Optery vs DeleteMe Comparison: Which Is Better in 2025?

DeleteMe takes the crown for its set-it-and-forget-it convenience, wide-reaching data removal, and solid reputation — but is it the right choice for you?

Scammers love data brokers — you shouldn’t. These shady sites sell your personal info without your consent, exposing you to spam, scams, and worse. DeleteMe and Optery help erase your data, putting control back in your hands.

In this showdown, we’ll compare DeleteMe, Optery, and other top data removal services, breaking down how effective they really are, how much they cost, and how easy they are to use. We don’t just take their word for it — we test these services ourselves, tracking removals, checking how well they keep data off the web, and seeing how responsive their customer support really is.

We test, and you stay private. We’ve spent countless hours digging into privacy tools, testing their promises, and separating real protection from hype — so you don’t have to.

	DeleteMe	Optery
Website	JoinDeleteMe.com	Optery.com
Price	$6.97-34.40/month	$3.99-$24.99/month
Availability	The US, the UK, Australia, Belgium, Brazil, Canada, France, Germany, Ireland, Italy, the Netherlands, and Singapore	The US only
Coverage	750+ data brokers (most require custom requests)	610+ data brokers (including custom requests)
Extra security features	Email, phone, and payment card masking, detailed privacy reports, custom removal requests, and free privacy scans	Privacy browser extension and custom removal requests
Support	Live chat, email, social media, and knowledge base	Live chat, email, email, social media, and knowledge base
Best deal	20% Off Discount >	N/A

Highlights from our DeleteMe and Optery comparison

• DeleteMe’s the seasoned pro, while Optery’s the tech-savvy upstart. DeleteMe has been around longer and offers detailed reports on your data removals, while Optery leans into automation and full transparency with live screenshots of its progress.

• DeleteMe removes data from a wider range of broker sites across multiple countries, while Optery sticks mainly to the US but offers a streamlined, automated experience.

• Optery’s automation makes removals faster, while DeleteMe’s hands-on approach can take longer — but provides a thorough, carefully tracked process.

DeleteMe vs Optery: Which company is more trustworthy?

Not all data removal services are created equal. DeleteMe and Optery both promise protection, but real trust comes from reviews, transparency, and proven results. Let’s dive into the companies behind these two privacy powerhouses.

DeleteMe overview

DeleteMe has been battling data brokers since 2010, thanks to founders Rob Shavell, Andrew Sudbury, and Eugene Kuznetsov. Owned by Abine, Inc., it’s built a solid reputation for wiping personal info off the web. With a 4.5-star rating on TrustPilot and 82% of users giving it a perfect 5-star score, DeleteMe has earned strong praise for its effectiveness and customer support.

Of course, no service is perfect. Some critics claim it’s lagging behind newer players and question its marketing approach. But despite the chatter, DeleteMe remains a go-to choice for those serious about online privacy.

Originally US-based, it has expanded its data-removal shield to users in the UK, Canada, Australia, and beyond.

DeleteMe pros and cons

Before you sign up for DeleteMe, it’s worth weighing the pros and cons. Let’s take a deep dive into what it does well — and where it could do better.

Optery overview

Optery may be a newcomer to data removal, but it’s already making waves. Founded in 2020 by Lawrence Gentilello, this San Francisco-based service works hard to shield your personal data from data brokers and people search sites. With an impressive 4.4-star rating on TrustPilot and 81% of users giving it a perfect 5-star score, Optery has quickly established itself as a trustworthy and reliable choice for protecting your privacy online.

With a success rate of over 95%, Optery takes the worry out of online privacy by sending official removal requests on your behalf. While it may not be as widely known as some veterans, Optery’s commitment to security, privacy, and reliability has made it a trusted tool for protecting personal information online.

Optery pros and cons

Curious if Optery’s the right fit? Let’s weigh the pros and cons of choosing it for your online privacy protection:

Both DeleteMe and Optery claim to scrub your personal info off the internet, but who’s really doing the heavy lifting? Let’s compare their features and find out.

Data removal process: How do DeleteMe and Optery remove your data from the internet?

	DeleteMe	Optery
Type of data removal	Manual, via human experts	Automatic, via algorithms and artificial intelligence
Custom removal requests	✔️	✔️
Recurring removals	✔️	✔️
Data removal process duration	From 7 days to a few weeks	From a few days to a few weeks
Privacy reports	Yes, every three months	Yes, monthly with paid plans

When it comes to scrubbing your personal info from data broker databases, DeleteMe and Optery take different approaches — but both aim to keep your details out of the wrong hands.

DeleteMe uses a team of real humans (yes, actual people) to manually submit opt-out requests to big-name data brokers. They don’t just do it once and hope for the best — they circle back every few months to make sure your info stays wiped. However, data brokers are relentless, and some details, like public records, are tougher to keep off the grid. You can also help by flagging specific sites you want them to target.

Optery, on the other hand, brings automation into the mix. It scans the web for your exposed info, fires off removal requests, and keeps an eye out for any sneaky reappearances. One of its standout features? It gives you before-and-after snapshots of where your data was found, so you can see exactly what’s been scrubbed. That extra transparency makes it easy to track your privacy progress.

Both services battle the same enemy — stubborn data brokers who love to re-list information. But Optery’s automated approach and live reporting might give it an edge in keeping your data out of circulation.

