Optery vs DeleteMe vs Incogni: Which Data Removal Service Actually Proves It Worked?
After testing all three services with real data, we reveal which one actually proves they removed your information—and which ones just ask you to trust them.
Last Updated: | Reading Time: 12 minutes
Testing Method: Real accounts tested across multiple people over several months
- ✓ Actual proof with screenshots
- ✓ Real-time 24/7 dashboard
- ✓ Free scan before you pay
- ✓ Human + machine approach
- ✓ Transparent pricing
- ✓ Manual human removal
- ✗ No proof of removals
- ✗ Quarterly PDF reports only
- ✗ 90-day scan cycle
- ✗ Annual billing only
- ✓ Fully automated & fast
- ✓ Best cost per removal
- ✗ No human oversight
- ✗ No proof screenshots
- ✗ Limited support
The Testing Challenge: Why Comparing Data Removal Services is Tricky
Here's the weird thing about testing these services: The moment you run one of them using your real identity, you can't really reset the internet to test another one. If the first service does its job and gets your information removed, there's nothing left for the second service to find.
The Reality: It's not like comparing identity theft protection where every provider can monitor the same credit bureaus simultaneously. With data broker removal, once the data is gone, it's (hopefully) gone.
Even though we ran trials using multiple people, there's no perfect mathematical way to say one service removes more brokers than another. Instead, what matters are the real differences between these companies: their approach, automation, pricing, coverage, and how much work each one takes off your plate.
The Proof Problem: How Do You Know They Actually Did Anything?
When you get your friends and family to all create unique accounts with most data broker removal services, you quickly realize something interesting: You have no idea if they actually did what they said they'd do.
You're paying them to remove your information from hundreds of websites, but how do you actually know they followed through? Or if the threat was even real in the first place?
Optery: The Only Service That Shows Proof
PC Mag called this their "crown jewel feature" and pointed out that no other service does this.
Optery's reports include before-and-after screenshots of your actual profiles being removed. You can literally see your information on a data broker site and then see that same site with your info gone.
What You Get:
- Free report with dozens of screenshots showing where your information is exposed
- Scan finishes in about 30 minutes
- No credit card required for initial scan
- See the actual problem before deciding to pay
- Real-time dashboard updates 24/7
DeleteMe: Just Trust Us
DeleteMe doesn't give you screenshots at all. They just give you a PDF every 3 months that tells you what they claim to have done. No proof, just their word.
The Problem: You have to trust that the site they removed you from had a full, accurate profile on you that they deleted—which you can't double-check because it's deleted. While DeleteMe makes you wait three months for their next PDF update, Optery's dashboard updates in real-time, 24/7.
Incogni: Dashboard with Numbers Only
Incogni is all automation. You see results almost immediately, but there are no screenshots proving the removals actually happened—just unclear numbers on a chart.
Three Different Approaches to Data Removal
The way these services actually remove your data tells you a lot about what you're really paying for. There are basically three approaches:
Incogni: All Robots
A computer program finds your data and fires off removal requests. It's fast—you see results almost immediately. But when a data broker needs special handling, the robots might not know what to do.
Best for: Those prioritizing speed and cost over verification
DeleteMe: All Humans
Everything's done by hand. Real people submit every opt-out request manually. It's thorough, sure, but it's also slow and expensive. Even Optery's research shows that doing everything manually is outdated at this point.
Best for: Those who want phone support and hands-on service
Optery: Human + Machines (Best Approach)
The computer handles monthly scans and sends out most removal requests automatically. Then actual people step in for quality checks and handle the tricky cases that need a human touch.
According to Optery's research: This combination beats either approach on its own.
Best for: Most people who want proven results with transparency
Coverage Is Only Half the Story
DeleteMe advertises a network of over 976 data brokers, and in our own long-term testing that reach held up — their privacy advisors reviewed nearly 2,000 listings on our researcher's behalf across six months. Coverage is not where DeleteMe falls short.
That's the real tradeoff between these two. DeleteMe casts the widest net and puts human advisors on it. Optery shows you exactly what came down, when, and from where.
Optery's Transparent Approach
Compare that to Optery's signup page. The pricing numbers will vary if you use affiliate links, but at least Optery is very clear about exactly what you get at each tier. They tell you upfront what's included in each plan—no hidden limitations.
DeleteMe's priority seems to be getting you through checkout as fast as possible instead of explaining what's actually included. You have to dig around to find accurate information about coverage.
Head-to-Head Comparison
| Feature | Optery | DeleteMe | Incogni |
|---|---|---|---|
| Proof of Removal | ✓ Screenshots | ✗ None | ✗ None |
| Dashboard Updates | Real-time 24/7 | Quarterly PDFs | Regular updates |
| Removal Method | Human + Machine | Manual only | Automated only |
| Free Scan | ✓ Yes | ✓ Limited | ✗ No |
| Billing Options | Monthly or Annual | Annual only | Monthly or Annual |
| Transparency | Excellent | Poor | Good |
| SOC2 Type 2 Certified | ✓ Yes | ✓ Yes | ✓ Yes |
| GET FREE SCAN | View DeleteMe | View Incogni |
When to Choose Each Service
Choose Optery If You Want:
- Actual proof your data was removed (screenshots)
- Real-time dashboard updates 24/7
- Free scan to see problems before paying
- Transparent pricing and coverage details
- Best of both worlds (automation + human oversight)
- Monthly or annual billing options
Choose DeleteMe If You Want:
- Phone support availability
- Email/phone masking built-in
- More established, hands-on service
- Don't mind waiting for quarterly PDF reports
- Comfortable trusting without verification
Choose Incogni If You Want:
- Best cost per removal ratio
- Fully automated, fast results
- Prioritizing price over proof
- Simple, no-frills approach
Why Optery Wins for Most People
After actually testing all three services, Optery keeps coming out on top. Here's why:
The Optery Advantage
- Only service showing actual proof with before-and-after screenshots—not a small thing
- Human + machine approach just works better—speed of computers plus people ensuring accuracy
- Unmatched transparency—from free scan to live dashboard to verified screenshots
- PC Mag Editor's Choice three years in a row
- SOC2 Type 2 certified—proven security standards
- Flexible billing—monthly or annual options
No credit card required • See your exposed data in 30 minutes