LifeLock vs. Experian

We spend a lot of time online, which often means we also have a lot of personal information on the internet. This can open you up to potential security threats from identity thieves.

While you should always take steps to reduce your risk of identity theft, you can add an extra layer of protection with an identity theft protection service. LifeLock and Experian both offer some of the best identity theft monitoring services available. Let’s dive in to compare each service and find which one is best for you.

In a Nutshell

LifeLock is best for someone who wants comprehensive identity monitoring and one-on-one help to restore their identity if it’s stolen.

Experian is ideal for someone who wants affordable identity monitoring for their whole family.

About LifeLock

LifeLock has been one of the most well-known identity theft protection services for years. Its been around since 2005 and has millions of members. In 2017, LifeLock became part of the same company that offers Norton security. That means LifeLock offers both the identity monitoring services it’s best known for, as well as device security services for your computer, mobile phone, or tablet.

About Experian

Yes, it’s that Experian. The one you probably know best as one of the three major credit bureaus. The company offers identity theft protection through its service called IdentityWorks.

As one of the three major credit bureaus, Experian provides expert credit services, including credit monitoring and Experian Boost™ to help improve your FICO score. Its identity protection services piggyback off of its credit monitoring features to provide comprehensive identity coverage.

Basic Features of LifeLock

LifeLock offers four plan options for individuals. All plans above the basic level include access to Norton security features to help protect your devices from cyberattacks. All plan levels include standard coverage, including:

• Identity and Social Security number alerts
• U.S.-based identity restoration agents
• 24/7 customer support
• Stolen wallet protection
• USPS address change verification
• Dark web monitoring
• Privacy monitor
• Data breach notifications

LifeLock Standard

Million Dollar Protection Package:

• Up to $25,000 in stolen funds reimbursement
• Up to $25,000 in personal expense compensation
• Up to $1 million coverage for lawyers and experts
• Credit monitoring: One bureau
• Device security: None

LifeLock Select

Million Dollar Protection Package:

• Up to $25,000 in stolen funds reimbursement
• Up to $25,000 in personal expense compensation
• Up to $1 million coverage for lawyers and experts
• Credit monitoring: One bureau
• Device security: Security and VPN for 5 devices
• PC cloud backup up to 100GB, parental controls, Virus Protection Promise, anonymous browsing, ad-tracker blocker, SafeCam for Windows PCs
• PC cloud backup up to 100GB, parental controls, Virus Protection Promise, anonymous browsing, ad-tracker blocker, SafeCam for Windows PCs

LifeLock Advantage

Million Dollar Protection Package:

• Up to $100,000 in stolen funds reimbursement
• Up to $100,000 in personal expense compensation
• Up to $1 million coverage for lawyers and experts
• Credit monitoring: One bureau with annual credit score and report
• Additional alerts: credit, checking, and savings accounts, crimes committed in your name, fictitious identity
• Identity Lock: Lock your TransUnion credit file
• Device security: Security and VPN for 10 devices
• PC cloud backup up to 250GB, parental controls, Virus Protection Promise, anonymous browsing, ad-tracker blocker, SafeCam for Windows PCs
• PC cloud backup up to 250GB, parental controls, Virus Protection Promise, anonymous browsing, ad-tracker blocker, SafeCam for Windows PCs

LifeLock Ultimate Plus

Million Dollar Protection Package:

• Up to $1 million in stolen funds reimbursement
• Up to $1 million in personal expense compensation
• Up to $1 million coverage for lawyers and experts
• Credit monitoring: All three bureaus with annual credit report and score as well as monthly score tracking from Equifax
• Additional alerts: credit, checking, and savings accounts, crimes committed in your name, fictitious identity, home title monitoring, new checking and savings account applications, 401(k) and investment activity, file-sharing network searches, sex offender registry reports
• Identity Lock: Lock your TransUnion credit file
• Device security: Security and VPN for unlimited devices
• PC cloud backup up to 500GB, parental controls, Virus Protection Promise, anonymous browsing, ad-tracker blocker, SafeCam for Windows PCs
• PC cloud backup up to 500GB, parental controls, Virus Protection Promise, anonymous browsing, ad-tracker blocker, SafeCam for Windows PCs

Read More: Is LifeLock Worth It?

Basic Features of Experian

Experian only offers two identity theft protection plan levels Plus and Premium. The nice part of Experian’s plans, however, is the ability to choose an individual plan or family plan for adults and their children. The only difference between individual and family plans is the number of adults and children being covered by the plan.

