In this article:
Identity theft and fraud protection for your finances, personal info, and devices.
Which Offers Better Protection: LifeLock or Experian?
Identity thieves are getting bolder and more sophisticated with their scams — putting people from all areas and walks of life at risk. According to the latest statistics [*]:
In 2023, global losses from bank and identity fraud scams surpassed $485 million.
As the threat of identity theft increases, more and more Americans are turning to identity theft protection providers — with LifeLock and Experian IdentityWorks being two of the most popular options.
Yet, while LifeLock and Experian offer similar plans, there are differences in their coverage that you need to consider before signing up.
In this guide, we explore the features, benefits, pros, cons, and pricing plans for both LifeLock and Experian IdentityWorks, as well as how they stack up to other identity theft protection options.
LifeLock vs Experian: Head-To-Head Comparison
LifeLock and Experian provide some of the best identity theft protection services on the market. Both companies offer Dark Web monitoring, near real-time credit alerts, $1,000,000+ insurance coverage, and fraud resolution support.
The main difference between LifeLock and Experian IdentityWorks is that:
- LifeLock offers more identity theft prevention features — with Norton 360 antivirus software and VPN.
- Experian focuses more on credit monitoring — including quarterly three-bureau credit reports and FICO® Scores.
While Experian offers a limited free plan that allows customers to monitor their Experian credit files — the company’s paid plans are more comparable to LifeLock.
Here's how LifeLock and Experian match up:
LifeLock: Features, Pros & Cons, and Pricing
Originally founded in 2005, LifeLock was purchased by Symantec (the makers of Norton) in 2017. Under its parent company, Gen Digital Inc [*], LifeLock by Norton has become one of the most recognizable names in the industry, combining identity and credit monitoring with digital security for millions of customers.
Unfortunately, LifeLock's complicated (and expensive) plans overshadow its extensive list of protective capabilities.
If you're not careful, you could pay for services you don't need, or worse: find yourself unprotected.
Here are some of LifeLock's major pros and cons:
Here are some of the key features included in LifeLock's plans:
- Identity and Social Security number monitoring. LifeLock monitors your most sensitive personal information on the Dark Web, in data breach alerts, and across public records — notifying you if your data has been compromised.
- Credit monitoring (one or three-bureau). Standard plans include monitoring and unlimited credit reports from one credit bureau. Non-standard plans offer monitoring and annual credit reports from all three major bureaus.
- Digital security — including antivirus software and a virtual private network (VPN) — provided by Norton. Norton 360 plans include antivirus and malware protection, Norton Secure VPN, and parental controls.
- Up to $3 million in identity theft insurance. LifeLock’s top plans reimburse up to $1 million for legal expenses, up to $1 million in stolen funds, and up to $1 million in personal expenses.
How much does LifeLock cost?
LifeLock offers a wide range of plans and prices, which can make choosing the right package confusing and difficult.
You need to decide if you want LifeLock with identity theft monitoring only or LifeLock with Norton 360 and its digital security tools. You then need to choose your level of protection and how many people you want to protect. Finally, you have the option to pay monthly or annually.
Here's a detailed rundown of LifeLock’s pricing and plans as of March 2024:
What are real customers saying about LifeLock?
While LifeLock offers some of the best features in the industry, it doesn’t always live up to its customers’ expectations.
Here are some real LifeLock customer reviews on third-party review site Trustpilot:
- I always feel safe with LifeLock: I have been a member of LifeLock for a few years now and, after all the horror stories I've read about, I feel very safe knowing they have their eye on everything I own to make sure I stay safe. So far I have not had a problem and I owe it all to LifeLock.
- Pushy pop-ups to pay more: I am tired of receiving messages that tell me my computer is “at risk” only then to discover it can be “fixed” but at an extra cost. I have been a Norton customer for a long time. I used to believe that you have my back. It now seems that you only have my back if I spend more money.
- No notification of identity theft: My identity was stolen in December 2023 and I had to change every account I have. There was never any notification from Lifelock.
Our take: While LifeLock offers quality identity theft protection and digital security, it comes with a high price tag compared to other LifeLock alternatives. Some customers may find what they need, but the dizzying number of packages and plans available could also lead to overpaying or under coverage.
Experian IdentityWorks: Features, Pros & Cons, and Pricing
As one of the three major credit bureaus, Experian has nearly 200 years of experience in the credit industry. In 2017, the bureau launched IdentityWorks — a comprehensive ID theft protection product that monitors its customers’ credit and identities, and supports victims of identity theft.
Yet, despite its strength in credit monitoring, IdentityWorks' lack of digital security leaves a glaring hole in its protection services.
Here are some of Experian IdentityWorks' major pros and cons:
Here are some of the key features included in Experian IdentityWorks' plans:
- Identity theft monitoring. Experian monitors your SSN, the Dark Web, and public records — alerting you the moment something suspicious is detected. You also receive monthly privacy scans to see where your information is publicly accessible.
- Three-bureau credit monitoring and alerts. Experian's paid plan includes monitoring and alerts from the three major credit bureaus. You also receive quarterly credit reports and FICO® Scores, plus a single-click Experian CreditLock.
- Up to $1 million in identity theft insurance. Adults are insured for up to $1 million to cover legal expenses, lost wages, and stolen funds.
