.
Each subsequent plan layers on additional security features — mostly more monitoring options and additional identity theft insurance coverage.
One upside to note is that all IdentityIQ plans include some form of credit bureau monitoring (one-bureau for the Secure Basic and Secure Plus plans, and three-bureau for Secure Pro and Secure Max).
However, IdentityIQ’s multiple plan options can also make it a complicated and expensive choice (similar to LifeLock). You’ll pay significantly more for three-bureau credit monitoring and even pay extra to add digital security tools.
Best plan & average cost: Secure Pro with VPN and antivirus for $23.49/month.
Despite costing significantly more than the company’s basic plans, IdentityIQ’s Secure Pro is the best option for anyone who wants protection similar to industry leaders such as Aura and LifeLock.
How it compares to Identity Guard: While IdentityIQ offers some features that make it stand out from Identity Guard, you’ll pay a premium to access them. The higher cost, plus the company’s poorly reviewed mobile app, may make you want to look for a different option.
📚 Related: How To Protect Your Privacy Online →
6. NordProtect
Why we picked it: Launched by cybersecurity company Nord Security (the parent company of NordVPN and now Incogni), NordProtect offers a bundled service with strong digital security and online privacy features.
This includes access to NordVPN and Incogni’s data broker removal tool on the Gold and Platinum plans.
However, NordProtect’s identity theft protection features are quite limited — especially when compared to other Identity Guard alternatives. Plans include just Dark Web monitoring, one-bureau credit monitoring, monthly credit score updates, and “credit freeze assistance” (although anyone can freeze their credit for free with all of the major credit bureaus).
The one unique feature that NordProtect offers is insurance coverage for cyber attacks. All plans include up to $1 million in identity theft recovery, up to $50,000 in cyber extortion protection, and up to $10,000 in online fraud coverage. Higher-priced plans also include up to $10,000 in cyber attack coverage. However, Aura also offers an optional cyber insurance upgrade with higher coverage.
Best plan & average cost: NordProtect Platinum at $13.99/month (on a one-year plan) — renews at $32.99/month after your first year.
The Platinum plan from NordProtect includes all cyber insurance coverage plus the unique “malware breach alert” feature, which notifies you if your personal data was leaked in a data breach due to malware.
NordProtect advertises discounted rates for one or two-year plans — but customers need to be aware of the steep price increases after their initial term ends.
How it compares to Identity Guard: NordProtect falls behind Identity Guard when it comes to identity monitoring and credit protection, but includes significantly stronger protection against digital threats and privacy concerns. As an all-in-one provider, however, there are better options available.
7. Bitdefender
Why we picked it: Bitdefender is another digital security company that has recently made the push into identity theft protection. Bitdefender’s main selling point is its strong antivirus protection, which has consistently been rated a top product by the AV-TEST institute.
Unfortunately, Bitdefender’s plan options put customers in a tough spot: The company’s all-in-one plans include strong digital security tools but limited identity theft protection, while the identity theft protection plans have stronger monitoring but no digital security tools.
Bitdefender’s all-in-one plans include antivirus protection (for up to five devices) and a password manager. The Premium Security plan (and tier levels above) also include a VPN and anti-tracker tools.
If you want to use Bitdefender as an Identity Guard alternative, you’ll either need to pay more for Bitdefender’s Ultimate Security and Ultimate Security Plus plans or purchase one of its dedicated identity theft protection plans (with no antivirus or digital security included).
Best plan & average cost: Bitdefender Ultimate Security Plus at $119.99/year (for your first year — renews at $189.99/year).
To get the best of both worlds, you’ll want to opt for Bitdefender’s highest-tier all-in-one plan. While you’ll still be missing out on some critical identity theft protection features, you’ll benefit from the company’s acclaimed antivirus protection.
How it compares to Identity Guard: Bitdefender’s top-tier all-in-one plan provides a high level of digital security, thanks to the included antivirus and VPN. However, it falls short against Identity Guard’s stronger identity monitoring and credit protection features.
