Trying to decide between Aura and McAfee for identity theft protection? We’ve got you covered! In this guide, we'll break down their user experience, reliability, and features to help you choose the service that offers the best protection for 2024.
As identity theft surges and global phishing networks fuel new data breaches, keeping your personal data safe has never been so essential. Aura and McAfee are big names in the game, offering all-in-one solutions like antivirus software, VPNs, credit monitoring, and more. But which one really has your back?
We’ve put both services through their paces, so you don’t have to. From their performance to ease of use, we’ll dive deep into what makes each one tick, helping you figure out which service fits your needs best.
Let’s jump in and find out which one will keep your digital life safer.
| Website | Aura.com | McAfee.com |
| Pricing | $9 – $25/month | $89.99 – $424.99/year |
| Three-bureau credit monitoring | Yes, with all plans | With top-tier plans only |
| Identity theft insurance | Up to $5M | Up to $2M |
| Stolen funds reimbursement | Up to $1M | Up to $2M |
| Extra security features (antivirus, VPN, and password manager) | Yes, with all plans | Yes, with all plans |
| 24/7 assistance | Yes | Yes |
| Money-back guarantee | 60 days | 30 days |
| Best deal | 68% Off Coupon > | N/A |
Highlights from our Aura and McAfee comparison
- When it comes to identity theft protection, Aura offers a comprehensive solution with antivirus, VPN, and three-bureau credit monitoring, while McAfee delivers strong cybersecurity tools and 24/7 support to keep you safe from online threats.
- However, McAfee’s full credit monitoring is only available at its highest tier, while Aura includes it in all plans.
- Aura also pulls ahead with higher identity theft insurance limits and quicker alerts for suspicious activity, giving it the upper hand in protecting your personal information.
- In terms of value, Aura comes out ahead, especially with the 68% off coupon here.
Aura vs McAfee : Head-to-head analysis
Aura’s all-around security versus McAfee’s specialized focus – who wins? We'll explore their core offerings and extras to help you decide.
First, let’s get familiar with both.
Aura: A quick overview
Aura‘s journey began in 2014, born from founder Hari Ravichandran's personal experience with identity theft. Fast forward, and over a million users now trust Aura for its robust cybersecurity suite, which blends three-bureau credit monitoring with VPN and antivirus protection. It's all about keeping your digital footprint secure from every angle.
With up to $1 million in identity theft insurance, Aura covers not only financial losses but also other theft-related expenses. Its suite of proactive tools, including antivirus and a VPN, ensures a comprehensive security strategy.
With Aura’s family plans, you get customizable coverage and parental controls to protect your children online. Families can benefit from up to $5 million in coverage, keeping everyone secure.
What makes Aura special is its clear pricing with no hidden fees and features like dark web monitoring and fraud call protection. Even if it skips social media monitoring, its broad coverage and reassurance make it a standout.
What we like about Aura
- 3-bureau credit monitoring included in all plans
- 24/7 customer support and fraud resolution services
- Antivirus software included in all plans
- No hidden fees
- Dark web monitoring to detect compromised information
- Fraud call protection to reduce spam and telemarketing calls
- Up to $1 million per member in insurance coverage for identity theft-related losses
- Plans for individuals, couples, and families
- Parental control app
- Password manager and VPN included for enhanced online security
What we don't like about Aura
- Higher cost compared to some other identity theft protection services
- No social media monitoring
Let’s switch gears and explore McAfee to see how it measures up against Aura’s features.
McAfee: A quick overview
McAfee has been a key player in the tech world since the 1980s, constantly evolving to tackle new digital threats. They've expanded their services to include social media monitoring, recognizing the growing need for protection in the ever-expanding digital landscape.
Alongside its long-standing reputation, McAfee’s identity theft protection comes bundled with a powerful cybersecurity suite, including antivirus software and a secure VPN. With a simple, centralized dashboard, managing your online security is made easy. One of McAfee’s standout features is its Personal Data Cleanup tool, which works to remove your personal information from data broker sites.
McAfee also provides up to $2 million in identity theft insurance, along with 24/7 monitoring and alerts, giving you peace of mind and protection against a wide range of threats. For those looking for all-encompassing security, McAfee’s combination of tools offers solid protection from every angle.
