When navigating the digital world, safeguarding your personal information is more crucial than ever, making identity theft protection services your digital lifeguards. These vigilant services keep a close eye on your credit reports, social security numbers, and other sensitive data that should remain confidential.
In this comprehensive showdown, we're comparing Aura and McAfee – two big names in identity theft protection. We'll look at user experience, reliability, and overall effectiveness to help you choose the right service for your needs.
Aura and McAfee both offer strong identity theft protection, but they differ in features and pricing. Aura includes antivirus software, a virtual private network (VPN), and credit monitoring from all three major credit bureaus right from the start. McAfee, known for its antivirus software, also provides robust cybersecurity features across its plans.
As you consider your options, it's important to understand these differences to choose the best protection for your personal information.
Aura | McAfee | |
Website | Aura.com | McAfee.com |
Pricing | $9 – $25/month | $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 | 68% Off Coupon > | N/A |
Key takeaways from Aura and McAfee comparison
Aura and McAfee deliver strong identity theft protection, including credit monitoring and a $1 million insurance policy for individuals.
Aura is notable for its comprehensive family plans and uniform features like three-bureau credit monitoring. McAfee focuses on user-friendliness and an integrated defense strategy, blending malware protection with monitoring services.
Aura throws in antivirus, VPN, password manager, anti-track, email aliases, and safe browsing tools in all plans, and also offers an AI-powered call and text assistant to help block common phone scams.
In terms of value, Aura takes the top spot, especially when you use this 68% off coupon.
How to select the right identity theft protection service: Aura vs McAfee
Before diving into the detailed comparison between Aura and McAfee, let’s outline the key aspects to consider when choosing the right identity theft protection service for you:
Monitoring – Aura and McAfee keep a close eye on your personal information across various platforms, including public records, credit files, and the dark web. This extensive monitoring helps detect any compromise early, so you can act swiftly against potential threats.
Protection – These services don't just monitor – they actively protect your information. They offer features like antivirus software, secure browsing, VPNs, and spam call blocking. Additionally, they help remove your personal details from data brokers and other risky online locations to reduce the chance of identity theft.
Notifications – Timely alerts are crucial in minimizing the damage from identity fraud. Both Aura and McAfee provide prompt fraud alerts, keeping you informed about any suspicious activities so you can take immediate action.
Resolution – If identity theft does occur, Aura and McAfee offer dedicated support to help you through the resolution process. They provide insurance to cover eligible expenses and losses, giving you the financial support needed to recover from such incidents.
With this information, we can now go ahead and compare Aura and McAfee to determine which service best aligns with your identity theft protection requirements.
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 | $9 – $25/month | $89.99-$424.99/year |
Family-focused plans and features | Yes | Yes |
3-bureau credit monitoring and reports | Yes (Experian, TransUnion, and Equifax) | 1-bureau (TransUnion) or 3-bureau (Experian, TransUnion, and Equifax) |
Dark web monitoring and alerts | 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) |
Social media account alerts | No | No |
Credit lock | Yes | Yes |
Lost wallet remediation | Yes | Yes |
Antivirus and VPN | Yes | Yes |
Password manager | Yes | Yes |
24/7 customer support | Yes | Yes |
Best deal | 68% Off Coupon > | N/A |
Aura vs McAfee: Which company is more trustworthy?
When it comes to trustworthiness, both Aura and McAfee have their merits. Aura builds confidence with uniform features like three-bureau credit monitoring, while McAfee's integrated cybersecurity tools have established it as a reliable protector.
The real question is whether Aura's consistent coverage or McAfee's cybersecurity expertise wins the trust of consumers.
Aura overview
Founded in 2014 by Hari Ravichandran after a personal experience with credit information theft, Aura has grown to protect over a million members worldwide. The company has earned recognition for its user-focused approach, with accolades from Mom’s Choice Awards to mentions in Inc. Magazine and Forbes. Its high TrustScore of 4.6 on Trustpilot reflects its dedication to service excellence.
The acquisition of Identity Guard has allowed Aura to broaden its plans for individuals, couples, and families, all equipped with advanced cybersecurity tools. These offerings are designed to provide strong protection in the digital landscape.
Beyond its core defenses, Aura features a credit lock and transaction limit monitoring to keep users informed of potential threats in a balanced way. Although premium-priced, the comprehensive feature set and extensive device and network protection validate Aura's value in a world where connectivity is ever-increasing.
