Which data removal approach fits your needs?
Editorially reviewed · Last updated September 8, 2026
Start with the listings you want removed, not the largest advertised broker count. Free opt-outs may be enough for a few public profiles. A subscription is worth considering when you want someone else to manage repeated requests—but it cannot promise to erase you from the internet.
Choose the work before the service
Scroll the table sideways to compare all columns.
| Your situation | Start here | What paying might add |
|---|---|---|
| A few people-search profiles expose your details | Free opt-out steps | Help managing repeated requests |
| You live in California | Free DROP service | Check whether a paid service covers a specific unmet need |
| You want recurring requests to a supported broker list | Compare Incogni Standard with DeleteMe Standard | Delegated requests and progress reporting |
| You have a particular exposed URL outside routine coverage | Ask whether that exact URL qualifies for custom removal | A supported custom-request workflow, not guaranteed deletion |
| An account or identity is already being misused | Incident recovery | Removal is not the immediate containment step |
The FTC’s people-search guidance explains free opt-outs, paid help and limits: public records and information in other people’s reports can remain. Use the free guide before subscribing.
Our shortlist depends on your unmet need
Consider Incogni Standard for the lower observed annual price if its routine coverage matches your needs and you do not need custom URL requests. Consider DeleteMe Standard for its advertised custom requests, personal expert and phone support if those features justify the extra cost to you. Compare Incogni Unlimited as well when custom requests are the deciding feature; Standard is not that plan.
The Incogni vs DeleteMe comparison owns the dated prices, refund rules and limitations. These are editorial fit judgments from public documents, not evidence that one service removes more information or responds faster. We reviewed these two providers, not the whole market.
Decide what success would look like
Write down the specific listings that matter to you. Ask whether they are included, whether you must submit each URL, how progress is reported and what happens when a listing reappears. A request sent is not the same outcome as a profile removed. Avoid comparing providers solely by total site counts when their routine and custom-request coverage differ.
Our recommendation is to check the reported result against those original listings before renewing. We have not run that test for either provider. Neither comparison establishes a reduction in scam calls, identity theft or financial losses. For unwanted calls, keep call filtering as a separate decision.
Method and next review
Public US offers and service documents reviewed September 8, 2026; next offer review September 15. The exact-plan comparison links our sources. No subscriptions were purchased, removal results measured or cancellations tested. Merchant links there are direct and have no affiliate tracking. All categories · Editorial method.