Our series on identity theft protection apps will evaluate the features, pricing options, competition, and also the overall value of using each app. However, these are not full hands-on reviews since evaluating identity theft protection apps is almost impossible. It would require several months of testing, purposefully hacking accounts to see if the protection app works, handing over personally identifiable information, performing multiple credit checks, and risking exposure of the reviewer’s personally identifiable information.

Undoubtedly, Norton is synonymous with online consumer security and safety. In 1982, Norton LifeLock's predecessor, Symantec, was established. The brand's prominence stems from its renowned antivirus software, which comes preinstalled on many PCs. Despite potential skepticism, the Norton LifeLock identity theft protection app provides reassurance. Trusting this software with personal information is facilitated by the brand's reputation and the company's established presence.

Norton LifeLock: Plans and pricing

Norton LifeLock offers a range of plans designed to protect individuals and families from identity theft, often bundled with Norton 360's cybersecurity features. The core LifeLock plans typically include Standard, Ultimate Plus, and Advantage, each offering varying levels of identity monitoring, credit monitoring, and Million Dollar Protection Package coverage, which provides reimbursement for stolen funds, personal expense compensation, and coverage for lawyers and experts.

For individuals, these plans offer increasing benefits, from basic alerts and dark web monitoring in the Standard plan to comprehensive three-bureau credit monitoring, bank and investment account alerts, home title monitoring, and social media monitoring in the Ultimate Plus plan. Each plan is available for individuals and can also be expanded to cover Families (2 adults) or families with kids (2 adults + up to 5 kids), providing tailored protection for multiple members.

Many of these LifeLock plans can be bundled with Norton 360, which provides device security (including antivirus, VPN, password manager, cloud backup, etc.) for a specified number of devices or unlimited devices with the Ultimate Plus bundle. This creates an all-in-one cybersecurity and identity theft protection solution. Pricing for these plans varies depending on whether they are purchased monthly or annually, with annual subscriptions typically offering a discounted rate for the first year. Features like Genie Scam Protection Pro, which uses AI to detect scams in texts and emails, are also becoming integrated into these comprehensive offerings.

Norton LifeLock: Interface

The Norton LifeLock Standard plan is an entry-level option for identity theft protection, focusing on essential monitoring and recovery features. Key benefits include the Million Dollar Protection Package, which offers up to $1 million to lawyers and experts to help resolve identity theft, plus reimbursement of up to $25,000 for stolen funds and up to $25,000 for personal expense compensation. The plan also provides Identity and Social Security Number alerts, notifying you if your information is used for credit or service applications. Dark Web Monitoring actively patrols hard-to-find dark websites and forums to alert you if your personal information is discovered. Additionally, a Privacy Monitor helps reduce the public exposure of your data by scanning common people-search websites and assisting with opt-out requests. It also includes Utility Account Creation Monitoring, which alerts you if someone attempts to open a utility account in your name. For an individual, the LifeLock Standard plan is generally priced at $11.99 per month or a discounted $89.99 for the first year when paid annually (which averages to $7.50 per month for the first year, renewing at $124.99/year). Family plans are also available, with varying pricing for "2 adults" or "2 adults + up to 5 kids." For instance, the "2 adults" plan costs approximately $23.99 per month or $149.87 for the first year when paid annually, while the "2 adults + 5 kids" plan costs around $35.99 per month or $221.87 for the first year when paid annually. It's important to note that these prices are often introductory and may increase upon renewal.

The Norton LifeLock Advantage plan significantly builds upon the foundational protection offered by the Standard plan, providing enhanced coverage and additional monitoring features for a higher level of identity theft defense. While both plans include **Identity and Social Security Number alerts**, **Dark Web Monitoring**, **Privacy Monitor**, and **Utility Account Creation Monitoring**, the Advantage plan significantly enhances the financial safeguards.

One of the most notable differences is the increase in the Million Dollar Protection™ Package reimbursement limits. With LifeLock Advantage, the Stolen Funds Reimbursement jumps from $25,000 in the Standard plan to $100,000. Similarly, Personal Expense Compensation also increases from $25,000 to $100,000. The coverage for Lawyers and Experts remains at up to $1 million in both plans.

Beyond the financial uplift, Advantage introduces new monitoring capabilities. It adds Credit Reports & Credit Scores (One-bureau, Monthly), allowing for more frequent insights into your credit activity, whereas Standard does not include credit reports or scores. It also includes Credit Alerts, such as Phone Takeover Monitoring and Alerts on Crimes Committed in Your Name, which are not present in the Standard plan. Furthermore, LifeLock Advantage includes Identity Lock, specifically for your TransUnion credit file and payday loans, offering an active way to help prevent new accounts from being opened in your name.

In terms of pricing, the LifeLock Advantage plan is typically priced at $22.99 per month or a discounted $179.88 for the first year when paid annually (which averages to $14.99 per month for the first year, renewing at $239.99 per year). For families, the "2 adults" plan costs approximately $45.99 per month or $287.88 for the first year annually (renewing at $479.99/year). The "2 adults + 5 kids" plan is around $57.99 per month or $359.88 for the first year annually (renewing at $579.99/year). As with the Standard plan, these introductory prices are often subject to increase upon renewal.

The Norton LifeLock Ultimate Plus plan represents the pinnacle of identity theft protection offered by LifeLock, providing the most comprehensive features and the highest levels of coverage. It takes all the benefits of the Standard and Advantage plans and significantly amplifies them.

The most significant upgrade in Ultimate Plus is the Million Dollar Protection™ Package. While the Lawyers and Experts coverage remains at up to $1 million, both the Stolen Funds Reimbursement and Personal Expense Compensation are boosted dramatically to up to $1 million each. This is a substantial increase from the $25,000 in Standard and $100,000 in Advantage, offering unparalleled financial protection in the event of severe identity theft.

Beyond increased reimbursement, Ultimate Plus significantly expands monitoring capabilities. It includes Three-Bureau Credit Monitoring (Equifax, Experian, and TransUnion), along with Annual Three-Bureau Credit Reports and Scores, providing a comprehensive view of your credit health across all major bureaus. This is a significant improvement over the Advantage plan's one-bureau monitoring. Furthermore, Ultimate Plus adds 401(k) and Investment Account Alerts, as well as Home Title Monitoring, protecting these critical assets from fraudulent activity. It also offers Social Media Monitoring, which helps detect imposter accounts, inappropriate content, and potential scams involving your social media profiles. The plan also typically includes enhanced support, such as 24/7 live member support with priority access. Some newer integrations also feature Genie Scam Protection Pro, an AI-powered tool to help detect and protect against sophisticated online scams, including those delivered via email and SMS.

In terms of pricing, the LifeLock Ultimate Plus plan is generally priced at $34.99 per month or a discounted $239.88 for the first year when paid annually (averaging $19.99 per month for the first year, with a renewal rate of $339.99 per year). For families, the "2 adults" plan costs approximately $69.99 per month or $395.88 for the first year annually (renewing at $679.99/year). The "2 adults + 5 kids" plan is the most expensive, typically around $79.99 per month or $467.88 for the first year annually (renewing at $799.99/year). As with the other plans, these introductory prices are subject to substantially higher renewal costs. When bundled with Norton 360, Ultimate Plus often includes security for an unlimited number of devices and a larger amount of cloud backup storage, providing a truly all-encompassing protection suite.

Norton LifeLock: Features

LifeLock offers a suite of features designed to safeguard users' sensitive information. These features are comparable to those provided by similar programs such as IdentityForce and IDShield. However, LifeLock stands out by presenting these features within a meticulously crafted, user-friendly interface. The interface's design reflects a deep understanding of user needs and a commitment to delivering a seamless experience.

One key aspect of LifeLock's interface is its simplicity. The layout is clean and uncluttered, with each feature clearly labeled and easy to find. This simplicity makes it easy for users to navigate the program and access the tools they need quickly and efficiently.

Another strength of LifeLock's interface is its intuitiveness. The program's features are organized in a logical way that follows the natural flow of a user's thought process. This intuitiveness minimizes the need for users to refer to manuals or tutorials, making it easy for them to get started with LifeLock right away.

In addition to its simplicity and intuitiveness, LifeLock's interface is also most certainly visually appealing. The program features a modern, minimalist design that is both attractive and professional. This aesthetic appeal enhances the user experience, making it more enjoyable and satisfying to use LifeLock.

LifeLock's interface exemplifies the program's dedication to providing an exceptional user experience. By harmonizing simplicity, intuitiveness, and visual allure, LifeLock has crafted an interface that effortlessly allows users to safeguard their sensitive information, fostering peace of mind.

Furthermore, the interface of LifeLock is arguably easier to use, and also cleaner, which means you’ll often find more of the options available with less clicks.

Norton LifeLock: The competition

Similar to tech giants like Facebook and Google, Norton LifeLock stands out as a security firm with unparalleled immediate brand awareness, especially regarding consumer safety. Factors contributing to this recognition include its extensive advertising campaigns on network television and its long-standing presence in the industry. For those who have used computers during the early Windows and Mac eras, the Norton name likely holds familiarity and trust.

In the realm of identity theft protection apps, competitors must contend with the highly respected Norton brand, renowned for its cybersecurity offerings. While lesser-known options such as IdentityForce and IDShield provide similar features, they lack the widespread recognition of Norton. ADT, known for its physical home security solutions, also offers an identity theft protection app, but it falls short in terms of household recognition when compared to Norton.

LifeLock shares many similarities with IdentityForce and IDShield in terms of its features. The premium tier of LifeLock stands out with exclusive offerings such as 401K protection, crime tracking tools under your name, and monitoring across all three major credit agencies. Additionally, the Advantage plan and above provide exceptional features like TransUnion Credit Lock and PayDay Loan Lock services, making LifeLock a compelling choice for identity protection.

In the realm of identity theft protection, IDShield differentiates itself from its rival LifeLock by providing various exclusive features. Notably, IDShield's mobile application integrates social media monitoring, a crucial aspect in the current digital landscape where personal information is frequently shared publicly. This additional layer of protection empowers users to oversee their online presence and promptly respond to potential threats, ensuring enhanced security and peace of mind.

One of IDShield's strengths lies in its collaboration with criminal justice professionals. This valuable service offers users expert insights and guidance through the intricate legal system in the event of identity theft. Criminal justice professionals can provide valuable advice on effectively reporting the crime, acquiring official police reports, and assisting users in understanding the various steps involved in the legal process. This collaboration ensures that users receive comprehensive support throughout their journey to restore their identity and seek justice.

In contrast to LifeLock's premium plans, which lack monitoring and tracking features, IDShield offers these features as part of its more affordable plans. This strategic move by IDShield makes comprehensive protection accessible to a wider range of users, enabling them to enjoy robust security without exceeding their budget.

Standing out as a compelling option for individuals seeking comprehensive identity theft protection, IDShield offers competitive pricing and additional features. Its focus on social media monitoring, discussions with criminal justice professionals, and inclusive pricing plans empowers users to effectively safeguard their personal information. This sets IDShield apart from its competitors and provides users with the tools they need to protect their identity.

Norton LifeLock: Support

All LifeLock plans provide round-the-clock live support, with a toll-free number prominently displayed on their website, which we certainly appreciate. While there's no chat, email, or support portal, the top-tier plan offers higher priority support.

While there are blog articles and answers to frequently asked questions, the website lacks video content, whitepapers and webinars.

Norton LifeLock: Final verdict

Norton LifeLock operates in a highly competitive landscape, where it faces numerous challenges from various identity theft protection software providers. In this crowded market, the ability to stand out is crucial, and brand awareness plays a pivotal role in differentiating Norton LifeLock from its many rivals. Recognized as a leader in cybersecurity, Norton LifeLock benefits from a strong reputation, built over years of trust and reliability.