What we like about McAfee
24/7 phone support to address issues anytime
30-day money-back guarantee
Integrated antivirus paired with a secure VPN
AI-powered defense against phishing and smishing attacks
Strong credit monitoring features
Coverage up to $1 million per person for identity theft incidents
Personal data removal from broker sites
Password manager to keep your credentials safe
What we don't like about McAfee
Significant price increases after the first year
Three-bureau credit monitoring available in top-tier plans
No free trial or option to pay month-to-month
Limited virus protection and identity coverage on the basic plans
Partial scans for data broker site removal
Now, let’s compare Aura and McAfee head-to-head to find out which one excels with its core features.
Aura vs McAfee: Which offers superior core features?
To truly understand how Aura and McAfee measure up, we’ll delve into their core features and see how each tackles identity theft. From comprehensive coverage to unique tools, we’ll explore how these services compare and reveal which one stands out as the stronger option.
Credit monitoring
Credit monitoring is key for spotting identity theft early, and Aura really shines here. Every plan from Aura includes three-bureau credit monitoring, so you’re covered with Experian, Equifax, and TransUnion. This means you get a full view of your credit activity and can catch any suspicious signs right away.
Aura also gives you regular access to your VantageScore credit scores and lets you lock your credit files to prevent unauthorized openings. It’s a top-notch way to keep your credit safe and sound.
McAfee’s basic plan starts with monitoring just one bureau – TransUnion. You’ll need to upgrade to McAfee’s priciest plan to get the same three-bureau coverage that Aura offers across all its plans. So, if you’re looking for comprehensive credit monitoring that doesn’t miss a beat, Aura’s your best bet.
Winner: Aura
Dark web surveillance
When it comes to protecting your personal info, monitoring is key, and both Aura and McAfee bring their A-game.
Aura shines with its proactive approach. It checks the dark web daily for your personal information, giving you a heads-up right away if anything suspicious pops up. This quick response helps you act fast to secure your accounts. Plus, Aura doesn’t stop there – it also keeps an eye out for tax refund fraud and even helps with safe web browsing after a data breach. Oh, and it automatically cleans up your info from data broker sites.
McAfee also keeps a vigilant eye on the dark web, scanning over 60 types of personal data like Social Security numbers (SSNs) and passport details. It checks out forums and chat channels for any signs of your info being exposed. While McAfee is solid in monitoring, it doesn’t cover public information sources as extensively as Aura.
Both services alert you to suspicious activity, but Aura’s daily scans and extra tools give it a bit of an edge in keeping you safe.
Winner: Tie
Financial account monitoring
Keeping an eye on your bank, investment, and loan accounts is crucial to prevent fraud. Aura does a fantastic job here, offering comprehensive monitoring across all its plans. It keeps track of credit cards, checking and savings accounts, investment accounts, and 401(k)s. Plus, it sends alerts for any suspicious activity and uses Plaid to enhance security.
McAfee also provides solid financial monitoring but only in its top-tier plans. It covers credit cards, checking and savings accounts, and loans. With 24/7 identity monitoring, McAfee alerts you to suspicious activity and keeps tabs on your credit score. However, to get the same level of investment account protection as Aura, you’ll need to go for their premium option.
Overall, while both services offer strong financial account monitoring, Aura’s all-encompassing coverage and extra security features make it a standout choice.
Winner: Aura
Identity theft insurance and resolution
When identity theft strikes, having solid insurance and resolution support is key. Both Aura and McAfee offer up to $1 million in identity theft insurance, but there are some differences worth noting.
Aura shines with up to $2 million in coverage, which helps with everything from stolen money to legal fees and lost wages. They even offer up to $5 million for families. Plus, their 24/7 fraud support means you’re never alone if trouble arises.
McAfee also provides up to $1 million in coverage, but you’ll need to be on their highest-tier plan to access this. Their basic plan doesn’t include identity theft insurance, so you’d have to upgrade to get these benefits. While their support is strong, it doesn’t quite match the extensive coverage and around-the-clock help that Aura offers.
In a nutshell, both services have solid insurance, but Aura’s higher limits and extra support make it a standout choice for comprehensive protection.
Winner: Aura
Family plans and child protection
McAfee gives you solid family protection with individual identity monitoring and secure VPN access for every member. Adults can get up to $2 million in coverage, so families can have up to $4 million in total. Their parental controls let you set content filters, screen time limits, and app restrictions, making it easier to manage what your kids see online and keep them safe from online threats.
