Aura vs Experian IdentityWorks in 2024: One Clear Winner (2024)

When deciding between Aura and Experian IdentityWorks, it’s essential to consider which service best fits your identity protection needs. Aura is ideal for individuals, families and couples, offering vigilant monitoring, comprehensive alerts, and robust identity theft insurance, along with user-friendly parental controls and device security features.

Experian IdentityWorks, backed by the strong reputation of Experian, provides detailed identity protection alerts that inspire confidence. Our hands-on testing with both services means our recommendations are based on practical, real-world experience, ensuring you can trust our guidance.

In a time when protecting personal information is more critical than ever due to frequent data breaches, our review aims to be both engaging and professional. We’re here to help you make an informed decision that not only offers top-notch identity protection but also respects your privacy in our interconnected world.

Key takeaways from Aura and Experian IdentityWorks comparison

• Aura shines with its strong family focus, offering 24/7 support and a strict no-data-selling policy, making it a top pick for privacy-minded folks and families seeking solid monitoring and parental controls without breaking the bank.
• Experian IdentityWorks delivers with its deep-dive identity alerts, top-notch credit monitoring, and a handy free plan for those who want to dip their toes in identity protection waters, all backed by its well-known credit bureau name.
• Both services promise up to $1 million in identity theft insurance. If you’re big on privacy and family-first features, Aura’s your go-to. For those who value extensive credit tracking and a trusted industry name, IdentityWorks has you covered.
• In terms ofvalue,Aura comes out on top, especially when you usethis 68% off coupon.

How to select the right identity theft protection service: Aura vs Experian IdentityWorks

Whether you’re a single user concerned about your digital footprint or a family seeking protection, the decision comes down to the details of what each service offers. Here are a few things to consider:

1. Identity theft insurance – Both Aura and IdentityWorks provide up to $1 million in identity theft insurance, giving you a financial safety net. This coverage is vital as it can shield you from financial losses if your identity is compromised.

2. Three-bureau credit monitoring – It’s important to monitor all three major credit bureaus, as fraud can occur across your entire credit profile. While basic plans may only cover one bureau, Aura and IdentityWorks both offer plans that monitor all three, ensuring you’re alerted to any suspicious activity.

3. Family plan options – When deciding between an individual plan or a family plan that covers your children, it’s important to consider your needs. Aura is great for families, offering special features for kids’ protection, while IdentityWorks has a family plan that covers two adults and up to ten children.

4. Affordable pricing and additional discounts – It’s critical to consider affordability when choosing a plan. Aura has competitive pricing with discounts for annual payments, and IdentityWorks offers various plans at different prices, so you can find one that fits your budget and needs.

5. Money-back guarantee – It’s important to have fallback options with a money-back guarantee when trying out identity protection services. Aura offers a generous 60-day money-back guarantee on annual plans, giving you plenty of time to explore its features. IdentityWorks, on the other hand, offers only a 7-day trial period.

By weighing these factors against your needs, you can decide if Aura or Experian IdentityWorks is the right choice for you.

Aura vs Experian IdentityWorks: Side-by-side comparison

Aura and Experian IdentityWorks stand shoulder to shoulder, showcasing their offerings to users.

Now, let’s turn our attention to the trustworthiness of Aura and Experian IdentityWorks.

Aura vs Experian IdentityWorks: Which company is more trustworthy?

In the quest for a reliable identity theft protection service, the trustworthiness of the provider is paramount. Aura and Experian IdentityWorks each have their strengths, but trust is earned through user experience and data-handling practices.

Starting off, let’s zoom in on Aura.

Aura overview

Aura, founded in 2014 by Hari Ravichandran, has quickly risen as a leader in digital protection, offering extensive coverage against identity theft and online threats. The company prides itself on a clear privacy policy, assuring users that their personal data is never sold and is only shared when necessary for providing services. Now serving over a million members globally, Aura has grown through strategic acquisitions like Identity Guard, offering tailored plans for various user needs.

With a TrustScore of 4.7 out of 5 on Trustpilot from over 500 reviews, where 90% of users have rated it as a 5-star service, Aura’s commitment to customer satisfaction shines through. The company provides vigilant alerts and expert fraud remediation, all while maintaining a firm policy against selling user data, making it a reliable and comprehensive solution for digital safety.