One notable challenge for Norton LifeLock is the complexity of its paid plans. Customers are presented with a wide array of options, each tailored to different security needs and family sizes. This multitude of choices can be overwhelming for potential users, leading to confusion about which plan best meets their specific requirements. For families or individuals unfamiliar with identity theft protection services, this complexity could be a significant deterrent, potentially driving them to seek simpler alternatives from competitors.

However, despite this potential drawback, Norton LifeLock excels in the area of user experience. Its interface is meticulously designed, characterized by a clean and intuitive layout that prioritizes user-friendliness. All features are organized logically, allowing customers to easily navigate through various tools and resources without feeling lost or frustrated. This commitment to a seamless user experience not only enhances customer satisfaction but also fosters a sense of confidence in the software’s capabilities.

Moreover, Norton LifeLock offers a range of educational resources and support materials, helping customers better understand how to protect their identities online. These resources contribute significantly to the company’s value proposition, as they empower users with knowledge and tools to safeguard their personal information proactively.

Overall, while Norton LifeLock certainly faces tough competition in the identity theft protection market, its strong brand recognition and exceptionally designed user interface serve as formidable competitive advantages. Nevertheless, simplifying the selection process for its paid plans could greatly enhance the customer experience, making it easier for potential clients to identify and choose the most suitable security solutions for their needs. By addressing this complexity, Norton LifeLock could capture a broader audience and solidify its position as a top choice for identity theft protection.

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Are you still using insecure passwords that put your online accounts at risk? With so many data breaches, leveling up your password security game is time.

NordPass, from the makers of the popular NordVPN, is one of the best password managers that combines robust security features with a user-friendly interface. From its zero-knowledge encryption to multi-factor authentication and passkey support, NordPass ensures your passwords stay locked down tight.

But it's not just about security. NordPass makes password management a breeze with autofill, secure sharing, password health checks, and more. Whether you're an individual or a business, NordPass has flexible pricing plans to meet your needs, including a free tier.

The best part? NordPass strikes the perfect balance between robust security and convenience, making it a top choice for anyone looking to safeguard their online life. It also offers some excellent features that businesses can utilize to enhance their credential security, which you can read about at the bottom of this review.

Learn more about how NordPass can simplify your digital life while fortifying your defenses. Read on.

• Interested in NordPass? Check out the website here

NordPass: Plans and pricing

There is a free tier with NordPass, which isn't always a given with password managers. It gets you storage for an unlimited number of passwords, which you can access from anywhere, but you’ll only be allowed one signed-in session at a time, so if you alternate between your phone and your computer, you’ll be kicked out each time you change your device.

It won't detect weak or reused passwords, and it won't scan the web for data breaches, which some competitor companies do even at this free level. It also won't let you mask your email or securely store files within the app.

The Premium account turns all those features on and costs $1.99 per month for annual commitments, or $1.49 per month for a two year commitment. It also allows you to use trusted sharing, which grants access to trusted contacts in case of emergencies.

The top personal tier is the Family plan, which you can buy for as little as $3.69 per month on the one year plan, or $2.79 per month for the two year commitment. You'll get six accounts with this product alongside all of the features included with the Premium product. Both of these plans are also available with two-year commitments, which means you can save a bit more money if you’re willing to pay upfront.

It’s also worth mentioning that some countries, including major markets like Australia and Canada, will see pricing in USD. Despite this, billing will still occur in local currencies.

NordPass's standard Business product starts at $3.99 per user per month for the one year plan, or $3.59 per user per month for the two year plan, and can handle up to 150 users, so it's ideal for small and medium businesses. This time, it’s advertised in USD globally, but each country will pay in local currencies. You get all the features we've mentioned alongside a security dashboard, the option to deploy company-wide settings, and Google Workplace SSO. The business product also includes team management features, like company-wide settings deployment and real-time monitoring. If you need more than 150 users, NordPass prompts you to contact the sales department for a quote.

The conventional business product doesn’t require a dedicated account manager or face-to-face onboarding. If you'd like those features, more SSO options, and user provisioning via Active Directory, you'll need the Enterprise product, and you'll again have to contact NordPass directly to get a quote.

In all cases, you can get a more significant discount via the NordPass promo codes that always are available to new users.

Unfortunately, Nord Security doesn’t offer bundles with its VPN service, NordVPN, which is a missed opportunity because other companies like Dashlane do.

NordPass: Setup

NordPass is a well-regarded password manager developed by the cybersecurity experts behind NordVPN. With a strong focus on security and a user-friendly interface, it offers a reliable way to manage passwords. If you've chosen NordPass as your digital vault, here's your step-by-step guide to setting it up.

To begin with, NordPass, head to the NordPass website and create an account. You can sign up with your email, and you'll need to create a master password. This master password is the key to unlocking your vault, so ensure it's strong and memorable. NordPass doesn't have access to this password, so remember it, or your vault will become inaccessible.

With your account ready, download the NordPass application for your device. NordPass supports various operating systems, including Windows, macOS, Linux, Android, and iOS. After downloading and installing the app, sign in with the NordPass credentials that you just created.

Once you're in, NordPass can import passwords from your previous password manager or browser. This step can save you a considerable amount of time, as manually adding each password can be tedious. NordPass typically provides a guide for importing data to help you through the process.

Now it's time to explore NordPass features. Familiarize yourself with the user interface and see how to add and manage passwords. Try out the auto-fill and auto-save functionalities by logging into a few of your accounts to see how smoothly NordPass operates.

If you have various types of data you want to keep secure, NordPass allows you to store not just passwords but also notes, credit card information, and even personal details for quickly filling out forms online. Each entry is encrypted, ensuring your sensitive information remains private.

To enhance security further, consider setting up two-factor authentication (2FA). NordPass supports several 2FA methods, adding an extra layer of protection to your account. With 2FA enabled, accessing your vault requires something you know (your master password) and something you have (such as a code from your phone).

NordPass also offers a secure password generator tool, which you should use to create new, complex passwords for your accounts. To boost online security, update any weak passwords, replacing them with intense, randomly generated ones from NordPass.

Finally, download and install the NordPass browser extensions for a seamless browsing experience. Whether you're using Chrome, Firefox, or Safari, the NordPass extension can help you auto-fill passwords, save new login credentials, and access your vault quickly.

By now, your NordPass account should be fully operational. As you continue using NordPass, it's essential to review your vault for outdated information regularly and also take advantage of any new features that NordPass may release. With the NordPass setup complete, you can know that managing your passwords is now secure and straightforward.

NordPass: Interface and performance

Everything about the NordPass interface is smooth and elegant, from the initial sign-up page to the apps you'll install as you get the software set up – it's actually one of the most polished experiences we've seen, and the same its true of other Nord Security products. Everything is built to be user-friendly and accessible, so it's a password manager that will suit users at all levels of technical know-how.

The software does a really good job of hiding itself away in the background and only popping up discreetly when needed, and we had no complaints in terms of getting our passwords synced across multiple devices (it only takes a second or two usually).

The helpful touches spread throughout were much appreciated. You can customize generated passwords by length or by turning off characters that can be misread as something else, for example). Following this theme, you can even streamline online shopping by letting NordPass input your credit card details and shipping info for a smoother checkout. It’s even possible to switch between different Nordpass accounts without compromising your security, so if you need to manage work and personal life separately, it’s easily done.

When it comes to managing your account, logging in and accessing your settings, passwords, and other stored information is very straightforward. We appreciate the clean interface that is well laid out, and easy to use.

Previously, we mentioned that it would be nice to be able to tag or otherwise sort different types of credentials, but this has now been addressed. Folders allow you to separate categories, for example social media, online shopping, and banking.

There’s a separate area for payment details, but it would be a nice addition to see a dedicated area for IDs, such as driving licenses and passports. These are the sorts of documents that you don’t carry every day, but when booking a flight, you might unexpectedly need to call on them.

The app's extra features are just as easy to use. Look to the bottom-right of the app and you'll find a password generator, password health assessment module, and a data breach scanner, and they're all as straightforward as the app's main functions.

NordPass: Passkeys

As more and more websites begin to add passkeys as a login option, password managers are beginning to commit to their adoption, but NordPass has actually already integrated passkey support, making it one of the first.

The desktop application, NordPass Web Vault, and Firefox and Chrome-based browser extensions are already compatible with passkeys, but Safari users will have to wait for a future release to be included. Mobile support is also coming as soon as software makers open up passkeys to third parties.

Passkeys are saved in a separate location from regular passwords, and chances are you’ll still have a vault full of passwords for a long time to come because the few websites that are adopting passkeys are just using them as secondary login methods.

Passkey login and passwordless authentication for accessing NordPass is also in the works, but details are limited at the moment.

NordPass: Security

As you would expect from a developer that also offers a VPN, NordPass has a tight security setup. For a start it deploys a zero-knowledge approach, with end-to-end encryption for your password backups and data syncing – that means not even the NordPass team can see the data that you've got saved.

The increasingly well-respected XChaCha20 encryption algorithm is used, which is also a favorite of companies like Google and Cloudflare: it goes up to 256-bit encryption and is seen (by some at least) as a more future-proof solution than the AES-256 encryption commonly used elsewhere.

Biometric security can be added where supported – FaceID or Touch ID on Apple hardware, Windows Hello on a Windows machine, or a fingerprint reader for other smartphones. Two-factor authentication is supported for your NordPass account and the accounts you're storing passwords for. You're also able to use OTP generators or USB sticks to activate multi-factor authentication for added security.

NordPass also operated a blog which it uses to publicize important security tips alongside product announcements. The most common passwords page is particularly revealing, and even some less obvious passwords are at risk of being guessed in a matter of seconds.

NordPass: Support

NordPass has an extensive Help Center that covers a gamut of topics. From helping you start with NordPass, managing your passwords, or troubleshooting common issues, the Help Center is your first go-to resource. The articles are detailed, easy to understand, and provide step-by-step guidance, making them an invaluable self-service tool.

For more personalized support, NordPass users can reach out via email. Whether you're encountering a specific issue or have a question that needs to be covered in the Help Center, the NordPass support team is ready to assist. Users can expect thoughtful, precise, and prompt responses. This channel is beneficial for complex issues that require detailed explanations.

NordPass takes its user support significantly with its 24/7 live chat service. This option is perfect for users looking for instant assistance. Whether you're struggling with installing NordPass, facing syncing issues, or need guidance on setting up a family account, the live chat team is always at your disposal. The immediacy and efficiency of live chat support ensure that users can resolve their issues without significant downtime.

Recognizing the power of social media in today's communication landscape, NordPass also offers support through its social media platforms. Users can reach out to NordPass through channels like Twitter for quick questions or updates on service status. This not only makes support accessible but also allows users to stay connected and informed about any new features or updates.

The NordPass Community Forum is a platform where users can share tips solutions, and engage in discussions related to NordPass. While not directly managed by the NordPass support team, these forums are monitored, and staff occasionally chime in. It's a great place to learn from other users’ experiences and share your own, fostering a sense of community among NordPass users.

For users keen on understanding and navigating through potential security issues, NordPass provides security advisories. These advisories detail any discovered vulnerabilities and the company’s steps to address them. It's a testament to NordPass's commitment to transparency and security.

As you can see, NordPass goes above and beyond to ensure that their users receive the support they need when they need it. Through a multi-channel support approach, NordPass caters to the varied preferences and requirements of its user base, ensuring a smooth and secure user experience.

NordPass: The competition

NordPass is one of the most prominent password managers around and, as such, it faces loads of strong competition. Apps like LastPass are good alternatives with similar feature sets and pricing structures, and you'd be well-served by either of those tools.

