Optery and Incogni are both leading data removal services, but there was one clear winner based on our testing and analysis for this in-depth comparison report.
Trying to decide between Optery and Incogni to enhance your online privacy? Let’s delve into a concise comparison – Optery excels in delivering a comprehensive data removal service, automating opt-outs from an extensive range of data brokers. On the other hand, Incogni stands out with its cost-effective solutions and user-friendly interface, ensuring an efficient and smooth data removal process.
To provide you with an unbiased evaluation, we’ve subscribed to their services, explored their user interfaces, engaged with their customer support, and assessed the effectiveness of their data scrubbing capabilities. We’ve scrutinized the breadth of data brokers each service interacts with, the transparency of their privacy policies, and the robustness of their security measures. In an age where everyone is spying on you, with even ISPs logging everything you do online, the importance of such services cannot be overstated.
We aim to present a clear and impartial comparison between Optery’s detailed opt-out procedures and Incogni’s affordable and effective data scrubbing service. By the end of this analysis, you’ll be equipped with the critical information needed to choose the privacy protection service that aligns with your personal needs and helps you delete your digital footprint.
Optery | Incogni | |
---|---|---|
Website | Optery.com | Incogni.com |
Availability | The US | The US, Canada, the UK, the Isle of Man, Switzerland, Norway, Iceland, Liechtenstein, and all of the EU |
Coverage | 290+ data brokers | 180+ data brokers |
Support | Live chat, email, email and social media, and knowledge base | Email and detailed knowledge base |
Price | From $3.25 to $20.70/mo. | $7.49/mo. |
Annual Price | From $39 to $249 | $77.88 (best value) |
Best Deal | N/A | 55% Off Coupon > |
Key takeaways with Optery vs Incogni
- Incogni is an affordable and highly effective data removal service with a simple user interface and automated data removal from a variety of data brokers, but it covers fewer brokers than Optery.
- Optery offers one of the best data removal services with automated opt-outs from over 290 data brokers, custom scans, and personalized reports, but is a lot more expensive than Incogni.
- Both Optery and Incogni have high success rates in removing data and preventing its reappearance, they differ in coverage, features, and user experience, making the choice dependent on specific user needs.
- Incogni offers the best value of the two, especially when you use the 55% off coupon.
For a more comprehensive understanding, we invite you to explore our detailed Incogni and Optery. These reviews will give you an in-depth perspective on each service’s unique features and capabilities.
Optery vs Incogni: Which company is more trustworthy?
Trustworthiness is a paramount consideration when selecting a data removal service. Optery has earned commendations for its adept management of personal data, offering a transparent view of found profiles and a complimentary tier, which bolsters its credibility.
Incogni has swiftly built a reputation for its dedication to user privacy and its proficient approach to data removal. Both entities are very respected within the industry, and the decision between them often hinges on personal preference and the particularities of one’s needs.
For those contemplating an enhancement to their online security with a top-notch VPN, our expert insights on ExpressVPN and NordVPN are worth reading, as they are leading contenders in the VPN market.
Now, let’s take a closer look at these two privacy champions, dissecting their service offerings, gauging their effectiveness, and evaluating the overall user journey they provide.
Optery overview
Optery is a beacon of empowerment for those aiming to take the reins on their sensitive data, fostering a more secure digital environment. Launched in the year 2020 by Lawrence Gentilello – a tech visionary with a profound track record in technology and data management – Optery has established itself as a pivotal player in the data removal landscape. It assists individuals in protecting their online identity by systematically eradicating personal information from a comprehensive suite of data brokers and people search sites.
Rooted in the tech-savvy San Francisco Bay Area, California (unfortunately, the US is a member of Five Eyes) Optery has rapidly grown into a formidable force in data privacy protection. Their extensive privacy service is not limited to the removal of personal information from Google but extends to over 275 other sites. For users who prefer to take matters into their own hands, Optery also offers self-service tools, empowering them to send out official removal requests directly.
Optery pros and cons
Let’s take a look at the pros and cons of choosing Optery as one of your privacy tools:
Pros:
A 30-day money-back guarantee with all plans, that provides users with a risk-free trial period.
Automation of opt-out processes available with paid plans, simplifying the data removal journey.
Comprehensive data removal across Google and more than 275 sites, ensuring extensive coverage.
Detailed removal reports, including screenshots, give users clear evidence of data removal.
Intuitive and easy-to-use interface, which enhances user experience and simplifies navigation.
Premium plan includes custom removal requests, allowing users to target specific data for deletion.
