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 a personal data removal service that helps individuals reclaim their privacy through both automated and custom requests. Developed by Surfshark, it sends removal requests to 270+ 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, financial fraud, and unauthorized profiling by ensuring data broker databases remove your personal info. It handles automated requests behind the scenes, streamlining the complex removal process while requiring minimal user intervention.

Incogni’s custom removals take data privacy a step further, letting users submit opt-out requests to nearly any website. You can point an Incogni specialist to the site where your data’s been exposed, from people search pages to specific Google results, and they’ll handle the removal on your behalf. 

DeleteMe is a personal data removal service offered by Abine, an online privacy company. The platform specializes in manually processing data removal requests and targets 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 hit $390 billion in 2024, 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 automates most of its data removals, handling the lion’s share of the 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.

Moreover, Incogni gives users the option to pursue custom removals from sites not covered by their automated service. From online white pages to sites with business and legal records, just tell a privacy expert where your data is, and they’ll handle the removal for you.

On the other hand, DeleteMe mostly 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 270 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.

DeleteMe also claims to offer extensive data broker coverage, with more than 850 sites in its scope. However, this figure needs some clarification. 

It includes over 600 brokers that were only involved with custom removal requests, not the automated service. In practice, Deleteme’s automated removals cover 160+ data brokers.

DeleteMe’s reliance on manual removal may also 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. Incogni and DeleteMe adhere to the California Consumer Privacy Act (CCPA), the General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR), and many other regulations.

These laws 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

Along with monthly reports, Incogni provides an automated privacy report through its user-friendly dashboard. These let 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 custom removals 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. Users can enjoy this broad coverage within a single plan.

While DeleteMe has recently expanded outside the US to 11 other countries, users need a separate plan for each market. DeleteMe’s international reach includes some European countries (the UK, France, Germany, etc.) as well as Canada, Brazil, and Singapore. 

Nevertheless, DeleteMe’s main strength remains in 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. The option of custom removals for those who need it is always there, too. 

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 using them shows larger contrasts.

With automated removals, Incogni delivers a hands-off user experience for anyone looking for both international protection and streamlined data privacy. After signing up and filling out an authorization form, users can let Incogni handle the rest. The tool automatically searches 270+ data brokers for your personal details, keeping you informed with regular progress updates.

Incogni is also a solid choice for users who are serious about removing their data from the internet with custom removals. 

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 has a clunkier user interface. 

The choice between Incogni and DeleteMe depends on 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/mo. 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/mo. 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 and live chat support and an automated helpdesk where users can self-serve their most common FAQs. Support is also available via dedicated social media channels and an official Reddit thread. 

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 powerful data removal services that target different users. While DeleteMe makes sense for users who want to manually scrub private data from a specific site, Incogni is a great choice for those who want a one-stop shop for removing personal details from the internet.

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

Protect your private info from data brokers

Get Incogni in the Surfshark One+ bundle

Get Incogni