If you'd like something more affordable but admittedly more basic, a product like mSecure will get the job done – it doesn't have the business options or the high-end features of NordPass, but it ticks mainstream boxes and it's cheaper.

If you’re after the security associated with a company that’s also made a name for itself in the VPN world, then Dashlane or Proton Pass would be good alternatives.

NordPass: Final verdict

We're impressed with what we've seen of NordPass during our testing, and we think it's a great choice for individuals and small-to-mid-sized companies. It balances an aesthetically pleasing design with some useful features and advanced security protection, and it holds up well when you compare it against anything else on the market.

Pricing is competitive, and it's nice to see a free tier available. Negatively, it doesn't have more advanced tools like Wi-Fi syncing and Dark Web scanning, but that shouldn't put you off unless you're looking for a password manager with every possible feature.

NordPass Business

NordPass Business: Team and Admin features

Business users get a cloud-based admin console to control and regulate password management for their organizations.

As an admin, you can use this console to exercise comprehensive control over user access and permissions. You can also use it to manage and monitor user activities, and ensure that your business’ security policies are enforced consistently.

NordPass Business offers three distinct roles for users to help segregate duties, and control access within the organization.

The Owner has the most privileges, and can manage all aspects of the organization. Then there’s Admin who can access the admin panel, and most of its management functions, but cannot grant or revoke the owner’s rights. Finally, there’s the User whose access is restricted to the NordPass password manager app.

NordPass for Business lets you organize your users in groups, for instance, based on the departments, or projects in the company. You can then share an item with a group, which is automatically made available to all of the group’s members.

In addition to groups, users can also share anything they’ve saved in their vaults, including login credentials, passkeys, secure notes, and more, with other users as well. These shared items can be permission-limited, and there are multiple access levels a user can choose from. Users can hand out full edit permissions, or restrict access to just reshare, or view the shared details.

NordPass for Business also enables admins to define company-wide password policies to enforce strong password requirements. Admins can keep the length of the password between 8 and 60 characters, mandate the use of uppercase letters, digits, and special characters. They can also ensure users are made to change passwords either after 30, 60, 90,or 180 days.

To ensure adherence to the password policy, admins can monitor compliance from the admin panel as well. The panel also has an activity log that tracks actions, such as credential use, and admin panel activity, for every user. The log can be filtered for a particular time period, and/or user.

NordPass Business: Integrations and Compatibility

NordPass for Business offers several integrations for organizations of all sizes.

The first and foremost of these is its support for several popular Single Sign-On (SSO) and the best identity providers, including Okta, Entra ID, Google Workspace, and Microsoft Active Directory Federation Service (ADFS).

These help NordPass for Business streamline the authentication process, and also enhance security by reducing the number of credentials your users need to manage. Once enabled, users in your organization can log in using their existing corporate credentials.

Remember though, the Business plan only includes support for Google Workspace SSO. If you need to plug in Okta, Entra ID, or ADFS, you’ll need to subscribe to the Enterprise plan.

To help ensure your company maintains compliance with industry standards, NordPass for Business integrates with platforms like Vanta, and Splunk. While Vanta helps fuse the password manager with your compliance workflows, the latter, which is only available as part of the Enterprise plan, feeds NordPass activity logs into the data analysis platform, for enhanced security monitoring and analysis.

The Enterprise plan also offers an Activity Logs API that enables organizations to integrate activity log data from the password manager with their own Security Information and Event Management (SIEM) systems and other tools. In addition to monitoring, and reporting for internal purposes, this also helps in compliance with standards like SOC 2, ISO 27001, and HIPAA. ​

NordPass Business: Ease of Use and Deployment

Just like its desktop apps and browser plugins for end users, the cloud-based admin panel of NordPass for Business has a clear, and intuitive user interface.

On first launch, the interface will list the most important tasks that must be completed, which is a wonderful way to help new admins take charge of their password management solution.

You’ll be asked to review your policies, both for passwords as we’ve described above, as well as for guest sharing. The latter must be explicitly enabled if you want to allow users in your organization to share passwords and other items with people outside your business, like partners, customers, or contractors.

You can also allow your users to export their passwords, and other items as a CSV file, from the policies section. One interesting option you should enable from under here is email masking. This feature allows your users to generate alternative email addresses to sign up for online services, concealing their true identity, and mitigating phishing attempts..

Next up, you should turn on SSO before you onboard and invite users from across your organization. All your users should also install the NordPass browser extension to import their passwords.

You can also choose to skip the process, and jump right into the Dashboard of the admin panel. From the dashboard you can review the number of users added or invited into the platform. For more control over the users, head to the Members section from where you can arrange users into groups, earmark their access levels, and even invite new ones, or remove existing ones.

Even without SSO, the process for onboarding users is rather straightforward. You can either invite users by specifically mentioning the email address of the users you want to invite, or uploading a CSV or text file with email addresses. Or, you can mention one or more domain names, and anyone with an email address from these domains will be able to join via an invite link.

In either case, the users will receive a link to create their NordPass for Business account, after which they’ll be added into the platform.

One of the most critical areas that you as admins must frequent is the Password Health dashboard. It helps identify weak, reused, or old passwords. There’s also the Data Breach Scanner that scans the dark web for compromised emails, or passwords linked to your company’s domain.

There’s also the Sharing Hub, currently under beta testing, that gives you details about all the shared items within your organization, whether they are shared internally, or externally.

All things considered, the admin panel is a logically laid out interface that gives a good overview of the use of the password management system by employees in your organization.

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What to look for in a password manager

The primary purpose of a password manager is to keep your passwords secure, so top-notch security features are non-negotiable. Look for a manager that offers strong encryption standards, such as AES-256, to ensure your data is safe from prying eyes. Two-factor authentication (2FA) can add an extra layer of security, requiring not just a password and username but also something only the user has on them, like a piece of information or a physical device.

A password manager should make your life easier, not harder. A user-friendly interface that allows you to easily store, retrieve, and organize your passwords can save you time and frustration. Whether it’s a desktop app, mobile app, or browser extension, ensure the user experience is smooth and intuitive.

In today’s interconnected world, we access our accounts from multiple devices like smartphones, tablets, and PCs. A good password manager should be compatible across various platforms and devices, allowing you to access your passwords, whether on an iPhone in the morning or a Windows PC in the evening.

One of the perks of using a password manager is that it can generate strong and unique passwords for you, bypassing the temptation to use easily guessable passwords. Look for a manager with a built-in password generator, which can create complex passwords that are tough for hackers to crack.

A password manager should streamline your browsing experience by automatically filling in your login information when you visit sites and apps. Additionally, look for an auto-save feature that prompts you to save new passwords as you create them, ensuring your password vault is always up-to-date.

While many free password managers offer basic features, investing in a paid version can provide enhanced security and additional features. Evaluate the pricing plans to find one that fits your budget and meets your security needs. Remember, the cost of a password manager is minuscule compared to the potential loss from a cyberattack.

Even with the most intuitive platforms, questions or issues can arise. Good customer support can be invaluable, offering help through resources like FAQs, forums, email support, or live chat. Before committing to a password manager, check out their support options.

Lastly, read the provider’s privacy policy to understand how your data will be used and protected. A trustworthy password manager should have a straightforward policy that ensures they do not misuse your data or provide it to third parties without consent.

Choosing the right password manager is a crucial step in securing your digital life. By considering these features, you can find a tool that not only keeps your passwords safe but also enhances your online experience. Remember, in cybersecurity, being proactive is always better than being reactive.

Using a password manager is crucial if you want to protect your important information and ensure that you’re covered if you forget one of those all-important codes. If you’re looking for the best password manager, consider 1Password. This app has a strong business pedigree, with companies like IBM, GitLab, and Slack trusting the software to keep passwords secure and consistent. With customers like that, it’s undeniably a top option for your family or organization.

Like any technology solution, 1Password has its mix of advantages and disadvantages. In this blog post, we'll explore the pros and cons of using 1Password to help you decide if it's the right password manager.

One of 1Password’s most significant advantages is its strong focus on security. It utilizes end-to-end encryption, meaning your data is encrypted before it leaves your device and can only be decrypted with your Master Password, which 1Password does not store or have access to. This approach minimizes the risk of data breaches and unauthorized access.

1Password boasts a sleek and intuitive interface that simplifies password management whether using the desktop app, browser extension, or mobile app, navigating through your data and accessing your passwords is straightforward and hassle-free.

With the increasing importance of two-factor authentication (2FA), 1Password's ability to generate and store one-time passwords (OTPs) is a significant plus. This feature enhances security and consolidates your login and 2FA data in one spot.

Another notable advantage of 1Password is the ability to securely share passwords and sensitive information with family members or team members. Depending on your subscription plan, you can control who can access specific items, ensuring that sensitive data is only shared with authorized individuals.

1Password supports various devices and platforms, including Windows, macOS, iOS, Android, and Linux. It also offers extensions for popular web browsers, ensuring you can access your passwords no matter where or what device you're using.

Unlike some competitors offering a free version, 1Password operates on a subscription model. While there is a 14-day free trial, long-term use requires a subscription. This ongoing cost may be a drawback for users who prefer a one-time purchase or a free solution.

For users new to password managers, the array of features and settings with 1Password can be overwhelming at first. While user-friendly, there's a learning curve to utilize all its functionalities efficiently.

While 1Password's free trial allows users to explore its features, it could be more robust in functionality compared to the full version. This limitation might not provide a comprehensive user experience assessing the tool's capabilities.

For the highly security-conscious, storing sensitive information in the cloud (even with solid encryption) might be a concern due to the theoretical risks of cloud breaches. Although 1Password's security is top-notch, the very nature of cloud storage can be a deal-breaker for some.

Certain features of 1Password, such as accessing your password vault from a new device, require an internet connection. While you can view and use stored passwords offline, initial setup and synchronization across devices need the internet.

We’ve evaluated 1Password’s family and business plans to see if this app is worth using – or if you should seek out a competitor instead. And if you want to explore those alternatives, take a look at our roundup of the best business password managers. 

1Password: Plans and pricing

1Password offers different plans tailored to fit individual and business needs. Let's take a closer look:

For Individuals and Families

*  Individual Plan (from $2.99 per month): Designed for one person, this plan includes access to all devices, protection for your data, and around-the-clock email support.

*  Family Plan ($4.99 per month for up to five): This plan is ideal for household use. It has all the features of the individual plan but allows you to share passwords, credit cards, secure notes, and more with family members.

For Teams and Businesses

*  Teams Plan ($20 per month for up to 10 users): Built for collaboration, this plan provides features that help manage team access to shared vaults, with admin controls and secure document storage.

*  Business Plan ($8 per user per month): Tailored for larger organizations, the business plan includes everything from the Teams plan and additional advanced tools for security audits, custom roles, and more.

1Password may also offer unique plans, typically discounted, targeted at specific users, such as students, educators, or non-profit organizations.

1Password: Setup

As a leading password manager that simplifies password management while bolstering security, setting up 1Password in a work environment is a strategic move towards enhancing your company's digital security posture. In this guide, we'll walk you through every step of the process.t

Before diving into the setup, it's crucial to understand why 1Password is an asset for any organization. It goes beyond storing passwords - 1Password can manage secure notes, documents, and credentials, ensuring that all sensitive information is kept within a tamper-proof digital vault. Additionally, it enhances productivity by streamlining the login process for various work tools and platforms, reducing the time employees spend managing their passwords.

Step 1: Sign Up and Create Your Account

Begin by visiting the 1Password website and signing up for the plan that best suits your organization's needs. During this process, you'll create an account that will serve as the main administrative hub for managing your team or business.