Aura pros and cons

Let’s examine the advantages and disadvantages of opting for Aura to protect your digital identity:

See all Aura prices and deals here >

Let’s switch gears and see what IdentityWorks has in store.

Experian IdentityWorks overview

Experian IdentityWorks taps into the well-established expertise of Experian, one of the “Big Three” credit-reporting powerhouses, which also includes TransUnion and Equifax. With its roots in Dublin, Ireland since 1996, and as a proud member of the FTSE 100 Index on the London Stock Exchange, Experian keeps a watchful eye on the credit of over a billion individuals and businesses worldwide. Despite its grand stature and insightful credit analytics, Experian has had its share of hurdles, such as regulatory fines and data breaches that have nudged its security reputation.

Notably, a significant breach in 2015 affected up to 15 million customers, and other incidents in South Africa and Brazil in 2020 and 2021 unveiled personal details of millions, including sensitive financial data for thousands. These events have underscored the vulnerability of personal information and highlighted the crucial need for robust identity protection measures.

Experian IdentityWorks pros and cons

Let’s examine the advantages and disadvantages of opting for Experian to protect your digital identity:

Aura stands out in terms of trustworthiness thanks to its transparent privacy policy, which guarantees your private data is never sold. With high customer satisfaction ratings and a clean track record – no known data breaches or security incidents – Aura truly shows its commitment to user privacy.

Trustworthiness winner: Aura

Availability and insurance coverage: Does Aura or Experian IdentityWorks offer more comprehensive protection?

In the fast-paced world of identity theft protection, the scope of coverage is a deal-breaker for many. Aura and Experian IdentityWorks understand this and offer a robust $1 million insurance policy, highlighting their dedication to having your back in the unfortunate event of identity theft. Aura’s insurance goes the extra mile for each adult on the plan, covering a comprehensive list of costs that could arise from identity theft, such as legal fees and travel expenses.

To start, let’s take a brief look at the app availability for each of these solutions:

As for app availability, Aura is ready to roll on MacOS 10.15 or later, Windows 10 and 11, and through browser extensions for Chrome, Firefox, and Edge. It all comes together in a handy central dashboard. For those on the move, the Aura mobile app has got you covered on both iOS and Android.

On the flip side, IdentityWorks offers a seamless mobile experience via the Experian app, available on Android and iOS. However, this might be a bit confusing for users expecting a dedicated IdentityWorks app.

Availability and insurance coverage winner: Aura

Core identity protection capabilities: Who wins Aura and Experian IdentityWorks face-off?

Aura and Experian IdentityWorks both shine in identity protection. Aura offers vigilant monitoring, instant alerts, and financial account monitoring, while IdentityWorks provides thorough credit monitoring and dark web surveillance. Both services have robust features to guard against identity theft, and we’ll dive into the details next.

Credit monitoring capabilities

Credit monitoring is essential for identity protection, and both Aura and Experian IdentityWorks offer robust features. Aura’s three-bureau monitoring provides alerts on new inquiries and suspicious activities, while the Experian CreditLock feature allows users to secure their Experian credit file in an instant.

IdentityWorks excels with daily credit reports and FICO scores, giving users regular updates on their credit status. The service offers different levels of monitoring, from basic to full three-bureau coverage, depending on the plan.

For families, Aura stands out by including child three-bureau credit freezes in its plans, a vital measure for protecting minors’ identities. Additionally, Aura offers three-bureau monitoring with all its plans, ensuring comprehensive coverage and peace of mind for users.

Experian IdentityWorks, despite its credit expertise, lacks these features, making Aura the preferred choice for comprehensive family protection and all-encompassing credit monitoring.

Credit monitoring winner: Aura

Dark web surveillance

The dark web is a hidden marketplace for stolen personal information, so dark web surveillance is crucial for identity theft protection.

Experian IdentityWorks scans daily to detect breaches, while Aura is known for its excellent dark web monitoring, including on-demand scans.

