In the first half of 2025, identity theft cases surged, credit card fraud rose 51%, and “other identity theft” incidents climbed 53% compared to the same period in 2024. For all of 2024, the FTC logged more than 1.1 million identity theft complaints, marking a 9.5% increase from 2023. Financial losses from identity fraud totaled $23 billion in 2023, up 13% from the previous year, driven largely by credit card fraud and scams involving email or social media accounts.
Your identity is your most important asset. That’s why you need to protect it. But with so many identity theft protection options, which identity theft protection service is the best?
Two of the top identity theft protection services on the market today are IdentityIQ and McAfee ID Theft Protection. In this review, we break down their features, pros, and cons to determine which service delivers the strongest and best overall protection.
IdentityIQ
When you receive real-time fraud alerts from all three bureaus, you can act quickly to stop identity thieves in their tracks. Delaying an alert for even a day can allow an identity thief to rack up hundreds, if not thousands, of dollars of debt in your name.
The IdentityIQ platform offers a wide range of identity and credit protection tools, including three-bureau credit monitoring, monthly credit reports and scores, dark web surveillance, identity theft insurance, access to expert fraud restoration specialists, and device security add-ons.
Pros of IdentityIQ
- Real-Time Three-Bureau Alerts – Instant fraud alerts from all three credit bureaus provide the fastest protection.
- Monthly Credit Reports & Scores – Stay on top of your credit with updated three-bureau reports.
- Expert Fraud Recovery – U.S.-based specialists provide full support through the recovery process.
- Dark Web Monitoring – Scans the dark web for compromised data such as Social Security numbers, account logins, and more, and alerts you if your information is found.
- Affordable & Customizable Plans – Multiple pricing tiers let members choose the right coverage for their needs.
Cons of IdentityIQ
- Device Security Add-Ons – VPN and antivirus are not standard in all plans and can be purchased as an add-on.
- Premium Features Limited to Higher Tiers – The most comprehensive monitoring tools are available only with upper-tier plans.
McAfee ID Theft Protection
McAfee is a well-known cybersecurity brand, and its ID Theft Protection service is an extension of its security services.
The service offers multiple plan tiers with varying levels of coverage, including credit monitoring, alerts, and restoration support. All plans include some level of device security. However, many core identity theft features, such as three-bureau credit monitoring, are only available at the highest price point.
Pros of McAfee ID Theft Protection
- Cybersecurity Coverage on All Plans – Every plan, from entry-level to the highest level, includes digital safety tools.
- 24/7 Customer Support – Members can receive support around the clock with the goal of resolving issues quickly.
Cons of McAfee ID Theft Protection
- Limited Features on Lower Tiered Plans – Basic plans lack some standard identity protection tools.
- One-Bureau Fraud Alerts – Fraud alerts only come in real time from one credit bureau. Members have to wait until the end of the day to receive fraud alerts from the other two bureaus, meaning identity thieves have more time to cause damage to your identity and finances.
IdentityIQ vs. McAfee ID Theft Protection: What’s the Best?
When it comes to identity theft protection, IdentityIQ is the best option with its immediate three-bureau fraud alerts, monthly credit reports, and strong fraud recovery support. Its combination of affordability and comprehensive protection makes it a top choice for individuals who want to stay ahead of identity thieves.
While McAfee ID Theft Protection is a solid option for those seeking device security features, its limited lower-tier plans and lack of complete real-time alerts make it less comprehensive than IdentityIQ.
For the fastest alerts, superior fraud recovery support, and comprehensive monitoring, IdentityIQ is the best identity theft protection service available today.