Meanwhile, Aura takes it a step further with customizable family plans that monitor your kids' SSNs for suspicious activity. Their “Family” plan covers up to five adults and unlimited children, making it perfect for larger families. On top of that, Aura’s parental controls include content filters, screen time limits, and a Safe Gaming feature to protect your kids from cyberbullying and online predators. You can track your child’s internet usage and control their devices from a distance, giving you full confidence in their online safety.
While both services offer great family protection, Aura’s more comprehensive tools for monitoring kids and higher insurance limits make it a go-to for families wanting extra security and peace of mind.
Winner: Aura
Who packs a stronger core feature set, Aura or McAfee?
When it comes to core features, Aura packs a stronger punch compared to McAfee. Aura offers comprehensive three-bureau credit monitoring across all its plans, while McAfee limits this to its higher-tier options. Additionally, Aura provides up to $5 million in identity theft insurance for family plans, significantly outpacing McAfee’s $2 million coverage. With advanced financial account monitoring and proactive alerts for unauthorized changes, Aura stands out as the better choice for those seeking robust identity protection.
Aura vs McAfee: Which service packs more extra security power?
In addition to their core features, both offer crucial protections such as antivirus, secure browsing, and VPN security. Let’s take a closer look at their added tools to see which service packs more of a security punch.
Antivirus protection
Antivirus protection is a must-have for any identity theft service, and both Aura and McAfee do a great job here.
Aura’s AI-powered antivirus works quietly in the background, offering real-time and manual scans across Windows, macOS, and Android. It’s easy to set up, and combined with Aura’s VPN, keeps your online activity extra secure.
McAfee’s “Total Protection” is equally impressive, especially in its top-tier plans, offering coverage for unlimited devices – perfect for families with a lot of tech. Both services shine, but McAfee’s broad device coverage and Aura’s smart AI features give them their own standout perks.
Secure VPN service
Aura steps up with VPN protection included in all its plans, using AES-256 encryption to safeguard your data – especially handy when you’re on public Wi-Fi. However, keep in mind that Aura’s VPN is limited to a US location, which could be a bit of a bummer if you're looking to access content from around the globe.
On the flip side, McAfee offers a more flexible VPN experience. It’s also secured with AES-256 encryption and supports multiple devices – think Android and iOS – plus it gives you access to virtual locations in nearly 50 countries. This is fantastic for travelers or anyone wanting to explore a wider range of content. McAfee allows connections on up to five devices, making it a super versatile option.
Password manager
In our digital age, password managers are a must for keeping your online accounts safe. They make storing and managing your passwords easy, so you can enjoy browsing without worries.
McAfee’s True Key is a great option for securely managing multiple passwords. It encrypts your login information and features an auto-fill option for quick access. Plus, its password generator helps you create strong, complex passwords effortlessly.
Aura’s password manager takes it a step further by actively monitoring your passwords. If it detects a weak or compromised password, it can automatically update it on certain websites, keeping you protected. Integrated into the My Aura console, it offers user-friendly apps and browser extensions for easy access to your credentials.
Ad and tracker blocking extension
Ad and tracker blocking extensions are crucial for maintaining online privacy. McAfee includes a Tracker Remover feature that cleans up files and browser items that could be used for profiling user behavior. Unlike typical ad blockers, McAfee’s Tracker Remover focuses on removing potential privacy-invading data from the system rather than blocking ads directly on web pages.
Aura offers an ad blocker, adding another layer of online protection. Both services provide strong privacy tools, but McAfee’s comprehensive data cleanup gives it an edge.
Two-factor authentication (2FA) login
Think of two-factor authentication (2FA) as a double check for your login. You don’t just enter your password—you also need to confirm your identity with a code, often sent to your mobile device. So even if someone has your password, they’re stuck without the second key to unlock your account.
Both Aura and McAfee offer 2FA as a crucial security feature, giving you peace of mind with an extra layer of defense.
Aura or McAfee: Who wins in the extra security feature showdown?
Aura and McAfee both offer standout security tools, making it hard to choose between them. Aura’s AI antivirus, password manager, and ad blocker provide a strong defense, while McAfee impresses with its global VPN, privacy cleaner, and True Key password manager. Both services also support 2FA, offering top-tier protection on both sides.
Simplicity in use: Which is more user-friendly, Aura or McAfee?
