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Top 10 Best Identity Theft Protection Services

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Were you one of the 15 million Americans who had their identity stolen in 2021? If you were, would you even know?

Identity theft is a reality of modern life. The more connected you are, the more you run the risk of being targeted. It’s why identity theft protection services have become a whole industry of their own.

While you can take steps like changing passwords and checking your credit regularly to stop identity thieves in their tracks, no solution is foolproof. That’s why these companies offer protection in case the unthinkable happens.

When it comes to security, you can’t afford to cut corners. Here are the absolute best identity theft protection services on the market in 2022.

1) AURA

While Aura is one of the newest products on this list, it comes from decades of experience. The service grew out of Intersections, the company behind Identity Guard. Identity Guard was one of the first identity protection services on the market, coming about in 1996.

Today, Identity Guard is still on the market, and it’s still a great, affordable identity protection option. But if you want the total package, Aura is putting it all into their self-titled tool.

Features:

  • $1m identity theft protection
  • Credit and finance tracking
  • 3-bureau annual credit reports, monthly credit score
  • Mobile app
  • 24/7 support
  • Antivirus, VPN, safe browsing
  • Lost wallet remediation

Cons:

  • Based in US (data can be surveilled by Fourteen Eyes countries)
  • Limited VPN and anti-spam features

Pricing: $12/mo Individual plan, $22/mo Couple plan, $37/mo Family plan (all billed annually). 14-day free trial.

2) IdentityForce by TransUnion

IdentityForce began as Stop-Loss Associates, a loss prevention analysis company founded in 1978. Like Aura, they were invested in identity theft protection from the early days of the internet, but they launched IdentityForce as a service in 2006. Today, under the TransUnion umbrella, they boast dozens of industry awards and a 95% customer satisfaction rate.

Features*:

  • $1m identity theft insurance
  • Social media and dark web tracking
  • VPN (mobile only)
  • Two-factor authentication
  • PC protection
  • Mobile app
  • Financial tracking

Cons:

  • Limited VPN
  • Poor UI
  • Mobile app has 3.1-star rating
  • US-based
  • No antivirus software

Pricing: Starts at $17.99/mo Individual plan, $26.90/mo Family plan.

*Note: lists of features are incomplete.

3) IdentityIQ

Founded in 2009, IdentityIQ offers a somewhat broader range of identity theft protection services. Their plans range from $8.50/mo to $30/mo, with higher-end plans including monthly credit reports, family protection insurance, and other impressive features.

Features:

  • $1m stolen funds reimbursement
  • 3-bureau credit reports and tracking
  • Dark web tracking
  • Wallet loss assistance
  • Antivirus and VPN (add-on)

Cons:

  • No free trial period
  • No social media tracking
  • Won’t delete your data when you cancel
  • No app
  • US-based

Pricing: Starting at $5.94/mo basic Secure plan, $8.50/mo Secure Plus plan, $16.99/mo Secure Pro plan, $25.50/mo Secure Max plan. Antivirus & VPN add-on increases monthly cost by $2-4.

4) McAfee

Despite the titillating details of their founder’s life, McAfee remains one of the most trusted names in online security. They’ve been at it for 35 years and they’ve developed a wide array of solutions for protecting your privacy. Some of their identity theft protection services, such as their WebAdvisor tool, are available for free.

Features:

  • Antivirus and VPN
  • Identity tracking
  • Protection score
  • Personal data cleanup
  • $1m coverage, lost wallet protection, and security freeze for Advanced subscribers
  • Available for mobile

Cons:

  • Complicated pricing plans
  • Overwhelming options
  • Limited credit tracking
  • Shares some data with third parties

Pricing: Premium all-in-one plan costs $49.99 for first year, $129.99/yr subsequently. Advanced all-in-one plan costs $89.99 for first year, $179.99/yr subsequently. Family plans start at $59.99 and $99.99, respectively.

5) Allstate Identity Protection

In 2018, Allstate acquired InfoArmor, which had been providing employee privacy protection since 1968. Together, they formed Allstate Identity Protection, a robust identity theft protection service with solutions for brokers, employers, and individuals. Among other accolades, they boast a client base including ⅓ of the Fortune 500.