Aura pros and cons
Let's delve into the benefits and drawbacks of using Aura for your digital identity protection needs:
+ Pros
- Antivirus software across all plans
- Comprehensive identity theft protection and credit monitoring services
- Dark web monitoring
- Fraud call protection
- Up to $1 million in insurance coverage
- Plans for individuals, couples, and families
- Useful parental control app
- Password manager and VPN included
- 24/7 customer support and fraud resolution
- Transparent pricing
- 3-bureau credit monitoring included in all plans
– Cons
More expensive than some competitors
See the latest Aura prices and deals: https://aura.com/save-50-offers
Now, let's move on to McAfee and see how it stacks up against the competition.
McAfee overview
McAfee, with its headquarters nestled in the tech hub of San Jose, California, has been a stalwart in computer security since the 1980s. The company's metamorphosis over the years is a tale of resilience and adaptation, evolving from McAfee Associates, Inc. to Network Associates Inc., and then reverting to its original name, McAfee. Its history is marked by a notable chapter as part of Intel under the Intel Security Group from 2014 to 2017, and its recent privatization by Advent International in 2022.
Throughout its journey, McAfee has unwaveringly focused on digital protection. Its identity theft protection services now extend to social media monitoring, recognizing the importance of vigilance in a space where personal information is increasingly vulnerable.
However, McAfee's reputation has faced challenges, as evidenced by a lower-than-desired Trustpilot score. With 86% of 2,337 reviewers giving McAfee a one-star rating, customer feedback points to areas needing improvement, such as software performance, customer service quality, and marketing practices. Users have voiced frustrations over technical issues after installation, intrusive pop-ups, and unexpected charges during auto-renewal. For McAfee, addressing these user concerns is essential in its efforts to regain and uphold its customers' trust.
McAfee pros and cons
Let's examine the advantages and drawbacks of opting for McAfee's identity theft protection services:
+ Pros
- $1 million coverage per person (with top-tier subscriptions)
- 24/7 phone support is available
- 30-day refund policy
- Add-ons like an antivirus and no-limits VPN
- Credit reports from the three major credit bureaus (updated daily)
- Data broker site data removal included
- Password manager and dark web alerts included
- Personal data cleanup service
- AI scam detection with upper plans
– Cons
- No monthly billing option
- Full credit monitoring at the highest tier
- No trial period or free edition
- Serious price spike upon renewal
- Terrible Trustpilot user reviews
Is Aura or McAfee more trustworthy?
When it comes to trustworthiness, Aura really shines. No matter which plan you choose, you'll get great coverage and features like three-bureau credit monitoring, a VPN, and a password manager. Aura has a fantastic TrustScore on Trustpilot, showing how committed they are to protecting over a million members worldwide.
On the other hand, while McAfee is a well-known name in cybersecurity, some customers have had trust issues, as seen in their lower Trustpilot score and feedback about software performance and customer service. So, with Aura's proactive identity protection and positive customer feedback, it's easy to see why many consumers find it the more trustworthy choice.
Trustworthiness winner: Aura
Availability and insurance coverage: Does Aura or McAfee offer more comprehensive protection?
If your identity is stolen, recovering it can be expensive, but identity theft insurance helps cover costs like stolen funds, lawyer fees, and more. So, how do Aura and McAfee compare?
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 offer up to $1 million in identity theft insurance, showing their commitment to your financial security. However, differences in insurance limits and support quality during the claim process are important to consider after identity theft.
Aura provides up to $1 million for expenses related to identity theft, including stolen funds, legal fees, and additional costs like child care or lost wages. Their three-bureau credit monitoring makes sure any changes or inquiries on your credit reports from Equifax, Experian, and TransUnion are spotted quickly. Aura also gives you monthly credit scores and an annual credit report, though it doesn't include credit simulators or financial planning calculators.
Here's a comparison table highlighting the availability and platform support of both Aura and McAfee's identity theft protection services:
Aura | McAfee | |
Windows? | Yes | Yes |
macOS? | Yes | Yes |
Android? | Yes | Yes |
iOS? | Yes | Yes |
Browser extensions? | Yes (Chrome, Firefox, and Edge) | Yes (Chrome, Firefox, Edge, and Safari) |
So, both Aura and McAfee offer up to $1 million in identity theft insurance (per person) and support a wide range of platforms, ensuring comprehensive protection and accessibility. This parity in both availability and insurance coverage makes it a tie in this category.