Step 2: Configure Your Vault

Upon setting up your account, the next step is to configure your vaults. Vaults are secure containers where items like passwords, notes, and documents are stored. You can create multiple vaults for different departments or projects to keep your organization's data organized and accessible to the right people.

Step 3: Adding Users and Groups

After your vaults are configured, you'll need to add your team members. This can be done individually or in bulk through an invitation link or email. Additionally, consider setting up groups for easier management, allowing you to assign vault access to entire teams rather than individual users manually.

Step 4: Establish Security Policies

One of the key benefits of 1Password is the ability to customize security policies. This includes enforcing Two-Factor Authentication (2FA), setting password strength requirements, and configuring other security settings tailored to your organization's security guidelines.

Step 5: Training and Support

With your 1Password setup complete, the final and crucial step is training your team. Ensure that everyone understands how to use 1Password effectively, including storing and managing passwords, using the browser extension, and accessing their vaults. Take advantage of the resources and support provided by 1Password for a smooth transition.

1Password: Interface and performance

1Password provides convenient access on virtually all devices. Along with mobile apps for iOS and Android, the platform also provides desktop apps for macOS, Windows, and Linux, plus a command-line tool and extensions for popular browsers including Chrome, Edge, Firefox, Brave, and Safari. There are also some more quirky options, like Apple Watch support.

It’s a very intuitive app. On the left-hand side, there’s a navigation column that allows users to access their private or shared vaults, tutorials, and their popular passwords. Here you’ll also find the Watchtower, which keeps track of security breaches and lets you know if your details have been compromised. In the main window, you can see all your passwords, messages or alerts, and the search box – which is extremely fast.

Adding new passwords is simple and comprehensive. You’re able to choose from more than two dozen security categories – from straightforward login and credit card details to medical records and passports – and each category collects different kinds of relevant information. It makes creating passwords easier – and speeds up categorization, too.

This is a highly responsive app, too, with changes on one device showing up on other devices almost instantaneously. We’re really fond of the small highlights than run across the top of the UI and throughout the experience, such as Wi-Fi passwords, medical records, identity information, and payment details.

Logging in online is a little more of a task than it is with other password managers. You still use your master password to get in, but you also need to authorize it by copying and pasting a so-called secret key to verify it’s you. We feel this could be handled a little easier, even if by manner of notification to the apps that are already signed in. Dashlane does something similar, and emails a one-time code to the account holder too, just for that extra layer of protection.

1Password: Security

1Password uses a wide range of tools to keep your information as secure as possible. Accounts are locked by a master password, which is never shared with 1Password or any third parties. Beyond that, you’ve got your Emergency Kit, which includes a secure key you’ll need to use when logging in.

1Password provides two-factor authentication with Authy and Microsoft Authenticator, and it comes with security breath alerts, protection against keyloggers, and AES 256-bit encryption. Your passwords are also protected with Secure Remote Password (SRP), which adds another layer of credential authentication. 

1Password Business: Team and Admin Features

1Password for Business pitches itself as a robust enterprise password management platform that’s designed to meet the needs of businesses of all sizes. It offers a comprehensive set of features that help facilitate secure credential management, while streamlining administrative tasks, and can also integrate with your existing IT infrastructure.

Its shared vault system is particularly useful for use in a business setting. In the context of a password manager, think of a vault as a secure container that stores login credentials, as well as other secure information like credit card details.

The vaults in 1Password Business provide granular access control with over a dozen distinct permissions, which allow you as admins to control who can view, edit, copy, share, or export items within the vaults.

You can also choose which apps can be used to access this vault. For instance, if you aren’t using 1Password Business’ developer features, you can disable access to the vaults from the CLI tool. Similarly, if you only want your users to access the vault through the browser extensions, and the Android and iOS apps, you can disable access through its Windows, macOS, and Linux apps.

The platform also has an interesting Travel Mode feature that allows your users to temporarily remove access to all but certain vaults that have been marked as Safe for Travel. This helps protect sensitive business credentials and data from potential exposure during travel, especially during border inspections or other security checks.

Like all its peers, you can also use 1Password Business to create custom groups based on the departments, or projects in your organization. You can then assign specific permissions and responsibilities to these groups, such as the ability to invite, and remove people, create vaults, recover accounts, and more, facilitating efficient delegation and management.

Setting permissions at the group level allows for scalable permissioning. You can then assign vault access once to the group instead of each user.

In addition to regular users, 1Password Business also has a concept of guest users. These are individuals who are granted limited access to specific shared vaults. They don't have their own private vault, nor can they access all the shared vaults within the organization. Instead they can only access a designated vault that you’ve earmarked for them. A guest user can be a freelancer, a contractor, or anyone who needs limited access to specific information, like project-related passwords or client-specific details.

The platform also lets you define various security policies. The authentication policy helps create rules to manage how your users authenticate with, and log into the platform. You can use these to require strong master passwords, and select a two-factor authentication (2FA) mechanism. 1Password Business supports multiple 2FA options including the use of an authenticator app, security keys, and the Duo authentication service. You can also choose to make 2FA mandatory for all users.

Then there are sharing and permissions policies, where you create rules for features like credentials sharing. For instance, if you don’t want your users to share items with anyone, you can restrict them to only share items with someone who uses an email from an approved domain. You can also define the expiration settings for the shares, and more.

Finally, there are the firewall policies that you can use to restrict access to the platform, based on country, continent, or IP address.

1Password Business backs it all up with extensive logging and reporting mechanisms that provides a comprehensive trail of all actions within the 1Password account, including who accessed or modified what items and when.

1Password Business: Integrations and Compatibility

Your users can access their credentials from various devices and platforms as 1Password offers apps for all the popular desktop and mobile operating systems including Windows, macOS, Linux, iOS, and Android, along with browser extensions for Chrome, Firefox, Safari, and Edge.

1Password Business also integrates with all the major identity providers (IdPs) such as Google Workspace, Microsoft Entra ID, Okta, OneLogin, JumpCloud, and Rippling through the SCIM Bridge. This helps streamline user management as it allows for automated provisioning and deprovisioning of users and groups.

The platform also integrates with leading Security Information and Event Management (SIEM) tools such as Splunk, Sentinel, Elastic, Sumo Logic, Panther, and several others. Thanks to this, the platform can stream activity to the SIEM tools for more detailed auditing and security analysis.

1Password Business also offers a robust set of developer tools that can help integrate secret management into various stages of the software development lifecycle. For instance, developers can generate, import, and store their SSH keys directly within 1Password, and also help it integrate with Git workflows.

Then there’s the 1Password CLI that allows developers to securely access items stored in 1Password directly from the terminal. 1Password Business can also integrate with popular CI/CD platforms like GitHub Actions, CircleCI, and Jenkins, and Infrastructure as Code (IaC) tools like Kubernetes, and Terraform.

1Password also provides an open source Software Development Kits (SDKs) for popular programming languages like Python, and JavaScript, and also offers an extension for the Visual Studio Code IDE.

1Password Business: Ease of Use and Deployment

Deploying 1Password Business is relatively straightforward. The initial setup, as outlined earlier, can be completed quickly, and the user onboarding process is intuitive enough.

From an administrative standpoint, the interface is clean and neatly arranged. Most of the regular admin tasks can be completed without too much mucking about the interface, and don’t require extensive technical knowledge. That said, you’ll need to have IT chops to tackle more advanced tasks like IdP integration.

1Password Business’s web-based admin interface provides an overview of user activity, vault access, security insights, and policy compliance. There’s also an activity log that can help you track events like vault access, user logins, sharing activities, policy changes, and more. All activity is timestamped, and the log can be easily filtered.

The platform also has various reports, like breach report, and business watchtower. After you’ve verified the domain controlled by your company, the breach report will flag accounts, information, and employees that have been exposed in data breaches. Then there’s the business watchtower report that identifies security issues like weak passwords, across all your vaults.

Besides these, you also get detailed usage reports, adoption reports, team reports, devices reports, and more. Then there’s the insights dashboard that offers analytics on data breaches, password health, and team usage.

All things considered, the 1Password Business admin interface strikes a good balance between power and simplicity, and works well for all sized organizations.

1Password: Support

With 1Password, you’ll have access to 24/7 support via email. The website states that Business users get VIP support, but it doesn’t explain the difference between regular and VIP—just that help is available “whenever you need it.” As mentioned above, Enterprise subscriptions come with a dedicated account manager and onboard engineer.

The 1Password site also provides helpful articles covering a variety of support topics. These are a great place to start if you run into technical issues or want to learn more about the service’s features. Users can also access security white papers if they’d like a deeper dive into how the service works.

1Password: The competition

Lastpass, one of the most popular password managers, comes with some notable pros and cons compared to 1Password. Unlike 1Password, Lastpass offers a surprisingly robust free plan that enables users to store and share passwords across all their devices.

Furthermore, Lastpass Emergency makes it easy to configure a digital will that automatically transfers your information in case of an emergency or death. The only way to set this process up on 1Password is to pay for a family or team plan and create multiple admins or organizers. That said, Lastpass and 1Password come with many of the same features, and their pricing is mostly similar aside from the Lastpass free plan.

If you’re after more than a password manager, Dashlane and Proton Pass are among the handful that offer VPN connections for certain plans, all in a bid to keep your identity protected.

1Password: Final verdict

1Password offers everything individuals and businesses need to store and share passwords and other sensitive pieces of information. The spread of pricing options means it’s a low-cost way to keep your data safe.

In addition to mobile apps, the service is also compatible with macOS, Windows, and Linux along with several browsers. Its flexibility, affordability, and ease of use make it a great option for companies and home users.

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What to look for in a password manager

In today's world, where digital security breaches are not just common but expected, the importance of robust password management cannot be overstated. Password managers have become essential tools for individuals and businesses striving to secure their digital realms. However, with many market options, it can be challenging to know what features to prioritize when selecting a password manager. Here's a curated checklist to guide your choice.

Non-Negotiable Features

Encryption is the foundation of a password manager's security. Choose a service offering strong encryption, such as 256-bit encryption — the standard governments and militaries use worldwide. This encryption level ensures that even if data gets intercepted, it remains indecipherable without the unique key.

A zero-knowledge protocol means the service provider does not know your data. Your passwords and sensitive information are encrypted locally on your device before syncing with the server. Ensure your chosen password manager offers end-to-end encryption, with decryption only possible on your device.

Two-factor authentication (2FA)

Two-factor authentication adds an extra layer of security by requiring a second form of verification beyond just the master password. This could be a biometric scan, a security key, or a code generated by an authenticator app. A password manager that supports 2FA significantly enhances your protection against unauthorized access.

Important Usability Features

Your digital life isn't confined to one device, so your password manager shouldn't be either. Cross-platform compatibility ensures you can access your passwords on a PC, Mac, Android, or iOS device. Check for seamless integration with various operating systems and browsers for a smooth experience.

One of the main benefits of a password manager is convenience. Look for features like autofill and auto-login that save time and prevent the risk of typing errors. This facilitates a smoother and faster login process without compromising security.

Strong, unique passwords are essential for secure accounts. A built-in password generator that can create complex passwords enhances security by eliminating the human tendency to reuse passwords or choose easy-to-guess options.

Additional Considerations

A simple, intuitive interface makes a big difference, especially for teams or individuals less familiar with tech. Ease of use encourages adoption and regular use, which is critical for maintaining security practices.

Consider recovering access to your account in case of a forgotten master password. Options like account recovery using a trusted device or emergency access for trusted contacts can be life-saving without compromising the security of your data.

Evaluate the cost relative to the features offered. Many password managers offer a basic level of service for free, with premium features available for a fee. Consider what features are must-haves for you and whether the cost of a premium plan justifies its benefits.