Features:

  • $1m expense coverage
  • Digital footprint tracking
  • Financial tracking
  • Identity tracking
  • Stolen funds reimbursement ($50k for Essentials, $500k for Premier)
  • Full-service remediation
  • Credit reports and social media tracking for Premier subscribers

Cons:

  • Limited credit tools
  • One-bureau credit tracking
  • Lack of transparency
  • US-based
  • App has a 3.2-star rating

Pricing: First 30 days free. Essentials plan costs $9.99/mo for individuals and $18.99/mo for families. Premier plan costs $17.99/mo for individuals and $34.99/mo for families.

6) LifeLock by Norton

If I asked you to name an identity theft protection service, LifeLock may be the first one that comes to mind. Founded in 2005, the service is now offered alongside Norton’s equally-popular antivirus protection.

Features:

  • $1m coverage for lawyers and experts
  • Additional protection for stolen funds and personal expenses ($25k Standard, $100k Advantage, $1m Ultimate Plus)
  • Privacy tracking
  • Dark web tracking
  • One-bureau credit tracking (3-bureau for Ultimate Plus)
  • 24/7 support
  • Data breach alerts
  • Monthly credit reports for Advantage, unlimited for Ultimate Plus
  • Strict data storage policies, less susceptible to breach/seizure

Cons:

  • Relatively high-cost plans after first year
  • Basic plans not comprehensive
  • History of false advertising and data scares
  • US-based

Pricing: Standard plan starts at $8.99/mo, Advantage plan $12.99/mo, Ultimate Plus plan $19.99/mo. Check their pricing page for more details.

7) ReliaShield

Since 2003, this Tennessee-based company has been providing “smart, affordable” identity theft protection to individuals and families nationwide. While their plans are largely industry-standard, ReliaShield is considered an especially strong option for families; children are included in their coverage at no extra cost.

Features:

  • $1m stolen funds and expense reimbursement
  • Dark web tracking
  • Data breach updates
  • Lost wallet protection
  • 24/7 support
  • Unlimited restoration services
  • Social media and credit tracking for Prime and Elite subscribers

Cons:

  • No free trial
  • Mobile app has 2.4-star rating
  • Few details on some features
  • No credit tracking on Essential tier
  • 3-bureau tracking only on Elite tier
  • US-based

Pricing: Essential plan starts at $7.99/mo for individuals, $14.99/mo for families. Prime plan $14.99/mo for individuals, $24.99/mo for families. Elite plan $21.99/mo for individuals, $34.99/mo for families.

8) Experian IdentityWorks

Like McAfee, Experian is a big name with decades of ID protection experience. They also offer a broad range of different services, some of which are available for free. Among their popular free tools are free monthly credit reports, credit tracking, and dark web information scans. They are, after all, one of the three credit bureaus I keep mentioning.

Features:

  • $500k identity theft insurance at Plus tier, $1m at Premium tier
  • Dark web surveillance
  • Lost wallet assistance
  • Family plans
  • Identity theft tracking and alerts
  • Credit tracking

Cons:

  • Basic plan only covers $500k, less than competitors
  • Some tracking unreliable
  • One-bureau credit tracking at Plus tier
  • US-based

Pricing: Free for 30 days. Plus plan starts at $9.99/mo, Premium starts at $19.99/mo. Additional $5/mo to include children.

9) IDShield

Like several companies on this list, IDShield began half a century ago as a legal services provider. IDShield got its start as Pre-Paid Legal Services, Inc. in 1972. Over the decades, that company became LegalShield, and IDShield is their identity theft protection service.

Features:

  • $1m fraud protection
  • Social media tracking
  • Reputation management
  • Full service identity theft restoration
  • 24/7 emergency assistance
  • Lost wallet assistance
  • Monthly credit score tracker
  • Finance and credit tracking
  • Antivirus and VPN
  • Password manager
  • Data breach alerts

Cons:

  • No discount for annual plan
  • Mediocre UI
  • Few plan options
  • Some lacking features (password manager, reputation management)

Pricing: 1-bureau plan $14.95/mo for individuals, $29.95/mo for families, $79.95/mo for businesses. 3-bureau plan $19.95/mo for individuals, $34.95/mo for families, $149/mo for businesses.

10) ID Watchdog by EquiFax

Just like Experian and TransUnion, EquiFax (the other of the three credit bureaus) offers its own identity theft protection service, ID Watchdog. It was founded in 2005 and acquired by EquiFax in 2017. Since then, it’s won awards for its identity protection services.