Availability and insurance coverage winner: Tie
Claim support and resolution services
Aura’s 24/7 customer support and fraud resolution service means you'll have a dedicated case manager to help you through the recovery process. They make it easy for you to monitor your financial status and catch any irregularities that might indicate identity theft.
McAfee also offers agent support and identity restoration services to simplify the recovery process. However, full three-bureau monitoring is only available with its “Ultimate” plan, a premium option. McAfee’s real-time alerts and actionable insights to improve your credit security are impressive, but you’ll need to upgrade for the most comprehensive protection.
Availability and insurance coverage winner: Aura
Core identity protection capabilities: Who wins Aura and McAfee face-off?
In the showdown of identity protection, Aura and McAfee each brandish a unique arsenal. Deciding the victor hinges on comparing their services – credit oversight, dark web scrutiny, and financial defense. Let's unveil their strengths.
Credit monitoring across the bureaus
Credit monitoring services are essential for spotting suspicious activities, like unauthorized accounts or credit inquiries, by checking reports from the three major credit bureaus – Experian, Equifax, and TransUnion. With Aura, you get comprehensive three-bureau monitoring, which includes regular access to your VantageScore credit scores and the ability to lock your credit files, helping to prevent fraudulent account openings.
On the other hand, McAfee starts with one-bureau monitoring through TransUnion in its Advanced plan, which might miss early signs of fraud that could appear in the other bureaus' reports. Only with the premium “Ultimate” plan do customers get the recommended three-bureau monitoring. This comprehensive approach is important because monitoring just one bureau can miss critical alerts of identity theft.
Credit monitoring winner: Aura
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. Both Aura and McAfee’s dark web surveillance show their commitment to keeping you safe from cyber threats.
Dark web surveillance winner: Tie
Financial and investment account safeguards
This table highlights the financial features of each service.
Aura | McAfee | |
Account monitoring? | Yes, complete account monitoring (credit cards, checking accounts, savings accounts investment accounts, 401(k)s, and any changes to banking information) with all plans | Yes (credit cards, checking accounts, savings accounts investment accounts 401(k)s, payday loan, loan transaction) with top-tier plans |
High-risk transaction alerts? | Yes | Yes |
Lost wallet remediation? | Yes | Yes |
Protecting your finances goes beyond just keeping an eye on your credit – it also means securing your bank and investment accounts from unauthorized changes and fraud. With Aura, you get intelligent alerts for any suspicious activity in your bank accounts, plus a $1 million theft insurance policy to help defend against financial fraud. Aura also uses services like Plaid to monitor your bank accounts, adding an extra layer of security.
To keep your finances safe, it's important to regularly monitor your credit, protect your bank and investment accounts from unauthorized changes and fraudulent transactions, and take advantage of Aura’s intelligent alerts and theft insurance policy. Using services like Plaid to monitor your bank accounts can also help. These strategies will help you secure your financial information and protect yourself from potential fraud.
McAfee’s identity protection is thorough, yet it doesn’t cover investment accounts, unlike Aura. While both services provide a $1 million insurance policy, Aura goes further by alerting you to unexpected changes in property titles and the presence of your personal information in criminal or court records. This makes Aura a comprehensive protector of your financial health.
Account safeguards winner: Aura
Does Aura or McAfee offer superior core features?
Aura really stands out when it comes to core identity theft protection. Every plan includes comprehensive three-bureau credit monitoring, so you can keep a close eye on your credit activity. Their advanced dark web surveillance and strong financial account safeguards, supported by a $1 million insurance policy, offer great protection against identity fraud.
Aura also includes essential cybersecurity tools like antivirus software, a VPN, and a password manager. Plus, their transparent pricing makes them the better choice for core identity protection features.
Core identity protection capabilities winner: Aura
Additional digital defenses: Who offers better extras?
Looking for extra digital safeguards? Both Aura and McAfee go beyond basic identity protection.
Antivirus protection
Antivirus and VPN protection are essential in today's digital landscape, and both Aura and McAfee deliver robust solutions.