How much does Experian IdentityWorks cost?
The simplicity of Experian's plans and prices makes it easy to decide which option you need.
IdentityWorks comes in a Basic (free), Premium, or Family plan. You just need to decide if you want identity theft protection and if you want individual or family coverage.
Here's a detailed rundown of Experian’s pricing and plans as of March 2024:
What are real customers saying about Experian?
Here are some real Experian customer reviews on third-party review site Trustpilot:
- Identity matters: Great opportunity working with Experian. My credit has been monitored and great boosts have been applied since I signed up, thank you.
- I feel so much safer and assured: I feel so much safer and assured that if my identity is used my credit is locked and frozen. Experian is there. Thanks.
- Customer abuse: Absolutely terrible experience with premium membership. I am not able to cancel payment despite not receiving services. They have no online customer service or email, you have to call for something small like this. Clearly deliberate. I’ll never use them again and… hate that I’m forced to trust them with my identity.
Note: Since most reviews address Experian the credit bureau, a complete customer response for IdentityWorks isn't available.
Our take: Experian IdentityWorks provides quality and straightforward credit and identity monitoring services. However, the service falls short in the area of identity theft prevention and includes no digital security.
💡 Related: The 10 Best Credit Monitoring Services of 2024 →
Why You Should Choose Identity Guard Instead
LifeLock and Experian are both good options for identity and credit monitoring — but there are limitations to both of them that could leave you vulnerable or paying too much for mediocre protection.
Identity Guard was one of the first identity theft protection providers to hit the market in 1996. Since then, the company has helped protect over 38 million customers from identity theft and fraud.
Not only does Identity Guard provide more identity protection and monitoring features than Experian and higher-rated protection than LifeLock — it does so with similar pricing and without any sneaky price increases.
Here are just some of Identity Guard’s features:
- Award-winning identity theft protection. Identity Guard monitors your most sensitive personal information, including your SSN, home address, and more. If anything is found, Identity Guard notifies you in near real-time and provides guidance on what to do next.
- Three-bureau credit monitoring. Most plans include regular credit monitoring from the three major credit bureaus, as well as monthly credit scores.
- Online safety and privacy tools. Every Identity Guard plan includes Safe Browsing tools and a secure password manager.
- White Glove Fraud Resolution Specialists. With the Ultra plan, you can reach a team of U.S.-based fraud specialists 24/7/365.
- $1 million in identity theft insurance. Every adult member on your plan is insured for up to $1 million to cover any losses and fees resulting from identity theft (up to $5 million total coverage).
LifeLock vs. Experian vs. Identity Guard: Feature Comparison
Identity Guard offers a similar feature set to LifeLock and Experian — but there are specific differences you should know about.
Here’s a direct comparison of the top features from all three providers:
Identity theft protection and monitoring
Identity theft protection providers monitor your sensitive information and alert you if anything leaks or gets misused in any way. Each of these services differ in what information they track, what strategies they use, and how quickly and reliably they send alerts.
The bottom line: Identity Guard includes the most comprehensive watchlist with detailed alerts to help you deal with instances of identity theft.
Credit monitoring
The best identity theft providers monitor your credit file and financial accounts to inform you of any suspicious or unauthorized activity. Each of these ID theft protection packages provides a different type and level of monitoring and response.
The bottom line: Identity Guard provides more thorough credit and financial monitoring and alerts than most competitors at the same price point.
Digital security and privacy
To combat hackers and online scammers, the leading identity theft protection packages include digital security features such as antivirus software and virtual private networks (VPNs). Each of the following providers offers its own unique suite of features to provide you with digital security and privacy.
The bottom line: LifeLock with Norton 360 offers the most comprehensive digital security — but at a higher price point. While Identity Guard provides only limited digital security and privacy, it offers more than most providers do for the same price.
Family safety and online protection
Most identity theft protection options include family packages that cover additional adults and children. Each of these three services includes specialized features designed to safeguard your children.
The bottom line: Identity Guard offers plans for even the largest families to ensure no one close to you is left unprotected.
Identity restoration and insurance
While identity theft protection includes detecting and alerting you to identity theft, it should also support you in your recovery efforts. Each of these three providers offers you access to fraud resolution specialists when you need them, and insures any eligible losses you suffer.
The bottom line: While LifeLock’s family plans offer slightly more insurance coverage than Identity Guard, the company has been criticized over its level (and availability) of experienced support [*].
Ease of use and user reviews
It doesn't matter how effective an identity theft protection provider is if its services are too difficult to use. The best options feature powerful yet intuitive apps that all users can easily navigate.
The bottom line: Identity Guard's ease of use is one of its main selling features, and can accommodate users with varying levels of technological expertise.
The Bottom Line: Identity Theft Isn’t Slowing Down
Every year, more and more Americans are affected by identity theft. If you haven't already been victimized, there's a good chance you will be in the future.
No service can promise complete security, but identity theft protection providers help defend millions of people every year. While any of the options explored here will help, consider Identity Guard for the most comprehensive, proactive, and supportive service.
Identity Guard offers award-winning credit and identity monitoring, extensive insurance coverage, fraud remediation support, and a 60-day money-back guarantee.
