Aura Antivirus Review (2023 Update): The Pros & Cons

Aura review: summary

Aura is ranked #21 out of 28 antivirus software.

Aura is a solid antivirus solution with good malware detection capabilities, and identity theft safeguards for US customers. Sadly, Aura doesn’t offer a firewall or parental controls. And both the VPN and password manager can’t match those of the best antivirus software.

Even more critical, Aura does not participate in the independent tests by AV-Test, which is not a good sign. Without these tests, we have no verifiable benchmark to compare it against. Therefore, we would stick to one of the proven winners, such as Norton or Bitdefender.

If you want the best protection, we recommend Norton.

Click the links to compare the prices of the best antivirus software:

🥇 Norton Antivirus – The best of 2023
🥈 Bitdefender Antivirus
🥉 McAfee Antivirus

Or read our complete comparison of the best antivirus of 2023.

Test score comparison

We’ve compared the 10 most recent test scores of all antivirus brands. The tests were performed by AV-Test, the German anti-malware test lab. They use three factors:

• Protection (1-6): Antivirus protection against malware attacks.
• Performance (1-6): System slowdown caused by the antivirus.
• Usability (1-6): Frequency of false alarms and disruptions.

We used their results, and this formula, to calculate the final score:

Final Score = 60% Protection + 20% Performance + 20% Usability.

Brands not listed in the table haven’t participated in the analysis by AV-Test. This is usually not a good sign. Because most reputable brands, except Panda, ESET, and Sophos, partake in the test.

Click the links to compare the prices of the best antivirus software:

🥇 Norton Antivirus – The best of 2023
🥈 Bitdefender Antivirus
🥉 McAfee Antivirus

Or read our complete comparison of the best antivirus of 2023.

Aura antivirus review

Aura presents itself as an acceptable antivirus tool, boasting high-level identity theft protection for US users, and an effective malware detection rate. Despite this, it falls short in providing a customizable anti-malware scanner, compared to leading antivirus competitors.

Anti-malware

Aura excels in offering a comprehensive suite of identity theft safeguards, such as monitoring bank accounts, credit reports, and social security activity. However, it falls short with a subpar VPN and password manager, as well as missing crucial features like a firewall, Wi-Fi monitoring, system tuning tools, and parental controls.

Aura’s malware scanner performs at par with competitors, delivering real-time malware detection and on-demand scans. It utilizes a substantial database of known malware but lacks advanced heuristic or machine learning capabilities for newer malware strains. Aura’s three scanning methods—Quick, Full, and Custom—proved effective in tests, but the absence of a scan scheduling feature and scan logs was disappointing.

While Aura’s antivirus protection is commendable, its inability to schedule scans or access scan logs may deter some users. Its VPN provides encryption and location masking, but is limited by an inability to select your location and a missing kill switch. Its effectiveness for streaming content outside your current location is limited but it performs well for domestic streaming.

VPN

Aura’s VPN allows P2P traffic and efficiently blocks suspicious phishing websites. In terms of speed, it performs admirably, with only a minimal impact on connection speed. Nonetheless, the VPN lacks critical features like location selection and a kill switch, and may not be the best choice for more serious VPN users.

Identity Theft Protection

Exclusively for US customers, Aura offers a superior array of identity theft protection services. These services can only be accessed via Aura’s online dashboard, not the desktop app, yet the interface remains user-friendly.

The features include credit and bank monitoring, data protection, dark web and Social Security surveillance, online account alerts, lost wallet assistance, home title and address monitoring, and criminal and court record tracking.

In case of identity theft, US-based agents are available for aid. Interestingly, Aura provides an insurance policy (up to $5 million) covering expenses resulting from identity theft, including lost wages and legal fees. However, competitive brands like Norton offer similar protection at a lower cost.

Password Manager:

Aura’s password manager, on the contrary, falls short with limited features and functionalities, as compared to top standalone password managers. Its main function is storing the usernames and passwords of your online accounts.

However, it lacks important features such as auto-fill, password sharing, biometric logins, password vault auditing, and 2-factor authentication. While Aura provides a browser extension for Chrome and apps for Android and iOS, they offer minimal additional functionalities.

Consequently, Aura’s password manager may disappoint those seeking more advanced password management solutions.

Plans

Aura provides three plans, all inclusive of antivirus, VPN, and password manager features. The pricier plans extend coverage to more devices and users and offer heightened insurance payouts. However, they’re limited to US residents.

Norton and Bitdefender outshine Aura with their comprehensive features at lower prices. Aura provides massive device coverage, up to 50 devices for the Family plan, though this might be excessive for typical use. All plans offer monthly and yearly payments, but only annual plans include a 60-day money-back guarantee.

