Quick comparison
The products on this list side by side: our score, a highlight and a link to our full review.
| Product | Score | Highlight | Review |
|---|
| 1Aura | 9.8Best Overall | All-in-one protection | Read review |
|---|
| 2IDShield | 9.6Excellent | 24/7 monitoring, alerts and device protection | Read review |
|---|
| 3Identity Guard | 9.1Very Good | $1,000,000 identity theft insurance | Visit |
|---|
Our picks in detail
A closer look at the products on this list, with what we like and what could be better.
With the long list of online and device security considerations people have to deal with today, Aura offers streamlined software that does it all. The Aura platform is ideal for those who want to ensure they have all their bases covered without subscribing to several different services. It’s especially good for people looking to have better insight and control of their financial information to protect them from fraud and loss.
What we like
- One-stop shop for identity, device, and fraud protection
- Fully customize the personal info you want to track and protect
- 24/7 live chat and phone customer support
What could be better
- No a la carte plans for those who don’t need all features
- Credit management is just with Experian
We can sum up what IDShield does into three main services. These include scanning the dark web for your personal data. It also alerts you to malicious use of your information and helps you recover your identity. If you’re a victim of fraud, a licensed private investigator from IDShield will work with you to fix the issue.
What we like
- Simple pricing plans
- Competitive pricing on family plans
- Real-time alerts to prevent fraud
What could be better
- The user interface could be better
- No discounts for annual plans
How we rank these products
Our scores are editorial opinions out of 10 and are reviewed regularly. We look at four things:
- Features what the product does and how well it does it.
- Ease of use setup, everyday use and how it works on a phone.
- Value for money prices, free plans or trials, and what each plan includes.
- Security and support how your data is handled and what help is available.
This site earns a commission from some of the providers listed, which can affect the order in which they appear.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
What is Identity Theft?
Identity theft occurs when a malicious third party steals your personal information. This can include your full name, social security number, credit card details, address, and any other sensitive data that you don’t want in the wrong hands.
Most commonly, the perpetrators of identity theft use this information for financial gain by applying for credit in your name. Identity thieves have also been known to use a stolen identity to mask illegal activity such as the purchasing of contraband or committing illegal acts, both online and offline. Victims of identity fraud often suffer financial and reputational damage. The repercussions can haunt a victim long into the future and affect everything from applying for a mortgage to looking for employment.
How Does an Identity Theft Protection Service Work?
These services provide two key forms of protection: monitoring and support. By keeping a close eye on your personal information, as well as scouring the internet and the dark web for suspicious activity, an identity theft protection service can alert you to any wrongdoings before things go south. Think of this benefit as like having your own virtual police patrol. While there is no guaranteed way to prevent an online thief from breaking into your home, you can catch them in the act long before they drive away with your valuables.
The second key benefit is the professional support. Not only do many of the best services offer insurance for up to $1 million dollars’ worth of damages, but they also offer professional case officers to guide you through the best possible courses of action. These officers can help you through a process of reclamation – taking back ownership of your identity, your reputation, and your credit score.
Do I need an Identity Theft Protection Service?
The amount of personally identifying information we freely share in the modern world is staggering. Every time you make an online purchase, apply for credit, start a new job, or even sign up for a subscription service your data is stored online. While we like to believe that the companies we entrust with our valuable information are protected, the truth is large-scale hacks and data compromises regularly make front-page news. The FTC reports that somebody becomes a victim of identity fraud every 14 seconds in the US with 33% of Americans affected at some point.
While these services can not completely safeguard against identity theft, they can equip you with the tools necessary to mitigate the repercussions. With comprehensive data reports, full loss reimbursement, and experienced case handlers, you can breathe easy knowing you have taken every precaution possible.
What to Look for When Choosing an Identity Theft Protection Service?
Like any product, the needs of every individual are different. While we can’t tell you exactly what you need without knowing your personal situation, here are some key factors to consider:
- Affordability – Services typically offer monthly and annual subscription options. Prices usually range between $7 and $20 a month dependent on the additional features and level of protection.
- Customer Service – Identity theft can occur from anywhere in the world at any time. As such, many services offer 24/7 customer support so there is always someone on hand.
- Insurance Coverage – You want to make sure that any identity theft does not result in you losing a penny. Many services offer comprehensive reimbursement of losses up to $1 million.
- Family coverage – Do you want to protect the identity of more than just you? Look for family plans which also cover spouses and children against theft.
Disclaimer
The aim of this website is to help you find the perfect software for your needs in an easy-to-view comparison list. You can read more about how we review and about our background in the About Us section of this website. Software.fish does not feature all of the software available in the market, we cherry-pick what we consider to be the leaders in each vertical. We try to keep this site updated and fresh, but cannot guarantee the accuracy of the information as well as the prices featured at all times. All prices quoted on this site are based on USD so there could be slight discrepancies due to currency fluctuations. Although the site is free to use, we do earn commissions from the software companies that we have partnered with. If you click on one of our links and then make a purchase, we will get paid by that company. This has an impact on the ranking, score, and order in which the software is presented in our list and elsewhere throughout the site. Software listings on this page DO NOT imply endorsement.
