Aura vs McAfee: Identity Theft Protection Showdown 2025

Navigating the digital world can feel like swimming with sharks. From data breaches to identity theft, it’s easy to feel exposed, making identity theft protection services more essential than ever. Think of them as digital lifeguards, watching over your most sensitive info like Social Security numbers (SSNs), credit reports, and bank accounts.

In this head-to-head comparison, we’re diving into two major players: Aura and McAfee. You’ve probably heard their names — Aura is the all-in-one identity protection powerhouse, while McAfee has long been known for antivirus and cybersecurity. But when it comes to protecting your identity, which one delivers?

We’ll explore everything from real-world reliability and user experience to pricing and bonus features. Aura packs in antivirus, VPN, and triple-bureau credit monitoring, while McAfee leans into its cybersecurity legacy with solid device protection and privacy perks.

Some of the biggest differences come down to what each service includes beyond the basics, like extra tools to boost your digital security. Want the scoop on bonus features? Jump to: Extra security tools – Who offers more?

If you’re deciding between the two, this guide will help you find the right fit for your digital life.

	Aura	McAfee
Website	Aura.com	McAfee.com
Pricing	$12 – $50/month ($9 with a coupon)	$89.99 – $424.99/year
Money-back guarantee	60 days	30 days
3-bureau credit monitoring	Yes (all plans)	1 bureau (3 bureaus with top-tier plans)
24/7 customer support	Yes	Yes
Identity theft insurance	Up to $1 million (up to $5 million with family plans)	Up to $1 million (up to $2 million with “Advanced” and “Ultimate” family plans)
Best deal	60% Off Coupon >	N/A

Highlights from our Aura vs McAfee comparison

• Both Aura and McAfee deliver solid identity theft protection, including credit monitoring and a $1 million insurance policy if your identity gets compromised.

• Aura stands out with all-in-one family plans and full triple-bureau credit monitoring, while McAfee bundles its antivirus expertise into a sleek, privacy-focused package.

• Aura goes big on extras: antivirus, VPN, password manager, anti-tracking tools, email masking, and safe browsing are all built in. It even has an AI-powered assistant that helps block scam calls and suspicious texts in real time.

• Short on time but curious who comes out ahead? Jump right to the final verdict to get the lowdown on who wins this identity protection face-off!

• If you’re after the best deal, Aura’s hard to beat, especially when you can snag it at 60% off.

Aura vs McAfee: How to choose the best identity theft protection?

Before we dive into the full Aura vs McAfee showdown, let’s look at what really matters when choosing the best identity theft protection for your needs.

1. Monitoring – Aura and McAfee both offer solid coverage here, scanning everything from credit reports and public records to the dark web. This early-warning system helps you catch threats before they spiral out of control.

2. Protection tools – It’s not just about watching — these services come loaded with built-in defenses like antivirus, VPNs, safe browsing, and even spam call blocking. Aura and McAfee also offer features to remove your info from data broker sites, cutting off a big source of risk. Jump to core features to see exactly what they monitor.

3. Real-time alerts – Fast, accurate notifications are key to staying ahead of fraud. Both Aura and McAfee send timely alerts when something’s off, so you can lock down your accounts and take action immediately.

4. Recovery and support – If something does go wrong, you won’t be on your own. Both services include identity theft insurance and expert help to guide you through restoring your identity and recovering losses.

Now that we’ve covered the essentials, let’s see who really delivers the best identity protection: Aura or McAfee?

Aura vs McAfee: A head-to-head comparison

Let's line up Aura and McAfee for a side-by-side showdown to see which service best safeguards your identity in the digital arena. Here's a snapshot of their key offerings:

	Aura	McAfee
Pricing	$12 – $50/month ($9 with a coupon)	$89.99 – $424.99/year
Family-focused plans and features	✔️	✔️
3-bureau credit monitoring and reports	✔️ (Experian, TransUnion, and Equifax)	1-bureau (TransUnion) or 3-bureau (Experian, TransUnion, and Equifax)
Dark web monitoring and alerts	✔️	✔️
Identity theft insurance	Up to $1 million (up to $5 million with family plans)	Up to $1 million (up to $2 million with “Advanced” and “Ultimate” family plans)
Social media account alerts	❌	❌
Credit lock	✔️	✔️
Lost wallet remediation	✔️	✔️
Antivirus and VPN	✔️	✔️
Password manager	✔️	✔️
24/7 customer support	✔️	✔️
Best deal	68% Off Coupon >	N/A

Aura vs McAfee: Which company is more trustworthy?