8. EverSafe
Why we picked it: EverSafe is an interesting option for seniors or adults with elderly family members whom they want to protect. EverSafe analyzes your past financial behavior to establish a baseline of activity, and then flags any suspicious transactions — for example, large withdrawals, missing deposits, irregular investment activity, etc.
What’s unique about EverSafe is that you can assign a “trusted advocate” to receive fraud alerts. This could include family members or other caregivers.
Some plans also include basic credit monitoring, Dark Web scans, and up to $1 million in identity theft insurance.
Best plan & average cost: EverSafe Gold for $22.94/month (when paid annually).
EverSafe’s top-tier plan is expensive; but it’s the only option if you want access to critical safety features, including three-bureau credit monitoring and investment and retirement account alerts.
How it compares to Identity Guard: EverSafe is an interesting option for those with seniors they want to protect. However, you could also opt for Aura’s family plan, which includes coverage for up to five adults and unlimited children — and offers the ability to share fraud alerts between family members.
Are Aura and Identity Guard the Same?
No. While Aura and Identity Guard are owned by the same company, they aren't the same product. Each service has its own unique approach to identity theft protection (and set of features) that may appeal to different customers.
The main differences between Aura and Identity Guard are that:
- Identity Guard offers more flexible, budget-friendly plans. These plans are easier on the wallet, but lack the cybersecurity features, three-bureau credit monitoring, and White Glove Fraud Resolution that Aura provides.
- Aura offers a more robust all-in-one solution, including online privacy protection and digital security tools (such as ad and site tracking blockers and a military-grade VPN) to safeguard individuals and families when they’re using public Wi-Fi. Plans also come with an optional spam call and text detection feature that is powered by artificial intelligence (AI).
- Aura is more family-oriented — offering parental controls, Safe Gaming with cyberbullying alerts, and child-specific identity protection features like SSN alerts, three-bureau credit freeze support, and sex offender geo-alerts.
The bottom line: Both services are top-tier options and regularly appear on lists of best identity theft protection providers. Your choice depends on the features you value most along with your ideal price point.
📚 Related: 8 Reasons Why It's Important To Have Identity Theft Protection →
Final Thoughts: How To Protect Your Identity
Identity theft protection can be a valuable tool for nearly everyone. Earlier this year, the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) reported that losses to fraud have jumped by 25% year-over-year, with more than $12.5 billion lost in 2024.
Whether you choose to sign up for Identity Guard, Aura, or an alternative, it’s important to remember that no service can prevent all types of identity fraud.
Along with a tool that monitors and alerts you to data leaks, protects your data and devices, and provides support and insurance coverage, here are some protective measures that you can take:
- Freeze your credit with all three bureaus. Credit freezes lock down your credit files, preventing identity thieves from taking out loans or opening new accounts in your name. Contact each of the three major credit bureaus (Experian, Equifax, and TransUnion) to place a freeze which will last until you lift it.
- If you can’t freeze your credit, regularly review your credit reports. Every American is entitled to free credit reports from all three major bureaus each week by visiting annualcreditreport.com. Check your reports for incorrect information or unfamiliar accounts and inquiries.
- Set up fraud alerts with your bank and financial institutions. Most banks have security algorithms that scan customer accounts for signs of identity theft. Enrolling in text, email, or phone alerts can help you spot potential identity theft.
- Share less information online (and update your social media privacy settings). Cybercriminals use the information and pictures that you post to fuel phishing scams or pose as you online. Make your social media accounts private. Restrict access from third-party apps, and refrain from tagging your location. Never reveal any sensitive data.
- Use digital security tools on your devices. If you don’t want to sign up for an all-in-one provider, consider dedicated digital security software or a mobile app that includes protection against malware, clicking on phishing links, and Wi-Fi snooping.
- Make sure your online accounts have 2FA enabled. Strong passwords should be your baseline, but even those can be exposed in data breaches and leaks. With two-factor authentication enabled, hackers must provide a second authentication method, such as a FaceID or authenticator app code to access your accounts.
- Notify the Federal Trade Commission of fraud. If you think you’re a victim of identity theft, submit a report through IdentityTheft.gov. While the FTC won’t investigate your case, it will share details of the case in a broader database used by law enforcement and provide you with a personalized identity recovery plan.
