Incogni vs. Optery 2024: Simplified vs. Detailed Data Protection

In an era when personal data is readily accessible online, choosing the right data removal service is crucial to safeguarding your privacy. Both Incogni and Optery can remove your personal information from data broker sites, but they differ in pricing, features, and overall approach. In this matchup, Optery wins a close one.

In our comparison of Incogni and Optery, we aim to help you decide which top-notch data removal service is right for you.

Incogni vs. Optery review at a glance

Incogni and Optery both provide essential data removal services but cater to different types of users. Incogni offers a straightforward, automated process, making it ideal for those looking for a low-maintenance solution.

In contrast, Optery provides detailed reports and the option to manually handle data removal, which appeals to users who prefer more control and transparency in the process.

• Incogni: Best for hands-off data removal
• Optery: Best for detailed monitoring and reports

Incogni vs. Optery compared

Star rating	4.5 AllAboutCookies writers and editors score products based on a number of objective features as well as our expert editorial assessment. Our partners do not influence how we rate products.	4.6 AllAboutCookies writers and editors score products based on a number of objective features as well as our expert editorial assessment. Our partners do not influence how we rate products.
Price	$7.49–$32.98/mo	Free–$24.99/mo
# of site removals	179	575+
Privacy reports		Yes — monthly for paid plans
Family plan
Recurring removals
Custom removal requests
Encryption	Undisclosed	AES-256 and TLS 1.3
Extras	No, unless you get it as part of the Surfshark One+ plan	Automatic opt-out
Learn more	Get Incogni Read Incogni Review	Get Optery Read Optery Review

Incogni pros and cons

Optery pros and cons

Which data removal service is the better value?

Paid monthly	$14.98/mo	Free–$24.99/mo
Paid annually	$7.49/mo (billed annually)	$39-$249/annually
Paid every 2 years	N/A	N/A
Number of people covered	1-4	1
Money-back guarantee	Yes — 30 days	Yes — 30 days
Best value plan	Annual plan for $7.49/mo (billed annually)	Core plan for $3.25/mo (billed yearly at $39.00)
Learn more	Get Incogni Read Incogni Review	Get Optery Read Optery Review

Incogni plans

Incogni offers straightforward pricing with only two plans: Individual and Family. Each plan is paid either monthly or annually. Incogni does not offer a free trial but provides a 30-day money-back guarantee, allowing users to try the service risk free.

• Individual plan: Automated data removal from over 180 data brokers, marketing list removal, and tracking of removal requests. However, no detailed privacy reports or additional features like credit monitoring or identity protection.
• Family & Friends plan: Everything in the individual plan with the ability to invite up to 4 people to join.

Optery plans

Optery provides a range of plans, including a free basic option and three paid plans, each with increasing levels of coverage. The free plan allows users to see where their data is located but requires manual removal. Paid plans offer automated removal and comprehensive reports.

With Optery, there are no family plans. Your family members must create their own accounts, but you can link individual accounts together for a discount.

Optery also includes a 30-day money-back guarantee and does not require a credit card for the free plan.

• Free Basic: Identifies personal information on data broker sites and provides opt-out guides. There is no automated removal, and only Exposure Reports are provided every 90 days (compared to 30 for paid plans).
• Core: Automated removal from 95+ data brokers and monthly exposure reports. A limited number of data brokers compared to higher plans.
• Extended: Automated removal from 200+ data brokers, along with monthly exposure and removal reports. Higher cost compared to similar services.
• Ultimate: Automated removal from 325+ data brokers, detailed monthly reports, and custom removal requests. The most expensive option — might be overkill for users with fewer privacy concerns.

Which data removal service has the better features?

		Our Pick
Free scan
Data broker opt-out
Data broker site scans
Number of data brokers covered	180+	Up to 325+
How often is data rechecked?	Quarterly	Monthly/Quarterly
Monthly report		Yes, with paid plans
Marketing list removal
Email privacy
Privacy reports		Yes — Monthly/Quarterly
Real-time alerts
Social media account monitoring
Dark web monitoring
Credit monitoring
Fraud monitoring
Learn more	Get Incogni Read Incogni Review	Get Optery Read Optery Review

When it comes to monitoring and alerts, Optery has a clear edge with its free scan and comprehensive monthly reports, which include detailed privacy reports. Incogni, while effective at automated data removal, lacks these in-depth monitoring features and real-time alerts, which can be crucial for users who want continuous updates on their data removal status. 

The ability to recheck data monthly or quarterly and receive regular reports is a significant advantage for Optery users, ensuring they are always aware of their current privacy status.

While features like social media account monitoring and dark web monitoring are not offered by either service, these are generally nice-to-have features rather than critical necessities. For instance, privacy reports and real-time alerts are essential as they keep users informed about the effectiveness of the data removal process, making them important features to consider when choosing a service.