Privacy protection extends beyond simple data removal, encompassing a broader approach to online privacy.
Step-by-step opt-out guides are available, offering users helpful resources for manual data removal.
Cons:
Service effectiveness is dependent on data brokers’ compliance with removal requests..
Paid subscriptions are more expensive than some competitors, which might be a consideration for budget-conscious users.
Limited free features, which might not satisfy users looking for a no-cost privacy solution.
Now, let’s shift our focus to Incogni and examine what this contender brings to the table.
Incogni overview
While Incogni may not be as widely recognized as some of its competitors, it holds its own with a strong partnership with Surfshark VPN, which routinely outperforms other market leaders (see the Surfshark vs ExpressVPN comparison).
Based in the Netherlands (not a member of FVEY), Incogni’s team is dedicated to a singular mission – to enhance online privacy and security in an era increasingly plagued by data breaches and concerns over data brokerage. Incogni’s subscription-based service takes the hassle out of privacy protection by contacting over 180 data brokers on your behalf, demanding the removal of your information from their databases. This includes a wide array of brokers, from public and private databases to paid sites and people search platforms, to ensure a broad sweep of your digital footprint.
However, it’s important to be aware that Incogni does share personal information with third-party providers and may disclose data per legal obligations.
Incogni pros and cons
Pros:
Incogni offers a 30-day money-back guarantee for all subscribers, providing peace of mind to those testing the service.
With a super simple sign-up process, users can get started with Incogni quickly and efficiently.
With an easy-to-understand interface, Incogni makes it simple for users to navigate and request data removal.
The service offers fairly fast response times and removals, ensuring that your personal information is addressed promptly.
- Incogni keeps subscribers informed with updates on the data removal procedure each week, keeping them in the loop.
- Incogni provides very reasonable pricing, making it accessible for users looking to enhance their online privacy.
If needed, Incogni repeats removal requests, ensuring that your data is continually scrubbed from data brokerage sites.
Cons:
Incogni lacks detailed reports on personal data found, which may leave users curious about the specifics.
The service doesn’t provide an extensive range of support options, potentially leaving users with fewer avenues for assistance.
Optery vs Incogni: Core features overview
To figure out how Optery and Incogni handle your data and keep your privacy safe, it’s important to know their main features. Both services have special things they’re good at, and we want to help you see what makes each of them unique.
Availability: Does Optery or Incogni cover more countries?
When evaluating the geographical reach of data removal services, it’s crucial to consider where each service is legally able to operate. As of now, Optery’s services are exclusively available to residents of the United States. They focus on the US market and comply with U.S.-specific privacy regulations such as the California Consumer Privacy Act (CCPA).
In contrast, Incogni offers its services to a much broader international audience. Their coverage includes not only the United States and Canada but also extends to the United Kingdom, Isle of Man, Switzerland, Norway, Iceland, Liechtenstein, and the entirety of the European Union. This wide reach is due to Incogni’s ability to act on behalf of residents covered by comprehensive data protection laws like the General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR), UK GDPR, and the Personal Information Protection and Electronic Documents Act (PIPEDA).
The difference in geographical coverage between the two services is significant. While Optery provides a valuable service for US residents, Incogni’s extensive international presence makes it the go-to choice for individuals in multiple countries seeking to manage their online privacy under various data protection laws.
Availability winner: Incogni
Automated data removal: Is Optery or Incogni better at removing data?
The power of automation has revolutionized the data removal process, making it more efficient and reliable. Optery approaches online privacy with precision, scanning the web for personal details across data broker sites, initiating opt-out requests, and vigilantly monitoring for any resurfacing of information. This all-encompassing method ensures not only the thorough elimination of personal data but also its continued protection. Optery’s detailed reports, complete with before-and-after visuals, provide a clear and accountable record of their commitment to maintaining your online privacy.
Incogni, on the flip side, harnesses advanced algorithms to anticipate and detect emerging data brokers that may hold your personal details. The platform manages all correspondence with data collectors, sending removal requests and permitting users to oversee the progress via the Incogni dashboard.
This forward-thinking approach ensures that your data remains off the market, with most brokers responding within a week of initial contact. Incogni’s dedication to transparency is underscored by its routine updates, which keep subscribers informed about the status of their data removals. Even when faced with delays, which can prolong the process up to 45 days, Incogni relentlessly resubmits requests to guarantee the effective deletion of your personal data from online records.
