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The Verizon Digital Secure mobile app boasts a virtual private network (VPN), antivirus, identity theft protection, and other security features. The catch? You need to be a Verizon customer to get all the benefits.
Non-Verizon customers may find some value in the free features, but is this mobile app useful for them?
We tested Verizon’s Digital Secure to determine what we liked, what was lacking, and what alternatives would provide the best VPN and other tools for anyone who doesn’t want to switch phone carriers.
Digital Secure is an app for Verizon users that increases device security. It includes a VPN, a device scanner, and online monitoring to help you avoid potentially dangerous websites and other malicious content while browsing the web.
The app offers most of its functionality to Verizon subscribers, but non-Verizon users can benefit from the Wi-Fi and device scanner as well as the Safe Browsing feature.
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Verizon users also have access to identity protection and restoration, security advisors, antivirus, and the ability to protect multiple devices.
Digital Secure is obviously most beneficial for Verizon users. Anyone who downloads the free app from Apple’s App Store or the Google Store may get some security but not full functionality.
Verizon users can purchase the service for a monthly fee, while non-Verizon users can download the limited free app.
Digital Secure has different features depending on if you download the free app or if you pay for a subscription.
The Basic plan can be used by anyone and is offered for free on the mobile app to both Verizon and non-Verizon customers. If you want to purchase the Premium subscription, you’ll need a Verizon account.
| Features | Basic | Premium |
| Antivirus scan | ||
| Safe browsing | ||
| Wi-Fi scan security | ||
| System scan | ||
| Secure VPN | Limited | |
| Lost wallet protection | ||
| Identity recovery | ||
| Security advisor |
Verizon users have access to the Premium subscription, for a monthly fee. You can purchase the plan by paying per line or by purchasing it for the entire account. The account pricing includes coverage for up to 12 smartphones.
Premium subscribers will enjoy multiple device coverage, identity theft protection, antivirus, and more.
| Plan | Monthly pricing |
| Price per line | $5.00/mo |
| Price per account | $10.00/mo |
We dug through the terms and conditions and couldn’t find any red flags regarding data collection, storage, or use. From what we can determine, the Verizon Digital Secure mobile app doesn’t collect any information or log any activity.
When we tested Digital Secure, the protections on our phone didn’t show any red flags. The app was easy to download, not too invasive, and didn’t set off any alarms from our other antivirus scans. Uninstalling the app was also easy and didn’t create any issues on our phone.
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Although Digital Secure is a robust app for Verizon users, it leaves a lot to be desired if you use a different carrier.
That’s why we’ve collected some of the best smartphone apps for cybersecurity. All of the apps below include antivirus protection, a VPN, identity theft protection, plus additional tools to keep your data.
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| Starting price | Starts at $3.99/mo (billed every two years) | Starts at $29.99/yr | Starts at $9.00/mo (billed annually) |
| Features | Antivirus, VPN, identity theft protection, data leak notifications, and more | Antivirus, VPN, identity theft protection, system scan, safe browsing, data cleanup, and more | Antivirus, VPN, identity theft protection, password manager, spam call and message protection, and more |
| iOS app | |||
| Android app | |||
| Get Surfshark One+ | Get McAfee | Get Aura |
Verizon’s Digital Secure is a security mobile app offered to both Verizon and non-Verizon customers. While everyone has access to general features like Wi-Fi scans and safe browsing, Verizon customers can opt for the additional benefits of antivirus, identity theft protection, and identity restoration services.
If you don’t have any additional protections on your mobile phones, turning on Digital Secure will help keep your device and data safe. The app, even the free version, offers more than your standard smartphone protection.
If you’re a Verizon customer, the price per month for this service may be worth it, or you may want to look at a product like Surfshark One+, which includes similar, but more robust features.
Yes, you should leave Digital Secure on your phone if you don’t have any other protections installed.
If you’re looking for something more robust, you may want to consider Surfshark One+, McAfee Mobile Security, or Aura. All three of these services offer the same features as Digital Secure’s Premium version, but are available to anyone.
Digital Secure is useful for Verizon customers. If you’re considering purchasing it, you may still be able to find better software that offers more features. We like Surfshark One+, McAfee Mobile Security, and Aura. Not only are they available to any wireless carrier’s customers, but each provides additional features not included in Digital Secure Premium.
With the rise of online crime, data breaches, and identity theft, it’s essential to use some form of security software on your internet-connected devices. Verizon users may love Digital Secure, but for the rest of us, a great combination product not only keeps us secure but also provides useful features like a VPN and identity theft protection. It’s worth the investment.
Blocks ads and pop-ups, including cookie consent requests, while browsing
Can also browse ad-free without a digital footprint with the Surfshark Search engine
All-in-one app includes VPN, antivirus scans, alternative ID creation, malware protection, and more on unlimited devices
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