Incogni vs. DeleteMe: Which One Actually Cleans Up Your Digital Mess?
Okay, real talk—when was the last time you searched your own name online? If you haven’t done it in a while, brace yourself. It’s like walking into a room where everyone’s been gossiping about you for years. Data brokers? They’re the worst offenders, hoarding your personal details like some creepy collector. That’s where Incogni and DeleteMe come in. Both promise to wipe your data off sketchy sites, but which one’s worth your money? Let’s dig in.
Wait, What Even Are Data Removal Services?
Imagine you spilled coffee all over your favorite shirt. These services are like the stain remover—except instead of coffee, it’s your personal info splattered across the internet. They track down where your data’s being sold (old addresses, phone numbers, even your weird Amazon purchases) and force those sites to take it down. No more random calls from “health insurance” scammers who got your number because you once clicked on a quiz about what kind of bread you are.
The Quick and Dirty Comparison
| Feature | Incogni | DeleteMe |
|---|---|---|
| Price (Yearly) | About $6.50/month | Nearly $11/month |
| How Many Sites They Cover | 180+ (the aggressive approach) | 30-ish (but the worst ones) |
| How Often They Work | Every 3 months—like clockwork | Once a year, but they double-check everything |
| Automation Level | Fully automated—set it and forget it | Real people actually verify stuff |
Incogni: The Silent Assassin
How It Operates
Incogni’s like that friend who quietly fixes your problems without bragging. It runs in the background, scanning data broker sites and sending removal requests automatically. You literally don’t have to do anything after signing up.
The Good Stuff
- Easy on the wallet: Costs less than two Starbucks coffees a month.
- Casts a wide net: Goes after way more brokers than most.
- Zero maintenance: Perfect if you’re the “I’ll deal with it later” type.
The Not-So-Good
- Where’s the proof? Doesn’t give you much detail about what it’s doing.
- No manual control: You’re trusting the system completely.
DeleteMe: The Human Touch
How It Works
DeleteMe’s like hiring a personal investigator for your data. Actual humans review each removal, and you get PDF reports showing exactly what they’ve taken down—complete with screenshots. Feels more legit, you know?
Why People Love It
- It works: Like, 90% success rate according to users.
- Total transparency: They show you the receipts.
- Used by pros: Journalists and execs swear by it.
The Downsides
- Pricey: Over $100 a year hurts a bit.
- Not as frequent: Only does major cleanups once a year.
So… Which One Should You Pick?
Go With Incogni If…
You want something affordable that works quietly in the background. It’s like paying someone to clean your apartment while you’re at work—no fuss, decent results.
Choose DeleteMe If…
You’re in a high-risk category (CEO, activist, or just someone with a crazy ex) or you’re the type who needs to see proof. It’s the difference between a quick vacuum and a deep clean with white gloves.
The Fine Print Nobody Talks About
Here’s the thing—no service can make you completely invisible. Some stuff (like court records) has to stay public, and data brokers are sneaky. They’ll find new ways to get your info. Pair these services with a VPN and two-factor authentication for best results.
What Real Users Say
Reddit threads are full of DeleteMe fans who love the thoroughness but hate the price tag. Incogni users adore the automation but wish they got more updates. Both sides agree: this isn’t an overnight fix. Takes weeks, sometimes months.
The Bottom Line
For regular folks: Incogni does the job without breaking the bank. For those who need ironclad privacy: DeleteMe’s worth the extra cash. Either way, you’re way better off than doing nothing.
Want to give it a shot? Incogni offers a trial, or you can check out DeleteMe’s plans.
Questions People Always Ask
How soon does this work?
Don’t expect miracles—it takes 1-3 months. Data brokers move slower than government offices.
Will it delete my social media?
Nope. These services focus on data brokers, not Facebook or Instagram.
Should I use both services?
Unless you’re in witness protection, that’s overkill.
Is this a one-time thing?
Hah. I wish. Renew yearly—it’s like mowing the lawn, but for your online presence.
Source: ZDNet – Security