While both services present substantial advantages, Incogni distinguishes itself with a focus on user-friendliness, efficiency, and cost-effectiveness. Its dedication to clear communication and regular progress updates empowers users to actively participate in the data removal process, fostering trust within the privacy community.
Automated data removal winner: Incogni
(opens in a new tab)”>Learn about Incogni’s data removal techniques here >
Data broker coverage: Does Optery or Incogni cover more data brokers?
When it comes to the reach of data brokers, the scope of coverage is a crucial aspect of any data removal service. Optery boasts an extensive network that encompasses over 290 data brokers, continually striving to broaden its influence and address emerging data collectors. In contrast, Incogni, while effective in its own right, maintains a focus on a curated list of over 180 data brokers, ensuring thorough and focused removal of personal information.
Incogni, while not matching Optery’s reach, still effectively targets a significant number of data brokers, including specialized people search websites, and is proactive in expanding its coverage. This is particularly advantageous for users who value a service that is not just broad, but also deep in its data removal capabilities.
It’s also worth mentioning that Optery offers a hands-on approach for users who prefer to remove their digital footprint. With self-service tools available, individuals can initiate removal requests on their own.
Data broker coverage winner: Optery
User interface and ease of use: Is Optery or Incogni more user-friendly?
Optery’s platform is designed with user accessibility in mind, featuring a streamlined dashboard that guides users through privacy management with ease. The interface is organized to provide a stress-free experience, where monitoring the status of personal data removal is a straightforward process. Even those with minimal technical background can confidently navigate Optery’s system, ensuring that privacy protection is accessible to all.
Incogni echoes this philosophy, presenting a platform that is both intuitive and efficient. Their interface, reminiscent of the user-centric design we saw in the Privacy Bee review, is crafted to facilitate a hassle-free user experience. As explored in our in-depth comparison of Incogni vs Privacy Bee, Incogni’s dashboard provides a clear overview of the service’s progress. It also offers options to delve into more detailed views for users who wish to closely track the status of their data removal requests.
Both Optery and Incogni have successfully streamlined their user interfaces, however, Incogni’s minimalistic approach particularly shines, streamlining the privacy management experience.
User interface and ease of use winner: Incogni
Monitoring and reappearance prevention: Who comes out on top?
Optery’s data removal strategy is meticulous and proactive, involving a three-step process. First, they pinpoint your personal details on data broker sites. Second, they dispatch opt-out requests to ensure your information is removed. Third, they vigilantly oversee the web to detect any instances of your data resurfacing. This diligent method is designed to not only eradicate your information from the digital realm but also to maintain that level of privacy over time.
Incogni, by leveraging automation, streamlines the data removal and monitoring process by continuously engaging with data brokers to expunge your personal information. Once you’re enrolled with Incogni, they take the helm, persistently working to erase traces of your digital presence across a multitude of data brokers. They stand out by their commitment to not only remove your information but also to persistently monitor for any new occurrences, ensuring that your privacy isn’t just a one-time affair, but a sustained state of being.
Both Incogni and Optery offer diligent monitoring to ensure your private information remains protected, combining professionalism with effective privacy defense. Additionally, our guide to stopping spam calls and robocalls can further enhance your privacy protection.
Monitoring and reappearance prevention winner: It’s a tie
Custom removal requests: Who takes the lead?
Understanding the complexity of today’s digital environment and the plethora of data brokers that populate it, Optery extends the capability for custom removal requests. This particular feature is invaluable for those who discover their personal information on niche or obscure websites that may not be included in Optery’s standard service scope.
Conversely, Incogni adopts a more uniform approach. It concentrates on automating the data removal process and liaises with a preselected roster of data brokers. Incogni does not currently provide custom removal requests, choosing instead to focus on the core efficiency and simplicity of its services.
While both Optery and Incogni are dedicated to data removal, Optery is particularly noted for its adaptability and the comprehensive nature of its custom removal services. We also discussed this in our Incogni vs DeleteMe comparison.
Custom removal requests: Optery
Reporting: Who provides more in-depth removal reports?
With Optery, users are provided with clear before-and-after documentation, visually charting the removal of their personal data from data brokers’ clutches. This level of detail not only demonstrates Optery’s effectiveness but also bolsters user confidence in their commitment to safeguarding privacy. Users can easily follow the path their data takes from being publicly accessible to securely hidden away.
In contrast, Incogni opts for a more streamlined reporting approach. While it adeptly handles the removal of user data from broker sites, it stops short of providing the detailed reports that some users might crave. The absence of such granular reporting positions Incogni as a more straightforward, though less informative, player in the data privacy arena.