These tools keep an eye on your digital footprint, tracking details like addresses, phone numbers, usernames, passwords, and Social Security Numbers (SSNs). They send timely alerts if your information appears where it shouldn’t. Aura excels with its rapid alert system, quickly notifying users of potential identity compromises, which is a big plus for taking immediate action.

Both Aura and Experian offer comprehensive monitoring, but only Experian includes social media in their dark web surveillance. Since social media plays a significant role in our lives, it’s crucial for comprehensive online protection that a service’s monitoring covers these platforms, which is a notable advantage of Experian IdentityWorks.

Dark web surveillance winner: Experian IdentityWorks

Financial and investment account safeguards

Protecting financial and investment accounts is paramount in identity theft prevention. Aura’s service is designed to alert users to any unauthorized changes in bank accounts or property titles, ensuring that their financial assets remain secure. Additionally, Aura’s financial transaction monitoring allows users to set custom alerts for transactions that exceed predetermined thresholds, providing an early warning system against fraudulent activities.

Experian IdentityWorks complements its identity monitoring with alerts for any aliases or addresses associated with a user’s SSN and keeps an eye out for fraudulent attempts to take over or open new financial accounts. With financial fraud being a common vector for identity theft, both services underscore the importance of vigilance and swift action. Users are encouraged to leverage these safeguards to their full potential, thereby minimizing the risk of financial harm due to identity theft.

Account safeguards winner: Tie

Monitoring and alerts

A robust monitoring and alert system is essential for effective identity theft protection. Aura keeps a close eye on personal information, including SSNs, credit card information, bank account details, driver’s licenses, and passport numbers, ensuring comprehensive protection across a wide range of sensitive data. Plus, Aura’s prompt fraud alerts enable swift action against potential threats, and its thorough monitoring spans multiple types of personal information for solid protection.

Experian IdentityWorks offers a variety of monitoring services, including dark web surveillance and alerts for address changes and non-credit loans. Its comprehensive monitoring – from credit reports to payday loans. ensures users are quickly informed of suspicious activities. The efficiency of these systems is crucial for users to maintain control over their identities and respond promptly to any irregularities.

Monitoring and alerts winner: Tie

Assistance after identity theft

Recovering from identity theft can be complicated, so post-theft assistance is essential. Aura offers expert fraud remediation, including three-way calls with banks or credit bureaus, and help with disputes. It monitors transactions across bank accounts, credit cards, and investment accounts with all its plans, alerting you to any unauthorized access. The family plan includes up to $5 million (up to $1 million for each member) in insurance for expenses like legal fees, showing Aura’s strong support.

Experian IdentityWorks also provides fraud resolution tools and up to $1 million in identity theft insurance. Its Premium plan monitors bank and credit card accounts, alerting users to suspicious activities like wire transfers or potential fraud.

Both Aura and IdentityWorks monitor bank accounts and credit cards for unauthorized access or fraudulent activities, but Aura also extends its monitoring to include investment accounts, offering an additional layer of financial protection.

Identity theft assistance winner: Aura

With its all-inclusive monitoring services and family-friendly features, Aura outperforms IdentityWorks in safeguarding personal identities.

Core identity protection capabilities winner: Aura

Additional digital defenses: Who offers better extras?

When it comes to identity theft protection, Aura goes the extra mile by offering a variety of digital security tools. On the other hand, Experian IdentityWorks focuses mainly on its core strengths: credit and identity monitoring.

As we dive into the extra security features, you’ll see how Aura’s all-inclusive approach provides additional layers of protection.

Lost wallet assistance

If your wallet goes missing, both Aura and Experian IdentityWorks are ready to help. When we tested Aura, we appreciated how quickly they canceled and replaced our cards, while also creating a smart recovery plan to safeguard our identity. This proactive approach not only protects your finances but also provides peace of mind during a stressful time.

IdentityWorks offers a similar lost wallet feature, guiding you step-by-step through canceling and replacing your cards. This service is designed to reduce hassle and protect against fraudulent transactions. However, keep in mind that the actual time saved and overall hassle reduction might depend on how responsive your financial institutions are and the speed of the IdentityWorks support team.

Ad-blocking browser extension

We found Aura’s ad-blocking extension for Chrome, Firefox, and Edge to be a great privacy tool for enhancing privacy. It effectively prevents digital tracking and eliminates ads, plus it includes tracking prevention and email masking within its password manager. However, keep in mind that it doesn’t protect outside applications like a VPN with ad-blocking would.

