LifeLock vs Identity Guard: In-Depth 2024 Comparison

Deciding between LifeLock and Identity Guard for identity theft protection? With rising threats of fraud, choosing the right service to protect your personal info is crucial. We’ll compare features, pricing, credit monitoring, and user reviews for both services to help you decide.

LifeLock and Identity Guard both offer solid protection for your identity and personal data. LifeLock provides alerts for suspicious activity, while Identity Guard uses advanced AI to monitor your identity.

We’ll test each service in real-world scenarios, looking at how well they detect and prevent identity theft, ease of use, customer support, and overall value. Our aim is to give you a clear, unbiased analysis to help you choose wisely.

Why trust us? Our team has extensive experience in cybersecurity and identity protection. We’ve done the research and testing to ensure our recommendations are based on real user experiences and the latest trends.

Website	LifeLock.Norton.com	IdentityGuard.com
Pricing	$7.50 – $79.99/month	$6.67 – $23.99/month
Three-bureau credit monitoring	With top-tier plans only	With top-tier plans only
Identity theft insurance	Up to $3M	Up to $1M
Stolen funds reimbursement	From $25,000 to $1M	Up to $1M
Extra security features (antivirus, VPN, and password manager)	Yes, but with the Norton 360 security suite only	Password manager only
24/7 assistance	Yes	Yes (for emergencies only)
Money-back guarantee	60 days	60 days
Best deal	52% Off Coupon >	40% Off Coupon >

Highlights from our LifeLock and Identity Guard comparison

• LifeLock and Identity Guard both have strong offerings for identity theft protection, starting around $29.99 per month for their top plans. These plans include features like triple-bureau credit monitoring and up to $1 million in identity theft insurance.
• Identity Guard stands out with its risk management score and budget-friendly plans starting at mere $6.67 per month. On the other hand, LifeLock provides a more extensive suite of cybersecurity tools and higher insurance coverage for identity-related expenses.
• When it comes to customer support, LifeLock offers 24/7 fraud resolution, while Identity Guard has US-based case managers for personalized help. Both ensure you get the support you need if you ever face identity theft issues.
• In terms of value, Identity Guard comes out ahead, especially with this 40% off coupon.

LifeLock vs Identity Guard: Head-to-head analysis

If proactive fraud prevention is your priority, LifeLock has you covered with alerts for any unusual activity or updates to your personal details. On the flip side, Identity Guard impresses with its comprehensive dark web monitoring, password manager, and secure browsing tools. Both are solid choices, so it’s all about which features fit your lifestyle.

First, let’s take a closer look at what LifeLock brings to the table.

LifeLock: A quick overview

LifeLock has been a leader in the identity theft protection industry since its founding in 2005. With a mission to shield individuals from the rising threat of identity theft, LifeLock has developed a robust service that monitors an extensive network of data points, ensuring comprehensive protection. LifeLock’s service is bolstered by its guaranteed identity restoration support, provided by U.S.-based specialists who offer expert assistance in the event of identity theft.

One of LifeLock’s standout features is its financial protection, offering up to $3 million in coverage for identity theft-related expenses, including stolen funds, personal expenses, and lawyer or expert fees. This makes LifeLock a strong option for those seeking comprehensive financial protection alongside their identity monitoring.

Given that identity theft has cost billions in recent years, LifeLock’s comprehensive monitoring and restoration services are essential for anyone committed to protecting their personal information.

Let’s switch gears and take a closer look at Identity Guard to see how it stands.

Identity Guard: A quick overview

Since 1996, Identity Guard has been a trusted leader in identity theft protection, and now as part of Aura, it continues to deliver reliable security in the digital age. With over 20 years of experience, Identity Guard has built a strong reputation for effective protection and reliable service.

Each plan includes up to $1 million in identity theft insurance, AI-powered alerts, risk scores, and US-based customer support. Identity Guard provides individual and family plans with password management and coverage for children.

However, higher-tier plans can be pricey, and features like monthly credit scores and credit card monitoring are only available at these levels. Identity Guard lacks parental control tools and has fewer cybersecurity features compared to some competitors.

There's no free trial, but you can get a 60-day money-back guarantee with an annual plan.

Now, let’s examine the main features of identity theft protection in detail.

LifeLock vs Identity Guard: Which offers superior core features?