Both Aura and McAfee have built solid reputations, but they take different paths to gain your trust. Aura keeps things consistent with across-the-board coverage like three-bureau credit monitoring on every plan — no surprises, just solid protection. McAfee, on the other hand, leans into its cybersecurity roots, bundling ID theft protection with antivirus, secure browsing, and more.

Want a closer look at how these two handle your digital safety? Skip ahead to our security showdown and see how their defenses compare.

So, the real question is: do you prefer Aura’s all-in-one reliability, or does McAfee’s security-first approach win your trust?

Aura overview

Starting price	$12/month ($9 with a coupon)
Supported platforms	Windows, macOS, Android, and iOS
Three-bureau credit monitoring	Yes (across all plans)
Identity theft insurance	$1M – $5M ($1M per adult)
Best deal	50 – 60% off coupon >

Aura’s story began in 2014 when its founder, Hari Ravichandran, experienced identity theft firsthand. Instead of just moving on, he decided to build a service that could help others avoid the same mess, and today, Aura protects over a million users around the world. It has earned praise from Forbes, Inc. Magazine, and the Mom’s Choice Awards, and with a 4.4 TrustScore on Trustpilot, it’s clear users trust it to deliver.

The acquisition of Identity Guard gave Aura the chance to expand its plans for individuals, couples, and families, each one fully loaded with powerful features. We're talking three-bureau credit monitoring, financial fraud detection, safe browsing, and even spam call protection. And now, it’s going even further.

For parents, the Online Balance feature (iOS only, “Family” and “Kids” plans) gives you insight into your child’s digital routines, spotting changes in behavior and offering gentle suggestions and conversation starters. It’s privacy-conscious parenting, made easier.

Aura also brings serious online security to the table, including a built-in VPN that uses military-grade encryption to shield your browsing, banking, and shopping habits from prying eyes. With over 100 virtual locations across North America, Europe, Asia, and beyond, you can access global content and stay secure whether you're at home or on the go.

With features like credit lock and transaction alerts built in, Aura doesn’t nickel-and-dime you. It may not be the cheapest, but you get a ton of value for the price.

See all Aura features here >

Aura pros and cons

Thinking about Aura? Here’s the good stuff — and one thing to keep in mind:

Now, let’s take a closer look at McAfee, an old-school cybersecurity name with some modern tricks up its sleeve.

McAfee overview

Starting price	$49.99 (for the first year only)
Supported platforms	Windows, macOS, Android, and iOS
Three-bureau credit monitoring	Yes (with top tier plans)
Identity theft insurance	Up to $1M
Best deal	N/A

McAfee has been a household name in digital security since way back in the ‘80s, headquartered in the heart of Silicon Valley, San Jose, California. Over the decades, it’s gone through quite the identity journey: from McAfee Associates to Network Associates, then back again, with a memorable stint under Intel as part of the Intel Security Group. Most recently, in 2022, McAfee went private under Advent International, continuing its legacy in the cybersecurity space.

Today, McAfee still leans into its roots in digital protection, branching out beyond antivirus to offer identity theft protection, credit monitoring, and even social media monitoring to help you keep tabs on your online presence.

But while its security tools are well-known, McAfee’s reputation with customers has hit a few snags. Its Trustpilot rating reflects some bumps in the road — 86% of users gave it a one-star review. Common complaints include buggy software, tricky auto-renewals, and relentless pop-ups that can be more annoying than helpful.

McAfee delivers on the security front, but when it comes to ease of use and customer care, it might leave you wanting more.

See all McAfee features here >

McAfee pros and cons

Let’s break down what McAfee gets right — and where it could use a little polish — when it comes to identity protection:

Availability and insurance coverage: Aura or McAfee, who covers more?

Getting your identity stolen is bad enough — paying to fix it makes it worse. Let’s see how Aura and McAfee compare when it comes to identity theft insurance.