Features:

  • $1m identity theft insurance
  • 24/7 support
  • Mobile app
  • Lost wallet assistance
  • Credit tracking (1-bureau for Select, 3-bureau for Premium)
  • Dark web tracking
  • Data breach alerts
  • Premium accounts get social media and financial tracking, VPN, safe browsing, and password manager

Cons:

  • No free trial
  • 1-bureau for Select plan
  • Family plans limited to 4 children
  • Poor UI
  • App has 2.3-star rating
  • Limited features at lower tier

Pricing: Select plan starts at $14.95/mo individual, $23.95/mo family. Premium plan starts at $21.95/mo individual, $34.95/mo family.

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Gaming

10 Best Gaming Headphones of 2024

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headphone in yellow background

If you haven’t found the right gaming headphones, you’re probably not searching in the right places. Better yet, you probably don’t know how to choose one. Your gaming headphones must have excellent quality, comfortable, reliable connectivity, and multiple features. Here are the 10 best gaming headphones of 2024. 

1. SteelSeries Arctis Pro

The SteelSeries Arctis Pro Wireless offers outstanding high-fidelity sound quality and a premium build. It provides the ability to connect to a console and mobile device simultaneously. The headset features an excellent microphone that filters noise and a comfortable design. Despite low wireless latency, it has limited noise isolation. The unique battery charging system enhances gaming sessions. Drawback: no dedicated microphone volume button.

2. HyperX Cloud II

This headset features low latency and balanced audio quality, including virtual surround sound. Its noise-filtering microphone is clear, and the comfortable ear cups allow for extended gaming sessions. However, the lack of software customization and breathability can lead to warm ears. Pros include good sound and comfort, but cons involve poor noise isolation and potential sound sharpness.

3. Razer BlackShark V2

Deemed as one of the top gaming headsets, the Razer BlackShark V2 provides excellent sound isolation, comfort, and high-quality sound. It delivers more accurate audio than most gaming headsets and can be worn for hours without overheating. Its downsides include an average microphone and cumbersome Synapse software.

4. Corsair Virtuoso RGB Wireless SE

Looking for a premium gaming headset? The Corsair Virtuoso Wireless SE is a premium gaming headset offering excellent wireless connectivity, superb sound, and customizable RGB lighting. It features a high-quality microphone, long battery life, and a sturdy build. While it delivers a compelling package, its higher price, and potential heat build-up during long sessions may be drawbacks.

5. Logitech G Pro X

The Logitech G Pro X gaming headset offers professional-grade sound and Blue Voice microphone technology for clear communication. While it excels on PC with its comfortable design and extensive sound customization, its reliance on software hampers performance on consoles. The headset features multiple wired connectivity options, but the microphone may underemphasize bass.

6. Beyerdynamic MMX 150

Nothing beats this headset’s superior audio quality and comfortable design, making it an excellent choice for audiophile gamers. It features many replaceable parts and strong fundamentals, although it is best used with a wired USB connection. Despite its solid construction, the headset may be expensive, given its features and limited button functionality with a 3.5mm adapter.

7. EPOS H6PRO

The Epos H6Pro is a versatile mid-range gaming headset with exceptional audio quality and an ergonomic design. It offers a clear, punchy sound and a crystal-clear microphone. Compatibility with all systems makes it convenient, and users can choose between open or closed-back variants. The open version leaks audio, and the mic splitter can be inconvenient.

8. Astro A50

The fourth generation of the Astro A50 is a premium wireless gaming headset that offers an immersive experience with Dolby Audio. The headset features a low-latency wireless base station and a comfortable design for long gaming sessions. Its boom mic provides excellent recording quality and effective noise isolation. Onboard controls allow for volume adjustments and other settings, though occasional issues exist with the companion software. The headset’s open soundstage is a strength, but its noise isolation is lacking.

9. Audeze Mobius

The Audeze Mobius is known for its planar magnetic drivers and 3D audio technology, offering a distinctive listening experience. While it comes at a higher price, its exceptional audio quality and multiple connectivity options make it a top choice for gaming enthusiasts. The headset supports 7.1, stereo, and Bluetooth modes, and the 3D audio works well. However, the price may be a drawback, and the memory foam takes time to adapt for comfort.

