The Best Identity Theft Protection Tools of 2026

Identity theft is becoming more common as more of our information is accessible online. In fact, reports of identity theft increased by 9% across the country from 2023 to 2024, the first time the number of identity theft reports rose year-over-year since 2021.

To help you stay safe, the All About Cookies team of experts tested 18 identity theft protection tools to find the best of the best. I found that Aura leads the pack as the best identity theft protection service, offering extensive identity and credit monitoring, along with additional online security tools. But if you're looking for identity protection with advanced monitoring and robust security tools, LifeLock is what you need.

Other top contenders include Identity Guard, OmniWatch, IDShield, and NordProtect. In this roundup, I'll share my experiences testing each service to help you understand how they work and whether they're worth the price. Here are the best identity theft protection services of 2026.

The best identity theft protection services of 2026

Aura: Best overall identity theft protection service

What I liked

Robust identity theft protection: Aura provides comprehensive monitoring of your financial and identity data. Everything, from your Social Security number (SSN) to property titles and bank transactions, is monitored for signs of potential theft. 

It's not just limited to adults, though. Under the Aura Family plan, children can also receive this same extensive monitoring to keep them safe.

Ease of use: During testing, I found Aura had an intuitive dashboard with clear monitoring tabs. I appreciated that alerts were easily accessible, as they appeared first on the main dashboard. 

I also liked that Aura AI includes financial monitoring and can detect spending behavior outside your normal patterns. It can help you spot an unauthorized transaction more quickly.

Complete cybersecurity suite: Aura makes a solid effort at being an all-in-one security suite. All plans include data removal, antivirus software, a VPN, ad and tracker blocking, and a password manager. 

The built-in security features are convenient and offer baseline protection against malware, hackers, identity thieves, and other bad actors.

Also won:

• Best for families: Aura Parental Controls allow parents to set screen time limits, view browsing history, and receive alerts about potential cyberbullying or scams. Combined with Safe Gaming features and child SSN monitoring, Aura is an excellent choice for preventing child identity theft and keeping kids safe online.
• Best for credit monitoring: Aura is one of the top options for credit monitoring, as all plans offer extensive tools. Aura provides monthly credit scores from VantageScore and 3-bureau credit monitoring. If you notice something wrong, an instant Experian credit lock can prevent further damage from occurring.

What I didn’t like

No social media monitoring: While Aura offers one of the most comprehensive identity monitoring services available, it falls short because it doesn’t provide social media monitoring, which can alert you to unusual logins or suspicious activity on your accounts. Social media fraud detection is a crucial part of identity theft prevention.

Extra features are limited: Aura does offer bonus features, such as a VPN and password manager. However, our testing showed that these features have limited functionality. The Aura VPN is a simple on/off toggle, lacking typical VPN capabilities such as server selection. 

Similarly, the password manager allows password sharing only among family members who are on the plan and does not offer digital legacy, a feature that dedicated password managers typically include.

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OmniWatch: Best for scam protection

What I liked

Scam protection features: Cybercriminals continually devise scams to trick you into sharing personal information or sending money under fraudulent circumstances. But what happens if you receive a text message that looks like it’s from your bank and can't tell if it's real or not?

OmniWatch's Scam Protection can verify if messages are legitimate. You can upload texts, emails, URLs, QR codes, or images. OmniWatch will scan the data to judge its authenticity. There's also an option to connect Gmail accounts, allowing OmniWatch to automatically scan incoming emails for potential phishing attempts.

Ransomware and scam protection insurance: Unlike other identity theft services, OmniWatch offers insurance for ransomware and scam protection, up to $25,000, as part of its Elite plan. This can help recover your losses if you fall victim to an online scam. Identity theft insurance may not cover these situations, so it's good to have all possible scenarios covered.

Scam protection app for mobile: The OmniWatch Scam Protection Center is available on the app. You can run scans on your messages, emails, and URLs for real-time protection. OmniWatch will notify you when something is suspicious.

Also won:

• Best for individuals: OmniWatch is an affordable service for individuals on a budget. It has all the essential features for identity theft protection, including dark web monitoring, credit monitoring, and identity restoration services.
• Best for dark web protection: Your personal data can get sold on dark web marketplaces. OmniWatch can monitor the dark web for your personal information, including your SSN, phone number, physical address, and email address. OmniWatch even has a dedicated tab for data breaches tracking to notify you if your information is compromised.