	Aura	McAfee
Identity theft insurance amount	$1M for each adult member, up to $2M on the “Couple” plan, and up to $5M on the “Family” plan	$1 million in with “Advanced” plan and up to $2 million with “Ultimate” plan
Stolen funds reimbursement	Up to $1M	Up to $1M (plus up to $25K ransomware cover)

Both Aura and McAfee put $1 million on the table in identity theft insurance—so if the worst happens, you're not left footing the bill. But while the number’s the same, how they actually support you can feel pretty different.,

Aura goes the extra mile with coverage for stolen funds, legal fees, and even those sneaky extra costs like child care or lost wages while you're dealing with the mess. Plus, it keeps a sharp eye on your credit with three-bureau monitoring across Equifax, Experian, and TransUnion. You’ll also get monthly credit scores and an annual credit report to help you stay in the know — just don’t expect budgeting tools or credit simulators here.

Next up, here’s a side-by-side look at how Aura and McAfee compare when it comes to availability and platform support:

	Aura	McAfee
Windows?	✔️	✔️
macOS?	✔️	✔️
Android?	✔️	✔️
iOS?	✔️	✔️
Browser extensions?	✔️ (Chrome, Firefox, and Edge)	✔️ (Chrome, Firefox, Edge, and Safari)

Claim support and recovery: Who’s got your mack?

If your identity gets compromised, Aura’s got your back with 24/7 US-based support and a dedicated case manager to walk you through the entire recovery process. You’re not left chasing paperwork alone—they help you track your financial health and spot suspicious activity before it spirals.

McAfee also offers identity restoration and support agents to guide you if something goes wrong. But here’s the catch: full three-bureau credit monitoring only comes with the top-tier “Ultimate” plan. While McAfee’s real-time alerts and credit tips are solid, you’ll need to pay extra for the kind of hands-on help Aura includes from the start.

Core identity protection capabilities: Who wins Aura and McAfee face-off?

In the world of identity protection, both Aura and McAfee have some serious tools in their belts. But which one really delivers when it comes to credit monitoring, dark web scans, and financial safety? Let’s find out.

Credit monitoring across the bureaus

One of the best ways to stay ahead of identity theft is to monitor your credit reports across all three major bureaus: Experian, Equifax, and TransUnion. Aura gives you full-spectrum coverage right out of the gate. You’ll also get monthly VantageScore credit scores and the ability to lock your credit profile to help prevent new account fraud — super handy if someone’s trying to use your info.

McAfee takes a more limited approach. Its “Advanced” plan only covers TransUnion, so if fraud shows up on Experian or Equifax, you might not know until it’s too late. You only get full three-bureau monitoring with McAfee’s premium “Ultimate” plan. Bottom line? Aura gives you better coverage, faster alerts, and fewer upgrade hoops to jump through, making it the clear winner when it comes to credit monitoring.

Dark web surveillance

The dark web, known for the illegal trade of personal data, is closely monitored by Aura to keep you safe. Their threat intelligence alerts you to breaches so you can act quickly.

Aura’s tools scan the dark web daily for your personal information across forums and marketplaces. If any of your data pops up, you get alerts so you can take immediate action, like changing passwords and securing your accounts. Aura also helps monitor tax refund fraud and offers tools for safe web browsing after a data leak. Plus, they automatically remove your information from data broker sites.

McAfee also keeps a close watch, monitoring over 60 types of personal information, from SSNs to passport details, to protect your privacy. Their service scans the dark web, including forums and chat channels, for any exposure of your personal and financial information. McAfee sends alerts for quick protective measures and keeps checking the dark web, notifying you if your data is being sold.

So, both Aura and McAfee’s dark web surveillance show their commitment to keeping you safe from cyber threats.

Financial and investment account safeguards

Wondering which service offers better financial coverage? This table compares the credit monitoring, identity theft insurance, and money-saving features of Aura and McAfee:

	Aura	McAfee
Account monitoring?	✔️ (credit cards, checking accounts, savings accounts investment accounts, 401(k)s, and any changes to banking information), with all plans	✔️ (credit cards, checking accounts, savings accounts investment accounts 401(k)s, payday loans, loan transaction), with top-tier plans
High-risk transaction alerts?	✔️	✔️
Lost wallet remediation?	✔️	✔️

Keeping your finances safe isn’t just about watching your credit score. It means locking down your bank and investment accounts, staying ahead of suspicious activity, and having backup if something goes wrong. That’s where Aura shines. You’ll get smart alerts for any unusual bank activity, $1 million in identity theft insurance, and extra protection thanks to secure integrations like Plaid.

