What’s the Best Alternative to LifeLock?
LifeLock has for years been one of the most well-known brands in identity theft protection and online safety. But that doesn’t mean it’s always the best choice.
If you’re considering signing up for LifeLock, you need to weigh the company’s offerings against its shortcomings. This includes:
- $100+ million FTC lawsuit. LifeLock was the subject of a 2010 Federal Trade Commission (FTC) lawsuit for deceptive marketing claims and was required to pay out a $12 million settlement. In 2015, LifeLock violated the settlement orders and was forced into an additional $100 million settlement agreement with the FTC.
- 2023 data breach. LifeLock was the victim of a credential stuffing attack that compromised the sensitive information and passwords of thousands of customers.
- Sky-high renewal costs. After your first year as a LifeLock customer, the cost of an annual plan jumps anywhere from 40–70%.
- Crypto mining software. In 2022, LifeLock faced criticism for bundling a hard-to-delete cryptocurrency mining tool, Norton Crypto, with its antivirus software.
The good news is that the identity theft protection industry is rife with alternatives to LifeLock that don’t suffer from these drawbacks.
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What To Look For in a LifeLock Alternative
Marketing sites for identity theft protection services are often purposefully vague or overly simplified — making it difficult to always know what you’re getting with your plan.
For example, “identity monitoring” can cover everything from basic Dark Web monitoring to in-depth monitoring across data breaches, public records, sex offender lists, credit applications, and other places where criminals may extract and misuse your personal information.
That’s why it’s so important to dig into the specifics, service terms, and privacy policies of each provider. Specifically, we judged LifeLock alternatives based on the following criteria:
- Comprehensiveness of monitoring. If identity thieves use your information, it can show up in numerous locations. The best identity theft protection services monitor the Dark Web, all three credit bureaus (Experian, Equifax, and TransUnion), home titles, public records, and more.
- Proactive protection. Identity theft protection requires blocking access to your devices and data. Tools such as a virtual private network (VPN), antivirus, password manager, email alias generator, and Safe Browsing tools, can all reduce your risk of becoming a victim.
- Speed and usefulness of alerts. Identity theft protection services are essentially early warning systems for fraud. Services should provide clear and actionable notifications in near real-time via multiple channels (e.g., email, SMS, mobile app push notifications) when suspicious activity is detected.
- Ease of use and customer support. Identity theft is stressful, which is why providers should offer intuitive web and app experiences, and have competent support specialists available when you need them — especially if you’ve been the victim of identity theft.
- Company trustworthiness and privacy policy. You don’t want to entrust just anyone with your sensitive information. While data security incidents are a major concern, be aware that some identity theft protection providers also partner with data brokers or other companies, which could put your privacy and safety at risk.
- Value for price. Identity theft protection services typically range from under $10 to over $50 per month, with significant variations based on individual vs. family plans and the comprehensiveness of features. Beware of low introductory "teaser" rates that increase substantially upon renewal.
The Top LifeLock Alternatives of 2025
Here’s an in-depth look at our top picks for LifeLock alternatives in 2025, and why you should consider them.
1. Aura
Aura is an all-in-one digital security solution that keeps you and your family safe from identity theft, financial fraud, and online threats. Every Aura plan includes robust identity monitoring, three-bureau credit monitoring, powerful digital security tools, 24/7 support, and up to $5 million in identity theft insurance.
While Aura is a relatively new company, it has already been rated as the best identity theft protection service by Money.com, Forbes, TechRadar, NerdWallet, and more.
Aura’s individual plans provide more protection at a better price than LifeLock’s similar offerings — but where Aura truly shines is with its family plans.
Aura protects up to five adults (plan members can reside in different households) and unlimited children. Family plans include parental controls, child identity theft protection, and online balance tools to help ensure that your kids maintain a healthy relationship with technology.
All annual plans include a 60-day money-back guarantee, so you can try Aura risk-free for yourself.
Why you should consider Aura as a LifeLock alternative:
- Top-rated identity theft and credit protection. Aura monitors over 130 unique pieces of personally identifiable information (PII) — from your Social Security number (SSN) to credit card numbers, home title, phone numbers, and more. You’ll be notified in near real-time if your sensitive information appears on the Dark Web, in data breaches, public records, court records, and other places where it shouldn’t be.
