The 10 best Aura alternatives to consider right now

Why should you look for an Aura alternative?

Aura takes a broad approach to digital security, offering identity theft protection, credit monitoring, and antivirus software. However, it might not be the right fit for everyone. 

The key is understanding how to protect your personal information in a way that works for you. That could mean prioritizing credit monitoring, focusing on data breach alerts, choosing a provider with strong privacy tools, or all of the above. Aura does many of these things well, but it's not the only path to staying safe.

The 10 best Aura alternatives right now

If you decide Aura isn't the right option for you, try one of our top alternatives. Many other services offer competitive identity monitoring, credit alerts, dark web scanning, and a VPN or antivirus software — sometimes with more flexible plans and better support.

1. NordProtect

Best for: Strong privacy tools and high usability

NordProtect is a new name in the identity theft protection space, but it's built by the team behind NordVPN, which is known for its commitment to digital security and user privacy. While Aura bundles a broad set of credit and family safety features, NordProtect focuses on protecting your online footprint and personal data at the source.

Highlights:

• Monitoring for personal data leaks and malware breaches
• Up to $1 million for identity theft recovery
• Focus on usability and private-by-default design

Why consider it?

The NordProtect vs. Aura comparison comes down to priorities. Aura leans into all-in-one protection with credit, family, and financial tools. NordProtect, meanwhile, emphasizes core identity and financial protection — pairing strong credit monitoring and recovery support with seamless integration into Nord’s wider security ecosystem. 

2. Identity Guard

Best for: Budget-conscious users

Identity Guard is owned by the same company as Aura and offers a similar suite of identity theft protection services, only at a lower price because its Value plans start at $5/month. The Family plan covers up to five adults and unlimited children, with parental controls included in higher-tier plans. Identity Guard provides a good balance between value and protection with credit and bank account monitoring. 

Highlights:

• Three-bureau credit tracking (in some plans)
• Up to $1 million in insurance
• Safe browsing tools and a password manager
• Multiple pricing tiers

Why consider it?

If you're looking for effective Aura identity theft protection alternatives without the premium price tag, Identity Guard delivers solid value and flexibility.

3. IdentityForce

Best for: Enterprise-grade protection

IdentityForce (from TransUnion) offers a high-trust option for users who want government-level credit monitoring and compliance. Major corporations and federal agencies use it, but it also includes a couple of helpful features for families. Keep in mind that different subscription tiers come with varying levels of fraud insurance coverage.

Highlights:

• Medical ID fraud protection
• Credit score tracking with reports (in some plans)
• Mobile app with real-time alerts
• Bank account and investment monitoring

Why consider it?

For those who've been victims of identity theft before or simply want best-in-class detection, IdentityForce is among the strongest Aura alternatives.

4. IDX 

Best for: Data breach victims and post-incident support

IDX focuses on what happens after your data is exposed. It's a good choice for people who are dealing with the fallout of a breach because it offers hands-on support with identity restoration, lost wallet recovery, and breach-specific guidance.

Highlights:

• Certified breach recovery specialists
• 24/7 access to fraud support
• Email privacy and tracker blocking tools (in some plans)
• Child monitoring included in family plans

Why consider it?

If your information has already been compromised, IDX helps you take action and regain control.

5. PrivacyGuard

Best for: Simplicity and quick setup

PrivacyGuard isn't flashy, but that's part of its appeal. It's fast and easy to set up, and it gives you a clear snapshot of your credit and identity status without unnecessary complexity.

Highlights:

• Triple-bureau credit monitoring (in some plans)
• Credit score simulator
• Monthly credit score updates
• Public records monitoring

Why consider it?

If you're overwhelmed by Aura's feature set or long onboarding, PrivacyGuard gives you a simplified experience with plenty of substance.