Aura helps you monitor credit, catch unauthorized transactions, and stay one step ahead of fraud, all with intelligent alerts and real-time monitoring. Plus, it keeps tabs on your investment accounts too, something McAfee skips.

McAfee offers solid protection and the same $1 million insurance cap, but it misses a few important beats. It doesn’t monitor investment accounts, and it lacks some of Aura’s deeper insights, like alerts for changes in property titles or if your name pops up in criminal or court records. For full-spectrum financial protection, Aura’s got a stronger grip on the details.

Additional digital defenses: Who offers better extras?

Think identity protection is enough? Wait until you see what else Aura and McAfee are hiding in their toolkits.

Antivirus protection

These days, having antivirus and VPN protection isn’t a luxury — it’s a must. Thankfully, both Aura and McAfee bring solid defenses to the table.

Aura’s antivirus is powered by smart AI and quietly keeps your devices safe from malware, phishing attacks, and other digital nasties. It works on Windows, macOS, and Android, and it’s so lightweight you’ll forget it’s even there. Plus, every plan includes a built-in VPN that encrypts your online activity — perfect for staying secure while banking, shopping, or scrolling on public Wi-Fi.

McAfee, true to its cybersecurity roots, also offers tough protection. Its “Total Protection” suite (included with Advanced and Premium identity plans) defends all your devices with antivirus, safe browsing, and more. It’s a strong combo — especially if you’re already familiar with McAfee’s antivirus tools.

So, whether you want AI-powered peace of mind or a trusted name in digital security, both Aura and McAfee have your back when it comes to viruses, malware, and beyond.

VPN and online privacy

Whether banking or browsing, Aura and McAfee keep things private. Aura’s VPN uses AES-256 encryption — the same standard trusted by governments and banks — to shield your online activity.

It’s built right into the Aura app, and getting started takes just a few taps. Just head to “Online Security”, toggle on Shield and VPN, and you’re good to go.

You’ll also get access to over 100 virtual locations, so you can browse globally without borders — and without sacrificing speed. Plus, Aura sticks to a strict no-logs policy, so your data stays yours, even though it's based in a Five Eyes country. That’s a big win for privacy.

McAfee’s VPN comes bundled with its top-tier plans and offers virtual locations in nearly 50 countries, making it a solid fit for globe-trotters or frequent streamers. You can connect up to five devices, and it works smoothly on both Android and iOS.

Aura keeps things simple by including VPN access in all plans, while McAfee saves it for premium users. If you're after plug-and-play privacy with no extra fees, Aura takes the lead. But if international server options are a must, McAfee might win you over.

Password manager

Forget sticky notes and that one password you keep reusing — both Aura and McAfee offer password managers to keep your digital life locked up tight.

Aura’s password manager does more than just store your logins. It watches for weak or compromised passwords, helps you generate strong new ones, and even auto-updates them on select sites. Everything’s tucked into the My Aura console, with apps and browser extensions that make access a breeze — no memory gymnastics required.

McAfee’s True Key password manager brings its own muscle to the table, securing your credentials in an encrypted vault. It offers autofill, password generation, and multi-device syncing, so you can log in quickly without sacrificing security.

Personal data cleanup

Keeping your personal data private is important, and Aura makes it easy with its privacy assistant, a handy tool for removing your info from data broker sites. With any Aura plan, you get automated scans and requests to erase your personal information, making the process smooth and simple.

McAfee’s “Ultimate” plan also helps protect your privacy by finding and removing your personal details from data broker sites around the world. The service offers manual and automatic cleanup options, although it might take up to 45 days due to data broker response times. McAfee covers around 40 major data brokers, but if you need more extensive data removal services, there are other specialized options available.

Parental controls and child identity protection

Let’s face it — parenting in the digital age comes with a whole new set of challenges. Luckily, Aura’s Family plan makes it easier to keep your kids safe with smart tools like content filters, screen time limits, and even cyberbullying alerts. It also monitors for signs of child identity theft, giving you extra peace of mind while your kids game, stream, or scroll.

