6 McAfee alternatives to protect your identity

Important:

All the McAfee alternatives featured in this guide offer credit monitoring, dark web monitoring, and identity theft insurance to help protect your personal and financial information. However, the availability and depth of these features depend on the plan you choose — some services include them with basic subscriptions, while others offer more comprehensive options for premium-tier offers.

Additionally, all six McAfee alternatives are compatible with major operating systems, including Windows, macOS, Android, and iOS, ensuring reliable protection across your devices. Because broad compatibility is standard across these services, this guide will focus on what makes each option unique.

We’ll highlight the unique strengths and standout benefits of every McAfee alternative so you can evaluate which one best suits your needs. Be sure to review the details of each plan carefully to ensure it offers the features you value most.

Disclaimer:

This overview of McAfee alternatives below is based on the information available as of August 14, 2025.

1. NordProtect

When comparing McAfee vs. NordProtect, NordProtect stands out as a strong choice for anyone who wants to secure not just their devices but also their personal information. While McAfee focuses primarily on antivirus protection, NordProtect takes a broader approach. It combines identity theft prevention with tools to keep your online activity more private and secure.

If you're worried about sensitive information — like your Social Security number found on the dark web — NordProtect has you covered. Its dark web monitoring tool actively scans the dark web to check if your data has been exposed. The moment NordProtect finds anything suspicious, such as your email address being sold on underground marketplaces, you’ll get an immediate alert so you can act quickly to protect yourself.

NordProtect also offers a credit monitoring service that tracks your credit file and alerts you about any sudden changes or suspicious activity. These alerts enable you to act immediately if someone is attempting to misuse your identity. For example, you can check if someone has opened a credit card in your name by reviewing your credit report as soon as you receive an alert.

Beyond standard features like credit monitoring and dark web monitoring, which are common among identity protection services, NordProtect offers additional benefits that make it a strong choice for protecting your identity.

Pros

Seven more reasons to choose NordProtect include:

• It was created by a trusted and well-established brand. NordProtect is created by NordVPN, one of the most trusted names in online privacy. Built by the experts behind a globally recognized VPN service, NordProtect brings the same reliability and expertise to identity theft protection.
• It offers affordable protection. NordProtect’s Silver plan costs just $5.49 per month for the first 24 months, which makes it one of the most budget-friendly identity protection options available.
• It offers powerful privacy tools. On Gold and Platinum plans, NordProtect includes NordVPN, a trusted tool that encrypts your connection and strengthens your network security. With a virtual private network (VPN), hackers won’t be able to intercept your data, and snoopers won’t be able to track what you do online — whether you’re browsing, using public Wi-Fi, or making financial transactions.
• It includes a personal data removal service. The Platinum plan comes with Incogni, a service that directly contacts data brokers to remove your personal information from their databases. Removing your data lowers the chances of your name, address, or phone number being exposed in scams, spam, or identity theft attempts.
• It delivers fast security alerts. NordProtect will notify you immediately if it finds your data in breaches or potential scams. Each security alert provides some information about the incident and the best steps to take to protect yourself.
• It offers premium plan extras. The Platinum plan includes advanced features like malware breach alerts, which are designed to help you discover compromised accounts and detect malware-infected devices, and criminal records monitoring, which makes sure that your name isn’t linked to fraudulent activity. Gold and Platinum plans also include cyberattack coverage, providing up to $10,000 per incident.
• It offers extra protection. All plans — Silver, Gold, and Platinum — include identity theft recovery (up to $1 million), cyber extortion protection (up to $50,000), and online fraud coverage (up to $10,000 per incident).
• It offers a risk-free trial. All plans come with a 30-day money-back guarantee, so you can test the service without commitment.

Cons

Why NordProtect might not be ideal for you: 

• It doesn’t sell family protection plans. For now, NordProtect focuses on individual protection, which isn’t ideal for larger households.
• It offers limited credit monitoring. Currently, NordProtect only monitors one credit bureau.
• It’s not available worldwide. NordProtect is currently limited to US citizens, which makes it inaccessible to users in other countries.

2. Aura

Aura is built for families and individuals who want strong, reliable protection for their identities and devices. Since its launch in 2019, Aura has earned recognition as a leading identity theft protection service by combining comprehensive security tools into a single, easy-to-use package.

What sets Aura apart is its family-first design, with plans that protect multiple users simultaneously — a key benefit we’ll explore in the Pros section. By focusing on simplicity and robust, all-in-one protection, Aura has become a trusted choice for securing finances, personal data, and devices.