Choosing the right password manager is a balancing act between security features and usability. The ideal tool secures your digital life from threats while seamlessly integrating into your daily routine. You can select a password manager that protects your information and enhances your online experience by focusing on solid encryption, zero-knowledge architecture, and essential usability features. Remember, in the quest for digital security, your password manager becomes your closest ally.

McAfee True Key is a simple password manager which is distinctly lacking in advanced features, but, somehow, still manages to have a lot of appeal.

Maybe it’s the platform support, with browser extensions and mobile apps to ensure it runs almost anywhere. True Key’s ease of use is a big plus. It doesn’t hurt that it’s produced by one of the biggest and most experienced security names in the business. Oh, and a free version means that, if you still like the sound of the app by the end of this review, you can try it out right away. If you only need the password manager essentials, could McAfee True Key be the perfect app for you?

McAfee True Key: Pricing

McAfee True Key has a free version which gives you access to all its features, but can only store 15 usernames and passwords.

You can’t buy True Key as a stand-alone password manager any more, but an unlimited version of the app (which stores as many passwords as you need) comes bundled with every McAfee security suite.

The cheapest option, McAfee True Protection Basic, gives you True Key, antivirus and unlimited VPN for one device, and is priced at a very low $29.99 in year one, though leaps to $89.99 on renewal.

McAfee True Protection Essential is essentially the same package but with antivirus and VPN for five devices. It’s only a little more expensive initially at $39.99 in year one, $119.99 on renewal.

McAfee’s renewal charges are very similar to the competition, but if you could use an antivirus and full VPN, the first year prices are seriously cheap. Sign up with Dashlane’s Premium Plan, for instance, and you’ll pay $59.88 for the password manager and a VPN alone.

McAfee True Key: Features

True Key is a basic password manager which allows users to create secure logins, store and share them across all their devices. And we do mean ‘all’: with Android and iOS apps for mobile devices, and browser extensions for Chrome, Edge and Firefox covering everything else, you can run it almost everywhere.

The True Key Wallet is a place where you can store personal details - names, addresses, phone numbers, date of birth and more. This is only useful as a form of secure storage, though. True Key can’t use this kind of information to fill forms, unlike Dashlane and other top password managers.

Our favorite True Key feature is its excellent multi-factor authentication support. There’s nothing more important to protect than your password manager account, so it’s great to see that True Key doesn’t solely rely on a master password. You can optionally ask True Key to protect its login with another factor - a trusted device, your Windows Hello PIN or biometric authentication - to help keep your valuable passwords safe from snoopers.

McAfee True Key: Performance

If you’re not keen on manually entering all your passwords into McAfee True Key, we’ve good news: the app can import stored passwords from Edge, Chrome, LastPass and Dashlane, while a generic CSV import might work with other apps. We tried importing 600+ Dashlane logins and True Key appeared to handle everything correctly, including multiple logins for the same site.

There’s not much in the way of advanced, or even fairly standard functionality. True Key doesn’t have secure password sharing, for instance. It can’t fill in forms with delivery addresses or credit card details, and there’s no ‘Password Health’-type feature to warn you about reused or weak passwords.

When it comes to the most basic ‘username and password’ tasks, though, True Key works reasonably well. Usernames and passwords are captured automatically as you enter them. When you’re creating an account, it can generate and enter a secure password in a couple of clicks. When we opened a login page, True Key displayed any matching profile (that could include multiple usernames if you’ve several accounts on the site), and clicking the profile logged us in successfully.

McAfee True Key: Ease of use

True Key installs easily, and after prompting us to choose a master password, we imported almost 700 logins in just a few seconds.

Creating new logins isn’t quite as simple as we’d like. When a site asks for your email, for instance, Dashlane can automatically enter your main email address in a couple of clicks: True Key leaves you to do this yourself.

There’s better news with new passwords, though. True Key automatically displays its icon in password boxes, and clicking this allows the app to generate and insert a secure password. You get to choose what the password contains, too - using your rules on symbols, upper and lower case letters, numbers and more - to match your or the site’s needs.

Visit any login page with a stored password and True Key enters your username and password automatically. If you’ve multiple logins for the same site (you’ve created accounts using different email addresses, say), True Key displays these in a list  Choose the account you need and the app logs you in: simple.

McAfee True Key: Final verdict

True Key has a very basic feature set, and if you’re looking to, say, fill in forms with your name, address or credit card numbers, this isn’t the app for you. Opt for a password powerhouse like Dashlane or check out our best password manager list for more ideas.

If you’re happy with the password management essentials, though, True Key does a much better job than the password managers we see from most antivirus companies. Try the free version or get a full unlimited edition with McAfee Total Protection or McAfee+ Premium.

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In today’s antivirus market, you can be sure to find a lot of free versions of premium and not-so-premium AV apps. TotalAV certainly considers itself to be a premium product, snagging a couple of awards here and there, and like most in the field offers a free version which should give you a taste of the real product. Downloading and installing the free version took under five minutes (including the download of the antivirus engine), and we did not notice RAM usage spikes during this process. The initial scan was relatively quick, but the upsell tactics used made the entire experience feel like a marketing ploy. We understand that they’ve built the software and that developers and investors need to be paid; however, focusing on quality and value should bring in customers without aggressively upselling in the free version. It is basically a detection and removal program that offers real-time protection in the premium version. There are multiple bundles available, but the most comprehensive one includes an ad blocker, phishing protection, a secure browser, a VPN, and a browser extension that blocks malicious websites and trackers.

• You can sign up for TotalAV's Antivirus solutions here

After you’ve installed the app, you will be greeted by a nice-looking UI that has all of its main elements logically laid out in the left-hand pane. While it may look simplistic, TotalAV hides a lot of its customization features under the settings menu, where you can get into the nitty-gritty of how you want TotalAV to behave. One positive thing we noticed is that regardless of the version you’re using (Windows, macOS, Android, or iOS), the layout plus look and feel are almost the same. Note, macOS and iOS have some features missing, but that’s mostly due to the inherent security features found in Apple’s ecosystem. Luckily for Windows users, TotalAV manages to get respectable scores from independent testing labs, ensuring that you’re well protected if you choose to install TotalAV on your PC.

Features

If you opt for the paid version of TotalAV, you will be covered with real-time protection, which automatically scans your files and programs to prevent malicious code from executing on your PC. Note, you will probably be able to download some malware (if you try this on purpose), but you will not be able to run it on your machine as TotalAV will block it immediately. In theory, as long as you keep your AV running, you should be protected. This will also keep you safe from ransomware, but in combination with TotalAV’s WebShield extension, which blocks malicious URLs and low-trust websites, you truly get an all-around malware and ransomware protection. Once WebShield is incorporated, it provides “safe search” automatically. It grades every website before you click on it, making sure that it's safe before you actually visit the website. Independent testers claim that WebShield manages to detect 96% of fraudulent websites, which sounds impressive until you see that competitors like Avira, McAfee, NordVPN, and a couple of more block 100% of these websites. Of course, this may not be a deal breaker if you’re a more advanced netizen who can easily recognize phishing websites, but it’s important to note that WebShield is by no means a perfect solution.

TotalAV offers a couple of malware scans, the “quick”, looks at the critical locations, and such a scan took under five minutes on the work laptop with an SSD roughly filled to 35% of its capacity. System scan, on the other hand, is a full scan that takes over 20 minutes, scanning over 250,000 files. If you tend to forget scans, you can schedule them, or finally, you can customize scans to your liking. Finally, the smart scan feature bundles a quick scan for malware, a security and privacy scan, a performance scan and a system junk and duplicate files scan. If you’re in a hurry, the smart scan makes a lot of sense, though a word of caution, look manually through the duplicate files; the system is not foolproof.

If you want to address the functioning of your system, you can individually launch TotalAV’s junk cleaner. It scans for junk files, like cached update files, .temp files, and items in the recycle bin. Such apps can be useful, but again, we would offer a word of caution: if you’re not an advanced user, it would be best to skip this option, as it can delete some useful files. Under the performance functionalities, you will also find an application uninstaller, We cannot recommend it over the built-in Windows uninstaller, unless you have a broken uninstaller and simply don’t know how to remove an application. Finally, the startup manager and browser cleaner feel more like gimmicks; they offer one-click access to these functions, but it's not more advanced in any way than what you get with your task manager or browser on your Windows machine.

With Chrome removing some popular ad blockers from its extension store, TotalAV’s Total Adblock comes to the rescue. It’s an extension for most popular browsers (or an app on iOS and Android) that aims to improve your browsing experience by blocking ads, which can also contain malicious code (depending on which websites you’re frequenting). Furthermore, if you opt for a higher tier plan (TotalAV has three), you will get a VPN in the bundle. Most of these bundled VPNs are not as good as standalone solutions, so if you’re in dire need of a VPN, TotalAV doesn’t have much to offer here. It has solid features, primarily in terms of security, thanks to OpenVPN and WireGuard protocols. There is a kill-switch, no-logs, and AES-256 encryption. You also get access to servers across roughly 30 countries with 50 servers. Compared to stand-alone VPN solutions, the number of servers is quite small, but you get major hubs in the US and Europe, so if you’re not picky, it can help you get around some geo-location blocks.

If you opt for the most expensive tier, aside from the VPN, you will also get a password manager in the bundle. You will need to install the browser extension if you want to take advantage of the auto-fill options. Once everything is set up, you will have to create your master PIN that will allow you to access the app vault. Total Password uses a zero-knowledge architecture, AES-256 bit encryption, and a random password generator. If you’re registering an account for the first time, the extension will ask you whether you want it to auto-generate a password for you. An additional function is the Security Report tab, in which the application will check the strength and safety of your passwords, but it does not perform dark web scans for your passwords. In addition, you can protect your password manager using two-factor authentication. After all is said and done, it’s not much different from Chrome offers in-built with its password management, making this a difficult buy. We found the Secure Notes and Remote Logout functions the most useful. Notes allow you to store text (answers to security questions, for example) and Remote Logout, as the name suggests, logs you out of other devices, which can be a useful feature if you tend to access your accounts from various machines.

If you’re on Android, TotalAV is simple to download and set up, with the app containing pretty much every feature included in the desktop version. Here is a quick run-down of the features in the Android app:

• Smart Scan
• System Optimization
• Wi-Fi Checker (verifies that your current network connection is secure and safe)
• App Lock (restricts access to apps containing sensitive information)
• Breach Scan (checks if your personal data has been exposed in known security breaches)
• QR Code Scanner (safely analyzes QR codes to prevent malicious redirects or links)
• VPN Access
• Web Shield
• Secure Browser

We did not test the iOS version, but according to other reputable reviewers, it contains most of the same functionalities.

Pricing

TotalAV offers three pricing tiers (if you exclude the free one), which differ in the offer and the number of devices you can cover. As stated in the introduction, you have the free version, which is quite limited, and in which you will get bombarded with upsell notifications. If you decide to go for the paid version, the initial plan is misleadingly called TotalAV Premium, starting at $29 for the first year, and renewing at a whopping difference of $99 a year. It covers up to three devices and does not contain the VPN or the password manager. Moving up to TotalAV Internet Security, you get a VPN along with all other functionalities from the first tier and coverage for six devices for $39 for the first year and a renewal cost of $129 a year. Finally, you have the TotalAV Total Security for eight devices, for $49 for the first year and a renewal cost of $149 a year. Besides everything in the previous plans, you also get the password manager added to the mix. Looking at the renewal prices and the performance of the additional features, it’s really difficult to justify going for the higher-priced plans.