- Faster and more reliable fraud alerts. A 2025 mystery shopper survey found that Aura provided faster and more reliable credit fraud alerts than competitors, including LifeLock. In the study, Aura’s fraud alerts were 185x faster than Norton LifeLock3.
- Proactive online privacy protection. Aura can automatically remove your personal data from over 90 data broker sites as well as Google search results. Every Aura plan also includes privacy-focused features, such as anti-track, ad blockers, and more.
- Cybersecurity features come standard on all plans. Unlike LifeLock, which charges extra for Norton digital security tools, all Aura plans include antivirus software, a military-grade virtual private network (VPN), password manager, Safe Browsing, email aliases, and more.
- Regular updates to combat the latest scams and fraud. Aura regularly adds new features to keep up with modern threats, including an AI-powered spam call and text blocker, suspicious transaction monitoring for your checking and savings accounts, email phishing protection, and more.
- Stronger family protection. Aura excels at family online safety — offering some of the best parental controls, child identity theft protection, and online balance tools on the market.
- 24/7 access to U.S.-based support specialists and identity restoration services. 96% of mystery shoppers rated Aura customer service "helpful" to "very helpful” compared to just 64% for Norton LifeLock 3. Victims of identity theft also have access to Aura’s team of White Glove Fraud Resolution Specialists.
- Up to $5 million in identity theft insurance. Every Aura plan includes up to $1 million in identity theft insurance per adult, with the option to upgrade to $5 million in individual coverage. Aura’s insurance covers eligible losses, expenses, and stolen funds.
Best plan and pricing: Aura individual at $9.99/month, when you sign up with this link.
Unlike LifeLock, Aura doesn’t limit features across plan tiers. Instead, you get the same advanced level of protection with all plans — just choose the number of people you need to protect. Family plans include additional family-focused features as well as an AI-powered spam call blocker.
The bottom line: Aura is one of the top LifeLock alternatives, thanks to its robust protection, affordable plans, and outstanding customer support.
Whether you’re worried about identity thieves, hackers, or online scammers, Aura provides round-the-clock safety at an affordable price — and without the past security issues and high renewal fees that come with being a LifeLock member.
2. Identity Guard
Identity Guard has been a household name in identity theft protection for over a decade and has helped millions of Americans stay safe from online threats. Recently, Identity Guard and Aura combined forces to offer the same high level of security across two brands.
Identity Guard provides identity theft protection, credit monitoring, home title monitoring, and a $1 million insurance plan — but with slightly limited digital security tools and support options when compared to Aura or LifeLock.
Similar to LifeLock, Identity Guard provides different tier plans, ranging from a budget-friendly identity monitoring plan to robust all-in-one protection.
Why you should consider Identity Guard as a LifeLock alternative:
- Trusted brand name with a history of strong data security. Identity Guard has helped protect over 47 million people from identity theft and has directly resolved more than 140,000 cases of fraud — with no major data security incidents.
- All-in-one protection, including Dark Web monitoring. Identity Guard’s levels of identity and credit monitoring are similar to Aura’s, and include in-depth monitoring of the Dark Web and recent data breaches as well as home title monitoring, change-of-address monitoring, and more.
- Financial account monitoring. Identity Guard’s Ultra plan also monitors bank accounts, investment accounts, credit and debit cards, and more for suspicious activity and over-limit transactions.
- U.S.-based resolution experts. Every plan provides peace of mind with easy access to a team of U.S.-based specialists.
- Up to $1 million in identity theft insurance. Identity Guard offers industry-standard identity theft insurance, along with White Glove Fraud Resolution support (on the Ultra plan).
Best plan and pricing: Identity Guard Ultra at $25/month (billed annually).
Identity Guard’s top-tier Ultra plan is more expensive than other alternatives; however, it offers critical features, including three-bureau credit monitoring, financial account monitoring, and White Glove Fraud Resolution.
Budget-conscious buyers should opt for the Total plan (at $16.67/month), as it also includes three-bureau credit monitoring, though lacks additional financial account protection.
The bottom line: Identity Guard’s Ultra plan is close to being on-par with what LifeLock offers on its similarly-priced Ultimate Plus plan. However, you benefit from the included basic digital security tools (password manager and Safe Browsing) and trusted brand that comes with Identity Guard.