Aura’s AI-enhanced antivirus keeps your browsing safe on Windows PC, macOS, and Android. It’s super easy to install and runs quietly in the background, scanning for and removing malware. Plus, Aura’s VPN service adds extra security to your online activities, keeping your data safe from cyber threats.
McAfee’s identity theft protection service, especially in the “Advanced” and “Premium” plans, includes “McAfee Total Protection” for all your devices, building on its strong antivirus reputation. You get full security against viruses and identity theft attempts, making sure your personal information stays protected. Both Aura and McAfee offer great antivirus and VPN services to help you stay safe from digital security breaches.
Secure VPN solution
In an era where privacy is paramount, a secure VPN is critical. Aura's VPN service wraps your internet connection in AES-256 encryption to maintain privacy, especially on public Wi-Fi. Despite being in a Five-Eyes country, Aura adheres to a no-logs VPN policy, ensuring user anonymity.
Activating Aura's VPN is straightforward – log into the app, select “Online security,” enable “Shield” and “VPN,” and switch on “Protect this device.” However, Aura's VPN limits users to a US location, which may be restrictive for some.
McAfee's VPN, available with higher-tier plans, encrypts internet traffic and conceals your IP address. It supports up to five devices and offers a variety of virtual locations in nearly 50 countries, compatible with Android and iOS.
Aura leads in antivirus and VPN protection by including these features in all plans, providing essential security without extra charges.
Password manager
Aura’s password manager boosts your online security by keeping an eye out for compromised or weak passwords and automatically updating them on certain sites. It fits seamlessly into the My Aura console, with dedicated apps and browser extensions that make it easy to access your credentials and create secure passwords.
Meanwhile, McAfee’s True Key also provides a secure vault for your login information, encrypting your credentials for top-notch protection. Its auto-fill feature and ability to generate complex passwords offer a strong defense against cyber threats, making your digital life secure and hassle-free.
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 monitoring
Parental controls and child identity monitoring are important for families looking for identity theft protection. Aura’s “Family” plan includes great security features like content filters, screen time management, and cyberbullying alerts to keep kids safe while they explore online.
McAfee's family plans also focus on parental controls, offering content filters, screen time limits, and app restrictions. Their parental control software helps parents keep an eye on their kids' online activities and protects them from online risks. Both services have safe gaming features to alert parents about potential cyberbullying or predators, ensuring a secure digital environment for children.
Ad and tracker-blocking browser extension
An ad and tracker-blocking browser extension, like Aura’s, is great for keeping your privacy intact and avoiding distractions online.
It's compatible with Chrome, Firefox, and Edge, and it not only blocks digital tracking but also protects you from online scams, phishing, and malicious websites. While Aura’s extension works through your browser, using a VPN with ad-blocking can protect all browsers and apps. One minor downside of Aura's extension is the occasional verification prompts during activities like Google searches, which might slightly slow down your browsing experience.
Firewall
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.
Does Aura or McAfee have better security extras?
In our hands-on experience, the extensive security tools provided by Aura and McAfee, such as VPN, antivirus, password management, and ad blocking, have shown us their unwavering commitment to robust online safety. Through our testing, we've found that both companies stand shoulder to shoulder in the realm of extra security features, each with its own strengths that cater to different user needs.
Additional digital defenses winner: Tie
Ease of use and support: Is Aura or McAfee more user-friendly?
The battlefield of identity theft protection is complex, and the user-friendliness of the service can be a deciding factor amid chaos. Both Aura and McAfee aim to make things straightforward and secure for you. We’ll take a look at the setup process, dashboard navigation, and customer support to see which service is simpler and easier to use.
Setting up your protection
The initial setup process is a pivotal moment for users, setting the tone for their experience. Aura excels in this regard, with a setup that we found to be both swift and user-friendly. Heading over to its official website, we chose a plan and provided some basic information to get started. The interface welcomed us with open arms, offering straightforward access to features like VPN and antivirus. Meanwhile, handy browser extensions for password management and ad blocking enhanced our user experience.
McAfee, on the other hand, offers a setup process that we found to be clear and accommodating, taking us around 15 minutes to complete. It’s designed to guide users of all tech levels through the installation with ease. Once we were set up, the dashboard laid out a clear view of our protection status, putting all the tools we needed just a few clicks away. The “Individual” plan caught our eye for its ability to cover an unlimited number of devices, a real plus for those of us juggling multiple gadgets.