Pros

Aura is a great choice because it offers:

• Broad family coverage. Aura’s plans can cover up to five adults and an unlimited number of children, which makes it perfect for families of all sizes. Plus, Aura includes parental controls as part of its family-focused plans. These tools allow parents to monitor children’s online activity, block unsafe content, and protect their personal information.
• Extensive monitoring. Every plan (except the Kids plan) includes three-bureau credit monitoring, financial transaction alerts, and auto or home title protection.
• Comprehensive device security. Aura’s built-in antivirus tools shield your devices from threats, including malware, ransomware, and cyberattacks. Features like endpoint protection and vulnerability scanning add extra layers of security.
• Extra features for identity security. Alongside antivirus solutions, Aura enhances your digital safety with a password manager and tools to remove your information from people search sites and spam lists.
• Quick alerts. Aura quickly flags and informs you of potential threats, such as your personal data found on the dark web.
• A free trial. Aura offers a 14-day free trial with all its plans, giving you the opportunity to explore its features before committing to a subscription.

Cons

Some potential drawbacks to consider with Aura are:

• Lengthy setup process. You’ll need to manually input your personal and financial information during the initial setup.
• Limited VPN capabilities. The included VPN only supports US servers, which might limit utility for international users

3. LifeLock

LifeLock delivers excellent identity protection features coupled with Norton 360, a trusted name in antivirus software. Founded in 2005, LifeLock started as one of the first dedicated identity theft protection services that focused on proactive alerts and recovery assistance for stolen identities. In 2017, it became part of the Norton family after being acquired by Symantec (now NortonLifeLock).

LifeLock’s plans include fraud alerts, Social Security number (SSN) monitoring, and family-focused protections. It’s a great digital security solution for households that want premium protection and are willing to pay slightly more for advanced security features.

Pros

What makes LifeLock worth considering:

• Broad financial oversight. LifeLock monitors transactions like payday loans, 401(k) plans, and cash withdrawals for fraud.

• Child protection features. LifeLock’s family plans include dedicated identity monitoring and safety alerts for children. And while LifeLock does not offer parental controls on its own, pairing it with Norton 360 provides access to Norton Family, a strong parental control system.
• Comprehensive device protection. When bundled with Norton 360, one of the leading antivirus programs, LifeLock offers robust security features, including powerful malware protection, ransomware detection, and cybersecurity tools to prevent unauthorized access to your laptops, smartphones, and tablets.
• Password manager. When bundled with Norton 360, LifeLock includes Norton’s password manager.
• Webcam protection. Norton 360's device security tools also offer strong webcam protection, which prevents unauthorized access to your camera and alerts you if any suspicious applications attempt to use it.

Cons

Things you might not like about LifeLock:

• Expensive family plans. Plans for two adults and children can surpass $79.99 per month. If cost is a concern, consider exploring alternatives to LifeLock that may offer more affordable options for families.
• Multiple app requirements. Identity protection and device security tools sit in separate apps, which can feel clunky.

4. Identity Guard

Launched in 2001, Identity Guard is one of the most established and trusted names in identity theft protection. Its advanced AI-powered system, backed by IBM Watson, monitors your online footprint to detect issues ranging from email security breaches to high-risk identity theft cases involving leaked financial records.

IBM Watson is an advanced artificial intelligence platform that powers Identity Guard’s ability to scan and analyze large amounts of data in real time. It helps the service quickly detect threats and alert you so you can take action before the damage is done.

With near real-time threat detection and affordable pricing, Identity Guard is a smart, budget-friendly choice for individuals and families. It keeps you informed, protected, and one step ahead of identity theft threats.

Pros

What you’ll appreciate about Identity Guard:

• AI-driven protection. The service uses cutting-edge technology to identify risks faster than manual monitoring could.
• Budget-friendly options. Individual plans start at just $7.50 per month, which makes it one of the most affordable services available.
• Fast and reliable alerts. Identity Guard provides near real-time alerts for potential threats, including data breaches, Social Security number use, and credit changes, so you can act quickly.
• Comprehensive monitoring. Identity Guard monitors credit activity, dark web exposure, public records, and even social media accounts for signs of fraud or suspicious behavior.
• Family plans. Identity Guard’s family plans cover up to five adults and unlimited children.
• Easy-to-use dashboard. The platform offers a simple, intuitive dashboard that makes tracking and managing your identity risk approachable, even for less tech-savvy users.

Cons

Identity Guard falls short with:

• Limited features in basic plans. Entry-level subscriptions don’t include credit monitoring or other advanced features like fraud recovery.
• Simplistic recovery support. Recovery assistance isn’t as hands-on compared to competitors like Aura or LifeLock.