📚 Related: Aura vs. Identity Guard: What You Need To Know Before Buying →
3. IDShield
IDShield provides a high level of threat monitoring and fraud alerts. But its standout feature is its ID specialist program that offers unlimited guidance on identity theft prevention as well as access to private investigators to help victims recover from identity theft.
IDShield offers some of the highest identity theft insurance coverage in the industry at $3 million per plan as well as an “unlimited service guarantee,” 24/7 emergency assistance, and optional three-bureau credit monitoring (TransUnion, Equifax, and Experian).
Similar to LifeLock and Aura, IDShield offers digital security features, such as malware protection, a VPN, and password manager. However, these features are provided by Trend Micro — a separate service that requires an additional app to run.
Why you should consider IDShield as a LifeLock alternative:
- Strong identity restoration services. IDShield’s main selling points are its emergency support and identity restoration services. While the benefit of hiring private investigators to assist with identity theft is questionable, it may help victims uncover more situations in which their personal information has been used without their knowledge.
- High identity theft insurance coverage. IDShield’s $3 million coverage plan is one of the highest individual coverage plans in the industry. Beware that not all identity theft insurance policies are the same. IDShield’s homepage claims that this plan “covers certain identity fraud expenses, underlying losses, and legal costs as a result of a covered identity fraud event.”
- Optional three-bureau credit monitoring. IDShield provides three-bureau credit monitoring — but at an additional cost.
- Online privacy and reputation management. With the recent acquisition of Yourself Online, Inc., IDShield now offers online privacy and reputation management tools, including social media account clean-up, data broker opt-outs, and more.
Best plan and pricing: IDShield three-bureau monitoring at $19.95/month.
While IDShield offers a more budget-friendly introductory plan, it’s worth the additional cost to upgrade to the more expensive plan that includes three-bureau credit monitoring
The bottom line: IDShield’s three-bureau monitoring plan offers similar protection to LifeLock’s more expensive Ultimate Plus plan, but it still falls short in some areas when compared to Aura — especially when it comes to family protection.
📚 Related: IDShield vs. LifeLock – Which One Is Right For You? →
4. IdentityForce
IdentityForce has over 40 years of experience protecting customers against identity theft and was recently acquired by TransUnion, one of the three major credit bureaus. This connection makes IdentityForce a good option for credit monitoring services. Unfortunately, it requires paying for the UltraSecure+Credit plan — the most expensive plan listed here.
IdentityForce provides a personalized approach to identity protection, including an identity safety score based on your leaked information. However, the company’s proactive digital security offering is limited to just a VPN for mobile users, “online PC protection,” and phishing and botnet monitoring.
⚠️ Buyer beware: IdentityForce will sell and share your personal information. The company’s privacy policy states that it “may sell your sensitive personal data” to third parties, including banks, collection agencies, data brokers, government agencies, and marketing companies.
Why you should consider IdentityForce as a LifeLock alternative:
- Personalized identity safety score and action plan. IdentityForce scans the Dark Web and data breaches for your personal information, and provides an action plan based on the information that has been leaked.
- Advanced fraud monitoring. IdentityForce will send near-real time alerts when banks, auto dealers, mortgage companies, and government agencies post a copy of your credit report — which could be an early warning sign of identity fraud.
- Daily TransUnion credit reports and score updates. You can keep track of your credit score with daily updates (from TransUnion only).
- Up to $2 million in identity theft insurance. IdentityForce’s UltraSecure+Credit plan offers a higher amount of identity theft insurance coverage than many other providers.
Best plan and pricing: IdentityForce UltraSecure+Credit at $34.90/month (for individuals).
IdentityForce’s most expensive plan is its only one that includes essential credit protection and monitoring tools. If you already have (or don’t need) credit monitoring, you can opt for the more affordable UltraSecure plan at $19.90/month — still nearly double what Aura costs.
The bottom line: IdentityForce has the backing of TransUnion, making it a strong option when it comes to credit protection. However, its high cost and privacy policy make it a less viable LifeLock alternative when compared to providers like Aura and Identity Guard.