Reporting winner: Optery
Additional features and benefits: Who offers better extras?
Subscribers to Optery enjoy thorough removal reports and the option for customized removal requests, but the list of additional perks ends there. Similarly, while Incogni champions a streamlined and efficient strategy for data removal, it doesn’t offer much in the way of extra bells and whistles.
Neither service overwhelms its users with a surplus of bonus features, and that’s a conscious decision. This stands in stark contrast to what we found in our DeleteMe review, with DeleteMe providing a wider array of additional privacy tools. Our side-by-side comparison of Incogni vs DeleteMe delves into these differences, offering insights into the unique offerings of each service.
Additional features and benefits winner: It’s a tie
Pricing and plans: Does Optery or Incogni offer greater value for money?
Optery’s range of plans kicks off with the Free Basic plan, a complimentary offering that empowers users to manually manage their online presence through self-guided opt-outs. For those desiring a more hands-off experience, the Core plan is available at $3.99 per month, featuring automated removals from over 110 sites, insights into your profile’s visibility on up to 290 sites, and monthly scans to keep your privacy intact.
For the privacy-conscious user with heightened needs, Optery proposes the Extended plan, which broadens coverage to over 170 sites. The pinnacle of Optery’s offerings, the Ultimate plan, ensures the most comprehensive level of protection, covering over 290 sites and including the option for custom removal requests, tailor-made for those with specific privacy considerations.
Each of Optery’s tiered subscriptions is backed by a 30-day money-back guarantee, allowing users to explore the service’s premium features with assurance and peace of mind.
Incogni simplifies the choice of plans, offering a straightforward monthly subscription at $12.99 for those who value flexibility, with the option to cancel at any time. For individuals committed to long-term privacy protection, the annual plan presents a great deal at just $7.49 per month, a saving of 50% over the monthly rate. This plan is particularly appealing to budget-conscious users who do not wish to compromise on quality privacy protection.
In line with Optery’s customer-centric approach, Incogni also provides a 30-day money-back guarantee for both plans.
In contrast with Optery, Incogni simplifies the choice of plans, offering a single subscription model that covers comprehensive data removal from its entire network of data brokers, dodging the complexity of tiered service limits.
Pricing and plans winner: Incogni
Security measures and privacy policies: Is Optery or Incogni a safer choice?
In the face of escalating cyber threats, robust cybersecurity is indispensable for safeguarding digital identities from theft and fraud, as well as other sensitive data.
Optery and Incogni prioritize cybersecurity, employing advanced encryption to protect user data and adhering to minimal data collection to align with privacy standards. Optery’s privacy policy underscores a commitment to user privacy, eschewing the sale of personal information and severing financial connections with data brokers. Users have the autonomy to manage their data, with rights to access or request deletion, reinforcing Optery’s dedication to user control.
Incogni, while more streamlined in security features, is steadfast in protecting user data. Incogni’s privacy policy reflects a commitment to transparent data handling, including timely data deletion post-service and adherence to legal privacy requirements.
Both services are committed to secure data removal, with Optery offering comprehensive user data management and Incogni focusing on essential protections and privacy compliance.
By the way, if you’re interested in learning how to opt-out from Whitepages, a common data broker, our detailed guide provides step-by-step instructions to help you regain control over your personal information.
Security measures and privacy policies winner: It’s a tie
Customer support: Who has more helpful customer support?
When it comes to customer support, Optery takes the crown with its diverse and user-friendly options. They’ve crafted a support system that caters to different preferences, offering step-by-step guides, a responsive help desk, and live chat for real-time assistance. Although the live chat might experience occasional delays, it remains a valuable resource. Optery doesn’t stop there – they extend their support through email and social media, ensuring users can seek help through their preferred communication channels.
On the flip side, Incogni keeps it streamlined but effective. Their focus is on email support backed by a rich knowledge base. This treasure trove of information guides users through the data removal process and navigating interactions with data brokers. Incogni’s dedication to customer education shines through user-friendly opt-out guides available on their blog. ž
While live chat isn’t in their toolkit, Incogni ensures users have the tools and guidance they need to manage online privacy confidently.
Throughout our testing, we’ve observed that Incogni’s support team, complemented by their comprehensive guides, consistently delivers support that is both practical and user-oriented. This includes offering valuable insights on minimizing unwanted email and spam, as well as providing strategies for safeguarding against doxxing – a testament to their commitment to user privacy and security.
Customer support winner: It’s a tie
Optery vs Incogni FAQ
Does Optery or Incogni cover more countries?