The extension also blocks malicious websites, safeguarding you from online scams and phishing. One minor drawback we noticed is the occasional verification prompts during activities like Google searches, which can slightly slow down browsing. But overall, these prompts contribute to keeping you safer online.

VPN protection

Aura’s virtual private network (VPN) protection utilizes AES-256 encryption to safeguard your online activities, especially when using public Wi-Fi. Despite being based in the US, Aura assures user privacy with its strict no-logs policy.

Activating the VPN is simple – log into the app, navigate to “Online security,” turn on “Shield” and “VPN,” and toggle “Protect this device.”

Secure password manager

Aura stands out with its password manager. It offers 1 GB of secure cloud storage per adult, perfect for storing important documents and passwords. We also appreciated that you can include children’s profiles in the vault, providing a secure online space for their information too.

Aura’s password manager is a real gem. It conveniently stores login details as you browse and makes retrieval super easy through the mobile app or Chrome extension. It’s a feature we found incredibly useful in our tests.

Social media monitoring

Experian IdentityWorks offers a standout feature – social media monitoring. It keeps you in the know about any posts that could jeopardize your identity or reputation. This proactive measure is crucial since our online actions can have real-life consequences. With IdentityWorks, you can rest assured that your online presence remains private and secure.

On the other hand, while Aura excels in various aspects of identity protection, it doesn’t currently provide social media monitoring.

AI-powered spam call and text protection

Phone scams are everywhere, and fraudsters are always finding new ways to steal your personal information and money. From our experience with Aura, we found their AI-driven call assistant to be a real lifesaver. Acting like a digital bouncer, it blocks spam calls and filters texts to keep scammers at bay. It even examines links in texts for phishing traps, sending any suspicious messages straight to your junk folder.

Aura emerges as the winner with additional digital defenses, including parental controls, antivirus, VPN, and ad blocking in all plans for free.

Additional digital defenses winner: Aura

See all Aura features here >

Ease of use and support: Is Aura or Experian IdentityWorks more user-friendly?

We found Aura to be incredibly straightforward to set up, with a user-friendly interface that makes managing everything simple, especially for families looking to protect their children’s online identities.

On the other hand, Experian IdentityWorks offers a robust platform with a wealth of identity protection alerts. While these extensive features are great, they can make the user experience a bit more complex. Finding the right balance between rich features and ease of use is crucial to ensure you can manage your identity protection without feeling overwhelmed.

Navigation and user interface

Navigating a service’s interface can make or break your experience.

We found Aura’s intuitive interface and smooth mobile app performance make managing your identity protection a breeze.

Signing up on Aura’s website is easy, and the desktop app’s customizable dashboard lets you focus on key security aspects like financial accounts and personal identifiers.

Experian IdentityWorks offers a powerful online platform with a lot of features, which might take a bit of getting used to. Its mobile app is effective, though not as streamlined as Aura’s. When you register for IdentityWorks, you provide personal information, and then the dashboard immediately presents key data and resources. The Experian app is great for keeping an eye on your identity and getting quick alerts on the go.

Unlike Aura, which offers dedicated applications for Windows and macOS, IdentityWorks does not provide separate desktop apps, but its web-based dashboard is accessible through any modern browser.

Navigation and user interface winner: Aura

Customer support and resources

Customer service is a critical aspect of any service-oriented company, especially in the identity theft protection space where you might need immediate help.

Aura sets a high standard with:

• 24/7 expert fraud support: US-based specialists with over seven years of experience are available every day of the year to assist you.

• Dedicated fraud resolution team: A team of US-based fraud resolution specialists provides clear guidance and support in the event of identity theft.

• Multiple contact options: Support can be reached through various channels, including phone at +1 833-552-2123, email at support@aura.com, and live chat during business hours.

• Comprehensive help center: A rich repository of self-help documents and articles is available in Aura’s help center for those who prefer to independently resolve simpler issues or learn more about the service at their own pace.

This demonstrates Aura’s dedication to being readily available for its users and offering expert help with every interaction.

