Identity Guard vs. Complete ID 2024: Are You Looking for Innovation or Affordability?

Identity Guard is renowned for its advanced artificial intelligence technology and identity monitoring services, catering to tech-savvy individuals who desire a sophisticated defense against identity theft. On the other hand, Complete ID, which is backed by the credit bureau Experian, offers a comprehensive package at a budget-friendly price, making it an attractive option for families and those seeking substantial coverage without breaking the bank.

We’ll break down Identity Guard and Complete ID so you can make an informed decision on how to best protect yourself against identity thieves.

Identity Guard vs. Complete ID review at a glance

Identity Guard and Complete ID offer different strengths and focus areas. While Identity Guard uses innovative AI technology, making it suitable for tech enthusiasts, Complete ID offers a comprehensive and budget-friendly option that’s well-suited for family protection.

• Identity Guard: Best for tech-savvy users
• Complete ID: Best for families or users on a budget 
  

Identity Guard vs. Complete ID compared

	Identity Guard	Complete ID
Star rating	4.6 AllAboutCookies writers and editors score products based on a number of objective features as well as our expert editorial assessment. Our partners do not influence how we rate products.	4.2 AllAboutCookies writers and editors score products based on a number of objective features as well as our expert editorial assessment. Our partners do not influence how we rate products.
Price	$6.67–$29.99/mo	$8.99–$18.99/mo
Types of identity monitoring	Dark web, social media, SSN, and home title	Dark web and SSN
Credit monitoring
Identity theft insurance	Up to $1 million	Up to $1 million
Identity recovery
24/7 customer support
Learn more	Get Identity Guard  Read Identity Guard Review	Get Complete ID  Read Complete ID Review

Despite the similarities in features such as credit monitoring, identity recovery, and insurance coverage, Identity Guard and Complete ID differ in the way they present their plans. With its tiered pricing system ranging from $6.67–$29.99/mo, Identity Guard offers a flexible and customizable approach to identity protection.

On the other hand, Complete ID provides a more straightforward and budget-friendly approach with plans ranging from $8.99–$18.99/mo and delivering substantial coverage without complex tiers.

The number of people covered also varies. With Identity Guard, you can choose an individual plan or a family plan, which covers five adults and unlimited children. Complete ID emphasizes family coverage at an attractive price point. It currently offers plans for one adult, two adults, one adult plus five children, and two adults plus five children. All plans include the same features with added coverage for the additional members on the plan.

Identity Guard pros and cons

Complete ID pros and cons

Which identity theft protection is the better value?

Identity Guard offers cheaper plans, but Complete ID offers better savings on more comprehensive plans.

	Identity Guard	Complete ID Best Pricing
Price range	$6.67–$29.99/mo	$8.99–$18.99/mo
Best value plan	Total Individual for $14.99/mo	One Adult for $8.99/mo
Money-back guarantee	60 days
Learn more	Get Identity Guard  Read Identity Guard Review	Get Complete ID  Read Complete ID Review

Identity Guard plans

Identity Guard offers a spectrum of plans designed to cater to various needs and preferences. Unfortunately, the service offers no free trial, but you can take advantage of the 60-day money-back guarantee if you’re hesitant to commit. All plans are available for individuals or families (five adults, unlimited kids). Below are the details for each plan.

1. Value: Value is a basic plan that offers a solid foundation in identity protection, including up to $1 million in identity theft insurance; data breach notifications; dark web monitoring; high-risk transaction monitoring; a safe browsing tool; and a password manager. However, it lacks credit monitoring services and specialized account alerts.
2. Total: The Total plan adds significant value by including everything in the Value plan plus bank account monitoring, three-bureau credit monitoring, and a monthly credit score. However, it misses out on specialized monitoring like social media and home title monitoring.
3. Ultra: Ultra provides the most comprehensive coverage with everything in the Total plan plus social media monitoring; debit and credit card monitoring; 401(k) and investment account monitoring; home title monitoring; criminal and sex offense monitoring; USPS address change monitoring; Experian CreditLock; and three-bureau annual credit reports.

Complete ID plans

Complete ID offers various plans that are tailored to fit different family structures. We didn’t find an option for a free trial or money-back guarantee. All Complete ID protection plans include the following:

Identity protection features

• Dark web monitoring
• Financial account takeover services
• Neighborhood watch monitoring, which monitors for registered sex offenders that live in or move into your area
• Social Security number (SSN) identity monitoring
• Alternative loan monitoring
• Criminal record monitoring
• Mail change alerts
• A suite of digital privacy features, including a password manager, safe browser, and virtual private network (VPN)

Credit monitoring features

• Credit monitoring from the major bureaus (Experian, Equifax, TransUnion)
• Monthly credit updates
• Annual three-bureau credit reports
• Credit alerts
• Experian CreditLock

Identity restoration services

• 24/7 customer support
• Direct contact with a designated restoration specialist
• Up to $1 million in identity theft insurance
• Lost wallet replacement assistance

Which identity theft protection has better features?