Navigating your dashboard and apps
In our hands-on experience, the Aura desktop app impressively centralizes all security features, keeping us updated on credit scores and the security status of our personal information. Its customizable dashboard allowed us to focus on what mattered most to us, whether that was monitoring social media or keeping tabs on our financial accounts.
While Aura's mobile app caters well to both iOS and Android users with its sleek design and instant alerts, we did find the multiple specialized apps a bit overwhelming compared to single-app solutions.
On the other side, McAfee's dashboard was refreshingly straightforward, making it simple for us to add personal information and stay on top of our identity protection status. We appreciated the clear, actionable alerts we received through the dashboard, email, or SMS. Although we noticed a nudge towards additional purchases through product promotions, McAfee's regular updates and tips helped us feel secure and in control of our digital safety.
Customer support and resources
In the choppy seas of digital mishaps, responsive and approachable customer support is the lighthouse guiding users to safety.
Here’s a snapshot of the support services Aura rolls out for you:
- 24/7 US-based assistance: Ready to tackle any issues or answer your questions any day, any time, with a team that's well-versed in the ins and outs of identity protection.
- Fraud resolution specialists: You're not alone in the aftermath of identity theft, thanks to dedicated support from experts who can navigate you through the recovery process with ease.
- Multiple contact methods: Whether you prefer a phone call at +1 833-552-2123, an email to support@aura.com, or a real-time conversation via live chat during business hours, Aura has got you covered.
Self-help resources: Dive into a treasure trove of documents and articles at your own pace, perfect for those who like to troubleshoot on their own or learn more about the ins and outs of the service.
Shifting gears to McAfee’s support landscape:
24/7 phone support: No matter when you call, day or night, McAfee’s support team is on standby to assist you with any challenges you might encounter.
Live chat: A real-time lifeline is available across all plans, ensuring you get the help you need, right when you need it.
Resource center: Navigate through a well-stocked support page, complete with a search bar, instructional videos, and step-by-step guides for self-service troubleshooting.
Community engagement: Engage with a lively blog and a community support forum for additional insights and interactions with fellow users.
Social media: While it may not be as comprehensive, McAfee’s social media presence, including Twitter and Facebook, provides additional channels for support and the latest service updates.
Both Aura and McAfee offer 24/7 customer support with dedicated fraud resolution specialists and live chat options. Aura shines with multiple contact methods and a comprehensive knowledge base, giving users plenty of ways to get help or learn on their own. McAfee also has a strong support system with a resource center and community forum, but Aura's higher customer service ratings show it has a slight edge in customer satisfaction.
Ease of use and support winner: Aura
Financial health: Who offers more helpful credit reports and scores?
Your financial health is super important, and both Aura and McAfee offer services to help you manage your credit reports and scores. Aura provides financial fraud protection with alerts for changes in your credit files, monthly score updates, and an annual report to keep track of your credit status. Although it doesn't include credit simulators or financial planning tools, Aura’s plans come with a $1 million insurance policy for eligible losses due to identity theft, giving you extra peace of mind.
McAfee's monitoring options cover your financial details like credit cards and bank accounts. The “Advanced” plan offers one-bureau monitoring through TransUnion, while the “Ultimate” plan includes all three major credit bureaus. McAfee alerts you to potential fraud by reviewing transaction history on linked accounts and provides daily or monthly credit reports, depending on your plan.
Aura offers consistent three-bureau credit monitoring across all plans, while McAfee's tiered service lets you choose the level of monitoring you need, including options for investment and loan accounts in the “Ultimate” plan.
Financial health reports winner: Aura
Security and privacy: Is Aura or McAfee a safer choice?
Security and privacy are crucial when it comes to identity theft protection. Aura's use of bank and military-grade encryption really stands out, showcasing its robust security. In addition to identity protection, Aura offers a comprehensive suite with a password manager, VPN, and antivirus software, which all worked seamlessly during our trials to enhance online safety.
While Aura's privacy policy is generally transparent, we did notice that it mentions using customer data for co-branded marketing. This might be a concern if you're very privacy-conscious. However, the data used by partners is strictly for related offers. For example, integrating Circle for parental controls in the “Family” plan requires some data sharing to function properly. We also appreciated Aura’s multi-factor authentication, which added an extra layer of protection to our accounts.