When it comes to user-friendliness, both Aura and McAfee aim to impress. McAfee prioritizes easy access to customer support, while Aura’s reputation for being user-focused has earned it over a million global members. Let’s dive deeper to see which truly delivers the best experience.
Setup process
With Aura, the setup was a breeze. After picking the plan that worked for us – whether it’s “Individual”, “Couple”, or “Family” – we headed to their site, checked out, and received an email to create our account. Once we verified our email and set up a password, we were walked through linking financial accounts and customizing alerts.
The whole thing took just a few minutes, and everything from the VPN to the antivirus is super easy to manage from their sleek dashboard. We loved how seamless it was to switch between desktop and mobile, so staying protected on the go was no hassle.
McAfee also makes it incredibly easy. Their dashboard is designed to be user-friendly, with every feature explained clearly – so we never felt lost. After logging in, we followed the prompts to enable identity monitoring, and it was nice to see that McAfee works across pretty much every device we had – Windows, macOS, iOS, Android, and even ChromeOS.
Plus, the fact that “Individual” plan covers an unlimited number of devices meant we didn’t have to worry about missing a phone or tablet. It’s set up once, and you're good to go across all your gadgets.
User interface and apps
Aura’s dashboard was a breath of fresh air – simple, clean, and super easy to navigate. Everything you need, from credit monitoring to transaction alerts, is right there. We loved how customizable it was, too – you can highlight exactly what matters most, whether it’s financial accounts or your data.
McAfee’s dashboard, while packed with features, felt a little more cluttered. It does have a cool protection score that updates based on how you’re using the service, but we couldn’t help but feel like we were being nudged toward buying extra products. Still, adding personal info for monitoring was quick, and we appreciated the detailed updates through the dashboard, email, and text.
Canceling your subscription
Both Aura and McAfee make canceling easy. With Aura, you can handle everything online by logging in, going to “Membership,” and following a few simple prompts. Your account remains active for the billing period, and annual plans come with a 60-day money-back guarantee. Prefer talking to someone? Aura’s 24/7 customer service is just a phone call away.
For McAfee, start by turning off Auto-Renewal. You can still use the service until your subscription ends, but to fully remove your account, you’ll need to contact customer service. They also offer 24/7 phone support for cancellation or identity restoration.
Is Aura or McAfee more user-friendly?
When deciding between Aura and McAfee in 2024, it’s all about what matters most to you. Aura is perfect for families with its child monitoring and higher insurance limits. McAfee offers stellar recovery features, like lost wallet help and ransomware protection.
Who provides more helpful customer service: Aura or McAfee?
When it comes to customer service, both Aura and McAfee have their own strengths. McAfee impressed us with its 24/7 phone and live chat options, plus a wealth of resources like forums, step-by-step guides, and tutorial videos. You can really dive deep into their knowledge base if you're the type who likes to troubleshoot on your own.
Aura, on the other hand, stands out with its personal touch. Their 24/7 US-based customer service feels more hands-on, and their fraud resolution specialists guide you through the recovery process if you’ve been a victim of identity theft. The multiple ways to contact them, whether by phone, email, or live chat, make getting help easy, and we appreciate the direct access to experts.
While McAfee provides more extensive resources, Aura’s personalized approach made us feel more supported.
Pricing and plans: Who gives you more value for your money?
When it comes to value for money, we found Aura to be the clear winner. Their plans range from $12 to $50 a month, and even on the higher end, you’re getting a lot of bang for your buck. We were particularly impressed with their “Family” plan – it covers up to five adults and unlimited kids, all for just $35 a month. For families like ours who want to stay protected without breaking the bank, Aura’s pricing feels like a no-brainer. Plus, there’s no need to worry about sneaky upsells or price hikes after the first year, which is a huge relief.
Now, McAfee does offer some pretty impressive features, but it comes at a higher price, especially after renewals. Their plans start at $29.99 a year and go all the way up to $249.99 for the Ultimate Family plan. While their coverage is undeniably robust – things like three-bureau credit monitoring and ransomware protection are great – the steep renewal prices could make it feel a bit pricey if you’re just looking for solid identity protection.
In the end, if you’re after solid protection with straightforward pricing, we found Aura to give you more bang for your buck.
Exclusive Aura Coupon:
Get 68% Off Aura subscription plans with the coupon below:
(Coupon is applied automatically; 60 day money-back guarantee.)
Data security and privacy practices: Does Aura or McAfee offer stronger protection?