Protection

According to the Malware Protection Test March 2025 performed by AV-Comparatives, TotalAV scored a 95.8% in Offline detection rate, 98.9 % in Online detection rate, and 99.97% in Online protection rate. Unfortunately, from a total of 19 tested products, TotalAV had pretty poor results in the false alarms domain. It managed to trigger 28 false alarms, whereas competitors like Kaspersky triggered only 3. Finally, in the AV Comparatives Malware Protection, it has been awarded one star, or standard protection. Competitors like Norton, BitDefender, Kaspersky, etc., have all been awarded three stars for advanced protection, making TotalAV a difficult sell over the competition. A security product that catches more malicious files isn’t always better if it also triggers frequent false positives. In some cases, a solution with slightly lower detection rates but fewer false alarms can offer a more balanced and user-friendly experience.

Ease of use

Perhaps the best feature offered by TotalAV is its ease of use, or user-friendly and logically laid out design. Even when you dig deep into the Configuration part to customize how TotalAV works, you will be greeted by flip-switches and a great explanation on what each feature does. We also applaud the fact that the design philosophy has been followed across all platforms, so whether you’re on Windows or Android, you will be greeted by a familiar surrounding and everything will be where you expected it to be. Updates can be performed silently in the background, and if you’re looking to remove TotalAV from your PC, it can be done in under two minutes, with all residual files of the AV being removed.

Final verdict

TotalAV is, in itself, an overall solid AV that comes packed with a lot of features even on the lowest paid plan. The upsell to higher-tiered plans simply doesn’t work for us, we would much rather have a separate VPN and use Chrome’s built-in password manager or opt for a separate app like 1Password. Similarly, the free version of TotalAV is also hard to recommend since there are better free alternatives out there, especially ones that won’t try to upsell you as hard.

Taking a final look at the entire package and comparing its independent laboratory AV tests, we come to the conclusion that TotalAV will surely have a slice of the market. But if you ask us, we wouldn’t bet on TotalAV jeopardizing the likes of BitDefender, Norton, and the like. If you can snag it on a huge discount, it can make a lot of sense as your go-to AV. Otherwise, take a look at the premium competition and forget that TotalAV even exists.

• Want to compare TotalAV to its rivals? Check out our best antivirus guide

There is a chance that you did not hear about Vipre Antivirus despite it being around since 2013 and the original company behind it having its start in 1994. AV Comparatives, in their independent virus detection tests, claim that Vipre detects 96.8% of threats, which is more than enough for you to take a look at Vipre. This, coupled with a solid real-time protection functionality, covers the basics quite well. However, if you’re expecting more from a security suit, then Vipre can disappoint. Sure, it does offer more functionality on higher tiered plans, but if you’re looking to get the “best bang for your buck,” then competitors like Norton are a much better choice.

With higher tier plans, you get access to a range of advanced security tools that go beyond basic antivirus protection. However, it's worth noting that most of these extras are only available for Windows users. For starters, the firewall helps block unauthorized network connections, adding an extra layer of defense against hackers. There’s also a browsing track cleaner that clears your online history to keep your activity private. For those worried about snooping, the webcam and microphone blocker ensures no one can secretly tap into your devices.

On top of that, Vipre offers a Dark Web scanner to keep an eye out for signs of identity theft and a sensitive document auditing tool that helps flag files containing personal or confidential information. You also get access to Vipre’s Advanced Behavioral Analysis, designed to detect suspicious activity before it becomes a real threat. And if privacy is a top concern, the unlimited VPN included with the highest plan encrypts your internet traffic on all devices.

• You can sign up for VIPRE Antivirus solutions here

Pricing plans

Vipre offers three plans for something they term “For Home” plans, meaning that users won’t require complex business security solutions. There are three plans under the Home category: Antivirus Plus starting at $14.99 a year, Advanced Security at $19.99 a year, and Ultimate Security Bundle at $39.99 a year. The first plan is quite basic, offering protection for only one Windows device. If you need protection for a Mac, you will need to start with the second-tiered plan that comes with some advanced functions like third-party patching, protection against phishing and spam email exploits, a firewall, and Advanced Behavioral Analysis. If you’re looking to extend the offer with the following functions: browsing track cleaner, dark Web scanner, webcam and microphone blocker, and an unlimited VPN, you will have to opt for the highest tier plan. The decision which plan to go for will depend mostly on your needs. We would also like to point out that all plans come with a 30-day money-back guarantee, and you can always take the antivirus for a spin since you get a free 30-day trial.

Features

Downloading and installing Vipre on your desktop is a simple and quick process. If you’re on Windows, you will be greeted with a Vipre Antivirus window, which we could not resize. Since we did not test the software on a Mac, we compared the online images of Vipre’s presentation on Mac and concluded that the Windows version looks outdated. This is a personal preference, and in no way does it affect the functionality of the app, but we are spoiled by the likes of Bitdefender and other more visually appealing software on Windows. In terms of ease of use, most of the functions and options in the Antivirus software are on-off switches. You can also find the letter i next to numerous checkboxes that offer additional information for each option. Clicking it will bring about a floating text box that does not respect the bounds of the main software window (see image below).

On Android, it’s a completely different story. The app follows modern design principles and is quite intuitive and useful. Moreover, the mobile version comes with some features that the Desktop variant does not have. For instance, the theft prevention tool can help you locate your stolen device. Furthermore, there is the App Lock feature to restrict access to specific apps, and there is an Email Breach Checker that can scan if your email address has been compromised. For iPhone users, though, there’s some bad news; Vipre’s iOS app is only available on higher-priced subscription plans, and even then, the functionality is pretty limited compared to Android.

In terms of Firewalls, we would argue that Windows Firewall is a great option for most users, but if you consider using a different option, Vipre offers a highly customizable version of their own. It allows for easy network management through exception rules, logging, and tweaks that advanced users will appreciate. Despite all of the firewall features, we still prefer the in-built option with Windows, so for us, Vipre’s Firewall is a feature we would skip.

If you opt for the Ultimate Security Bundle, the Vipre Privacy Shield may be an addition that you will find useful. With it, you can block access to your microphone and webcam, block ads and trackers, and ensure your private information is not being siphoned off via cookies. Furthermore, the Privacy Shield also comes with a password manager that can help you keep your online credentials safe, a secure vault for your files, and the ability to check whether your email or passwords have been compromised. All of these features are useful; however, compared to premium providers that focus on a single niche, e.g., password managers, Vipre simply falls short.

The same can be said for Vipre’ Internet Shield VPN, which is available for almost all major OS’. One stand-out feature is that it comes with no bandwidth and no data limits, but the speeds are mediocre at best and, in our test, were inconsistent. However, we applaud the fact that you can choose between IKEv2, OpenVPN UDP, and OpenVPN TCP tunneling protocols. Similarly, you can choose between AES 256/128 encryption. If blazing speeds are not your priority and you enjoy the fact that your IP is hidden behind a VPN, then Internet Shield VPN will do its job wonderfully. But if you’re looking to stream a lot of content hiding your activities behind this VPN, then we would recommend that you look elsewhere.

For the gamers among us, it is important to mention that Vipre offers a Gaming Mode with its Antivirus software. This feature is intended to enhance your gaming mode by stopping any activities from the antivirus software that may tax your system. It actively postpones scans, updates, and update checks as well as any system updates. Moreover, all notifications from the antivirus and firewall are disabled. With security tools, such modes often automatically launch in the background once a full-screen process is launched (movie, game, etc.), but with Vipre, you do it manually. Launching the mode can be done in two ways, the first one is from the main app window; on the left side, there is a “Gaming” section where you flip the toggle on, and it is started. The second option is right-clicking on the Vipre tray icon and selecting “enable Gaming”. Finally, this option can stay active for up to eight hours or be turned off manually whenever you need to.

Protection

Vipre Antivirus starts off with a very easy-to-use design philosophy, where you choose between MyVipre, Account, and Manage options. There, you will find all of the features you need for your antivirus. From the MyVipre tab, you can choose what type of scan you want to perform (Full Scan, Quick Scan, and Custom Scan), making the entire process quite intuitive. On our test machine, we have a Ryzen 7 series processor, and Task Manager showed that the Vipre was using around 5% of our CPU during the Quick Scan process. Note that we’ve closed all other background processes and other active windows.

As with most other antivirus software, Vipre also immediately quarantines any malware it finds, and you have the option of releasing the files from the quarantine if you believe the application made a mistake. If you’re using Outlook and Edge, Vipre offers some great additional features like the browser protect (which also covers Chrome & Firefox), preventing all malicious attempts that come through the web browser from affecting your system. Similarly, for Outlook, the option of automatically scanning potentially malicious emails and quarantining them is helpful; moreover, we would recommend you keep the anti-phishing toggle on, even if you like to filter your inbox manually.

When testing Vipre's file download protection, the software effectively blocked the majority of malicious files, including zip files containing potentially harmful software. In addition to blocking these threats, Vipre's scan engine ensures that any downloaded files are checked for malware. You can choose to enable or disable protection for specific file types or folders, providing a tailored security solution. For example, if certain files or applications are frequently flagged by Vipre but are deemed safe, you can whitelist them for uninterrupted access.

To extend protection of your entire system, Vipre offers an auto-patch for vulnerabilities option. You can locate this feature in the Updates section of the app. It aims to keep your essential apps updated so you don’t have to. Most of the time, this service runs quietly in the background, checking for versions of your software and updating any that are out of date. Of course, you have the option of changing the frequency of checks as well as asking for your permission before it performs an update. We dislike the fact that you have to go into the Update History section to get an overview of what the app did. Among the apps that it looks to update are browsers, browser extensions, utilities, and communication apps like Zoom, Slack, etc.

For enterprise clients, the last available Vipre test was done on September 2024 by SE Labs, giving it their triple A rating. It scored a 100% overall score across general and targeted attack types used, as well as a 99% accuracy rating. The attacks in this test include threats that impact the general public as well as those aimed at specific individuals and organizations.

Final verdict

In the end, Vipre is a solid, no-frills security solution that can meet the basic protection demands for users not expecting unnecessary extra features. It’s lightweight, making it ideal for older systems, it’s fairly easy to use, and it performs well when it comes to detecting viruses and offering real-time protection to a system. Its versatility is extended with the help of its higher-tiered plans that come packed with a firewall, spam filtering, VPN, and other features. While it does represent a great choice for users looking to get comprehensive coverage from one provider, we would recommend taking a look at the competition before dishing out on higher-tiered plans.

Malware detection has room for improvement, as well as the iOS app, while the Android one is surprisingly capable. So, if you're after a simple and affordable antivirus software that will not eat away your resources, then Vipre could be an option. On the other hand, if you’re a more demanding user who wants all of the latest bells and whistles offered by security bundles, then look elsewhere.

• We've also highlighted the best antivirus software in this roundup  

Founded in 2020, UK-based SOAX is one of the youngest of the big proxy service providers, but don’t let that put you off. The company has been working exceptionally hard to grow its service, and now offers a 191m+ pool of ethically-sourced proxies in residential, mobile, USA ISP and datacenter forms.

It’s building a web scraping range, and already has scrapers and APIs for SERP and ecommerce, along with a zero-code AI scraper and a general purpose Web Unblocker. And although SOAX isn’t the cheapest provider around, it’s better value than most of the big names, while new Pay As You Go plans offer a low risk way to find out just how the service can work for you.

• You can sign up for SOAX here.

Features

SOAX stands out immediately for its vast proxy pool. There’s an outstanding 155M+ residential IPs (even a giant like Oxylabs ‘only’ claims 100m+), 33m+ mobile, 2.6m+ USA ISP and a mix of shared and dedicated datacenter IPs. HTTP, HTTPS and SOCKS5 proxies are on offer.

