Incogni vs. DeleteMe: which data removal service is right for you?

Choosing the right data removal service doesn’t have to be complicated. Take a look at this in-depth Incogni vs. DeleteMe comparison to see the key differences between the two services and confidently pick the better option for you.

Incogni vs. DeleteMe: at a glance

Incogni and DeleteMe overviews

Incogni is an automated personal data removal service that helps individuals reclaim their privacy. Developed by Surfshark, it sends removal requests to 170+ data brokers on behalf of users, targeting companies that collect, store, and sell personal data. 

Incogni aims to reduce the risk of scams, identity theft, and unauthorized profiling by ensuring data broker databases remove your personal info. It largely runs in the background, streamlining the complex removal process while requiring minimal user intervention.

DeleteMe is a personal data removal service offered by Abine, an online privacy company. The platform specializes in manually processing data removal requests, targeting many high-profile data broker sites. 

DeleteMe periodically provides users with detailed reports that outline where their data has been found and removed and steps to prevent its reappearance. With a hands-on approach, the service emphasizes transparency and thoroughness in combating online privacy risks.    

Since the data broker business is booming, many privacy-minded individuals are seeking out solutions like Incogni or DeleteMe to protect their sensitive info. The data broker market value topped $250 billion in 2023, so it’s definitely worth taking a closer look at both services.

Incogni vs. DeleteMe: key comparison

Let’s deep-dive into a detailed comparison between these two data removal services.

Data removal process

When it comes to data removal, Incogni and DeleteMe take two divergent approaches. Incogni is fully automated, handling all the dirty work for each user. After signing up and giving Incogni consent to contact data brokers on your behalf, users can sit back and track the service’s removal requests in real time.

On the other hand, DeleteMe relies on manual processes to handle each removal request. Trained agents actively search for personal data on broker websites and submit requests for you. They also prepare detailed quarterly reports to keep users in the loop.

Data broker coverage

Incogni automatically targets over 170 data brokers and people search sites, scanning for listings and handling removal requests as they arise. Its automation allows for real-time monitoring and a more proactive approach to privacy, ensuring continuous protection against new data exposures.

While DeleteMe also offers extensive data broker coverage, with more than 750 sites in its scope, its reliance on manual removal may make it take longer to address new listings on data broker websites. Nevertheless, DeleteMe’s personalized approach and detailed follow-up services may provide added assurance for users seeking comprehensive help.

Data privacy compliance and regulations

Both data removal services comply with the same privacy laws to guarantee that they’re operating within strict legal frameworks to protect your personal data. In the USA, Incogni and DeleteMe adhere to the California Consumer Privacy Act (CCPA), and in the EU, they stick to the General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR).

These regulations grant users rights such as requesting data removal and limiting data sharing. Both Incogni and DeleteMe empower you to exercise more control over your data privacy, safeguarding your info from unauthorized data exploitation.

Reporting

Incogni provides an automated privacy report through its dashboard, letting users easily track their data removal requests in real time. You can see the status of official removal requests sent to data brokers, including those that have been completed and those that require repeat requests.

On the other hand, DeleteMe periodically offers detailed reports that summarize the progress of its personal data removal services. These reports include which data brokers were contacted, what data was removed, and what follow-up actions were taken. While not real-time, this manual reporting style gives a comprehensive snapshot of any personal data found on databases and people search sites.

Features

Besides its automated removal requests, Incogni’s most impressive features include a simple, user-friendly dashboard and continuous monitoring of new and existing data brokers.

What also sets Incogni apart, though, is the fact that it’s included in the all-in-one Surfshark One+ bundle. As a part of this cybersecurity suite, users can also take advantage of the following:

• VPN: a tool that encrypts internet traffic and masks your IP (Internet Protocol) address to boost online privacy and security;
• Antivirus: software that protects your device from malware, infected files, and unauthorized apps;
• Alternative ID: a solution that creates a second (or third) email address for you to use on websites, mailing lists, or online sign-ups you don’t want spamming you;
• Alert: a service that notifies you whenever your personally identifiable information is leaked online;
• Search: a private search engine that presents you with purely organic results without any ads or trackers. 