Incogni takes the cake when it comes to international coverage, offering its services to a wide range of countries and aligning with global data protection laws like GDPR. However, Optery is the go-to for the US residents, focusing on American privacy regulations.
Is Optery or Incogni more user-friendly?
Both services boast user-friendly interfaces, but Incogni edges out with its streamlined and intuitive dashboard that simplifies the data removal process. Optery also offers a user-friendly experience, complemented by extras such as detailed removal reports and custom request options.
Which service offers better value for money?
When it comes to value for money, Incogni stands out with its straightforward and affordable pricing model, offering comprehensive data removal without breaking the bank. Optery, while on the pricier side with advanced features, provides extensive coverage and personalized services that justify its cost for those seeking a more tailored approach to data removal.
Optery vs Incogni: Who wins the data removal duel?
As we reach the climax of this comprehensive comparison between Optery and Incogni, it’s essential to take a step back and consider the various aspects that define a superior data removal service:
- Availability: Incogni – It emerges as the front-runner with its expansive international service coverage, welcoming a wider audience and harmonizing with diverse data protection laws across the globe.
Automated data removal: Incogni – Incogni takes the spotlight with its user-centric, automated system that simplifies the data removal process for its users, ensuring a smooth and hassle-free experience.
Data broker coverage: Optery – Optery stands out with its impressive network, connecting with more than 290 data brokers to safeguard your personal information.
- User interface and ease of use: Incogni – Our experience leads us to recommend Incogni for its exceptionally user-friendly interface.
- Monitoring and reappearance prevention: It’s a tie – Both services vigilantly monitor to ensure your private information remains protected.
- Custom removal requests: Optery – Optery takes the lead by offering personalized custom removal requests.
- Reporting: Optery – Optery excels by providing thorough removal reports that not only showcase their efficiency but also build a bridge of trust with users, detailing every step of your data’s journey from public exposure to private protection.
- Additional features and benefits: It’s a tie – Both Optery and Incogni choose to focus on the essentials, offering a suite of features that are straightforward and effective without overcomplicating the user experience with unnecessary extras.
- Pricing and plans: Incogni – Both Optery and Incogni offer competitive pricing, but Incogni’s straightforward pricing model may appeal to users who prefer a simple, one-size-fits-all approach.
- Security measures and privacy policies: It’s a tie – It’s a draw between Optery and Incogni, as both prioritize robust cybersecurity and adhere to strict privacy policies to safeguard user data.
- Customer support: It’s a tie – Optery shines with its diverse array of support channels, including live chat and a highly responsive help desk, providing users with several ways to get assistance. Incogni, although it may not offer as many contact methods, excels with its in-depth guides and a support team that delivers practical and user-friendly help when it’s needed most.
After tallying the scores in each category, Incogni is the overall winner, claiming victory in this privacy-protecting showdown. While Optery shines with its extensive data broker coverage, detailed reporting, and custom removal requests, Incogni’s allure lies in its simplicity, user-friendly interface, and wallet-friendly approach.
If you want to give Incogni a test drive, you can get the best deal with the coupon below:
Incogni Cyber Deal is live:
Get 50% off Incogni with the exclusive coupon link below:
(Coupon is applied automatically; 30 day money-back guarantee.)
By weighing the points discussed, you can choose a service that best matches your privacy needs and preferences. Whether you opt for Optery’s all-encompassing sweep or Incogni’s streamlined efficiency, you’re on the right track to safeguarding your digital footprint.
For those contemplating an enhancement to their online security with a top-notch VPN, our expert insights on ExpressVPN and NordVPN are worth reading, as they are leading contenders in the VPN market.
This Optery vs Incogni comparison guide was last updated on February 2, 2024.
Segev
Do either or both of these services remove you from political campaign autotext spam lists?
Sam
Incogni surprised me with only having its service for ONE email. I have a few emails I want in my plan and immediately canceled with Incogni once I found out I could not include other emails to my paid service.
Rob
In general, what are your thoughts on using multiple data removal service companies (at least initially) for overlap purposes in case one data removal doesn’t cover, the other will, and vice versa?
I signed up about 2-3 weeks ago with Incogni but it seems like a lot of the data brokers they go after are smaller data brokers (lower visibility online) that most people would never find. I just signed up with Optery (Ultimate). I noticed a lot of their requests on the other hand were to the bigger data brokers where your information is going to be more high risk and visible of getting sold if someone was to do a search online of you.
Alex Lekander
Hi Rob, I think that is a great approach to use multiple services.