McAfee’s family protection tools are no slouch either. You’ll find app restrictions, time limits, and content controls built right into their parental control software. It also helps flag suspicious activity and potential threats, including safe gaming alerts that can tip you off to bullying or online predators.

Both services aim to give families a safer online experience, but if child identity monitoring is a must-have, Aura goes the extra mile.

Best ad and tracker blockers for private browsing

Aura’s browser extension isn’t just for blocking annoying ads — it’s a privacy sidekick that keeps trackers at bay and distractions off your screen. Compatible with Chrome, Firefox, and Edge, it slips right into your browser and gets to work protecting you from shady websites, phishing attempts, and scammy pop-ups.

While the extension handles a lot on its own, pairing it with Aura’s VPN can cover all your apps and browsers, not just the one you’re using. Just a heads-up: you might hit the occasional verification speed bump (like extra CAPTCHA checks), especially on search engines like Google. Still, it’s a small price to pay for keeping snoops out of your digital business.

Smart firewall

McAfee’s built-in firewall works behind the scenes to block suspicious activity before it gets anywhere near your private data. It monitors all your network traffic, keeping an eye out for anything sketchy and locking the door on hackers trying to sneak in. Plus, you can customize the settings to fit your preferences — whether you want to keep it hands-off or fine-tune the controls.

McAfee's firewall is an important component of its identity theft protection. It monitors network traffic and blocks unauthorized access, with customizable settings to match your preferences. This firewall is a crucial defense against cyber threats, keeping your personal information safe from cybercriminals and helping prevent identity theft.

Ease of use and support: Which one makes protection painless?

When it comes to identity protection, the last thing you want is a clunky app or confusing dashboard. Luckily, both Aura and McAfee aim to keep things smooth and stress-free. In this section, we’ll walk you through the setup experience, how intuitive their dashboards are, and what kind of support you can expect when you hit a snag, because even the best tools are only useful if you can actually use them.

Just want to know who helps best when things break? Feel free to skip ahead to our deep dive on customer support.

Setting up your protection

Aura’s setup? Super smooth. We hopped onto their website, picked a plan, and within minutes, we were in. The dashboard was clean and inviting, with all the essentials — VPN, antivirus, password manager — right where we needed them. The browser extensions for password protection and ad blocking popped up with helpful prompts, making it feel like Aura was holding our hand (in a good way) the whole time.

McAfee’s setup took a little longer — about 15 minutes — but it was just as approachable. Even if you're not tech-savvy, the step-by-step instructions make it hard to mess up. Once we were in, the dashboard gave us an at-a-glance view of our protection status, with all the tools lined up neatly. We especially liked that the Individual plan covers unlimited devices — ideal for anyone living that multi-device life (laptop, phone, tablet… smart toaster?).

App and dashboard face-off

Aura’s desktop app really pulls everything together. From one clean and customizable dashboard, we could keep an eye on our credit score, financial accounts, and even social media activity — all without feeling overwhelmed. It let us prioritize the features that mattered most to us, whether that was spotting suspicious activity or tracking identity threats in real time.

Aura's mobile app was just as sleek and functional, with support for both iOS and Android, and real-time alerts that actually came through when it counted. That said, jumping between a few different Aura apps took a little getting used to—we found ourselves wishing everything lived in one place.

McAfee’s dashboard, by contrast, was refreshingly straightforward. In just a few clicks, we were able to input personal data, check on our protection status, and respond to alerts. Notifications came through via dashboard, email, and even text, which made it easy to stay on top of things. We did run into a few upsells nudging us toward extra purchases, but overall, McAfee made it feel like we were in control, armed with helpful tips and timely updates.

Support and self-help resources compared

When digital trouble hits, solid support can make all the difference — and both Aura and McAfee offer help when you need it most.

Here’s what you can expect from Aura’s customer care team:

• 24/7 US-based support: No matter the time or day, Aura’s identity theft specialists are on call to answer questions and help resolve issues quickly and professionally.
• Fraud resolution experts: If identity theft strikes, Aura’s team knows exactly how to help. You’ll get step-by-step guidance from professionals trained in recovery and remediation.
• Multiple contact methods: Prefer phone support? Call +1 833-552-2123. Need something less direct? Send an email or hop on live chat during business hours for real-time assistance.

