Should you choose Incogni or DeleteMe for data removal?

Both Incogni and DeleteMe are solid data removal services that automatically delete your personal information from data brokers, but they differ in price, coverage, and approach. Incogni offers better value at $7.49/month with 420+ data brokers covered, while DeleteMe costs more at $10.75/month but provides more detailed reporting.

If you're tired of getting spam calls, seeing your address pop up in random searches, or just want more privacy online, both services can help. But choosing between them isn't always straightforward - they each have their strengths and weaknesses.

Here's the thing: while these services focus on removing your data after it's already out there, you might also want to think about preventing data collection in the first place. That's where a good VPN comes in handy.

How do Incogni and DeleteMe actually work?

Both services work pretty similarly at their core. You sign up, provide your personal information (name, addresses, phone numbers, email addresses), and they start sending removal requests to data brokers on your behalf. It's like having a personal assistant whose only job is to tell companies to delete your info.

Incogni's approach is more automated and streamlined. They've built their system to handle the most common data brokers efficiently. You get regular reports showing what's been removed, but the focus is on getting the job done quickly rather than giving you tons of details about every single request.

DeleteMe takes a more hands-on approach. They assign you to a privacy advisor who manually handles your removals. This means more personalized service and detailed reports, but it also means the process can be slower and more expensive.

The key difference? Incogni focuses on volume and efficiency, while DeleteMe emphasizes personal service and detailed reporting. Both get results, but the experience feels different.

So which approach works better? In my experience, it depends on what you value more - saving money and getting broad coverage, or having detailed visibility into exactly what's happening with your data.

Breaking down the key differences

Let's talk about what really matters when you're choosing between these services. Price is obviously a big factor, but it's not the only thing to consider.

Coverage and data broker reach is where things get interesting. Incogni claims to work with 420+ data brokers, which is pretty impressive. DeleteMe covers around 750+ sites, but here's the catch - many of those are smaller, less important brokers that don't have much of your data anyway.

The reality is that most of your personal information is held by maybe 50-100 major data brokers. Both services cover the big players like Whitepages, Spokeo, BeenVerified, and PeopleFinder. So while DeleteMe's higher number looks better on paper, it might not make a huge difference in practice.

Pricing is where Incogni really shines. At $7.49 per month (when you pay annually), it's significantly cheaper than DeleteMe's $10.75 monthly rate. Over a year, that's about $40 in savings - not huge, but not nothing either.

But here's where DeleteMe fights back: their reporting is much more detailed. You get screenshots of your listings before and after removal, detailed progress reports, and more transparency about what's happening. If you're the type of person who wants to see proof that your money is working, DeleteMe delivers.

Speed of removal varies between both services, but generally you're looking at 2-4 weeks for initial removals, with ongoing monitoring after that. Neither service is instant - data broker removal just takes time.

What to expect during the removal process

Setting up either service is pretty straightforward, but there are some things you should know going in. First, you'll need to provide a lot of personal information upfront. I know it feels weird giving even more of your data to get your data removed, but that's how these services work.

With Incogni, you'll create an account, enter your details (current and previous addresses, phone numbers, email addresses), and then wait for the magic to happen. You'll get email updates when removals are completed, and you can log into your dashboard to see progress.

DeleteMe's process is similar, but you'll also get assigned to a specific privacy advisor who you can contact with questions. Some people love this personal touch, while others find it unnecessary.

Here's something both services don't always make clear: removal isn't permanent. Data brokers often re-add your information from other sources, so these services need to keep monitoring and re-removing your data. That's why you can't just pay once and be done - it's an ongoing battle.

You should start seeing results within the first month, but don't expect everything to disappear overnight. Some data brokers are quick to comply, others drag their feet. The most stubborn ones might take several attempts.

One thing that surprised me is how much data these services find. Even if you think you're pretty private online, you'll probably be shocked at how many places have your information. It's honestly a bit depressing, but that's exactly why these services exist.

Common issues and limitations to consider

Neither Incogni nor DeleteMe is perfect, and there are some limitations you should know about before signing up. The biggest one is that they can't remove everything. Some types of data - like court records, professional licenses, or information from social media profiles you haven't deleted - might still be out there.

Both services also struggle with certain types of data brokers. The big, legitimate ones usually comply with removal requests pretty quickly. But sketchy overseas brokers or sites that make money specifically from selling personal data? They're much harder to deal with.

Here's another thing to keep in mind: if you're still actively sharing your information online, new data will keep appearing. These services are great for cleaning up existing exposure, but they're not a magic shield that prevents future data collection.

Customer support quality varies between the two services. DeleteMe's personal advisor approach means you usually get better, more responsive support. Incogni's support is decent but more generic - you're dealing with a support team rather than a dedicated person.

Both services can take longer than expected if you have a common name or have moved around a lot. More data points mean more places to check and more removals to request. If you're John Smith who's lived in five different states, expect the process to take longer than if you're Bartholomew Wigglesworth who's lived in the same town your whole life.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use both services at the same time? Technically yes, but it's probably not worth it. You'll be paying double, and having two services sending removal requests to the same data brokers might actually slow things down or confuse the process. Pick one and stick with it for at least six months before considering a switch.

How long should I keep using these services? This is tricky because data broker removal isn't a one-and-done thing. Your information will keep reappearing from various sources, so you need ongoing monitoring. I'd recommend at least 12 months to see real results, then you can decide if the ongoing cost is worth it.

Will this stop all spam calls and emails? It'll definitely help reduce them, but don't expect miracles. Spam comes from lots of sources, not just data brokers. You might see a 50-70% reduction in unwanted contacts, which is still pretty significant.

Do I need a VPN if I'm using a data removal service? Absolutely. A data removal service cleans up existing exposure, but a VPN helps prevent new data collection by hiding your real IP address and location. According to VPNTierLists.com, NordVPN is the top choice for privacy protection. Think of it this way - data removal fixes the past, while a VPN protects your future.

Which service should you choose?

After using both services and comparing their results, here's my honest take: for most people, Incogni is the better choice. The price difference is significant, the coverage hits all the major data brokers, and the automated approach works well for the majority of users.

Choose DeleteMe if you really value detailed reporting and personal service, and you don't mind paying extra for it. It's a good option if you're dealing with a complex situation - maybe you're a public figure, you've been stalked, or you just want maximum transparency about the removal process.

But honestly? For regular people who just want their personal information scrubbed from data broker sites, Incogni offers the best bang for your buck. The money you save can go toward other privacy tools, like a quality VPN subscription.

Here's what I'd recommend: start with Incogni for a year, see how it works for you, then decide if you need the extra features that DeleteMe offers. You can always switch later, and you'll have saved money while getting most of the same benefits.

Remember, data removal is just one part of protecting your privacy online. Combine it with a good VPN, be careful about what information you share on social media, and regularly review your privacy settings on various accounts. It's not about being paranoid - it's about taking reasonable steps to control your digital footprint.

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