Additional features

Both Incogni and Optery offer essential data removal tools, but Optery provides more comprehensive monitoring and reporting. Optery offers custom removal requests for sites not listed in its database and provides before-and-after screenshots in its removal reports, giving users a clear view of the effectiveness of their data removal efforts. 

Incogni's strength lies in its straightforward, automated process that removes data from a wide range of brokers with minimal user intervention required.

Which data removal service is more secure?

When choosing a data removal service, security is a paramount concern. These services handle sensitive personal information, and it's crucial to ensure that this data is protected through robust security measures. Key features to look for include encryption methods, two-factor authentication (2FA), and multi-factor authentication (MFA).

Two-factor authentication typically involves a second step beyond just a password, such as a code sent to your phone. Multi-factor authentication may involve additional steps like biometric verification. 

Reasonable data collection is expected for account administration, payment processing, and monitoring service performance. However, excessive data collection and sharing with third parties should be minimized to protect user data privacy.

Incogni vs. Optery data security

		Our Pick
Encryption		AES-256 (at rest), TLS (in transit)
Two-factor authentication
Multi-factor authentication
Collects data	Minimal	Minimal
Shares data with third parties	Minimal	Minimal
Learn more	Get Incogni Read Incogni Review	Get Optery Read Optery Review

Optery uses strong AES-256 encryption for data at rest, which is the industry standard for securing stored data, as well as TLS encryption for data in transit, providing an additional layer of security when data is being transferred. Optery outshines Incogni with its implementation of both two-factor and multi-factor authentication, enhancing account security greatly. 

Both services collect minimal data necessary for operations and share minimal information with third parties, primarily for service functionality and legal compliance.

Which data removal service has the better user experience?

		Our Pick
Windows
macOS
Android
iOS
24/7 customer support
Customer support options	Email, online guides	Live chat, email, online guides
Learn more	Get Incogni Read Incogni Review	Get Optery Read Optery Review

Regarding compatibility, Optery offers broader support, offering applications for Windows, macOS, Android, and iOS. Incogni, on the other hand, is limited to Windows and macOS, which can be a significant drawback for users who prefer mobile data removal services. However, you can access Incogni on your mobile browser even though there isn’t a designated app.

Neither service provides 24/7 customer support. Incogni offers customer support through email and online guides, while Optery provides more options, including live chat, email, and online guides.

While using the interfaces, both Incogni and Optery were intuitive and easy to navigate. However, Optery’s dashboard stands out with its detailed reports and clear visualization of the removal process. Incogni’s interface, though straightforward, lacks the detailed reporting features that Optery offers. 

Optery’s live chat support is a notable advantage, providing quicker responses compared to Incogni’s email-only support, which can sometimes lead to longer wait times for assistance.

FAQs

Incogni vs. Optery: Which is better?

Incogni and Optery both offer robust data removal services, each with its own set of benefits and drawbacks. Incogni excels with its simple, automated process, making it a great choice for users who want a hands-off approach to data removal. 

It covers over 180 data brokers and offers affordable pricing, especially with its annual plan. However, it lacks detailed privacy reports and additional security features like two-factor authentication.

Optery, on the other hand, provides more comprehensive monitoring and reporting features. Optery includes free scans, detailed monthly reports, and custom removal requests, giving users greater transparency and control. 

It also supports a broader range of platforms, including Android and iOS, and offers more extensive customer support options, including live chat.  However, its paid plans are more expensive, and some users might find the detailed reports overwhelming.

Overall, Incogni is the better choice if you prefer a straightforward, automated service, but Optery is the superior option for users who want detailed reports and broader platform compatibility.

Incogni vs. Optery alternatives

If Incogni and Optery don’t meet your needs, consider these alternative best data removal services:

• DeleteMe: DeleteMe offers a comprehensive data removal service that covers over 750 data broker sites. It includes a user-friendly dashboard and regular privacy reports to keep you updated on your data removal status. DeleteMe also provides excellent customer support and is known for its effectiveness in removing personal information from difficult sites.
  
  Get DeleteMe | Read Our DeleteMe Review

• Aura: Aura combines data removal with robust identity theft protection features. It includes dark web monitoring, credit monitoring, and real-time alerts, making it a great all-in-one solution for those concerned about comprehensive digital security. Aura’s user-friendly interface and extensive security tools set it apart from traditional data removal services.
  
  Get Aura | Read Our Aura Review

• HelloPrivacy: HelloPrivacy focuses on making data removal accessible and straightforward. It offers automated removal requests and detailed reports, similar to Optery, but at a more competitive price point. HelloPrivacy is particularly noted for its excellent customer service and easy-to-use interface, making it a good option for users new to data removal services.
  
  Get HelloPrivacy | Read Our HelloPrivacy Review