On the other hand, Experian IdentityWorks has received mixed feedback about its customer service. The absence of 24/7 availability and real-time online chat options is a notable downside, particularly in urgent situations where time is of the essence. Some users have encountered difficulties when trying to connect with a live representative for assistance.

Here’s a breakdown of the support options offered by IdentityWorks:

• Phone support: Available during business hours at 877-890-9332, with some users reporting difficulties in reaching a live representative.

• Online help center: Provides a generic knowledge base that offers some guidance but lacks the immediate, personalized assistance that users often need.

• No live chat: Unlike Aura, IdentityWorks does not offer live chat support, which can hinder rapid resolution of issues.

• No direct email support: The service does not provide a direct email option for customer support inquiries.

• No 24/7 customer support: Users cannot access support outside of standard business hours, which can be problematic for those needing immediate help.

• Tiresome retention tactics: Customers have experienced aggressive retention tactics when attempting to cancel memberships, which can be off-putting.

The quality of customer service, particularly during critical moments, significantly influences how users perceive a service and the trust they place in it.

Customer support winner: Aura

With an intuitive interface, simple setup process, and round-the-clock support, Aura leads in ease of use and support, offering a smooth and worry-free experience for identity protection.

Ease of use and support: Aura

Financial health: Who offers more helpful credit reports and scores?

Credit reports and scores are essential for monitoring financial health, and both Aura and Experian IdentityWorks offer valuable services in this area. IdentityWorks provides quarterly credit reports, giving users regular insights into their credit history. Its Family plan goes further by including daily credit reports and FICO scores for more frequent updates.

Aura’s credit monitoring includes VantageScore credit scores and regular credit reports, helping users track their financial status effectively. While both VantageScore and FICO are well-regarded scoring models, the choice between them might depend on individual lender preferences.

IdentityWorks leverages its credit bureau expertise to offer credit file locking and the removal of personal information from certain websites, enhancing its focus on credit features and privacy. For those who prioritize detailed credit insights, IdentityWorks may be the better choice due to its specialized offerings.

Financial health winner: Experian IdentityWorks

Security and privacy: Is Aura or Experian IdentityWorks a safer choice?

Aura does share some information with third parties, but the details of these relationships aren’t completely transparent. That said, Aura is well-regarded for its dedication to security, using bank-grade encryption and partnering with big names like Walmart and Bank of America.

Experian IdentityWorks also takes security seriously. They use SSL technology for secure communication and automatically log you out after a period of inactivity. Logging in requires your password and the last four digits of your SSN, adding an extra layer of security.

However, given Experian’s past data breaches and privacy concerns, those who prioritize confidentiality might want to be a bit cautious.

Security and privacy winner: Aura

Plans and pricing: Does Aura or Experian IdentityWorks offer greater value for money?

When evaluating identity theft protection services, price is a crucial factor, and finding the right balance between cost and features is essential.

Aura offers three well-structured plans, each tailored to meet different user needs:

• Individual: For single users, at $12 monthly (or $9/month with this coupon), billed annually. Features include $1 million in identity theft insurance, 1GB secure cloud storage, and security for up to 10 devices.
• Couple: Suited for two users, priced at $22 per month (or $17/month with this coupon), billed annually. It doubles the cloud storage to 2GB and provides device security for up to 20 devices, with the same insurance coverage.
• Family: Aimed at families, this plan comes at $37 per month (or $25/month with this coupon), billed annually. It extends insurance coverage to $1 million per adult, offers 5GB of cloud storage, and secures up to 50 devices.

Additionally, Aura offers a “Kids” plan for $10 per month, billed annually, focusing on parental controls and safe browsing for an unlimited number of children, but it does not include identity theft protection.

Each Aura plan comes with $1 million in identity theft insurance per person and round-the-clock US-based customer support. Aura also offers a 60-day money-back guarantee on all annual plans, emphasizing their confidence in the service and understanding that it might be a bit steep.

Let’s now take a closer look at IdentityWorks.

Experian IdentityWorks also presents three plans:

• Basic: A no-cost plan providing Experian credit report and FICO score access, significant change alerts, dark web surveillance, and a privacy scan for personal information exposure.

