Wondering if LifeLock can really keep your identity safe? In our LifeLock review, we'll explore its key features, pricing, and any potential downsides to help you decide if LifeLock is worth it.
In today's digital age, identity theft and fraud are all too common, impacting millions every year. Protecting your personal information has never been more crucial. LifeLock offers a variety of services to help, including identity monitoring, dark web surveillance, credit monitoring, and financial account oversight. But does it deliver on its promises?
To find this out, we'll dive into LifeLock's features, test its effectiveness, and give you the lowdown on its performance. From keeping tabs on your Social Security number (SSN) to scanning the dark web for your info, we'll see how well LifeLock shields you from identity theft and fraud.
Why trust us? Our team of experts has thoroughly researched and tested various identity theft protection services. We're committed to providing honest, hands-on reviews, complete with all info you'll need to make a smart choice.
So, if you're worried about identity theft and want to know if LifeLock is the right fit, keep reading.
| Website | LifeLock.Norton.com |
| Core identity protection features | 1-bureau or 3-bureau credit monitoring, complete with reports, dark web surveillance, $1M in identity theft insurance, and thorough restoration and recovery services. |
| Pricing | $7.50 – $79.99/month |
| Money-back guarantee | 60 days |
| 24/7 customer support | Yes |
| Best deal | 52% Off Coupon > |
Highlights from our LifeLock review
- LifeLock provides solid identity theft protection with a suite of features like identity monitoring, dark web surveillance, credit monitoring, and financial account oversight. The user-friendly interface and various plan options are a big plus for us.
- One of the highlights for us is LifeLock’s integration with Norton 360. This adds valuable tools like malware protection, a secure VPN, and social media monitoring.
- On the downside, we've found the pricing to be on the higher side and somewhat complex. There have been some past security issues that gave us pause, and their data-sharing practices raised some privacy concerns.
- A superb alternative to consider is Aura. It offers comprehensive identity theft protection and a 68% off coupon, giving you powerful security solutions without costing a fortune.
Overview of LifeLock identity theft protection
LifeLock offers a range of monitoring tiers to meet various needs and budgets. Whether you choose the “Standard” plan or the “Ultimate Plus” plan, LifeLock provides features to keep your personal information protected.
As one of the top identity theft protection companies, LifeLock provides a host of services, including:
Financial account surveillance: Keeps an eye on your financial transactions and alerts you to any suspicious activities, so you can act quickly and minimize any potential damage.
Credit monitoring: Monitors your credit activity across all three bureaus, letting you know about any changes that could hint at fraud.
Dark web monitoring: Scans the dark web for any trace of your data, giving you a heads-up if your information is exposed.
Identity alerts: Tracks your SSN and other sensitive data to detect unauthorized use, keeping you in the loop.
Insurance and stolen funds reimbursement: Offers up to $3 million in insurance to cover losses due to identity theft and reimbursement of stolen funds, giving you peace of mind.
Lost wallet protection: Helps you quickly cancel and replace important cards and documents if your wallet goes missing.
Integration with Norton 360 (as a premium add-on): Provides proactive protection from online threats, including malware, and offers a VPN for encrypted, anonymous browsing.
24/7 support service: Round-the-clock assistance to address any issues or concerns, ensuring help is always available.
See all LifeLock features here >
LifeLock’s comprehensive approach and versatile plans make it a solid choice for anyone looking to safeguard their identity.
Advantages and disadvantages of LifeLock
The platform offers robust identity monitoring, credit monitoring, and dark web surveillance, giving you peace of mind knowing your personal information is actively protected. Even the entry-level plan provides good value, with up to $3 million in identity theft insurance for legal fees and stolen funds.
However, LifeLock has its drawbacks. It faced a hefty fine from the FTC for deceptive advertising claims and suffered a data breach in December 2022, raising concerns about its security. Additionally, LifeLock shares data with third parties for marketing purposes, which isn't ideal for privacy-conscious users.