LifeLock and Identity Guard are similar in their identity protection, yet differ in pricing and features. Let’s begin by taking a closer look at the core features.

Identity monitoring with alerts

LifeLock offers solid coverage by keeping tabs on everything from your Social Security number (SSN) to credit cards and investment accounts. It’s reassuring that LifeLock is also scanning the dark web for any signs of trouble. Plus, with features like data breach notifications and SSN alerts, you’re always in the loop if something seems off. And if you’re looking for that extra layer of security, the “Ultimate Plus” plan goes further with home title monitoring and sex offender registry reports.

Meanwhile, Identity Guard impressed us with its AI-driven approach. The high-risk transaction monitoring feels like having a personal lookout for your finances. What we particularly liked is the option to customize alerts – you can choose to get notified via text or email, so you’re always in control. And the peace of mind that comes with their desktop app and browser extension, knowing your online activities are protected, is a nice touch.

Both provide excellent, detailed alerts to keep you informed and ready to act. But from our perspective, Identity Guard’s proactive AI system and the ability to tailor notifications make it stand out a bit more when it comes to staying ahead of identity threats.

Dark web monitoring

When it comes to dark web monitoring, both LifeLock and Identity Guard have our backs, each offering robust protection for our personal information.

LifeLock does a great job of scouring the dark web for any signs of our sensitive data, like emails or Social Security numbers. If LifeLock finds our information in places it shouldn’t be, we get immediate alerts, so we can act quickly to secure our accounts.

Identity Guard takes it up a notch with its AI-driven dark web monitoring. We love how their technology constantly checks for any personal details in breaches and sends proactive alerts if anything suspicious is detected. Plus, the dedicated dark web scanner tool lets us check if our information has already been compromised.

Both keep us well-protected, with LifeLock’s monitoring and Identity Guard’s AI each adding their own strengths to keep us safe from threats.

Credit monitoring capabilities

With LifeLock, even their basic plan includes credit monitoring, which we appreciate. It’s reassuring to get those monthly credit reports and daily score updates from all three major bureaus—Experian, Equifax, and TransUnion. Their top-tier plan lets you lock your TransUnion credit file, giving you more control over who can access your credit. However, with the lower-tier plans, you only get more basic monitoring, covering just one bureau. If you’re on one of those plans, you might need to take extra steps to protect your credit with Experian and Equifax.

Identity Guard takes a different approach. To get credit monitoring, you’ll need to opt for one of the higher-tier plans. The basic “Value” plan doesn’t offer this feature at all, which could be a letdown if you’re looking for budget-friendly credit protection. But once you move up to the “Total” plan, you start getting daily monitoring and credit score updates, although still without credit reports. The “Ultra” plan is where Identity Guard shines, offering monitoring across all three bureaus, monthly credit score updates, and a detailed annual credit report. This plan includes an Experian credit lock and customizable alerts for any suspicious transactions, so you can stay on top of things.

While both services offer strong credit monitoring, LifeLock’s inclusion of credit monitoring in even their basic plan gives it a slight edge for those seeking comprehensive coverage without having to upgrade to a higher tier.

Financial account monitoring

LifeLock keeps an eye on everything from checking and savings to investment accounts, and we appreciate the alerts for any suspicious activity. If you go for their “Ultimate Plus” plan, you’re covered across the board with comprehensive monitoring.

On the other hand, Identity Guard’s “Total” and “Ultra” plans track your bank accounts and quickly flag high-risk transactions, so you’re always in the loop about any unusual activity.

Both services monitor for new accounts being opened in your name – a crucial feature if you’re looking to protect your credit and retirement savings. Plus, the high-risk transaction alerts from both services act as a handy early warning system, and their insurance and resolution support provide peace of mind if you ever need help recovering from identity theft.

Identity theft insurance and resolution

When it comes to dealing with identity theft, both LifeLock and Identity Guard have us covered with some solid insurance and resolution services. Identity Guard offers a straightforward $1 million identity theft insurance policy that takes care of legal fees, lost wages, and other costs that can pile up when you're reclaiming your identity.

LifeLock, on the other hand, also provides up to $1 million in insurance across all plans, and their top-tier plans even cover up to $3 million, which includes reimbursement for stolen funds. We’ve found this especially reassuring, knowing that there's a substantial safety net if the worst happens.

