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 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.

Best ad and tracker blockers for private browsing

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.

See all Aura features here >

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.

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:

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

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 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.

This Aura vs McAfee comparison guide was last updated on January 20, 2025.