What we like about LifeLock
- 24/7 customer service with US-based experts
- Budget-friendly entry-level plan
- Up to $3 million identity theft insurance
- User-friendly interface and mobile app
- Get a discount by paying for a year
- Multiple plans with varying coverage
- Comprehensive identity protection
- Quick alerts for suspicious activities
- Lost wallet protection
What we don't like about LifeLock
- Only higher-tier plans offer three-bureau credit monitoring
- The paid plan structure can be confusing
- It comes at a higher price than some rivals
- Hefty price hike upon renewal
Key features: What does LifeLock identity theft protection include?
Packed with features, LifeLock is crafted to offer exceptional identity theft protection. These tools collaborate to protect your personal information and give you confidence.
Identity monitoring and alerts
For us, LifeLock’s identity monitoring has proven to be incredibly thorough. LifeLock scans countless data points across the internet, including dark web forums and data breach lists, and quickly alerts you to any unauthorized use of your sensitive information.
One feature we found particularly useful is the USPS change of address verification. It helps detect any unauthorized address changes that could signal identity theft. For those with the “Ultimate Plus” plan, you even get notifications if your name appears on a sex offender registry, adding an extra layer of security.
LifeLock keeps a close eye on your SSN, credit card information, and investment accounts, and you get alerts delivered by text, phone, email, or mobile app. It’s reassuring to know that any unusual activity will be promptly brought to your attention.
Depending on your subscription, the level of monitoring will vary. More affordable plans monitor key areas, while top-tier plans like the “Ultimate Plus” offer comprehensive monitoring, covering a wider range of potential threats.
Dark web monitoring
LifeLock diligently scans the hidden corners of the internet where stolen data frequently ends up, ensuring your information is always being watched.
If any of your personal information turns up on the dark web, LifeLock’s system immediately sends you a fraud alert. This means you can quickly address any potential threats before they escalate.
When you sign up, LifeLock starts by monitoring your email. You can then add more personal details for extra protection, including your SSN, date of birth, and driver's license number. You can also include up to five insurance IDs, addresses, emails, and phone numbers, as well as ten bank accounts, credit cards, and gamer tags.
Credit monitoring
If you're on a lower-tier plan, you get one-bureau monitoring, which is an alright start. But if you opt for the “Ultimate Plus” plan, you're in for a treat with all three bureaus covered, daily credit score updates, and timely fraud alerts. This extra layer of security lets you control who can access your credit information, making it much harder for unauthorized users to open new accounts or loans in your name.
If you're on a basic plan, keep in mind that LifeLock only monitors one credit bureau and might not come with free credit reports. To fully protect your credit, you’ll need to take additional steps to freeze or lock your files with Experian and Equifax.
Financial account monitoring
LifeLock's financial account monitoring keeps a vigilant eye on your credit, checking, savings, and 401(K) investment accounts, alerting you to any suspicious activity.
For those who go all in with the “Ultimate Plus” plan, LifeLock takes it up a notch with up to $3 million in coverage. That’s $1 million for stolen funds, another $1 million for legal and expert fees, and a further $1 million for personal expenses. Plus, if you’ve got a family, their family plans extend the coverage to up to $1,050,000 per child, with the option to add up to five kids.
If you’re on a more budget-friendly plan, you’ll start with $25,000 in coverage for stolen funds and personal expenses, which bumps up to $100,000 with the mid-tier plans. And no matter which plan you’re on, LifeLock has your back with up to $1 million in coverage for legal fees and expert help.
Stolen wallet protection
Lost your wallet? LifeLock helps you promptly replace your Social Security card, credit card, and driver’s license. Enter your driver’s license, debit, and credit card numbers into LifeLock’s secure dashboard. Their customer service team then assists you with the steps to cancel and replace your cards. This proactive approach minimizes the impact of losing your wallet and speeds up your recovery.
One of the best parts? This protection is available across all LifeLock pricing tiers. No matter which plan you’re on, you get this essential support.
Parental controls and child protection
When we explored LifeLock’s family-focused plans, we were glad to see comprehensive parental controls provided through Norton.
We monitored our kids' downloaded apps and controlled which ones they could use. By checking their YouTube history, we gained insight into their online viewing. We also set up website access requests, letting our kids ask for permission to visit blocked sites.