10. Sennheiser GSP 670

Buying this headset offers superb sound quality, comfort, and a dependable wireless connection, all in one package. Despite its high price, it delivers top-notch audio and a good microphone. The headset is ideal for gamers seeking a premium wireless experience and remote workers needing an all-day option. However, the connection range can be inconsistent.

For more tech and gaming recs, check out more here at Owner’s Mag!

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Lifestyle

10 Best Robot Vacuums of 2024

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robot vacuum

Getting a reliable robot vacuum means you can lay around on your couch while the cleaner does the heavy lifting! Our team searched high and low for the best robot vacuum, and we can say we enjoyed testing them! Here are our top 10 picks for the robot vacuums of 2024. 

1. iRobot Roomba j7+

The Roomba j7+ is the best robot vacuum overall. It features self-emptying capabilities, intelligent navigation, and an easy-to-use app. Despite being loud and having average battery life, it recognizes up to 80 household objects, ensuring your home gets cleaned while avoiding cords and shoes. PrecisionVision Navigation and the P.O.O.P. guarantee add to its appeal.

Price:

2. iRobot Roomba s9+

We all agree that this is the best robot vacuum for pet hair. It features a D-shaped design for corner cleaning, exceptional suction power, and an auto-empty base. Though expensive and with average battery life, it offers 40 times power-lifting suction, 30% wider dual multi-surface rubber brushes, and Dirt Detect technology for tackling excessive pet hair and dirt.

Price:

3. Eufy S1 Pro

If you’re looking for a robot vacuum with powerful suction, look no further. The Eufy S1 Pro boasts an 8,000PA suction and self-washing mop head for unparalleled cleaning efficiency. Intelligent mapping ensures precision, while speed and effectiveness set it apart. Despite being expensive and loud, its cutting-edge self-cleaning technology and power make it a top-tier choice.

Price:

  • $999 on Kickstarter

4. Shark ION AV751

If you need a robot vacuum on a tight budget, the Shark ION AV751 is for you. This robot vacuum offers excellent suction power and a 120-minute run time. Its tri-brush system and stair/cliff edge detection make it efficient. Alexa and Google Assistant integration adds convenience, making it a manageable option for those seeking simplicity.

Price:

5. Neato Botvac D8

The Neato D8, known for its D-shaped design, excels in corner cleaning and advanced mapping. Ideal for smaller homes, it offers 100-minute battery life and a lidar for space mapping. The app supports no-go zones and scheduling, though it can’t map multiple floors and may climb low furniture and ledges.

Price:

6. Bobsweep PetHair Vision

Designed for pet owners, this vacuum excels at pet hair removal and offers smart navigation and mopping capabilities. Its quiet operation and three-inch height allow easy cleaning under furniture. With longer battery life, it efficiently covers large areas. The drawback? Its cleaning schedule may reset unexpectedly, and customer service follow-through can be slow.

Price:

7. Dreame X30 Ultra

This best 2-in-1 vacuum and mop offers quiet, self-emptying, dual oscillating mop heads and MopExtend mop pads. Although it has an app that’s not very user-friendly and is expensive with recurring costs, it provides comprehensive cleaning of all surfaces. Its multi-functional base station and 8300PA suction power ensure efficient home maintenance.

Price:

8. Samsung Jet Bot AI+

If you don’t mind the bulky size, the Samsung Jet Bot AI+ is a good robot vacuum option. Its self-cleaning base adds convenience. This robot vacuum has an attractive design and advanced AI for obstacle avoidance.

Price:

9. Dyson 360 Heurist

The Dyson 360 Heurist offers exceptional cleaning power with solid suction and intelligent mapping. This premium robot vacuum reaches edges effectively, thanks to its motorized brush. Though slow to set up, its precise map fine-tuning and methodical cleaning make it a top choice.

Price:

10. Roborock S8 Pro Ultra

Nothing is more self-sufficient than this all-in-one robot vacuum. It’s self-cleaning, self-emptying, self-washing, self-drying, and self-refilling! Plus, it uses VibraRise mopping and customizable cleaning routines.

Price:

$949.99 on Amazon

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Technology

Can AI Chatbots Become Your Therapist?