5. IdentityIQ

IdentityIQ combines identity theft prevention with financial wellness tools, which makes it ideal for users concerned about their credit health. Founded in 2009, IdentityIQ has built a strong reputation for providing reliable protection and proactive credit monitoring.

Its fraud detection features are particularly effective for catching phishing scams before they cause damage. Whether it’s stopping hackers from accessing your bank account, email, or other sensitive information, IdentityIQ gives you the alerts and support you need to take action quickly and stay in control.

Pros

IdentityIQ’s most appealing aspects include:

• Fraud detection tools. IdentityIQ tracks payday loans, buy-now-pay-later schemes, and unapproved financial activities.
• Bundled cybersecurity features. IdentityIQ integrates with Bitdefender for added protection at a low additional cost.
• Credit score simulator and tracker. Available exclusively on the Secure Max plan, this tool helps you predict how financial decisions, like paying off debt or opening credit lines, may impact your credit score.
• Utility payment reporting. IdentityIQ helps improve your credit score by reporting payments for services like electricity, water, and gas.
• Lost wallet assistance. If your wallet is lost or stolen, IdentityIQ helps you cancel and replace credit cards, IDs, and other important documents.

Cons

Challenges with IdentityIQ:

• Only higher tiers include full services. Security features such as credit monitoring aren’t available on the lower, more affordable plans.
• Outdated mobile app. The user interface is not as polished or convenient as others, like NordProtect or Aura.

6. IDShield

Launched in 2003, IDShield has a long track record of helping individuals and families stay safe from identity theft and fraud. It offers practical, family-focused features like child Social Security number monitoring and dark web scanning to keep your personal information more secure.

IDShield is an excellent choice for families who want affordable, effective identity protection without unnecessary extras. While it doesn’t include some of the advanced tools competitors offer, it delivers dependable coverage you can trust at a price that makes sense for your budget.

Pros

What makes IDShield appealing:

• Affordable family pricing. The basic plan covers up to 11 family members for less than $30 per month.
• Monitoring for minor children. IDShield’s family plans include child identity monitoring to protect your kids’ personal information, like their SSN, from misuse or theft.
• Customizable notifications. With IDShield, you can adjust alerts for specific activities like SSN usage.
• Unlimited consultation support. IDShield gives its users unlimited access to fraud experts and licensed professionals who can answer your questions or offer identity theft advice.
• Reputation management. IDShield’s reputation management platform helps you review your social media presence and identify content or areas that could weaken your digital privacy.

Cons

IDShield’s drawbacks:

• Limited credit bureau coverage. Three-bureau monitoring is only available at higher price points.
• Limited cybersecurity integration. Unlike Aura or LifeLock, IDShield doesn’t include antivirus software or VPNs.
• Cumbersome cancellation process. Canceling IDShield requires written notice, which some users find inconvenient compared to other services.

How to choose the right identity theft protection service for yourself

Choosing the right identity theft protection service doesn’t have to feel overwhelming. Start by focusing on your unique needs and priorities. Are you trying to protect an entire family? Do you need detailed credit monitoring? Or are you more concerned about securing your online privacy?

Services like Aura are excellent for families due to their wide-ranging coverage for multiple users, while options like NordProtect shine if you want tools specifically designed for privacy and proactive online safety. The right service will depend on your goals, budget, and the kind of protection you need, but it’s also important to consider how a service impacts your system performance.

Some factors to consider when choosing the right identity theft protection service for yourself (or your family) include:

• Comprehensive monitoring. For full protection, look for services that monitor all three credit bureaus (Experian, Equifax, and TransUnion) and continuously scan the dark web for exposed data. Having both ensures you’re alerted to financial or personal risks as quickly as possible.
• Family plans. If your household needs comprehensive coverage, opt for a service that offers affordable family plans. Look for robust features like child identity monitoring, parental controls, and multi-user protections.
• Cybersecurity integration. If staying safe online is a priority, choose a service like NordProtect or Aura, which comes with built-in VPNs, antivirus software, and other privacy tools to protect your devices, online data, and identity.
• Cost vs. value. Don’t overpay for features you won’t use. Entry-level plans from Identity Guard or IdentityIQ work well if you’re on a tight budget.

Disclaimer: This blog post is written by NordProtect, one of the McAfee alternatives featured in this article. As NordProtect, we have a financial interest in promoting our own service, and this inherently creates a bias. While we’ve made efforts to present accurate and balanced information, we encourage you to conduct your own research and consult multiple sources before making a purchasing decision.