• DIY resources: Aura’s support center is packed with easy-to-follow articles and how-tos. Whether you’re looking to fix a minor hiccup or explore features on your own, there’s something for every user.

See all Aura features here >

McAfee takes a multi-channel approach to support, giving users a variety of ways to get help, whether you want quick answers or personal guidance:

• 24/7 phone support: McAfee’s team is always just a call away, no matter the hour. Whether it’s a minor glitch or a major issue, support is on standby around the clock.

• Live chat for all plans: Need help in real time? McAfee’s live chat makes it easy to get quick answers without waiting on hold.

• Easy-to-use resource center: McAfee’s help page is impressively organized, with how-to guides, video walkthroughs, and a handy search bar that makes finding what you need feel effortless.

• Community and blog access: Dive into McAfee’s active blog and community forum to pick up tips, ask questions, and connect with other users navigating the same digital waters.

• Social media support: While not as robust as other channels, McAfee’s X and Facebook pages provide updates and an additional line of communication when you need a quick touchpoint.

See all McAfee features here >

Financial health: Which service delivers better credit reports and scores?

Your financial health deserves some serious TLC, and both Aura and McAfee bring their A-game to keep you in the know. Aura sends you friendly alerts whenever there’s a change in your credit files, delivers monthly score updates, and hands you an annual credit report to track how you’re doing. Sure, it skips the fancy credit simulators and budgeting tools, but with a $1 million insurance policy for identity theft losses, Aura’s got your back when things get tricky.

McAfee takes it up a notch by keeping a close eye on your credit cards and bank accounts, too. Their “Advanced” plan watches one credit bureau (hello, TransUnion!), while the “Ultimate” plan covers all three major bureaus for total peace of mind. Whether you’re getting daily or monthly credit reports, McAfee’s alerts on suspicious transactions help you catch fraud before it causes trouble.

Security and privacy: Is Aura or McAfee a safer choice?

When it comes to protecting your identity, security and privacy aren’t just features — they’re must-haves. Here’s a quick glance at what both Aura and McAfee bring to the table:

Security features	Aura	McAfee
Bank-level AES-256 encryption	✔️	✔️
Real-time threat and fraud alerts	✔️	✔️
Social media identity monitoring	❌	❌
Two-factor authentication	✔️	✔️
Dedicated privacy tools (VPN, password manager, and ad blocker)	✔️	✔️

Aura grabs attention right away with its bank and military-grade encryption, showing it’s serious about keeping your data locked down tight. Beyond identity protection, Aura packs a full security punch with a built-in password manager, VPN, and antivirus, all working smoothly in our tests to keep your online world safe and sound.

Aura’s privacy policy is pretty upfront, though it does mention using customer data for co-branded marketing — a potential red flag if you’re ultra privacy-conscious. But don’t worry, that data sharing is limited and linked to features like Circle, the parental control tool in their Family plan, which needs a bit of info to do its job right. Plus, Aura’s multi-factor authentication gave our accounts an extra layer of armor we appreciated.

McAfee isn’t far behind. Their suite of tools — antivirus, firewall, VPN, and password manager — performed solidly during our hands-on time. However, we missed a few perks, like social media identity monitoring, which could be a deal breaker for some looking for all-in-one protection.

McAfee’s privacy policy goes into detail about data collection, including user purchases and interactions. It’s clear they take privacy seriously, but if you prefer your data under tighter wraps, this might require a closer look.

Plans and pricing: Does Aura or McAfee offer greater value for money?

Aura plans	Price per month (paid monthly)	Price per month (paid yearly)
Individual	$15/month	$12/month (with coupon)
Couple	$29/month	$22/month
Family	$32/month	$50/month

Aura really shines when it comes to straightforward pricing and customer-focused value—no hidden fees or nasty surprises at renewal time. Here’s the lowdown:

• Individual: At $12 monthly ($9/month with coupon), this plan is ideal for solo users. You get $1 million in identity theft insurance, 1GB of secure cloud storage, and protection across up to 10 devices.
• Couple: Perfect for two users, this plan runs $22 per month ($17/month with coupon). It offers the same solid $1 million insurance coverage, doubles the cloud storage to 2GB, and covers up to 20 devices.
• Family: At $37 monthly ($25/month with coupon), this plan steps it up for the whole crew — each adult gets $1 million in insurance, there’s 5GB of cloud storage, and it protects up to 50 devices.