LifeLock stands out by providing fraud resolution services at every tier, with consistent support through the recovery process. For that level of help with Identity Guard, you’d need to upgrade.

Who leads in core features, LifeLock or Identity Guard?

In the battle of core features, LifeLock has a slight edge over Identity Guard. With its wide-ranging coverage and strong support at every plan level, LifeLock is a top choice for those who want thorough protection. While Identity Guard’s AI-driven tools and customizable alerts are impressive, LifeLock’s comprehensive monitoring and robust insurance coverage make it the standout option.

LifeLock vs Identity Guard: Which service packs more extra security power?

When it comes to extra protection, LifeLock’s comprehensive insurance and social media monitoring are impressive. But Identity Guard counters with top-notch dark web surveillance and detailed monitoring. We’ll compare these added security perks to see which service comes out on top.

Social media monitoring

Social media can be a double-edged sword. While it’s great for connecting with others, it also comes with risks like account takeovers or exposure to scams.

Identity Guard shines with its advanced tools that check for impersonation and cyberbullying across major platforms like Facebook, Instagram, and TikTok. It’s reassuring to know they’re keeping an eye on our social media presence.

On the other hand, LifeLock provides robust monitoring across various platforms, which includes not only general social media protection but also helps safeguard our accounts from risky links and potential scams. They’re even looking out for our kids, alerting us to cyberbullying or dangerous content.

Two-factor authentication (2FA) login

For extra protection on our online accounts, two-factor authentication (2FA) is a must, and we’ve found that both LifeLock and Identity Guard offer this essential security feature.

We’ve found that LifeLock’s 2FA gives us a few handy options – like using a mobile authenticator app or receiving codes via SMS – to keep our accounts safe and sound.

Identity Guard also has us covered with its 2FA setup, offering multiple backup code options just in case we run into any issues. Both services make sure that if our main 2FA method fails, we have single-use backup codes to get us back into our accounts without a hitch.

Family plans and parental controls

When it comes to family plans, Identity Guard offers a single plan covering an unlimited number of children and up to five adults, making it cost-effective for larger families. However, it lacks specific parental controls.

LifeLock’s family plans cover up to two adults and five children, with plans starting at $13.24 per month for the first year. It includes comprehensive parental controls through Norton, such as monitoring online activity, blocking inappropriate websites, setting screen time limits, and location tracking. If robust parental controls are important to you, LifeLock is a stronger choice.

Norton 360 security suite

Pairing LifeLock with Norton 360 gives you a solid all-around security setup. Norton 360’s anti-malware tools do a great job keeping viruses and ransomware at bay, while the secure VPN adds a nice layer of privacy to your online activity. It’s like getting double the protection – LifeLock covers your identity, and Norton 360 looks after your devices and browsing.

What’s interesting is that Identity Guard comes with a few extras right out of the box, like a built-in password manager and a safe browsing extension that helps keep malware and phishing attacks at bay. With LifeLock, you’d need to add Norton 360 to get those same perks.

Sex offender registry reports

Identity Guard includes monitoring for criminal and sex offender registries, similar to LifeLock. This feature alerts you if your name or personal information is found in these sensitive databases, helping to protect your reputation and prevent misuse of your identity. It's particularly valuable in addressing the serious consequences of being mistakenly linked to such records.

While both services offer this protection, Identity Guard’s approach focuses on ensuring that your information isn't wrongly added to these registries, adding an extra layer of security to your identity protection plan.

So, who has better security extras?

LifeLock, paired with Norton 360, provides a comprehensive suite that includes antivirus protection and a secure VPN, blending identity protection with device security.

Identity Guard, meanwhile, features built-in tools like a password manager and safe browsing extension, offering robust online security without needing additional services.

Pricing and plans: Which offers more bang for your buck?

When it comes to protecting yourself from identity theft, cost matters. We’ll explore the pricing of Identity Guard and LifeLock to see which one delivers the most bang for your buck.

Known for its wallet-friendly prices and flexible plans, Identity Guard has options to fit different needs. Let’s dive into their offerings:

• Value: At $6.67/month billed annually, this plan includes basic protection with dark web surveillance and high-risk alerts. It's a solid choice for essential identity theft protection.