What I didn’t like

Privacy policy language around data sharing: OmniWatch's privacy policy states that it might share your personal information with advertisers and other third parties. It's not ideal for those looking for premium privacy. 

However, it doesn't share sensitive data, and OmniWatch does provide tutorials on how to turn off cookies in your browser, which would block sharing with advertisers.

Lack of advanced monitoring: OmniWatch is new compared to Aura or LifeLock. While it provides excellent value, it has several gaps, such as financial accounts and social media monitoring. OmniWatch offers basic credit and dark web monitoring, but it lacks a comprehensive identity theft protection service.

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LifeLock: Best for comprehensive monitoring

What I liked

Complete identity monitoring: LifeLock pretty much monitors everything you can think of with its financial and identity monitoring. Some unique data it monitors includes social media, phone takeover, buy-now-pay-later alerts, and utility account creation. While some ID theft protection services have social media monitoring, you won't find such a comprehensive monitoring service elsewhere.

High identity theft insurance: LifeLock offers up to $3 million in ID theft insurance per adult, which beats most competitors. It breaks down to the following:

• $1 million for lawyers and experts
• $1 million for stolen funds reimbursement
• $1 million for personal expense reimbursement

The extensive identity theft coverage far exceeds the industry average of $1 million per adult. Plus, LifeLock has added up to $10,000 in scam reimbursement. 

Also won:

• Best security suite: As part of the Norton security suite, LifeLock can be bundled with other security software to provide a strong defense against online threats. Our experience testing Norton (including Norton 360 antivirus and Norton Secure VPN) shows that its is capable of keeping your data and devices safe.

What I didn’t like

Features vary by plan: There are a lot of feature differences between LifeLock plans and several plan options to select from, which can be overwhelming. Some competitors, like Aura, include all features in every plan. 

Several types of monitoring are locked behind the Total plan, including home title monitoring, investment account alerts, and bank account takeover alerts. With so many plans available, it can be challenging to select the right coverage for your situation, as you may be unsure of what you truly need.

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NordProtect: Best for online privacy

What I liked

NordVPN for online security: NordProtect integrates with other Nord Security services, such as the popular NordVPN. Using a VPN can ensure an encrypted internet connection safe from prying eyes. NordVPN is our top recommended VPN due to its advanced security protocols, stellar reputation, and reliable performance. It's included in the NordProtect Gold plan.

NordVPN Threat Protection for browsing security: Along with NordVPN, Threat Protection Pro is also included in the Gold plan. The anti-malware tool works 24/7 to block malicious software, ads, phishing, and trackers. 

Our testing indicates that Threat Protection effectively blocks ads and phishing websites. Threat Protection can protect your data as you browse the internet.

Incogni data removal for online privacy: NordProtect offers a Platinum plan that includes Incogni for data removal. Incogni is one of the best data removal services we've tested and the only one currently independently audited.

Our own testing experience has shown that Incogni is easy to use, intuitive, and does a great job of removing personal data from 420+ data brokers. Having reputable data removal included as part of NordProtect Platinum provides significant value.

Also won:

• Best for fraud protection: NordProtect offers comprehensive identity protection, including dark web monitoring and three compensation policies for most plans covering identity theft, cyber extortion, and online fraud.

  Cyber extortion protection is a unique service not included with typical identity theft protection services. It can help cover expenses of up to $50,000 if you're the victim of ransomware or doxxing. Online fraud coverage can help recover up to $10,000 for scams such as romance scams, phishing, or fake tech support.

What I didn’t like

Limited coverage: NordProtect is a relatively new service, and it lacks the robustness of other identity protection services. It doesn’t provide features like coverage for more than one person or for children. 

If you wish to cover your entire family with NordProtect, the cost is a lot more expensive than a family plan from one of the other recommendations.

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Identity Guard: Best value identity theft protection

What I liked

Low first-year rate for top plan: Identity Guard offers a budget-friendly introductory cost, comparable to LifeLock's Ultimate plan. For only $7.99/mo, an individual can get premium identity theft monitoring, up to $1 million in identity theft insurance, and 3-bureau credit monitoring. It also includes bonus features like safe browsing and a password manager.

Advanced online protection: It's no surprise that Identity Guard offers excellent online protection tools, given its ownership by Aura. Both services offer similar advanced security tools. 

Identity Guard has emphasized safe online browsing by incorporating tools such as a password manager, an ad blocker, an anti-tracking feature, and data-broker removal.