The two options have similar offerings, like dark web and SSN monitoring, but Identity Guard also offers social media and home title monitoring.

Feature	Identity Guard	Complete ID
Social Security Number monitoring
Financial activity alerts
Credit monitoring
3-bureau credit reports	Yes — Experian, TransUnion, Equifax	Yes — Experian, TransUnion, Equifax
Credit score
Credit lock and freeze
FICO score
Identity theft insurance	Up to $1 million	Up to $1 million
Dark web alerts
Social media account alerts
Home title monitoring
Address change alerts
Learn more	Get Identity Guard  Read Identity Guard Review	Get Complete ID  Read Complete ID Review

Identity monitoring and alerts are vital tools to protect yourself from becoming a victim of identity theft. Identity Guard and Complete ID offer similar monitoring and alert features, such as financial activity alerts and dark web alerts. However, Identity Guard stands out for offering home title monitoring, while Complete ID doesn’t.

Identity Guard provides an extensive suite of credit and financial monitoring tools, like three-bureau credit monitoring and monthly credit score updates. Its top-tier Ultra plan also includes annual credit reports from the major credit bureaus and Experian CreditLock, two features that are essential for protecting consumers against unauthorized credit inquiries.

Complete ID also offers comprehensive credit monitoring features, and they’re included with all of its plans. This includes credit monitoring, monthly credit score updates, annual three-bureau credit reports, and more.

Which identity theft protection is more secure?

When it comes to identity theft protection services, security is an important concern. After all, these services are entrusted with sensitive personal and financial information. Key features such as two-factor authentication (2FA) and multi-factor authentication (MFA) provide additional layers of protection.

With 2FA, your account would require a password and secondary information like a text code, while MFA might include a biometric confirmation such as a fingerprint. Reasonable data collection for account administration, payment, and monitoring is standard across the industry, but understanding how this data is used and shared is crucial.

Identity Guard vs. Complete ID data security

	Identity Guard	Complete ID
Collects data	Some	Some
Shares data with third parties
Learn more	Get Identity Guard  Read Identity Guard Review	Get Complete ID  Read Complete ID Review

Identity Guard and Complete ID both offer two-factor authentication, enhancing account security by requiring an additional verification step. Unfortunately, neither currently provides multi-factor authentication, which might add an even more stringent level of protection.

Both services do collect some personal data, which is necessary for monitoring and alert services, and may share this data with third parties in line with their respective privacy policies. They are also both very open about what data they collect and share; Identity Guard even states that it evaluates third parties before sharing any data with them. Overall, both data-sharing policies aren’t something to be worried about as they are not out of the ordinary.

Which identity theft protection has better compatibility and customer service?

Both services are evenly matched in terms of compatibility and customer support. Identity Guard also offers email support.

	Identity Guard	Complete ID
Android
iOS
Dedicated restoration specialists
Lost wallet remediation
24/7 customer support
Customer support options	Phone, email, online guides	Phone, online guides
Learn more	Get Identity Guard  Read Identity Guard Review	Get Complete ID  Read Complete ID Review

Identity Guard and Complete ID both offer an extensive array of platform support, including Windows, macOS, and mobile apps for Android and iOS. Interface-wise, both services are designed with user-friendliness in mind.

When it comes to customer support, both offer 24/7 phone support, which is vital in the event of an identity theft emergency. However, Identity Guard has an advantage by providing email support, adding an extra layer of convenience for users who might prefer this communication method.

FAQs

Bottom line

Identity Guard shines with its tiered pricing system, which allows for customized protection. It also offers an extensive range of features, including dark web alerts, three-bureau credit reports, and social media account alerts. However, the varied pricing may seem complex to some, and it lacks multi-factor authentication.

Complete ID, on the other hand, focuses on simplicity and affordability, and it provides essential ID theft protection features. While it may not offer a limited range of features found in Identity Guard, it covers the basics effectively.

Choosing between Identity Guard and Complete ID depends on your individual needs and preferences. If you're seeking detailed customization and a wide array of features, Identity Guard is your best bet. If affordability and simplicity are key concerns, Complete ID might be the ideal choice. Analyzing your specific requirements and the value you place on different features will guide you to the best identity theft protection service for you.

Top identity theft protection alternatives

If Identity Guard and Complete ID don't quite match your requirements, there are a few other ID theft protection services worth exploring.

• LifeLock: Known for its comprehensive identity theft protection and Norton 360 antivirus integration, LifeLock offers multiple-tiered plans that cater to various needs.
  Get LifeLock | Read Our LifeLock Review
• Experian IdentityWorks: Experian IdentityWorks offers identity theft protection, credit monitoring, and up to $1 million in identity theft insurance.
  Get Experian IdentityWorks | Read Our Experian IdentityWorks Review
• Zander Insurance: An affordable option with a straightforward approach, Zander Insurance offers identity theft protection with unlimited recovery services and personal information monitoring.
  Get Zander Insurance | Read Our Zander Insurance Review