6. McAfee Identity Protection

Best for: Users who already use the McAfee antivirus

If you already use McAfee for antivirus protection or device security, you can add its identity theft protection service for less than Aura's standalone plans. It includes identity theft monitoring, password management, and VPN access. The McAfee+ Advanced Family plans include parental control features. The Social Privacy Manager alerts you if your personal information is freely visible or being misused on social media.

Highlights:

• Integrated antivirus, VPN, and identity theft protection
• Real-time dark web monitoring
• Social Security number (SSN) trace alerts
• Password manager included

Why consider it?

McAfee offers the whole ecosystem if you prefer bundling all digital security tools in one place, often at a lower cost than Aura.

7. Norton LifeLock

Best for: Comprehensive identity and device protection

LifeLock, powered by Norton, offers a full suite of online privacy and security features, combining traditional identity theft protection with antivirus software, parental controls, and cloud backup. The premium plan provides three-bureau credit monitoring, investment account monitoring, and dark web alerts. 

Highlights:

• All-in-one security and identity protection suite
• Up to $1 million in stolen funds reimbursement
• High-risk transaction monitoring

Why consider it?

It is arguably Aura's biggest competitor in terms of scope, and it gives more control over which tools you want to use (especially with device-level security).

8. LifeLock Family Plan

Best for: Families with children

LifeLock's family-focused plan includes two adults and up to five children, which makes it a practical option for households that want shared protection under one account. It includes Social Security number monitoring for minors and dedicated restoration support if any family member becomes a victim of identity theft.

Highlights:

• SSN and credit file monitoring for children
• Coverage for multiple household members under one plan
• Fraud resolution and identity restoration services
• Central dashboard for managing alerts and account activity

Why consider it?

Aura's family plan is pretty good, but LifeLock's family-focused tools, especially for child protection, can be more tailored and user-friendly.

9. ReliaShield

Best for: Comprehensive coverage at a fair price

ReliaShield isn't the most talked-about provider, but it consistently delivers strong protection at a straightforward price. All plans include monitoring, alerts, and full recovery support without upsells or hidden fees.

Highlights:

• All-inclusive identity theft protection
• Court records and address change monitoring
• 24/7 US-based fraud resolution team
• Coverage for adults and children under one family plan

Why consider it?

If Aura's pricing seems inflated or you dislike tiered access, ReliaShield offers a more transparent, flat-rate experience with no gimmicks.

10. Bitdefender Digital Identity Protection

Best for: Real-time monitoring and privacy reports

Bitdefender is best known for its antivirus software, but its Digital Identity Protection service offers a focused approach to monitoring your personal data online. It zeroes in on breach detection, real-time exposure alerts, and visibility into where your data is circulating.

Highlights:

• AI-powered alerts for leaked or exposed personal data
• Real-time monitoring of breaches and data misuse
• Extra features like social media and phishing protection
• 30-day money-back guarantee

Why consider it?

Bitdefender provides a tech-forward option for users who want control over where their data appears online without a high price point.

How to find the right identity protection service for you

Different identity theft protection services offer different benefits. Before switching from Aura or signing up for the first time, ask yourself the following:

• What's your threat level? If you've already been affected by identity theft or data breaches, prioritize services that offer recovery and insurance, not just monitoring.
• Do you need credit monitoring or identity protection — or both? Some services focus on credit score tracking, report access, and fraud alerts, while others emphasize identity theft recovery, dark web scans, and personal data surveillance. Comparing credit monitoring vs. identity theft protection helps you choose a service that actually matches your risk profile. Ideally, the best providers, like NordProtect, cover both.
• How many people do you need to protect? If you're securing a whole household, choose a plan that includes child monitoring, family dashboards, and flexible account management.
• Are you already using security tools? Consider how your identity protection will fit into your broader setup. Services like NordProtect or McAfee work well if you already rely on them for antivirus or VPN.
• Do you value simplicity or customization? If you're overwhelmed by features, you can choose a streamlined option like PrivacyGuard. If you want full control, look to services like LifeLock.