Aura Identity Theft Protection Review
Aura provides comprehensive identity theft protection with robust features, including three-bureau credit monitoring, powerful malware protection, and a password manager. While it lacks a credit simulator, its strengths lie in its intuitive interface, extensive security features, and competitive pricing.
Key Features and Benefits
- Credit Monitoring: Aura offers yearly credit reports and VantageScore 3.0 monitoring through Equifax, Experian, and TransUnion
- Identity Protection: Includes data breach alerts, property title change notifications, and dark web monitoring
- Security Tools: Features malware protection from Avira, VPN access for up to 10 devices, and a password manager
- Insurance Coverage: Offers $1 million identity theft insurance for individual plans, scaling up to $5 million for family plans
- Additional Services: Includes Safe Browsing extension to block dangerous websites and trackers
Pricing Structure
Aura offers three plan tiers:
- Individual Plan: $12/month (monthly billing) or $108/year (annual billing)
- Couple Plan: $20/month (monthly) or $204/year (annual), includes $2 million insurance coverage
- Family Plan: $30/month (monthly) or $300/year (annual) for up to 5 adults, includes $5 million total insurance coverage
The Family plan also adds features like child Social Security number monitoring and credit freeze capabilities.
User Experience and Interface
The Aura interface is well-organized and intuitive, providing clear access to various features including credit scores, alerts, and security tools. The mobile app mirrors the web interface’s functionality, offering a seamless experience across devices.
Testing and Performance
During the three-month testing period, the service demonstrated effectiveness in monitoring and alerting about various identity-related activities. Users receive customizable alerts for different types of activities, from bank transactions to address changes.
Strengths and Weaknesses
Strengths
- Comprehensive feature set including malware protection and VPN access
- Competitive pricing structure
- User-friendly interface across web and mobile platforms
- Robust identity theft insurance coverage
Weaknesses
- Credit reports are only available annually
- No credit simulator or credit score calculator available
Conclusion
Aura stands out as a strong contender in the identity theft protection space, offering a well-rounded suite of features at competitive prices. While it may lack some advanced credit monitoring tools, its comprehensive security features and excellent interface make it a compelling choice for those seeking robust identity protection.
Final Verdict
Aura’s combination of identity monitoring, security tools, and insurance coverage creates a comprehensive protection package. While not perfect, its strengths outweigh its weaknesses, making it a top recommendation for identity theft protection.