Robust identity monitoring services: Identity Guard, similar to LifeLock and Aura, offers a comprehensive range of identity monitoring. It includes monitoring for high-risk transactions, 401(k) and investments, and USPS address changes. 

Identity Guard is slightly more affordable than its competitors. It offers a nice balance between comprehensive identity monitoring and budget friendliness.

Also won:

• Best Aura alternative: Since Identity Guard and Aura are owned by the same company, they have similar features. What sets Identity Guard apart is the inclusion of social media monitoring and its "Risk Management Score," which provides a personalized risk assessment. If you're an individual or not interested in Aura's parental controls, Identity Guard is the most affordable Aura alternative.

What I didn’t like

Limited family protection: Identity Guard doesn't offer extensive family protection features. It has only the standard identity and credit monitoring features for children. Other competitors, such as Aura, offer additional features for families, including parental controls, Safe Gaming, and online browsing safeguards.

Identity restoration only on top plan: White glove fraud remediation is available only on the top-tier Ultra plan. Access to premium identity restoration specialists is a valuable resource if you're a victim of identity theft. 

Still, you could be left hanging if you opt for one of Identity Guard’s lower-tier plans. Other competitors, such as Aura, offer this service with all plans.

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IDShield: Best for identity restoration

What I liked

Guaranteed identity restoration services: IDShield offers guaranteed identity theft restoration. It provides dedicated, licensed private investigators and consultation services to help restore a stolen identity.

Most identity theft services offer a $1 million reimbursement for unrecovered costs. But IDShield goes above and beyond by offering up to $3 million, which is comparable to LifeLock. With assistance for lost or stolen wallets included, IDShield offers one of the most comprehensive identity restoration services.

Advanced financial monitoring: Standard financial monitoring involves watching credit reports and financial transactions for possible fraud. IDShield takes it a step further by also monitoring loans, such as payday and subprime lending.

It also looks for other signs of financial fraud, such as hard credit inquiries, high-risk applications, and account monitoring for financial thresholds. If a red flag is found, you can do a credit freeze and receive fraud alert assistance from IDShield.

Robust device protection: Our devices are the gateway to our personal information. Bad actors like to gain access through malware or by stealing passwords from phishing scams.

IDShield provides device protection to keep your privacy secure. Some features include a VPN, password manager, data encryption, virus protection, and login credentials monitoring. These features can protect the data on your devices.

Also won:

• Best for online reputation protection: IDShield offers rare online reputation and privacy protection. It can review your social media and flag any content that might negatively impact your reputation. It also helps build a positive and professional presence by optimizing your LinkedIn profile. There is even a tool to locate old accounts and remove data from the internet, a crucial component of identity theft prevention.

What I didn’t like

No credit reports: IDShield doesn't offer a credit report from any of the three major credit bureaus. Instead, it offers monthly credit scores. It's not a huge dealbreaker, as you can receive free digital credit reports from annualcreditreport.com, but the lack of automated credit reports is an inconvenience.

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What is identity theft?

Identity theft is a crime where someone illegally acquires and uses another person's personal information, like their Social Security number or bank account numbers, typically for financial gain. 

Some common types of identity theft include:

• Tax identity theft
• Medical identity theft
• Ghosting identity theft
• Child identity theft
• Employment identity theft

Identity theft happens in several ways. Fraudsters may employ sophisticated methods, such as phishing scams, data breaches, or malware, to gather personal information. More traditional methods include dumpster diving for discarded documents containing personal data or stealing wallets or mail outright.

Identity theft can lead to significant financial loss and a host of other issues, like damage to your credit score. This is why services offering the best identity theft protection and credit monitoring are vital.

Do I need identity theft protection?

Yes, ID theft protection is worth it because having your identity stolen can be expensive and extremely disruptive. In our survey, we found that victims lost $3,312 on average to identity theft, and 23% say they’re still dealing with repercussions, sometimes months or years later.

And these crimes are on the rise, with more young people are becoming victims of ID theft. In 2024, the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) received over 2.6 million reports of identity theft, with impostors being the most prevalent type of identity theft.^[1]

Identity theft protection services are beneficial for many reasons. They continuously monitor various databases and the dark web for any misuse of your personal information, alert you to potential threats, and assist in the recovery process if you're a victim of identity theft. They can also help prevent child identity theft by monitoring for any fraudulent use of your child's personal information.