On the other hand, McAfee also strongly emphasizes security and privacy. Their tools, including antivirus, firewall, password manager, and VPN, performed reliably in our tests. However, McAfee is missing a few features, like social media identity reports, which we found could impact overall usability.
McAfee's privacy policy is thorough, detailing its data collection practices, including user purchases and interactions. This highlights the need to balance protection with privacy, especially if you value a higher degree of data confidentiality.
In the arena of security and privacy, Aura edges out with its strong encryption and comprehensive protection suite. Its privacy practices are upfront, making it a solid choice for those who value their digital identity.
Security and privacy winner: Aura
Plans and pricing: Does Aura or McAfee offer greater value for money?
Aura sets the benchmark for cost-effectiveness and customer-centric service with a clear pricing structure that avoids surprises during renewal:
- Individual: At
$12 monthly($9/month with coupon), this plan is perfect for single users, including $1 million in identity theft insurance, 1GB of secure cloud storage, and security for up to 10 devices. - Couple: Designed for two users at
$22 per month($17/month with coupon), offering the same insurance coverage, 2GB of cloud storage, and protection for 20 devices. - Family: Priced at
$37 monthly($25/month with coupon), it provides each adult with $1 million in insurance, 5GB of cloud storage, and secures up to 50 devices.
Exclusive Aura Coupon:
Get 68% Off Aura subscription plans with the coupon below:
(Coupon is applied automatically; 60 day money-back guarantee.)
Aura's transparent pricing ensures a comprehensive solution without additional purchases or upsells, with notable savings for new subscribers.
Meanwhile, McAfee offers a variety of tailored plans, which, while comprehensive, can be somewhat overwhelming when trying to select the most suitable option for your needs:
Basic: At $29.99/year ($89.99 upon renewal), includes monitoring, a VPN, antivirus for one device, and a password manager.
Essential: $39.99/year ($119.99 upon renewal), adds enhanced credit and dark web monitoring, a VPN, antivirus for five devices, and a password manager.
Premium: $49.99/year ($149.99 on renewal), offers unlimited device antivirus, scam protection, social privacy tools, a VPN, and identity alerts.
Advanced: $89.99/year ($199.99 upon renewal), includes comprehensive protection with one-bureau credit monitoring and $1M identity theft coverage.
Ultimate: $199.99/year ($279.99 upon renewal), the top-tier plan with $2 million coverage, three-bureau credit monitoring, and extensive monitoring services.
Premium Family: Starts at $69.99/year ($169.99 upon renewal), basic identity monitoring for families, unlimited device antivirus, parental controls, a VPN, a password manager, and personal data cleanup for two adults.
Advanced Family: $119.99/year ($269.99 upon renewal), enhances protection with $1M identity theft insurance per adult, bank and credit card monitoring, 1-Bureau credit score updates, and security freeze for family safety.
Ultimate Family: $249.99/year ($424.99 upon renewal), includes three-bureau credit monitoring, daily score updates, $50K ransomware coverage, and transaction monitoring for two adults.
Both Aura and McAfee offer a 30-day money-back guarantee on annual plans. Aura's commitment to transparent and steady pricing without renewal rate hikes positions it as the value-for-money winner.
Plans and pricing winner: Aura
Conclusion: Who’s the overall winner?
When comparing Aura and McAfee for identity protection, it's important to consider a few key points. Here’s a quick overview of how each service performs in the areas we evaluated:
Trustworthiness: Aura
Availability and insurance: Tie
Core identity protection capabilities: Aura
Additional digital defenses: Tie
Ease of use and support: Aura
Financial health reports: Aura
Security and privacy: Aura
Plans and pricing: Aura
After trying out Aura and McAfee, we found that while both are trustworthy and feature-rich, Aura stands out for several reasons. Even its basic plan includes thorough identity and credit monitoring, plus essential cybersecurity tools like antivirus software, a VPN, and a password manager at no extra cost. We loved that with Aura, what you see is what you get, with no surprise price hikes when it's time to renew – quite different from McAfee.
This makes Aura a fantastic choice, especially for those on a budget who want a straightforward and comprehensive approach to identity protection.
Identity theft protection comparisons on RestorePrivacy:
- 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.
This Aura vs McAfee comparison guide was last updated on July 21, 2024.
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