• Total: For $11.99/month billed annually, the “Total” plan offers comprehensive coverage with credit monitoring, dark web surveillance, high-risk alerts, and social media monitoring. Ideal for broader protection.
• Ultra: At $17.99/month billed annually, the “Ultra” plan provides the most extensive coverage, including everything in the “Total” plan plus enhanced fraud resolution and regular credit score updates. Perfect for maximum protection.

For families, Identity Guard offers plans ranging from $10.00 to $39.99 per month. These plans cover up to five adults and an unlimited number of children, providing a cost-effective way to protect your entire household.

LifeLock has plans for different levels of protection, but they can get pricey, especially after the first-year discount:

• Standard: Costs $7.50/month for the first year. The plan includes $25,000 in stolen funds reimbursement, $1 million for legal expenses, and U.S.-based identity restoration specialists.

• Advantage: It's $15.99/month for the first year. Covers up to $100,000 in stolen funds and expenses, with $1 million for legal costs and identity restoration support.

• Ultimate Plus: The first year costs $24.99/month. It offers $1 million in stolen funds, expense coverage, and legal costs, plus enhanced fraud resolution and credit score updates.

Which service offers the most for your money?

When comparing value, Identity Guard takes the lead with its lower renewal rates and no additional fees for device protection, making it a more budget-friendly option, especially for families.

LifeLock offers more comprehensive coverage, but its higher costs – particularly after the first year—make Identity Guard the better choice if you’re looking to get the most for your money.

Simplicity in use: Which is more user-friendly, LifeLock or Identity Guard?

Let’s explore how LifeLock and Identity Guard stack up when it comes to ease of use, from their websites to their apps, to help you find the smoother experience.

Setup and configuration

Starting with either Identity Guard or LifeLock is simple and straightforward, as we’ve found.

With Identity Guard, after picking your plan, you just enter some basic details like your name, address, and SSN. We found the process really smooth, with handy popups explaining why certain info is needed – really handy if you’re new to this. Once you’ve added your payment info, your account is set up in no time. Since Identity Guard runs in your browser, there’s no need to download anything. The dashboard gives you a clear view of your security status, making it easy to navigate through all the features.

LifeLock was equally straightforward. We started by entering our personal details, setting up a password, and then adding the accounts we wanted to monitor, like bank accounts and social media profiles. The whole process only took a few minutes. The LifeLock dashboard then became our go-to place for managing settings and checking alerts. There was some additional time needed for identity verification on certain features, but overall, it was quick and hassle-free.

User interface and apps

LifeLock caught our eye with its stylish and intuitive mobile app. It sends push notifications for any suspicious activities, so you can jump into action quickly. The dashboard is intuitive, with top tabs that make it easy to check alerts, manage your credit info, and adjust settings. The desktop version is just as user-friendly, with clear sections for everything from credit scores to identity management.

Similarly, Identity Guard also made a strong impression with its simplicity. The mobile app is straightforward, perfect for quickly checking alerts and monitoring your status on the go. The desktop interface is equally friendly, with a clean layout and easy-to-navigate menus. You’ll find sections like “Dashboard,” “Alerts,” and “Credit” right at your fingertips, making it simple to stay on top of your security.

While both services are user-friendly, LifeLock’s interface has a more polished look, while Identity Guard’s straightforward design is easy to use from the get-go.

Canceling your subscription

Canceling your LifeLock subscription is pretty straightforward. You can easily do it online by logging into your account, heading to the “Membership Portal,” selecting “Request Support,” and clicking “Cancel.” If you prefer the mobile app, just go to “Manage My Subscriptions,” choose the plan you want to cancel, and confirm. For those who like talking to someone, you can call 1-800-416-0599. Make sure to cancel before your renewal date to avoid extra charges.

When it comes to Identity Guard, you can cancel online by logging in, navigating to “My Account,” then “Billing & Subscription,” and clicking “Cancel Plan.” If you’d rather make a phone call, you can reach their team at 1-877-751-5899.

Overall, we found LifeLock’s cancellation process a bit easier with multiple options and clearer refund policies. Identity Guard is simple too but doesn’t offer refunds for unused time

Is LifeLock or Identity Guard more user-friendly?