• Aura Individual (€ 109.02 / year) offers coverage for one person and up to 10 devices, with a $1 million insurance policy for identity theft-related damages. It’s a solid choice for those seeking robust antivirus and identity theft protections in the US, albeit Norton offers better protection at a lower price.
• Aura Couple (€ 196.23 / year) extends coverage to two people, increases insurance to $2 million, and provides antivirus and VPN coverage for up to 20 devices.
• Aura Family (€ 316.15 / year) covers up to five users and 50 devices, adds child social security number monitoring, and offers $5 million insurance for identity theft victims. However, this plan is costlier than Norton’s LifeLock family plan.

Conclusion

Aura’s antivirus and identity theft protections are impressive. Its antivirus offers nearly perfect malware-detection and ranks alongside competitors like Norton and Bitdefender.

However, the password manager and VPN are underwhelming, and it lacks some key features like a firewall and parental controls. Aura’s different plans, while costlier than competitors, are differentiated by the number of users and devices covered.

All annual plans come with a 60-day money-back guarantee, offering risk-free trials.

Click the links to compare the prices of the best antivirus software:

🥇 Norton Antivirus – The best of 2023
🥈 Bitdefender Antivirus
🥉 McAfee Antivirus

Or read our complete comparison of the best antivirus of 2023.

How do we test antivirus software?

The best antivirus software offer virus protection, identity theft protection, and privacy protection for Windows, macOS, and Android. Some also offer security features for iOS and Linus.

To evaluate which providers are worth your money, we run 11 tests:

> Test 1: Anti-malware protection test

We analyze antivirus software’s capability to detect and eliminate known and unknown malware, using heuristic analysis for behavior monitoring.

We conduct in-house tests and analyze those from labs like AV-Test, SE Labs, and AV-Comparatives to determine the best malware protection.

Malware includes adware, keyloggers, ransomware, rootkits, spyware, trojans, viruses, worms, and more. Other cyber threats, usually not classified as malware, are (zero-day) exploits, hacks, identity theft, phishing attacks, scams, and social engineering.

> Test 2: False positives test

False positives occur when antivirus software misidentifies legitimate software, files, or websites as malicious. We rely on AV-Test’s large-scale analysis of false positives in its usability test to guide our evaluations.

> Test 3: System performance test

We measure the CPU load during antivirus software system scans and consider AV-Test’s performance results on the slowdown caused by antivirus software when opening websites and handling software.

> Test 4: Firewall test

We evaluate two-way firewalls that filter incoming and outgoing data and allow users to set rules to regulate data streams. We use the ShieldsUP! test to determine if the antivirus software blocks all ports.

> Test 5: Password manager test

We assess password managers’ ability to create, store, and autofill secure passwords, as well as additional features like two-factor authentication and biometric login.

> Test 6: Virtual Private Network (VPN) test

We evaluate built-in VPNs on their security, privacy, speed, compatibility with streaming services, unlimited data access, and support for peer-to-peer networks and torrent clients.

> Test 7: Parental control test

We examine parental control features, such as screen time rules, website/app blocking, and real-world location tracking. We test these features on a device and attempt to circumvent them, checking if the activity is accurately reported in the parental control admin.

> Test 8: Anti-phishing protection test

We evaluate antivirus browser extensions that block phishing sites by installing them and attempting to visit dangerous URLs.

> Test 9: Ransomware protection test

We assess security suites’ ability to prevent data encryption through exploit prevention and behavioral detection during ransomware attacks.

> Test 10: Bonus features test

We test any additional cybersecurity tools such as:

• Ad Blocker
• Anti-theft
• Dark web monitoring (identity protection)
• Email protection
• File encryption
• File shredder
• Gaming mode
• Microphone protection
• PC maintenance features
• Secure browser (hardened browser to protect your online banking)
• Secure cloud storage (cloud backup)
• Spam filter
• Startup optimizer
• Tune up tools
• Virtual keyboard
• Webcam protection

> Test 11: Operating system and multiple devices test

Operating system and multiple devices: We test antivirus software on Windows, macOS, Android, and iOS devices and award bonus points for unlimited device protection.

> Test 12: Ownership and reputation test

We analyze the trustworthiness of antivirus companies, especially concerning customer data. We read press releases, news articles, and privacy policies to determine their reputation.

Sources and tools

Below are the sources and tools we’ve used to test the antivirus software:

• Apple Platform Security
• AV-Comparatives Consumer
• AV-Test Android
• AV-Test macOS
• AV-Test Windows
• GRC Firewall Test
• Microsoft Defender
• SpeedTest VPN
• Trustpilot Security Software