Aura's transparent pricing ensures a comprehensive solution without additional purchases or upsells, with notable savings for new subscribers.

McAfee plans	Price (paid yearly)
Essential	$39.99/year (renewal $119.99)
McAfee + Premium Individual	$49.99/year (renewal $149.99)
McAfee + Advanced Individual	$89.99/year (renewal $199.99)

Meanwhile, McAfee serves up a range of plans that pack a punch, though picking the perfect fit might feel a bit like choosing your favorite dessert from an all-you-can-eat buffet. To keep things simple, here are the three key options worth knowing about:

• Essential: At $39.99/year, this plan covers five devices with antivirus, a VPN, password manager, scam detection, and McAfee’s Protection Score to keep you in the know.
• McAfee + Premium Individual: For $49.99/year, you can set it up with unlimited device coverage, plus social privacy tools, personal data cleanup scans, and the same great features as the entry-level plan — perfect for those who want more security muscle.
• McAfee + Advanced Individual — $89.99/year, this is a top pick for serious protection, offering unlimited device antivirus, full-service personal data cleanup, bank and credit card monitoring, one-bureau credit monitoring, $1 million identity theft coverage, plus identity restoration and lost wallet support.

Want to see McAfee’s full menu of plans and features? Check out their full lineup here >

Aura vs McAfee: One clear winner for peace of mind

After putting both Aura and McAfee through their paces, one thing became clear — Aura takes the lead in more categories, and not just by a nose.

Here’s a quick recap of how things stacked up:

1. Trustworthiness: Aura

2. Availability and insurance: Tie

3. Core identity protection capabilities: Aura

4. Additional digital defenses: Tie

5. Ease of use and support: Aura

6. Financial health reports: Aura

7. Security and privacy: Aura

8. Plans and pricing: Aura

While McAfee brings solid tools to the table — especially if you're already in their antivirus ecosystem — Aura impressed us with how much value it packs into every plan. From rock-solid identity monitoring to credit alerts and built-in tools like antivirus, VPN, and a password manager, Aura doesn’t make you pay extra or jump through hoops.

What really sealed the deal for us? No sneaky renewal hikes. What you sign up for is what you pay — even when it’s time to renew. That alone makes Aura a breath of fresh air in a space that’s often a bit murky.

So if you're after straightforward, powerful, and no-nonsense protection for you or your family, Aura’s our top pick.

Identity theft protection comparisons on CyberInsider:

• Aura vs LifeLock
• Aura vs Experian IdentityWorks
• IDShield vs Aura
• LifeLock vs IDShield
• Aura vs Incogni
• Aura vs IdentityIQ
• Aura vs IDShield
• Identity Guard vs Aura
• Identity Guard vs LifeLock
• LifeLock vs Experian Identity Works

Aura vs McAfee FAQ

What is the main difference between Aura and McAfee's credit monitoring services?

The main difference between Aura and McAfee's credit monitoring services is that Aura offers three-bureau credit monitoring with all its plans, while McAfee starts with one-bureau monitoring in its “Advanced” plan and expands to three-bureau monitoring in its “Ultimate” plan.

Can Aura's password manager import passwords from other managers?

Yes, Aura's password manager lets you import passwords from various other password managers, as well as directly from browsers like Chrome, Edge, Firefox, and Safari. This makes it easy to switch over without having to manually re-enter all your credentials.

Do Aura and McAfee offer antivirus and VPN protection?

Both Aura and McAfee include antivirus and VPN protection in their identity theft protection services. Aura offers these features in all its plans, giving you comprehensive digital security along with identity monitoring. McAfee provides antivirus and VPN protections in its “Advanced” and “Premium” plans, ensuring your devices are safe from cyber threats.

How does Aura's personal data cleanup service work?

Aura's personal data cleanup service automatically removes your data from data broker websites and keeps an eye on the internet for any signs of your personal information being leaked. If it finds anything, it takes action to remove that data, helping to prevent spam and robocalls.