DeleteMe’s primary nice-to-have feature is its ability to remove sensitive data beyond traditional search sites and target occupational directories (like WebMD) and property platforms (think Zillow).

In addition, DeleteMe allows users to make custom removal requests. You can arrange opt-outs from data brokers not typically covered by standard plans, bringing you more tailored privacy protection. These custom requests, along with a detailed view of your results and in-depth progress tracking, make DeleteMe a flexible solution for those seeking comprehensive data privacy.    

Availability

When comparing the countries where Incogni and DeleteMe are available, you’ll find their geographic reach differs considerably.

Incogni operates in multiple countries — 34 to be exact. Specifically, it’s available in the USA, the UK, all EU member states, Canada, Norway, Switzerland, Iceland, and Liechtenstein. This broad coverage lets Incogni serve a diverse global audience.

While DeleteMe mostly focuses on the USA, it has recently expanded to 11 other countries. These include some European countries (the UK, France, Germany, etc.) as well as Canada, Brazil, and Singapore. This growth highlights an important step toward greater international accessibility, but DeleteMe’s main strength remains within US-based data collection services.  

Ease of use

Incogni is designed to be simple to use, making it an excellent choice for users who value a hassle-free approach. After a straightforward setup, Incogni’s automated data removal takes over, managing data deletion requests without requiring ongoing involvement. 

In contrast, DeleteMe provides more comprehensive coverage that requires more user interaction and oversight. Custom removals and personalized customer support ensure every data removal request is tailored to your needs, but some users may be overwhelmed by this complexity. In sum, DeleteMe is a more elaborate service that caters to users who want to be actively engaged in their identity protection journey.  

Incogni vs. DeleteMe: user experience 

Most data removal services look similar on the surface, but actually using them can reveal a world of contrasts.

As mentioned earlier, Incogni delivers a hands-off user experience that’s perfect for anyone looking to streamline their data privacy efforts. After signing up and filling out an authorization form, users can let Incogni handle the rest. The tool automatically searches 170+ data brokers for your personal info, keeping you informed with regular progress updates.

Incogni’s inclusion in the Surfshark One+ bundle is a standout feature that elevates the overall user experience. For users looking for all-in-one online security, the cybersecurity suite seamlessly integrates tools like a VPN and antivirus software to create a robust yet user-friendly solution.

DeleteMe provides a more personalized experience for users who prefer a hands-on approach. A team of privacy agents manually oversees data privacy, giving users a tailored, thorough process. DeleteMe offers more data on resolved issues and ongoing risks, but this comprehensive protection comes with a clunkier user interface. 

The choice between Incogni and DeleteMe comes down to how much effort users want to invest in managing their data privacy.    

Incogni vs. DeleteMe: pricing

As a part of the Surfshark One+ bundle, you can get Incogni through a monthly plan, annual subscription, or 24-month option. The 24-month plan offers the best value at $3.99/month. Note that on top of the Incogni service, Surfshark One+ subscribers also get access to Surfshark VPN, Antivirus, Alternative ID, Alert, and Search.

DeleteMe offers a free scan, but this only shows which data brokers have your info. To get your online data removed, you can choose between an annual plan or a two-year subscription. As with Incogni, the two-year plan has the best deal at $8.71/month. DeleteMe also offers multiple tiers for couples and families.   

For all subscription types, Incogni is the more affordable option.

Incogni vs. DeleteMe: customer support

Incogni offers 24/7 email support and an automated helpdesk to let users self-serve for their most common FAQs.

Like Incogni, DeleteMe lets users contact them via email around the clock. Contacting customer support via phone and live chat during working hours is possible as well.

When in a tight spot, you can also contact both services over their social media accounts.

Incogni vs. DeleteMe: pros and cons

Here’s a rundown of Incogni’s top strengths and weaknesses.

Incogni pros and cons

DeleteMe pros and cons

Key takeaway: which service is right for me?

Incogni and DeleteMe are both powerful data removal services, but they target different users. Incogni is great for casual users who prefer a no-nonsense automated approach, while DeleteMe makes more sense for those who want an active role in scrubbing their private data.

As the more affordable, streamlined option that’s available to more users internationally, Incogni is likely the more attractive option.

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