• Premium: At $24.99 per month, it builds on the Basic plan with monthly privacy scans, three-bureau credit monitoring, and additional identity theft monitoring services.

• Family: Priced at $34.99 monthly, this includes all Premium features plus coverage for an additional adult and up to 10 children, tailored for comprehensive family protection.

Each paid plan from IdentityWorks includes a 7-day trial period, allowing users to evaluate the service. However, IdentityWorks’ pricing may be considered higher compared to other services in the market.

In summary, while Aura may seem more expensive at first glance, the wide range of features it offers justifies the investment. Aura stands out as the better choice, providing top-notch identity theft protection, comprehensive insurance policies, and superior device security. Its array of extra features, particularly those designed for family protection, highlights its overall value, surpassing that of IdentityWorks.

Plans and pricing winner: Aura

Conclusion: Is Aura or Experian IdentityWorks best?

After thoroughly comparing Aura and Experian IdentityWorks, here’s how each service stacks up across various criteria:

• Trustworthiness: Aura

• Availability and insurance coverage: Aura

• Core identity protection capabilities: Aura

• Additional digital defenses: Aura

• Ease of use and support: Aura

• Financial health reports: Experian IdentityWorks

• Security and privacy: Aura

• Plans and pricing: Aura

At the end of the day, Aura emerges as the best comprehensive choice, particularly for families, thanks to its extensive features and superb value for money. Its commitment to user privacy, robust identity theft insurance, and inclusion of digital security tools like antivirus, VPN, and password manager make it a standout option.

So, while both Aura and IdentityWorks have their strengths, Aura’s overall offerings, especially for families and individuals seeking a broad range of protections, give it an advantage in this head-to-head comparison.

If you want to give Aura a test drive, check out this coupon for the best savings:

Identity theft protection comparisons on RestorePrivacy:

• Aura vs LifeLock
• IDShield vs Aura

Aura vs Experian IdentityWorks FAQ

What sets Aura apart from Experian IdentityWorks?

Aura stands out from Experian IdentityWorks as a complete digital security solution, especially for families. With its vigilant monitoring, comprehensive alerts, and a generous $1 million identity theft insurance policy, Aura offers robust protection. We particularly appreciated its family-first approach, which includes user-friendly parental controls and device security features designed to safeguard everyone in the household.

Aura doesn’t stop at identity theft protection; it also provides extra digital security tools like antivirus solutions, a password manager, and a VPN service. This ensures your digital life is thoroughly protected. Plus, Aura’s strict no-data-selling policy is a big win for privacy-conscious users. All these features make Aura a comprehensive, all-in-one protection service that goes beyond traditional identity theft protection.

How does Experian differ from Experian IdentityWorks?

Experian is the parent company, while Experian IdentityWorks is a service it offers. Experian is a global information services company, renowned for its credit reporting services that track credit histories and provide credit scores used by lenders.

Experian IdentityWorks, however, is a specific service offered by Experian that focuses on identity theft protection and credit monitoring. It includes features like dark web surveillance, identity theft insurance, and fraud resolution support. While it uses Experian’s credit reporting expertise, it adds extra layers of protection to help safeguard your identity.

Does Experian IdentityWorks offer anything that Aura doesn’t?

Yes, we can confirm that it offers several features that Aura doesn’t. Notably, it provides daily credit reports and a unique service that assists in removing personal information from data broker sites, which could be invaluable for privacy-conscious individuals. Additionally, Experian IdentityWorks includes social media account alerts, which is a crucial feature in today’s digital age where online personas are as important as offline identities.

Can I try either service before committing to a plan?

Yes, you can take advantage of Aura’s 60-day money-back guarantee, giving you ample time to explore its myriad of features and see if it fits your family’s needs. On the other hand, Experian IdentityWorks allows you a 7-day sneak peek to test their services.

It’s worth noting that if you decide the plan isn’t right for you, cancellation is straightforward before the trial ends, ensuring you’re not billed. If you do choose to continue with the service after the trial, and eventually your plan expires, both services typically revert to a monthly billing cycle at the standard rate unless you renew or alter your subscription.

This Aura vs Experian IdentityWorks comparison guide was last updated on June 5, 2024.