You get plenty of control over every area of the service. You’re able to target by 195 countries (see the full list here), city, even ASN/ ISP, allowing you to unblock even the most regional of restrictions.

Residential proxies rotate by default, with standard refresh rates ranging from 1 to 60 minutes, and the option to enter a custom duration if you need something different. You can also opt to use sticky IPs if you prefer, avoiding automatic rotation, or simply opt for a new IP with every request.

There are some restrictions, too. Requests are limited to 1,000 per second for a single plan, and, by default, you’re not able to access websites through ports other than 80 or 443. (SOAX may allow others, depending on your use case.)

The proxy business has its shady side, and that’s bad news for everyone: proxy misuse means poor IP reputations and regular IP blocks. SOAX has a strong focus on trust, and uses various tactics to avoid abuse. KYC (know your customer) checks verify a user’s identity for most plans; usage is restricted to ‘pre-approved ethical use case’; platform usage is continuously monitored to spot signs of abuse, and the company says it quickly investigates and blocks anyone breaking the rules.

Performance

The company has been working hard on performance, and recently announced a major infrastructure upgrade 'reducing networking hops and streamlining our routing... bringing proxy servers closer to users and target websites in North America...'

SOAX claims this reduces datacenter latency by 64% for North American users targeting websites in the US and Canada. The residential proxy Time To First Byte metric (TTFB) has dropped from 1,370ms to only 760ms, and even international users will see some benefit (European connections to the US saw a 16% improvement in TTFB.)

While that sounds good, we were keen to verify these results with our own tests. We ran some checks from the UK, targeting the UK to get the best possible speeds, and the residential proxy results were very similar to SOAX’s, with the TTFB averaging an excellent 787ms. Speeds you’ll see will vary hugely based on your location, your target and the proxy type, but clearly the SOAX infrastructure can perform very well.

Plans and Pricing

SOAX offers monthly plans, priced by traffic, with - the latest addition - low-cost Pay-As-You-Go options if you don’t want to commit or you’re just looking to test the service.

Residential and mobile proxies start at $90 a month for 25GB, or $3.60 per GB. That drops for $2 per GB on the $1600 a month, 800GB deal, with custom plans available if you need more. That’s good value, and unlike Oxylabs and a few other providers right now, it’s not based on a 50% discount voucher that expires in six months. This is the long-term price.

The USA ISP proxy plans start at $90 for 30GB ($3 per GB), and your Datacenter options start at $49 for 80GB ($0.62 per GB.)

Too much? New Pay-As-You-Go plans have low starting prices, are only a little more expensive per GB, and have minimal commitments. PAYG Residential and mobile proxies are only $4 per GB, for instance, barely 11% more than the basic standard plan, with a minimum data requirement of just 1GB.

You can also opt for a 3-day, 400MB trial for just $1.99. That makes for a low headline price, but if you’d like more time, opting for a Pay As You Go plan could make more sense. You’ll spend at least $4 instead of $1.99, but you’ll get 2.5x as much data, you won’t have to rush through your tests in only 3 days, and - unlike the trials - there’s no risk of the plan renewing for at least $90 if you forget to cancel.

Refunds are available, but only in very limited cases; SOAX hasn’t lived up to its SLA, for instance, or you’ve bought a package accidentally and never used it. But if you’ve bought a trial package, used some data or paid by crypto, there’s no refund option.

SOAX could give users a little more control in some areas. Billing is always per GB, for instance, with no per IP option. It’s monthly billing only But, overall there’s a lot to like about SOAX pricing. Standard plans have reasonable starting fees, the per GB cost is a fraction of the competition, and PAYG options give you flexibility without any real price penalty. If cutting costs is high on your priority list then SOAX is a must-see.

Signing up

Signing up with SOAX is easy. There are no lengthy identity checks, no need to provide documents just yet (KYC checks don’t happen until you sign up for one of the full paid plans); enter your name and verify your email address (or just sign up with Google) and you’re in.

The SOAX dashboard opens at the Pricing page. Choose your preferred plan or trial, hand over your cash (we were able to pay by card only, but crypto and other options are available once you verify your identity), and the subscription is immediately added to your account.

The website refreshed at the main dashboard screen, a good-looking panel with a whole host of configuration options and status details. There’s a lot to explore, but SOAX does its best to help, with an initial nine-step walkthrough highlighting the key dashboard areas and what they do.

If, like us, you tend to rush through website onboarding, or sometimes skip it altogether, that’s okay too. The SOAX support chatbot is only click away, and although it’s not smart enough to solve any complex problems, we found it handy for explaining the ‘where do I find…?’ startup basics.

Getting started with SOAX

Setup complete, it’s back to the dashboard to explore SOAX properly. This all starts with authorization, where you can opt to authenticate with a username and password or via IP whitelisting. We tried both, and in each case had to then specify our preferred IP rotation time, city, state or IP targeting, and assign them to specific ports.

That was enough for our first few tests, but if our needs were more complex, we could add more filters to target different locations or use other IP location schemes.

When you’re done, you can download your proxies in TXT, CSV and HTML formats. A handy Online Proxy Checker allows you to test up to 50 of these, report on their status and response times, and export only the working proxies. (You don’t have to be a SOAX customer to try this, it works with any proxies. Check it out here)

While SOAX offers a lot of proxy configurability and control, it doesn’t have the depth of functionality of the big names. Its proxy API is horribly basic when compared to the likes of Oxylabs, for instance, just a handful of calls to whitelist IPs and get location details. And although Decodo has supporting tools including browser extensions and its X Browser, there’s nothing like that here.

SOAX arguably makes up for this, though, with easy integration for a number of anti-detect browsers. The SOAX Integrations page links to tutorials covering how to get SOAX working with 15 popular tools, including Multilogin, GoLogin, AdsPower, Incognition and more.

Support

SOAX is relatively straightforward to use, but if you run into problems then support is on hand 24/7 via website, live chat and email.

The support site seems strong in some areas, at least initially, with 21 articles explaining the dashboard and its features, and 43 tutorials covering how to use your proxies with assorted operating systems, anti-detect browsers and other apps.

Dig deeper, though, and the reality is a little different. Some articles spend more time explaining basic definitions (what is a datacenter IP?) than offering detailed setup advice. We ran across some clumsy issues, including broken links for some important documents.

And if you move outside the Dashboard and Software sections, other categories are distinctly short of content. There are only five brief articles in the API section, but instance, and the Troubleshooting section has only three.

Fortunately, if you can’t find what you need on the website, the support team is available 24/7. We asked a couple of questions via live chat and in both cases received a friendly and helpful reply within a very speedy 3-4 minutes, as fast a response time as we see anywhere.

Final Verdict

SOAX is a quality proxy service, but it won't be right for everyone. Prices can't compete with budget providers like proxy-cheap.com, for instance. SOAX doesn't have the rich API of Oxylabs, or the management tools you'll get with the likes of Decodo (formerly Smartproxy).

But there's plenty of good news, too. Signing up with SOAX gets you one of the largest pools of residential proxies around. There's ultra-flexible rotation and targeting options, with helpful 24/7 live chat support to quickly solve any issues.

Better still, although SOAX has some shortcomings, it's releasing major updates all the time. Just the four weeks prior to this review saw the arrival of lower pricing (including Pay As You Go) and big speed-boosting infrastructure improvements. If you're looking for a quality mid-market proxy service then SOAX is one of the best around.

• You can sign up for SOAX here.

• We've featured the best VPN services.

Today, our smartphones are much more than simple devices that we use to communicate. Thanks to technological advances, most of us perform activities on our phones that we used to do on our desktop PCs. This leads to similar problems that desktop users have been facing for years, namely, cybersecurity threats that range from malware to phishing and much more. But are our Android and iOS devices secure enough for us to perform our banking, investing, and storing sensitive information on them? Luckily, there are cybersecurity apps such as Clario that look to protect us in this modern world, where cyber threats such as phishing and malware have become quite common.

In the latest report by the FBI, an annual increase of 22% in losses has been recorded, thanks to various online scams, amounting to $12.5 billion. This indicates that fraud is a big business and that we need to stay even more vigilant during activities online, especially on our phones.

Previously, Clario was a suite of antivirus, VPN, and identity protection tools, but now it has transformed into a mobile app for both iOS and Android. The main goal of the spyware checker is to represent a one-stop shop app that neutralizes trackers and spyware on your phones.

• Want to try Clario? Check out the website here

Features

• Also check out our complete list of the best VPN services

For Android, Clario is the epitome of a minimalist app. It’s easy to use, and the navigation is quick and intuitive. It is available on Google Play, and the download and installation are straightforward, with the signup option including Gmail. The scan process is customizable, meaning that you can start scanning for spyware out of the box or configure the app to scan for viruses and other types of malware. As stated, the app is easy to use, but the charm lies in the wizard that guides you through the mobile protection system, making suggestions on which type of adjustments you should be making. It will even make suggestions to turn 2FA on certain accounts (i.e., Instagram) if you have not already.

Clario offers robust protection against online threats through a comprehensive set of features that target some of the most common online risks. Its powerful ad blocker prevents intrusive and malicious ads from disrupting your browsing experience, while its tracking blocker ensures that your online activity remains private by stopping trackers from collecting your personal information. For the mobile phones, there is an additional feature of scanning your device for jailbreaking on iOS and rooting on Android, both of which can compromise your device’s security. If any such security bypasses are located, Clario will notify you and provide instructions on how to fix the issue.

Besides looking for malware, Clario also looks for any data breaches related to the accounts you’ve used on your phone. If there are any breaches, you should get a recommendation from the app on how to remediate the situation best. In terms of the scan speed, on our roughly 100GB filled out Android phone (Samsung S24 Ultra), the scan was not lightning fast as it took roughly 40 seconds, but still fast enough not to be tiresome. The spyware detector was a bit quicker, taking roughly 15 seconds for the first scan, finding zero threats. In addition, we would like to point out that we did not enjoy the initial setup process, where we had to click through a few options before we could run the first scan.

It’s important to note that Clario comes with an Unlock Catcher feature, which discreetly captures photos of the person who unlocks your phone. Moreover, it also includes a Spy Cam Detector feature that shows any possible hidden cameras transmitting data and recording your activities. If you have any concerns regarding spying, Clario offers round-the-clock human assistance for all spying concerns you might have. With the 7-day free trial, you are allowed one inquiry, and for subsequent ones, you will need to have a paid account. For the less technically advanced, the fact that Clario doesn’t include complex terminology and is not looking to upsell complex features can make it more appealing.

Finally, if you’re concerned about hackers, advertisers, or unwanted snoopers tracking you, Clario offers the option of setting up a virtual location. In essence, it is masking your real GPS location by having you select a random spot like a coffee shop or even the wilderness, making your real location hidden from unwanted trackers.

Pricing

If you want to get to Clario’s pricing on their website, be ready to answer five questions. Once you do, you will have to click on “next” five times, and only then will you be presented with the prices. This is perhaps the most irksome way to get pricing for a service, outside of calling sales directly to get a quote. We’re not sure why the prices are not present once you click on the pricing tab on their website.

All in all, Clario offers three pricing plans unimaginatively called 1 month, 3 months, and 6 months plans. They start at $14.99 a month, $34.99 and $49.99 a month, respectively. At the time of reviewing the app, Clario offered a 22% discount on their 3-month plan, which now costs $11.66 a month for three months. Finally, Clario offers its biggest discount on the 6-month plan, a 45% discount, which comes out to the price of $8.33 a month. All plans come with a 14-day money-back guarantee and the ability to cancel the service at any time.

Support

Clario has great support, which is available 24/7, and best of all, it's real humans offering assistance. If you’re on the mobile app, choose the “Expert security help” and you can contact the team directly. If you prefer email, there is the usual “hello” email address from Clario that you can use, or simply go to Clario’s website and use the chat icon to start the conversation. We did not use the service, but from what we could gather from various users across the internet, the customer support is top notch.