5. IdentityIQ
IdentityIQ’s main selling feature is its basic value plan. At just $8.49/month (or $10.49/month with an optional VPN and antivirus from Bitdefender), IdentityIQ supplies basic one-bureau credit monitoring services, Dark Web monitoring, $1 million in stolen funds reimbursement, as well as U.S.-based ID restoration services.
The company’s “application monitoring” claims to scan over 250,000 databases for its customers’ personal information, to see if it’s been used for credit cards, loans, utility services, or other new account applications.
IdentityIQ’s higher priced protection plans layer on additional features, including three-bureau credit monitoring, additional insurance coverage, a credit score simulator, and other services. These plans can cost up to a whopping $34.99/month for the Secure Max offering.
Unfortunately, IdentityIQ’s privacy policy states that it may disclose your personal information to third-party businesses and advertisers.
Why you should consider IdentityIQ as a LifeLock alternative:
- Real-time alerts. IdentityIQ claims to send real-time alerts about significant credit changes and other suspicious activity — however, the company doesn’t provide any data to back up these claims.
- Application and identity monitoring. IdentityIQ scans a wide variety of databases, including national and international criminal records, to see if your personal information is being used for nefarious purposes.
- Credit score change alerts. You’ll get near instant alerts when your credit score reflects a significant change. The included credit score simulator can also help you see how certain decisions may impact your credit score — such as paying down debt or opening a new account.
- Wide variety of device security tools. IdentityIQ lists a number of digital security tools, including VPN, antivirus, and anti-phishing tools. These features appear to be provided through a partnership with Bitdefender, which may require an additional app and user account to access them.
Best plan and pricing: IdentityIQ Secure Basic with Bitdefender at $10.49/month.
The bottom line: IdentityIQ’s most basic offering provides a decent level of security, especially with the addition of Bitdefender digital security tools. However, Aura’s much more robust individual plan still costs less and provides all features from a single easy-to-use-app.
📚 Related: How To Cancel IdentityIQ Quickly and Easily →
6. ID Watchdog
ID Watchdog is a family-oriented identity theft protection provider owned by Equifax, another one of the major credit bureaus. The company’s protection services extend beyond credit card fraud to include tax-related ID theft, social accounts, child identity alerts, child account locks, and social media monitoring to help prevent cyberbullying.
ID Watchdog also includes digital security tools — including a VPN from NordVPN and device security provided by Bitdefender. Again, these most likely require additional apps and accounts.
Why you should consider ID Watchdog as a LifeLock alternative:
- Direct access to Equifax credit reports and scores. ID Watchdog provides easy access to your Equifax credit reports and scores, along with a simple way to activate an initial credit fraud alert (called Equifax PreCheck).
- Child safety features, including credit monitoring and locks. Keep your child’s Equifax credit file safe from scammers by locking it directly through ID Watchdog.
- Up to $1 million in 401(k)/HSA stolen funds reimbursement. ID Watchdog offers multiple avenues for identity theft insurance coverage, including up to $2 million in total coverage on the Premium plan.
- Credit freeze assistance. Get help placing a credit freeze with all three of the major credit bureaus to help protect you against fraud.
Best plan and pricing: ID Watchdog Premium for families at $34.95/month.
Despite the high price point, ID Watchdog offers some unique protection features for families, including Equifax child credit monitoring and child credit lock. For individuals, the Premium plan costs $21.95.
The bottom line: ID Watchdog is another solid offering, with a special focus on family safety. However, it lacks some critical features that come with Aura’s family plan, such as parental controls and child online balance.
Ready To Switch? How To Cancel Your LifeLock Subscription
If you’re a current LifeLock member and are ready to switch to Aura, here’s how to cancel your subscription:
- Log in to your LifeLock account at https://memberportal.lifelock.com/ and select “Request Support” and then “Cancel.”
- Alternatively, contact LifeLock support to request an account cancellation — especially if your account auto-renewed when you didn’t want it to.
- If you paid for bundled services (for example, LifeLock + Norton 360), make sure that you’ve canceled all of your services.
- Refunds for annual subscriptions: As per LifeLock’s refund policy, you’re eligible for a full refund within 60 days of starting your LifeLock membership or 60 days from your membership renewal.
- Refunds for monthly subscriptions: You’re eligible for a full refund within 14 days of purchasing your membership.