Blocking inappropriate websites was a breeze, and we received alerts if our child tried to visit one of those sites. The safe search feature helped us keep tabs on what they were searching for. We could schedule screen time, making sure devices were used within set limits, and lock them during breaks.
Additionally, we found the location tracking on mobile devices quite handy. It provided a map of where our child’s Android or iOS device was. We could also minimize distractions during school time by limiting online access when they were studying.
Extra tools for superior online privacy and security
Beyond its core identity theft protection, LifeLock packs in a bunch of extra online security and privacy tools. These handy features aren’t just about keeping your identity safe—they also boost your overall online security, giving you even more peace of mind.
Two-factor authentication (2FA)
2FA is like adding an extra lock to your front door. It requires a second step to verify your identity, which can be done through mobile apps, security keys, or your phone.
This extra layer of security means even if someone gets hold of your password, they still can’t access your account without the second code. It’s a simple but effective way to keep your information safe and give you peace of mind.
Norton 360 integration
With this integration, you get the best of both worlds – top-notch identity theft protection combined with powerful antivirus and VPN services.
Norton 360 brings along its trusty anti-malware tools, which guard your devices against viruses, ransomware, and all sorts of online threats. And the secure VPN? It’s like a privacy cloak that hides your online activity, keeping your browsing safe and encrypted.
So, not only does LifeLock keep your identity secure, but Norton 360 ensures that your devices and online connections are well protected. Together, they make sure you’re covered on all fronts – making your digital security feel just that much more reassuring.
Social media monitoring
LifeLock scans platforms like Facebook, LinkedIn, X, YouTube, and TikTok, for unauthorized changes and suspicious activity. We’ve found this feature quite useful for keeping an eye on our own accounts and our kids’.
LifeLock alerts us to potential issues like cyberbullying or unauthorized changes, so we can act quickly. For those on the “Ultimate Plus” plan, it offers even broader coverage, ensuring that all your social media interactions are safeguarded.
Adding and managing accounts for monitoring is straightforward, making it easy to stay on top of your online security.
LifeLock plans and pricing: How much will you pay?
With LifeLock’s diverse pricing plans, there’s something for everyone. We’ve sorted their nine options into three categories to help you find the best fit for your needs and budget.
To begin, let’s look at the different individual plans:
| Standard | Advantage | Ultimate Plus | |
| Price (paid annually) | $7.50/month | $14.99/month | $19.99/month |
| Price (paid monthly) | $11.99/month | $22.99/month | $34.99/month |
| 3-bureau credit monitoring | No (Equifax only) | No (Equifax only) | Yes (Experian, TransUnion, and Equifax) |
| Identity theft insurance | Up to $1,050,000 | Up to $1,200,000 | Up to $3,000,000 |
| Money-back guarantee | 60 days | 60 days | 60 days |
| Best deal | 52% Off Coupon | 52% Off Coupon | 52% Off Coupon |
Next, let’s focus on the family plans.
Family plans (two adults)
Standard Family: At $12.49 per month when billed annually, increasing to $23.83 per month after the first year. This plan includes credit monitoring, suspicious activity alerts, and up to $25,000 in stolen funds reimbursement.
Advantage Family: Priced at $23.99 per month with annual billing, then $39.99 per month after the first year. The Advantage plan offers up to $100,000 in stolen funds reimbursement and a wider range of monitoring services.
- Ultimate Plus Family: Costs $32.99 per month with annual billing, then $56.66 per month after the first year. It provides the highest level of protection with up to $1 million in stolen funds reimbursement, $1 million for personal expenses, and legal coverage, along with US-based identity restoration support and three-bureau credit monitoring.
Family plans (two adults and up to five children)
- Standard Family Plan with Kids: Starts at $18.49 per month with annual billing, increasing to $29.99 per month after the first year. This plan offers credit monitoring, alerts, and up to $25,000 in stolen funds reimbursement.
- Advantage Family Plan with Kids: At $29.99 per month on annual billing, then $48.33 per month after the first year. This plan adds up to $100,000 in stolen funds reimbursement and expanded monitoring services.