Keep in mind, though, that no service can completely guarantee the prevention of identity theft. You may find the costs of these services a deterrent. But, considering the potentially severe consequences of identity theft, many find these services a worthwhile investment.

How does identity theft protection work?

Identity theft protection services work by continuously monitoring various databases and online platforms for your personal information. Here are some typical features:

• Credit monitoring: They monitor your credit reports from major credit bureaus, like Experian, TransUnion, and Equifax, and alert you to any changes. Be sure to note whether the identity theft protection plan you're choosing offers one-bureau or three-bureau credit monitoring services. One bureau is usually enough, but you may prefer the extra security of three-bureau credit monitoring.
• Dark web scanning: These services scan the dark web for your personal information, reducing the chance that criminals can sell your Social Security number or other details.
• Public data monitoring: You may need help scouring public records for home title theft or other types of fraud. Look for ID theft protection plans that monitor your social media accounts, court records, and even USPS change of address requests.
  
• Identity recovery services: If you become a victim of identity theft, these services will guide you through the recovery process.
• Identity theft insurance: Most services offer ID theft insurance that can cover out-of-pocket costs related to restoring your identity.
• Credit lock and credit freeze: Most ID theft protection services assist you with placing a credit lock or freeze on your account. This is essential if you've been targeted by fraud since it ensures no one can open a new account in your name.
• Credit score simulator: Some identity theft protection companies help you build your credit by offering credit score simulators that guide you toward making the best decisions to boost your credit score.
• Additional cybersecurity features: Many of the top identity theft protection service providers on our list offer extra digital security features like a password manager, VPN, and antivirus. This is ideal since hackers can target your Wi-Fi connection or device with malware to extract your sensitive data.
  

How much does identity theft protection cost?

An identity theft protection plan can run you anywhere from less than $10 a month to over $70 a month. Factors that affect your pricing include:

• Are you seeking an individual plan or a family plan? Do you need to cover children with your plan?
• Can you commit to an annual subscription, or would you prefer to pay month-to-month?
• Do you need the premium plan with additional cybersecurity features, or are you only seeking identity theft protection?
• Is credit protection a priority, or do you only need identity monitoring tools?

After considering these questions, you can review the table below and get started on finding a pricing plan for you.

	Individual starting price	Family starting price
Aura	$9.00/mo	$17.00/mo
OmniWatch	$7.99/mo	$19.99/mo
IDShield	$14.95/mo	$29.95/mo
LifeLock	$10.42/mo	$16.67/mo
NordProtect	$6.99/mo	N/A
Identity Guard	$7.50/mo	N/A
IdentityForce	$16.66/mo	$20.83/mo
Complete ID	$8.99/mo	$11.98/mo
IdentityIQ	$7.44/mo	$27.00/mo
Zander Identity Theft Protection	$6.25/mo	$12.08/mo

How to choose the best identity theft protection service

When choosing an identity theft protection service, consider the following questions:

• How much does it cost? Can you save money by signing up for an annual plan?
• Does it alert users to data breaches in multiple areas?
• Does it monitor credit reports from all three bureaus — Experian, TransUnion, and Equifax?
• Does it allow you to access annual credit reports or, better yet, quarterly or monthly credit reports?
  
• How often does it provide credit score updates?
• Does it assist with identity recovery?
• Does it provide identity theft insurance, and if so, how much? (Up to $1 million is most common.)
• Is the service encrypted with AES-256?
• Does the service offer an app that’s compatible with your device?
• Does the service’s privacy policy state that it doesn’t sell data?

Advice from the experts

Keeping your identity safe online should be a top priority. Understanding the risks and the potential dangers currently out there is the first step. That’s why the All About Cookies team consulted a panel of experts to better understand the state of identity theft today.

Click below to see expert opinions on the following questions:

• What are the most dangerous consequences of having your identity stolen?
• What kinds of newer scams should consumers be on the lookout for?
• What does the future of identity theft scams look like?
• What long-term solutions are there to curbing the risk to consumers?

Bottom line: The best ID theft protection services of 2026

While the best ID theft protection service will depend on your specific needs, Aura is the best all-around, offering extensive monitoring, ease of use, and additional cybersecurity tools. Whether you're looking for coverage for yourself or the entire family, Aura fits many situations.

However, if social media monitoring, robust cybersecurity tools, or above-average insurance coverage are important to you, one of the other ID theft protection services in this roundup would provide better coverage.

FAQs