• Individual: Coverage for one adult
• One-Adult Family: Coverage for one adult and up to 10 children
• Two-Adult Family: Coverage for two adults and up to 10 children

All of Experian’s plans include:

• Dark web monitoring
• U.S.-based identity theft resolution specialists
• Lost wallet assistance
• Experian CreditLock: Lock and unlock your Experian credit file and get real-time credit inquiry alerts

IdentityWorksPlus

• Identity theft insurance:Up to $500,000
• Identity theft monitoring and alerts: Social Security number, address change verification
• Credit monitoring and alerts: Experian only
• New credit inquiries, new accounts, large account balance changes, credit utilization, positive activity, dormant accounts, FICO score alerts
• New credit inquiries, new accounts, large account balance changes, credit utilization, positive activity, dormant accounts, FICO score alerts
• Credit scores: Daily Experian FICO score, score tracking, FICO score simulator, FICO Auto, and FICO Bankcard scores

IdentityWorks Premium

• Identity theft insurance: Up to $1 million
• Identity theft monitoring and alerts: Social Security number, address change verification, financial account activity, identity validation, payday loans, court records, sex offender registry, file-sharing networks, social networks
• Credit monitoring and alerts: Experian, Equifax, and TransUnion
• New credit inquiries, new accounts, large account balance changes, credit utilization, positive activity, dormant accounts, FICO score alerts
• New credit inquiries, new accounts, large account balance changes, credit utilization, positive activity, dormant accounts, FICO score alerts
• Credit scores: Quarterly 3-bureau FICO scores, daily Experian FICO score, score tracking, FICO score simulator, FICO Auto, and FICO Bankcard scores

Special Features of LifeLock

With LifeLock Select and the above plans, you get device protection from Norton--one of the most trusted security providers. LifeLock also has 24/7 member support so you can get answers to concerns or questions whenever you need them. If you are a victim of identity theft, LifeLock’s restoration specialists will walk you through each step of the identity theft resolution process.

Special Features of Experian

Experian offers multiple family coverage options for parents and guardians to protect their children from identity theft. As a major credit bureau, Experian provides extensive credit monitoring and score reports in its Premium plan.

LifeLock Costs

• LifeLock Standard: $9.99 per month for the first year, then $11.99/month
• LifeLock Select: $9.99 per month for the first year, then $14.99/month
• LifeLock Advantage: $19.99 per month for the first year, then $24.99/month
• LifeLock Ultimate Plus: $29.99 per month for the first year, then $34.99/month

Experian Costs

• IdentityWorksPlus: $9.99 per month (individual);$14.99 per month (1 adult, 10 children); $19,99(2 adults, 10 children)
• IdentityWorksPremium: $19.99 per month;$24.99 per month(1 adult, 10 children); $29.99 per month(2 adults, 10 children)

Pros and Cons of LifeLock

Read More: LifeLock Alternatives

Pros and Cons of Experian

LifeLock Frequently Asked Questions

Does LifeLock cover businesses?

No, LifeLock only covers individuals.

How does LifeLock send you security alerts?

You can receive identity threat alerts through email, text, phone, or the mobile app.

Experian Frequently Asked Questions

Can you lock your credit if your identity is stolen?

Yes, Experian includes CreditLock to easily lock or unlock your Experian credit file.

Does Experian check for your data on the Dark Web?

Yes, Experian scans the Dark Web for your information daily.

LifeLock vs. Experian Which Should You Choose?

Everyone’s identity monitoring needs are different. What might be a perfect fit for one person may not work as well for your family. Both services provide solid identity theft protection and higher-tier plans from both give you access to premium features.

Why Choose LifeLock?

LifeLock is a good option if you want a hands-off approach to identity monitoring and cybersecurity. With added device protection from Norton, LifeLock is great for someone who wants to purchase an identity protection plan and let LifeLock take care of the rest.

Why Choose Experian?

Experian identity protection is ideal if you’re looking for an affordable solution to protect you and your family from identity thieves. Experian’s family coverage can cover up to 10 children. Experian also includes credit monitoring, which could help you catch fraud before it’s an issue.

Final Thoughts

Signing up for an identity theft monitoring service could help keep you safe from data breaches or identity thieves. Most services include benefits like credit score monitoring or fund reimbursement if you experience identity theft.

The best way to choose a service is to do your research on the best identity theft protection services. Decide what features are most important to you and shop around for the service that offers those features at a price that’s reasonable to you.

Learn More: Best Apps to Boost Your Credit Score