- Ultimate Plus Family Plan with Kids: The top-tier plan is $38.99 per month with annual billing, increasing to $66.66 per month thereafter. It includes up to $1 million in stolen funds reimbursement, comprehensive credit monitoring, and identity restoration support.
Who should choose LifeLock?
In our view, LifeLock is a rock-solid fit if you need robust identity theft safeguards. The higher-tier plans, like “Ultimate Plus”, stand out with their three-bureau credit monitoring and up to $3 million in identity theft insurance. Families will appreciate the extensive parental controls and child protection features in the family plans.
However, if you're watching your budget, the lower-tier plans might feel a bit limited, offering only one-bureau monitoring and up to $100,000 in stolen funds insurance. We've also noticed that prices tend to jump after the renewal, and the paid plan structure can be a bit confusing.
Despite these drawbacks, LifeLock’s 24/7 customer service, easy-to-use interface, and quick alerts for suspicious activities make it a reliable choice for those who prioritize their identity protection.
User experience: How user-friendly is LifeLock?
We've found LifeLock to be exceptionally user-friendly. Setting up our accounts was quick and straightforward – we just needed to create a password, fill in some basic details, and add our accounts for monitoring. The dashboard is clear and easy to use, which makes managing our protection settings a breeze. More importantly, both mobile LifeLock apps impressed us with their ease of navigation.
Now, let's delve into the user-friendliness of LifeLock in greater detail.
Setting up LifeLock
Getting started with LifeLock was a breeze! We kicked things off by entering our essential personal details – name, address, Social Security number, and more. As you can see, it’s simple and speedy.
Next, we added the accounts we wanted LifeLock to keep an eye on, from bank accounts to social media profiles. This step ensures we're covered from all angles.
After setting a strong password and entering our billing info, we wrapped up the process. The LifeLock dashboard then became our go-to spot for managing settings and checking alerts. Overall, the setup was smooth and straightforward, making it easy to get our identity protection up and running in no time.
Navigating the dashboard
LifeLock’s dashboard, from what we've seen, makes overseeing your identity protection both easy and efficient. We found it really easy to get around, thanks to its clean design and intuitive icons. You can quickly check your credit score, view any alerts, and manage your identity lock status with just a few clicks.
The top tabs are a real breakthrough – they provide direct access to alerts, credit info, identity lock settings, financial transactions, and recovery tools. Plus, you can see a snapshot of what LifeLock is protecting for you. Overall, the dashboard makes managing your identity protection feel effortless and intuitive.
Mobile app usability
LifeLock offers two mobile apps: LifeLock for Norton360 and LifeLock ID Theft Protection. Both apps have user-friendly interfaces that simplify account management and provide instant alerts for suspicious activities.
So, despite the initial confusion of having two apps, users find them effective in managing their identity protection services.
How to cancel LifeLock subscription
Canceling your LifeLock subscription is a breeze and can be done in a few ways:
Website: Sign in to your LifeLock account on the website. Head over to the “Membership Portal”, click “Request Support,” select “Cancel,” and confirm your cancellation.
Mobile app: Log in to the app, go to “Manage My Subscriptions,” select the plan you want to cancel, click “Cancel Subscription Renewal,” and confirm.
Phone: Give LifeLock’s friendly customer service team a call at 1-800-416-0599. Request cancellation, provide your subscription and personal details, and follow the instructions. Don't forget to check your email for a confirmation.
Make sure to cancel before your renewal date to ensure it’s processed smoothly. Refunds are available for annual memberships if requested within 60 days, and monthly memberships within 14 days.
Customer service: Are you getting the support you need?
Our experience shows that LifeLock provides reliable 24/7 customer service via phone and live chat. We appreciated the constant access and generally found the team to be knowledgeable and responsive, especially for straightforward questions and common issues.
However, we did notice some bumps along the way. Sometimes, the expertise of the support staff seemed more geared towards Norton’s antivirus products than LifeLock’s specific identity services, which occasionally led to inconsistent help for more complex problems. But overall, the support was accessible and available around the clock, which we found to be a significant plus.
For those who prefer a DIY approach, LifeLock offers self-help resources through their member portal and the My Norton app. You’ll find guides, FAQs, and tips to manage your services on your own.
