Incogni vs. Optery 2025: Simplified vs. Detailed Data Protection

Incogni is perfect for beginners or people who need lightweight data removal. Optery offers more comprehensive monitoring and reporting — but at a higher price point.
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Best for hands-off data removal

4.8
Editorial Rating
Learn More
On Incogni's website

Privacy Protection
Incogni
Save 50% on annual plans
  • Get fewer spam calls, robocalls, and scam notifications
  • Hide your address, phone number, and email from the public
  • Lower exposure to cyberattacks and financial scams

Best for detailed monitoring and reports

4.9
Editorial Rating
Learn More
On Optery's website

Privacy Protection
Optery
  • Has a free plan that finds your data on broker sites
  • Removals Report comes with screenshots to prove progress
  • AES-256 encryption isn't used for data in transit

In an era where personal data is readily accessible online, selecting the right data removal service is crucial for 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. Overall, our top pick is Incogni based on its value and transparency.

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

In this article
Review at a glance
Pricing
Features
Security
User experience
FAQs
Incogni vs. Optery: Which is better?

Incogni vs. Optery review at a glance

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

Incogni vs. Optery compared

Our Pick
Star rating
4.8
4.9
Price $8.29–$32.98/mo $3.25–$24.99/mo
# of site removals 270+ Up to 640+ (with Expanded Reach activated)
Privacy reports Yes — Monthly Yes — Monthly (for paid plans)
Family plan
Recurring removals
Custom removal requests
Encryption AES-256 GCM AES-256 (at rest), TLS (in transit)
Extras Bundled with Surfshark One+ plan: VPN, antivirus, and more Automatic opt-out, custom removals
Learn more Get Incogni
Read Incogni Review
Get Optery
Read Optery Review

How we test and rate data removal services

To review data removal services, we sign up for the service anywhere from a week to a month in advance. This allows it time to gather our data, scrub it from the data broker and people search sites, and send us reports on its process.

With so many data broker websites, you’ll want to make sure the one you choose sends requests to a lot of them, as well as follows up and searches for more. 

Once we've spent some time with the service, we calculate our editorial rating by taking into account key features, prices, security measures, and other criteria.

To learn more about how we test, check out our full data removal testing methodology here.

Incogni pros and cons

Incogni offers a straightforward, automated process, making it an ideal solution for those seeking a low-maintenance option.

Pros
  • Easy-to-use automated data removal process
  • Fast initial data removal
  • Unlimited custom removals on the Ultimate plan
Cons
  • Can be more expensive than DeleteMe, Optery, and Privacy Bee

Optery pros and cons

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.

Pros
  • Free plan available
  • Detailed removal reports with screenshots
  • Custom removal requests for non-listed sites
Cons
  • Most sites and custom removals are only on upper plans
  • Custom removals are only available after 30 days
  • Focuses primarily on public data brokers

Which data removal service is the better value?

Our Pick
Paid monthly $16.58/mo $3.25–$24.99/mo
Paid annually $8.29/mo (billed annually) $39-$249/annually
Paid every 2 years N/A N/A
Max # of people covered 5 1
Money-back guarantee Yes — 30 days Yes — 30 days
Best value plan Standard plan for $8.29/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 now offers two different tiers, Standard and Unlimited. You can cover one individual or up to four family members with both plans. Incogni does not offer a free trial but provides a 30-day money-back guarantee, allowing users to try the service risk-free.

  • Standard: Includes automated data removal from 270+ data brokers, marketing list removal, and tracking of removal requests. You can pay for these plans monthly or annually. 
  • Unlimited: Everything in the Standard plan plus unlimited custom removals and complex removals. However, you can only pay for this plan annually. 

Optery plans

Optery offers a range of plans, including a free basic option and three paid plans, each with progressively higher levels of coverage. The free plan allows users to view the location of their data 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.

  • 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 110+ data brokers and monthly exposure reports. A limited number of data brokers compared to higher plans.
  • Extended: Automated removal from 275+ data brokers, along with monthly exposure and removal reports. Higher cost compared to similar services.
  • Ultimate: Automated removal from 385+ data brokers, detailed monthly reports, and custom removal requests. The most expensive option — might be overkill for users with fewer privacy concerns. You can get up to 640+ removals with Expanded Reach activated. 