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ai chatbot

Mental health chatbots have become reliable companions for those who can’t afford therapy. However, these chatbots aren’t a real replacement for actual therapists. They can provide temporary comfort and aid mental health professionals in tracking patients’ moods and other necessary information to provide quality care. But with AI being more accessible and free, especially to teens, will more people depend on AI chatbots in the future?

The Latest in AI Chatbot & Mental Health

character ai ui

Mental health chatbots are on the rise. Wysa and Woebot are two well-known examples. But, one AI chatbot is much more popular than the others: the Psychologist bot on Character.ai. According to the BBC, Character.ai helps millions of users talk to the bot and other mental health-related ones to address any concerns.

Character.ai allows users to create bots to help others talk to their favorite characters or “individuals.” So far, the Psychologist and other mental health-adjacent bots have received millions of messages from multiple users. Character.ai users have shared their reviews on the social media forum Reddit about their experiences with the bot. So far, the bot has received nothing but amazing reviews.

For instance, one user messaged Psychologist to help with relationship issues and to communicate with their partner.

There’s one person to thank for this: Blazeman98. He hoped to help others because he wanted someone to talk to when his friends weren’t available. But this isn’t the only AI chatbot internet users can approach for their mental health concerns.

Other Mental Health Chatbots

Woebot is one well-known mental health chatbot. The team behind the chatbot uses cognitive behavioral techniques to help users talk about their feelings, and the chatbot will respond with compassion. Plus, it can give simple solutions to get you through the moment. It covers multiple mental health issues like needs, feeling capable, relationships, coping, and more. The chatbot helps adults, adolescents, and mothers. You can download Woebot in the App Store or Google Play Store.

If you have anxiety, depression, borderline personality disorders, and other mental health concerns, you can download Youper. This chatbot helps you track your moods every day. Plus, you can chat with the bot anytime you need help.

Wysa is another option to consider if you want an alternative to Character.ai. However, Wysa is ideal for businesses prioritizing mental health in the workplace. The chatbot helps the patient talk about what’s worrying them. Plus, it checks in with the patient and suggests exercises to improve their well-being. However, Wysa can connect patients to professionals.

Addressing Loneliness

Since AI chatbots don’t have any certification or accreditation to give advice or provide counseling, AI chatbots are excellent companions for lonely people. Meta-Gallup reports that a quarter of the global population feels lonely. With the rise of AI, more people can rely on AI to talk to them and provide companionship that others can’t offer, whether in real life or on the internet.

However, Business Insider writer Daniel Cox believes that more people will be lonely as they talk to AI often. It’s all because of the lack of human connection. Gen Z, in particular, will feel this loneliness even more so. Since they grew up with technology, talking to chatbots is a pathway for them when they need someone to talk to when they don’t have anyone else or because of the potential harm social media brings to users.

How Safe is it to Use AI Chatbots?

ai

Although you can talk to an AI chatbot with the touch of a button, it could be risky to depend on an AI chatbot for mental health-related issues or companionship.

One issue that arises when talking to AI chatbots is your privacy. One recent example of a data leak comes from Microsoft when an employee unknowingly leaked 38TB (that’s right, terabytes) of data. That’s a possibility, especially if data isn’t stored properly. Or, in the employee’s case, they posted the wrong URL.

Another issue that comes up is bias and discrimination. For instance, one chatbot was taken down for the language it used while conversing with users on Twitter. Due to the unfortunate incident, it was forced to shut down because of an uncoordinated attack.

The chatbots mentioned above ensure safety and security through data encryption. Plus, they use language that won’t trigger or encourage users to harm themselves or someone else. Additionally, chatbots avoid giving diagnoses and aren’t discriminatory or biased. Moreover, some AI chatbots are HIPAA-compliant, ensuring they follow regulatory health standards. Finally, the chatbots won’t sell your data to third-party or advertising companies.

Final Thoughts

AI chatbots can be a companion when you’re lonely or need to discuss mental health conditions or symptoms. However, they are not a full replacement for a human therapist as they can only provide solutions to help you get through the moment, track your moods, and give you insights. 

Character.ai provides a free solution to talk to a “Psychologist” bot anytime, but note that you’re not talking to a professional. If that’s bothersome for you, you can use other mental health chatbots to direct you to the help you need. This way, you’ll also have a safe and secure experience while conversing with chatbots built by professionals. 

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