Final verdict

There is something about Clario’s uncomplicated nature that makes it a delight to use. It’s a capable app when it comes to removing spyware, and the fact that it’s designed in a minimalist fashion adds to its charm. Furthermore, it’s clear that Clario is geared towards giving its users the best possible support, especially the more paranoid among us who are looking to spoof their GPS location.

With all of that being said, it’s not the quickest when it comes to scanning for spyware, but it is quick enough. The fact that it literally hides its prices under the pricing tab is something the team needs to think about, as well as potentially reducing the price, since you do not get a lot for the price. Although in a different category, Bitdefender offers much more for a similar 1-month price, so it's difficult to recommend Clario as the go-to app for mobile phone security. Clario comes with a 14-day money-back guarantee, which means you have enough time to test it out and make a decision whether it offers everything you need from a security app for your mobile phone.

• We've also highlighted the best antivirus software

The United States continues to experience a severe identity fraud problem, which has become increasingly expensive due to modern digital threats. The Federal Trade Commission (FTC) received more than 1.1 million identity theft complaints in 2024, representing a 9.5% increase from the previous year. The total financial losses from fraud and identity theft reached an alarming $12.7 billion according to recent statistics. The statistic illustrates how our digital convenience comes with a price, as it makes us more susceptible to advanced cybercriminal activities.

The rising importance of digital identity protection services has transformed them from optional extras into fundamental necessities because of the widespread nature of identity theft. The conventional methods of protecting our data, such as using strong passwords and being careful with information sharing, no longer provide adequate protection. The growing complexity of cyber threats necessitates that individuals implement robust defensive strategies to safeguard themselves against potential security breaches. The growing awareness of identity protection has motivated people to seek dedicated solutions that safeguard their personal data and identity.

The cybersecurity company Bitdefender leads the way with its innovative solutions, among others. Bitdefender Digital Identity Protection provides a comprehensive suite of services that track and detect identity theft, while also offering recovery support to affected users. The service offers three primary features, including continuous web-based personal data monitoring, identity theft alerts, and post-incident recovery assistance.

This review examines Bitdefender to help you determine if it represents the correct solution for your needs.

Bitdefender Digital Identity Protection: Plans and pricing

Bitdefender Digital Identity Protection operates on an annual subscription model, making it accessible for users who prefer a straightforward payment structure. Although prices can fluctuate depending on ongoing promotions, the typical cost for the first year hovers around $39.99. Following this initial period, the subscription automatically renews at a standard rate, often around $79.99 per year. For those seeking more flexibility, a monthly subscription option is generally available for about $7.99.

It’s important to note that this service is designed for individual use, meaning it generally covers one person’s identity. For families or groups looking to monitor multiple identities, it may be necessary to explore Bitdefender's more comprehensive offerings. Options like "Identity Theft Protection Standard" or "Premium" plans provide a broader range of features, such as credit report monitoring and identity theft insurance, which can cover losses of up to $1 million or $2 million, in addition to restoration services. For users seeking the most extensive protection, Bitdefender's "Ultimate Security" bundles might be worth considering.

Understanding that users should have confidence in their purchase, Bitdefender offers a 30-day money-back guarantee for its Digital Identity Protection service. This feature allows users to try the service risk-free, reassured that if it doesn’t meet their expectations, they can receive a full refund within the specified timeframe.esn’t offer any short-term subscriptions or free trials.

Bitdefender Digital Identity Protection: Features

Through Bitdefender Digital Identity Protection, you receive complete online security for your personal information that extends to dark web monitoring with alerts about potential security threats. This solution enables users to understand their digital identity footprint and receive step-by-step protection instructions.

The core monitoring system uses Personalized Breach Monitoring, which generates individualized intelligence about data breach effects on your identity. Through advanced data processing, the system generates risk scores by analyzing multiple elements from data breach events. The platform performs Dark Web Threat Monitoring through continuous website scans that include black market chat rooms and blogs to identify illegal personal information sales. Bitdefender delivers immediate warnings about compromised credentials and potential account takeovers so users can act right away.

The Smart SSN Tracker system provides alerts when an unfamiliar name, alias, or address shows up with your Social Security Number, indicating possible fraud. The service also includes Social Media Identity Monitoring, tracking Facebook, Twitter, YouTube, and Instagram accounts for violent content, profanity, and discriminatory or cyberbullying posts.

The system protects against financial and medical forms of fraud. The Medical ID Fraud Protection service enables users to check medical benefits statements for unauthorized usage of their medical benefits. The Fraud Alert Reminders system sends rapid warnings to users when their identity appears in applications for new credit cards, wireless devices, utility payments, check reorders, mortgages, and car loans, thus enabling users to identify fraud at its early stages.

The premium features of this service provide Bank & Credit Card Activity Alerts that notify users about charges, withdrawals, and balance transfers above their defined limits. Additionally, Investment Account Alerts detect early warning signs of deposit fraud, withdrawal fraud, duplicate transactions, and balance transfer fraud in 401(k), brokerage, and financial accounts.

The Change of Address Premium feature sends alerts to users about unauthorized USPS mail redirections, which criminals often use to steal financial documents. The Premium version of Court Records Monitoring searches millions of criminal, court, and public records to protect your identity from unauthorized use. The Sex Offender Registry Monitoring Premium feature actively monitors sex offender registries for both illegal identity misuse and when sex offenders move near your location to use your personal information fraudulently.

Bitdefender Digital Identity Protection provides Identity Threat Alerts to deliver information about significant data breaches, identity theft cases, and emerging identity theft legislation. The service includes Lost Wallet Protection, which enables quick credit card, debit card, and ATM card replacement and cancellation in case of identity theft. Moreover, it offers 24/7 U.S. Customer Support staffed by specialists who help users resolve and restore their digital identities. The service also shows your digital footprint through visualization and provides actionable education, presenting tailored identity protection advice based on detected risks.

Bitdefender Digital Identity Protection: Interface and in use

The Bitdefender Digital Identity Protection interface enables users to manage their digital identity through a web-based dashboard, accessible via Bitdefender Central online. This platform allows users to monitor their online identity risks without requiring any local software installations. The platform offers users complete control over their digital privacy through its centralized management system, making it easy to protect personal information.

The dashboard shows users' essential digital identity components after they complete the login process. The "Digital Identity Protection Score" stands out as a key feature that provides a numerical value indicating your current level of privacy protection. The score functions as a fundamental tool that helps users determine their level of online exposure. The "Digital Footprint" area displays users' publicly accessible information, enabling them to assess their data vulnerability.

The interface contains specific sections for monitoring "Data Breaches" while enabling users to perform "Impersonation Check" operations. The "Data Breaches" section notifies users about potential information breaches, and the "Impersonation Check" verifies that your identity remains protected from unauthorized usage.

The dashboard navigation becomes simple because it features clickable tabs at the top, including "Dark Web Monitoring," "Data Brokers," and "Event History." Users can explore each specific part of their online presence by using the tabs on the interface. The "Dark Web Monitoring" feature of the platform performs real-time checks on illicit online marketplaces to identify any personal data that matches your information. Through the "Data Brokers" section, users learn about the personal information collection and sales operations of data broker companies, while also receiving guidance on controlling their data visibility.

The Bitdefender interface presents complex information in an efficient and structured manner. The platform utilizes visual components, including risk maps and graphs, to help users easily understand complex information. The platform's user-friendly interface displays your data risk locations alongside recommended actions to mitigate those risks. The platform enables users to access simple one-click features that help them contact companies to remove data and protect compromised accounts, thus providing quick solutions.

The platform includes real-time alert systems that enable users to quickly handle digital identity threats. Through its complete set of tools, Bitdefender Digital Identity Protection enables users to track sensitive information and detect data breaches while providing active protection for their online presence. Through its user-driven digital identity protection system Bitdefender delivers a safer online experience to users.

Bitdefender Digital Identity Protection: Support

Like several other identity protection companies, Bitdefender includes a rather comprehensive support page with solutions to frequent inquiries regarding the settings and functionality of the program. If you require assistance with Bitdefender Digital Identity Protection, start by visiting the Support Center.

Bitdefender offers several other options beyond the answers available in the Support Center. You can contact the company’s support team directly via a choice of phone, email, or live chat.

Although there are no specified hours for live chat assistance, English-language phone support is offered around-the-clock. The Bitdefender support system may be able to address any issues you run through, however we never received an answer to a question that was quite simple.

Bitdefender Digital Identity Protection: The competition

The identity protection services from Bitdefender Digital Identity Protection compete with various established players and emerging companies that offer comprehensive protection against identity theft, credit monitoring, and cybersecurity services. The market consists of two main groups of competitors, which include traditional antivirus companies that are extending their identity protection services alongside specialized identity theft protection services.

The market is dominated by two leading competitors: Norton LifeLock and Aura. Norton LifeLock provides established identity protection services through its Norton 360 antivirus suite, which combines real-time threat detection with VPN and identity restoration features. Aura has established itself through its comprehensive feature set, which includes dark web monitoring, public records tracking, financial transaction alerts, three-bureau credit score monitoring, AI-based spam call/text blocking, and identity theft insurance benefits. Aura provides quick fraud detection capabilities alongside family-oriented subscription plans.

Identity Guard operates as a major competitor through its comprehensive identity theft protection system, featuring AI alerts, password management, and secure browsing capabilities. IDShield stands as a powerful option because it delivers comprehensive identity theft protection through its social media monitoring and unlimited fraud resolution services, which utilize the expertise of private investigators. IdentityForce provides an extensive feature set that includes advanced fraud monitoring, together with robust child protection capabilities.

The broader security packages of cybersecurity companies, such as McAfee, Avast, and Kaspersky, include identity monitoring and protection features. The primary focus of these companies on antivirus and malware protection has led them to develop dark web monitoring, password managers, and secure VPNs that deliver comprehensive digital security solutions. The anti-malware solution provider Malwarebytes has developed identity protection features in addition to its core malware defense capabilities.

New identity protection services, such as NordProtect from NordVPN developers, provide identity protection through their cybersecurity suite, which includes data leak monitoring and cyber extortion coverage features. The market is undergoing ongoing evolution, as providers actively enhance their monitoring capabilities with rapid alert systems and comprehensive recovery services, while bundling these tools with other cybersecurity products to increase consumer value.

Bitdefender Digital Identity Protection: Final verdict

The digital world presents identity fraud as a significant security concern that users must address. The Bitdefender Digital Identity Protection system offers comprehensive services that track and warn users about identity theft, while also helping them recover their stolen personal data.

Bitdefender offers its services through annual subscriptions, which provide ongoing personal data monitoring, identity theft alerts, and post-incident recovery support. The system includes Personalized Breach Monitoring, which provides customized risk scores, and Dark Web Threat Monitoring, which detects the sale of illegal personal data. The system fights financial and medical fraud through its Smart SSN Tracker and Medical ID Fraud Protection tools.

Users can handle their digital identity through Bitdefender Central's user-friendly web dashboard, which shows their "Digital Identity Protection Score" and "Digital Footprint." Users can easily manage their data removal and account protection through the platform's simple interface.

The Digital Identity Protection service from Bitdefender comes with a 30-day money-back guarantee, but it exists mainly for individual users. The "Identity Theft Protection Standard" and "Premium" plans of Bitdefender offer credit report monitoring and identity theft insurance to families who need these features.

The competitive market featuring Norton LifeLock and Aura does not deter Bitdefender from offering its complete feature set and excellent customer support, which makes it an attractive choice for identity fraud protection.

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