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

Winner: IncogniBoth services offer valuable features, but Incogni provides the best value for users seeking a simple, affordable solution with its low-cost annual plan. Optery stands out for those needing comprehensive reporting and more extensive data broker coverage, making it ideal for users wanting detailed control and insights into their data removal process.

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 270+ Up to 640+ (with Expanded Reach activated)
How often is data rechecked? Quarterly Monthly/Quarterly
Custom removals
Marketing list removal
Email privacy Yes, with Surfshark One+ plan
Privacy reports Yes — Monthly Yes — Monthly/Quarterly (for paid plans)
Real-time alerts
Social media account monitoring
Dark web 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 real-time alerts, which can be crucial for users who want continuous updates on their data removal status. 

Incogni removal requests overview on main dashboard

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.

Optery Ultimate complete in progress dashboard with Expanded Reach and Activity History displayed
Optery Ultimate dashboard after the initial scan with Expanded Reach activated and Activity History displayed

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. It also offers unlimited custom removal requests.

Winner: Optery offers the best set of features overall, thanks to its free scan, detailed monthly reports, and extensive data broker coverage. These features provide users with a more transparent and comprehensive data removal experience.

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 and two-factor authentication (2FA).

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 GCM AES-256 (at rest), TLS (in transit)
Two-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 utilizes strong AES-256 encryption for data at rest, which is the industry standard for securing stored data. Additionally, TLS encryption is employed for data in transit, providing an extra layer of security during data transfer. 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.

Winner: Optery offers the best data security features with its use of both two-factor along with robust encryption standards while data is in transit.

Which data removal service has the better user experience?

Our Pick
Windows
macOS
Android
iOS
24/7 customer support
Customer support options 24/7 live support, email, live chat, social media, web form, FAQs, help desk 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.

Incogni provides 24/7 customer support and a broader range of support options. Optery only provides live chat, email, and online guides, which are great but not as expansive as what Incogni offers.

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. 

Winner: Incogni. Although Optery offers the most compatibility, with support for Android and iOS, Incogni provides a more comprehensive range of customer service channels. Incogni is better equipped to meet diverse user needs.

FAQs

Which is better, Incogni or Optery?

Incogni is better for automated, low-maintenance data removal at a good price point. Optery excels in detailed monitoring and reporting. Choose Incogni for its ease of use and value, and Optery for its comprehensive control and insights.

Is Incogni worth it?

Yes, Incogni is worth it for those seeking an affordable, automated data removal service covering 270+ data brokers and unlimited custom removals with the top plan. It’s a simple and effective way to reduce your online footprint.

Is Optery Ultimate worth it?

Yes, Optery Ultimate is worth it for users needing comprehensive data removal from 640+ sites (with Expanded Reach activated) and detailed monthly reports, despite its higher cost.

Incogni vs. Optery: Which is better?

Incogni and Optery both offer robust data removal services, each with its own set of benefits and drawbacks. Overall, Incogni is the better choice if you prefer a straightforward, automated service with unlimited custom removals. Incogni excels with its simple, automated process, making it a great choice for users who want a hands-off approach to data removal. 

Take Control of Your Online Privacy
4.8
Editorial Rating
Learn More
On Incogni's website
Privacy Protection
Incogni
Save 50% on annual plans
  • Get fewer spam calls, robocalls, and scam notifications
  • Hide your address, phone number, and email from the public
  • Lower exposure to cyberattacks and financial scams

Plus, Incogni provides 270+ automatic removals from data brokers (not just people search sites) and offers affordable pricing, especially with its annual plan. 

Incogni vs. Optery alternatives

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

Starting price From $9.00/mo (billed annually) From $8.60/mo (billed annually) From $8.33/mo (billed annually)
Max # of people covered 5 4 1
Data broker opt-out
# of data brokers automatically checked 30+ 153+ 115+
Privacy reports
Real-time alerts
Learn more Get Aura Get DeleteMe Get HelloPrivacy

    4.5
    Editorial Rating
    Learn More
    On DeleteMe's website
    Privacy Protection
    DeleteMe
    Get 20% off with code PARTNER20
    • Removes your data from the web to avoid scams, spam and stalkers
    • 100+ million successful opt-out removals
    • Provides continued removals every three months

    Author Details
    Ryan Clancy is a writer and blogger. With 5+ years of mechanical engineering experience, he's passionate about all things engineering and tech. He loves bringing tech down to a level that everyone can understand.