By now, everyone should assume their personal data is out there. In 2025, with deepfakes, phishing kits, and data breaches more common than ever, identity theft isn’t just a possibility—it’s a real, ongoing threat. Whether you’re managing finances online, freelancing across multiple platforms, or just shopping from your phone, the risk is baked in.
That’s why identity theft protection software isn’t optional anymore—it’s essential. But choosing the right one? That’s where most people stall out. So let’s make it easy.
We’ve reviewed the best tools and broken down what each one does well (and where they fall short). Here’s what you need to know.
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Top Picks at a Glance
| Tool | Best For | Key Features | Starting Price | Free Trial |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Aura | All-in-one protection | Identity monitoring, VPN, antivirus | $12/month | Yes |
| IdentityForce | Financial monitoring | Credit checks, dark web alerts | $17.95/month | Yes |
| LifeLock | Brand familiarity + antivirus | Credit alerts, Norton antivirus bundle | $7.50/month | Yes |
| PrivacyGuard | Budget-conscious users | Credit tracking, basic identity monitoring | $9.99/month | Yes |
Aura – Best All-Around Identity Protection
What it does: Aura monitors your identity, financial accounts, and device activity while bundling in VPN, antivirus, and password management—all in one place.
Best for: Users who want broad, seamless protection with minimal effort.
Pros:
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Real-time alerts across credit, SSN, and dark web leaks.
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Includes essential extras like VPN and antivirus.
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Strong family and couple plans.
Cons:
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Pricier than minimalist options.
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Interface isn’t flashy—just functional.
Pricing: Starts at $12/month. Family and couple plans available. No free plan, but a 14-day trial helps you test the waters.
Verdict: Ideal for anyone with a complex digital life who wants protection that just works.
IdentityForce – Best for Credit & Financial Monitoring
What it does: IdentityForce zeroes in on your financial data. It’s strong on credit reports, suspicious account activity, and fraud recovery.
Best for: Users concerned about credit theft or financial fraud.
Pros:
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Tracks all three credit bureaus.
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Detailed financial monitoring tools.
Cons:
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Less value if you’re not worried about credit specifically.
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Lacks broader device security features.
Pricing: $17.95/month for UltraSecure. Add credit reports for an extra fee.
Verdict: Best for financial hawks or people who’ve had identity fraud before.
LifeLock – Best for Brand Familiarity and Device Protection
What it does: LifeLock bundles Norton antivirus and credit monitoring into a single platform. It casts a wide net, but with some fine print.
Best for: Users who want well-known software and value the antivirus combo.
Pros:
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Includes Norton antivirus and VPN.
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Solid device-level protection.
Cons:
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Lots of upsells—many features only on higher tiers.
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Customer service can be hit-or-miss.
Pricing: From $7.50/month for basic, over $20/month for full protection.
Verdict: Worth it if you go for premium plans. Skip the basic tier—it’s too limited.
PrivacyGuard – Best Budget Option
What it does: PrivacyGuard delivers identity and credit protection without frills. It’s not fancy, but it’s effective for basic needs.
Best for: Users who want essential coverage without breaking the bank.
Pros:
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Affordable.
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Includes credit score tracking and alerts.
Cons:
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Lacks VPN, antivirus, and extras.
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UI feels outdated.
Pricing: $9.99/month for identity protection plan.
Verdict: A decent starter if you’re on a budget and just need the basics.
So, Which One’s Right for You?
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For full digital and financial coverage – go with Aura. It’s the most well-rounded option.
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If your credit is your main concern – IdentityForce is the heavyweight there.
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Want antivirus baked in from a name you know? Try LifeLock, but only the premium plans.
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Need something affordable? PrivacyGuard keeps it simple and functional.
The right tool depends on your lifestyle. If your online life is tied to your finances, career, and personal data, don’t settle for bare-minimum coverage. Identity theft protection isn’t about being paranoid—it’s about being realisti.