Data privacy and security: How secure is your sensitive information?
LifeLock takes your data privacy and security seriously, always on the lookout for any misuse of your private information and ready to jump in and restore your accounts if you fall victim to identity theft. However, our deep dive into the company's history did reveal some eyebrow-raising moments. Back in 2010, LifeLock caught the eye of the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) for not doing enough to protect customer data, which led to an $11 million fine. And the drama didn’t end there – in 2015, LifeLock paid a whopping $100 million to customers for not following through on their promises to stop false advertising and beef up security.
When it comes to data storage, LifeLock keeps tabs on your membership and subscription info, data from cookies, third-party threat intelligence data, and some diagnostic information about their website and app. Also, being US-based, there's a chance they could be legally required to hand over customer data to the government, thanks to international surveillance alliances.
On the bright side, LifeLock offers two-factor and multi-factor authentication for its accounts, requiring either a passcode or biometric data like fingerprints to sign in. While these measures are designed to protect your data and the company maintains a minimal data retention policy, their past legal troubles still give us some pause when it comes to privacy.
LifeLock vs competitors: How does it stack up?
By now, it’s evident that LifeLock offers an amazing array of features and reliable customer support. But how does it measure up against its competitors? Let's break it down.
LifeLock vs Aura
Unlike LifeLock, which reserves its $3 million coverage for stolen funds and legal expenses for higher-tier plans, Aura provides this protection across all its plans. Plus, Aura comes with advanced credit monitoring, dark web surveillance, and an intuitive user interface, making it a fantastic choice for those wanting extensive coverage without splurging on the priciest tier.
LifeLock vs Identity Guard
Identity Guard is like the tech-savvy cousin in the identity protection family. Its smart AI tools give you alerts and insights to help stop identity theft before it even starts. While LifeLock shines with its great customer support, Identity Guard’s family plans and lower long-term costs might be more appealing if you want solid coverage without spending too much.
LifeLock vs IDShield
IDShield offers consultations with private investigators, which can be a real lifesaver when dealing with identity theft issues. It also includes social media monitoring, which is super handy for keeping an eye on your online presence. While LifeLock provides a lot of features, IDShield’s personal consultations and thorough social media monitoring add a nice touch of personalized service that some users might find really helpful.
Final verdict: Is LifeLock your go-to for top-notch identity protection?
LifeLock stands out in the world of identity protection, and it’s no surprise. With a variety of plan options, they cater to diverse needs and budgets. The “Standard” plan covers the essentials, while the “Ultimate Plus” plan provides all-encompassing protection.
That said, no service is flawless. LifeLock’s costs can rise significantly after the first year, and their plan setup might be a bit puzzling. There have also been some security and data-sharing issues that could raise concerns for those focused on privacy.
Looking for a more affordable alternative?
Aura might be just what you need. It provides extensive identity theft protection across all its plans, with up to $1 million coverage for stolen funds and legal costs. Their family-focused plans offer up to $5 million in coverage, ensuring thorough protection for your entire family. It’s a solid choice for robust security at a better price.
LifeLock FAQ
Can LifeLock be trusted?
Yes, LifeLock is a well-known name in identity theft protection, offering multiple plans to meet different needs. Despite past security issues and concerns over data-sharing practices, they still provide strong protection. Features like dark web monitoring, credit monitoring, and financial account surveillance help keep your information safe. Plus, their 24/7 customer service and integration with Norton 360 add extra layers of security.
How much does LifeLock cost?
The “Standard” plan starts at $7.50 per month when billed annually for the first year, but rises to $12.49 per month after that. The “Advantage” plan is priced at $14.99 per month for the first year and increases to $20.83 per month thereafter. The “Ultimate Plus” plan begins at $19.99 per month for the initial year and then jumps to $29.15 per month.
There are also family plans and options with child protection available, though these tend to be on the higher side.
Does LifeLock provide a money-back guarantee?
Yes, LifeLock offers a money-back guarantee. You can get a refund for annual memberships if you request it within 60 days and for monthly memberships within 14 days. Just make sure to cancel before your renewal date to ensure everything goes smoothly.
This LifeLock review was last updated on August 5, 2024.
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