Is the Verizon Digital Secure App Right for You?

As non-Verizon customers, we tested out Verizon’s Digital Secure app and discovered its benefits. We’ll also share alternatives you might think are even better.

Mary James, Author

Steph Trejos, Editor

Last updated Jul 12, 2024

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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.

In this article

What is Verizon’s Digital Secure app?
What features does Digital Secure have?
What does Digital Secure cost?
Is Digital Secure safe to use?
Cybersecurity mobile app alternatives
FAQs
Bottom line

What is Verizon’s Digital Secure app?

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.

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.

What features does Digital Secure have?

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

What does Digital Secure cost?

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

Is Digital Secure safe to use?

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.

Digital Secure screen to set up safe browsing feature.

Cybersecurity mobile app alternatives

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.


Starting price	Starts at $4.29/mo (billed biennially)	Starts at $29.99/first 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+ Read Surfshark One+ Review	Get McAfee Read McAfee Review	Get Aura Read Aura Review

FAQs

What is Verizon Digital Secure and do I need it?

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.

Should I turn on Verizon Digital Secure?

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.

Should I leave Digital Secure on my phone?

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.

Bottom line

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.

Full Suite of Cybersecurity Tools on Unlimited Devices

4.8

Editorial Rating

On Surfshark One's website

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Blocks ads and pop-ups, including cookie consent requests, while browsing
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All-in-one app includes VPN, antivirus scans, alternative ID creation, malware protection, and more on unlimited devices

Author Details

Mary James

About the Author

Mary is a seasoned cybersecurity writer with over seven years of experience. With a B.S. in Liberal Arts from Clarion University and an M.F.A. in Creative Writing from Point Park University, she educates audiences on scams, antivirus software, and more. Her passion lies in educating audiences on helpful ways to protect their data.