When it comes to data security and privacy, both Aura and McAfee offer strong protection, but Aura comes out ahead, especially for privacy-conscious users.
Aura's commitment to privacy shines. They limit data collection and don’t share your info with third parties, which we found reassuring. Plus, with bank and military-grade encryption, you’re getting top-tier protection across their password manager, VPN, and antivirus. Even though Aura mentions using some customer data for co-branded marketing (like with parental controls), it's minimal and only for improving functionality.
McAfee, on the other hand, gathers more data and shares some of it with third parties. While their security tools, like two-factor authentication and antivirus, work great, their broader data collection might be a deal-breaker if you’re keen on keeping your information private.
In the end, if you’re big on privacy and transparency, Aura is the clear winner. It’s secure, upfront about how it handles your private data, and gives you peace of mind.
Conclusion: Which identity protection service truly shines?
When it comes to choosing between Aura and McAfee, a few standout features set them apart. Here's a quick comparison of how they stack up:
Core features: Aura – Aura excels with three-bureau credit monitoring, extensive dark web surveillance, and comprehensive financial account monitoring included in all plans, providing thorough identity theft protection.
Extra security tools: Tie – Both Aura and McAfee offer robust security tools, including antivirus, secure VPN, and password managers. Aura’s AI-powered antivirus and ad blocker are exceptional, while McAfee shines with its global VPN and privacy cleaner.
Simplicity in use: Tie – Aura features a streamlined setup and intuitive dashboard for seamless navigation across devices, while McAfee offers an easy setup and a user-friendly dashboard with a protection score.
Customer service: Tie – McAfee offers 24/7 phone and chat support along with extensive resources, while Aura excels with its personal touch through US-based customer service and direct access to fraud specialists.
Pricing and plans: Aura – Aura’s straightforward and stable pricing, with no hidden costs or confusing upgrades, offers excellent value for money. Their family plan is particularly appealing, covering up to five adults and unlimited kids at a reasonable price.
Data security and privacy: Aura – Aura prioritizes privacy by minimizing data collection and not sharing user information with third parties, while McAfee collects more user data and shares some of it, which could be a concern for privacy-conscious users.
Aura and McAfee both offer robust identity protection, but Aura brings a few extra perks to the table. Even with its basic plan, you get comprehensive identity and credit monitoring alongside handy online safety tools, all included at no additional cost. Plus, Aura’s transparent pricing means no unexpected hikes upon renewal, making it an appealing choice for value seekers.
See the latest Aura prices and deals: https://aura.com/save-50-offers
Aura vs McAfee FAQ
What are the main differences between Aura and McAfee's identity theft protection services?
The main differences between Aura and McAfee's identity theft protection services are the scope of their credit monitoring and insurance coverage. Aura offers comprehensive identity theft protection with three-bureau credit monitoring in all its plans, while McAfee provides this feature only in its top-tier plan. Additionally, Aura includes up to $5 million in identity theft insurance for families, whereas McAfee offers up to $2 million. Aura also excels in financial account monitoring and proactive dark web surveillance.
Which service provides better family protection features, Aura or McAfee?
Aura takes the lead in family protection with customizable family plans that cover up to five adults and unlimited children. It includes tools like Social Security number monitoring for kids and parental controls with Safe Gaming features. McAfee also offers solid family protection with up to $2 million in coverage per adult and robust parental controls, but Aura’s higher insurance limits and comprehensive tools make it a standout for families. In summary, Aura provides better family protection features.
How do Aura and McAfee compare in terms of customer support?
When it comes to customer support, both Aura and McAfee offer 24/7 assistance, but they excel in different ways. McAfee provides extensive resources like forums, step-by-step guides, and tutorial videos, making it ideal for those who prefer self-help options. Aura, on the other hand, offers a more personalized touch with 24/7 US-based customer service and direct access to fraud resolution specialists, making it feel more hands-on and supportive. Overall, if you prefer a personal touch and direct assistance, Aura might be the better choice.
Which service offers better value for money, Aura or McAfee?
Aura offers better value for money with straightforward pricing and no hidden fees. Their family plan is particularly appealing, covering up to five adults and unlimited kids for a reasonable price. McAfee offers robust features but can become pricey, especially after the first year. Therefore, Aura’s transparent pricing and comprehensive coverage make it a more cost-effective choice.
This McAfee review was last updated on September 27, 2024.
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