Identity Guard’s easy-to-use design, paired with a dedicated case manager, makes dealing with identity theft straightforward. LifeLock, though, stands out for its sleek app and 24/7 support, offering round-the-clock peace of mind

Simplicity in use winner: LifeLock

Who provides more helpful customer service: LifeLock or Identity Guard?

LifeLock provides 24/7 customer support through phone and live chat, which we found reassuring and convenient. It’s comforting to know that help is always available. We quickly reached support for simple questions, though sometimes the team seemed more familiar with Norton’s antivirus than LifeLock’s specific services. This led to less precise guidance for complex issues. Despite this, having round-the-clock support is a significant advantage.

Identity Guard impressed us with its dedicated US-based case managers. When we reached out, we were promptly connected with a friendly representative who made the process easy. Although their customer service isn’t available 24/7 like LifeLock’s, they do offer 24/7 access to a live rep for emergencies, which is reassuring in urgent situations.

Data security and privacy practices: Does LifeLock or Identity Guard offer stronger protection?

Identity Guard impressed us with its strong security measures, including advanced encryption (such as 256-bit AES) and MFA. Their privacy policy is clear about not sharing your details with third parties unless necessary, such as reporting fraud. Regular security audits further enhance their protection. Overall, their comprehensive approach made us confident in their ability to safeguard our information.

LifeLock also employs strong security measures, monitoring accounts for misuse and offering help with restoration if needed. However, their history raised some concerns. LifeLock faced scrutiny for data protection issues, including a significant FTC fine in 2010 and a $100 million payout in 2015 for false advertising and security lapses. Although they offer 2FA and MFA and strive to protect your data, these past issues made us a bit cautious.

Conclusion: Which identity protection service should you choose?

When it comes to choosing between LifeLock and Identity Guard, it really boils down to what’s most important for your personal needs. Both services have their strengths, so let’s break it down:

1. Core features: LifeLock – LifeLock edges out with broader coverage, including dark web monitoring and home title alerts in top-tier plans.

2. Extra security tools: Tie – LifeLock with Norton 360 covers both identity and device security but at an extra cost. Identity Guard offers strong online security with built-in tools, no extra fees required.

3. Pricing and plans: Identity Guard – Identity Guard offers better value with transparent pricing and $1 million in identity theft insurance across all plans.

4. Simplicity in use: LifeLock – It's interface is intuitive and easy to navigate, making setup a breeze.

5. Customer service: LifeLock – LifeLock shines with 24/7 support, offering consistent help whenever you need it.

6. Data security and privacy: Identity Guard – Identity Guard excels with strong privacy policies and AI-driven security that keeps your data safe.

In a nutshell, if you want solid protection with clear pricing and a strong emphasis on privacy, Identity Guard is worth considering.

See the latest Identity Guard prices and deals: https://identityguard.com/special-40

But if around-the-clock support and a trusted brand are more important to you, LifeLock could be just the ticket.

And if you're open to exploring another option, Aura offers some fantastic features that could be worth checking out as well.

See the latest Aura prices and deals: https://aura.com/save-50-offers

LifeLock vs Identity Guard FAQ

Which identity theft protection service offers better value for money, LifeLock vs Identity Guard?

Identity Guard often provides better value with lower pricing and strong features even at lower tiers. LifeLock offers extensive coverage, but costs can rise significantly after the first year. For cost-effective protection without sacrificing essentials, Identity Guard is a strong choice.

Is there a difference in the core features offered by LifeLock and Identity Guard?

Yes, LifeLock offers broader coverage across all plans, including credit monitoring and identity theft insurance. Identity Guard’s AI-driven monitoring and customizable alerts are solid, but some advanced features are limited to higher tiers. LifeLock provides a more comprehensive feature set overall.

Does LifeLock or Identity Guard provides more robust customer support?

LifeLock leads with 24/7 support via phone and live chat, making it accessible anytime. Identity Guard offers personalized support through US-based case managers and 24/7 emergency access, but LifeLock’s round-the-clock availability gives it a slight edge.

How do LifeLock and Identity Guard compare in terms of data security and privacy?

Both services offer strong security, but Identity Guard stands out with clear policies, strong encryption, and proactive privacy measures. LifeLock’s past data protection issues are a concern, though they offer robust security now. Overall, Identity Guard’s transparency gives it a slight edge in privacy.

This LifeLock vs Identity Guard comparison guide was last updated on August 27, 2024.