Privacy compliance and regulations: What laws power DeleteMe and Optery?

When it comes to scrubbing your personal data off the internet, DeleteMe and Optery aren’t just winging it — they follow strict privacy laws to make sure everything’s done by the book.

They play by the rules of the California Consumer Privacy Act (CCPA) and the General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR) in the EU, giving users more control over their personal data. That means you have the right to access, delete, and restrict how companies use your info.

On top of that, both DeleteMe and Optery have earned SOC 2 Type II certifications, a big deal in the data security world. Issued by the AICPA, this certification proves they follow strict standards for keeping your information safe and sound.

DeleteMe also stays within legal boundaries, ensuring that your data is removed without being resold or misused. Like Optery, it follows a no-selling policy, meaning your information won’t turn into a money-making scheme for them.

At the end of the day, both services are committed to keeping your data removal process private, legal, and secure. While laws like the CCPA and GDPR give them a solid foundation, they go the extra mile to protect your personal information — so you can browse with confidence.

Availability: Does DeleteMe or Optery cover more countries?

	DeleteMe	Optery
Worldwide coverage	The US, the UK, Australia, Belgium, Brazil, Canada, France, Germany, Ireland, Italy, the Netherlands, and Singapore	The US only

When it comes to wiping your data off the internet, location matters. DeleteMe spreads its reach far and wide, covering the US, Canada, Australia, and several European countries. Whether you're stateside or overseas, DeleteMe has your back.

Optery, on the other hand, keeps its focus on the US for now. While it’s a rising star in data protection, international users might have to wait for their turn to jump on board.

Core features comparison: Which one offers the stronger toolkit?

	DeleteMe	Optery
Type of service	Specializes in privacy protection and data removal.	Specializes in privacy protection and data removal.
Service coverage	Removes data from brokers and search sites.	Removes data from brokers and search sites.
Data broker coverage	750+ data brokers	610+ data brokers
Type of data removed	Focus on erasing personal details such as names, phone numbers, and addresses from people search sites and online databases.	Focus on erasing personal details such as names, phone numbers, and addresses from people search sites and online databases.
Custom removal requests	Yes	Yes, with paid plans
Removal reports	Yes	Yes, with paid plans
Family-focused plans	Yes, for up to 4 people	No

Both services promise to scrub your personal info off the internet, but which one does it better? From data broker coverage to removal speed and tracking, we’re putting their features head-to-head.

Let’s see which one gives snoopy data brokers the boot!

Data broker coverage: Does DeleteMe or Optery cover more data brokers?

DeleteMe boasts an impressive capability to remove data from over 750 data broker sites, significantly outpacing Optery’s coverage of up to 605 sites. This broader reach means that DeleteMe can potentially protect your data from a larger number of sources.

Optery offers a free basic plan with identity exposure reports, helping users identify their information on data broker sites, though it does not automate removal for free. Despite this, Optery claims a higher success rate in removing listings from certain brokers, which might make it the better choice for users looking for more targeted data removal.

Data removal: Is DeleteMe or Optery better at removing data?

After trying out both services, we found that DeleteMe really shines when it comes to removing your personal information from the web.

DeleteMe doesn’t rely solely on automation — they have a dedicated team of experts who handle the dirty work of opting you out from the most persistent data brokers. This means they can go the extra mile for those tricky, hard-to-reach sites where automated systems might miss something. Sure, it takes a little longer, but from what we’ve seen, DeleteMe’s manual approach gets results that feel much more thorough and tailored to your needs. It’s like having a team of privacy experts working just for you!

Now, Optery definitely has its strengths, especially if you're looking for a faster, more automated solution. They use a smart, tech-driven system to scan for your personal info — think phone numbers, addresses, emails — and quickly send removal requests to data brokers. This means you can get some quick results, and the process feels a lot more seamless.

But, here’s the thing we noticed… Optery’s automated system, while fast, doesn’t always have the same level of personalization that DeleteMe’s human team brings to the table.

In short, if you don’t mind waiting a bit longer for a more thorough process, DeleteMe’s got your back. But if you're all about quick, automated action, Optery’s a solid choice.

Reporting: Who provides more in-depth removal reports?

Want proof your personal data is disappearing? Both DeleteMe and Optery deliver, but the way they report back varies depending on how much detail you’re after.

Optery keeps things visual with monthly removal reports for paid users. These aren’t just generic updates — they include before-and-after screenshots showing exactly where your data was found and what’s been erased. It’s a great way to see the progress in real time without having to just take their word for it.

DeleteMe, on the other hand, digs deeper with quarterly privacy reports. Instead of just snapshots, you get a full rundown of which brokers had your data, what details were exposed (like your phone number, address, or even past jobs), and how long each removal took. They even flag any pending requests, so you know which companies are dragging their feet.

So, if you prefer a more detailed breakdown that tells the full story of your data removal over time, DeleteMe’s reports feel a lot more complete.

Custom removal requests

Sometimes, data leaks show up in unexpected places, and that’s where custom removal requests come in handy. Both DeleteMe and Optery let you flag specific personal details you want to be erased — but they take different approaches.

With DeleteMe, you get unlimited custom removal requests built right into your plan. If you find your private info floating around somewhere they don’t already cover, just send it their way, and their team will take care of it. It’s a great option for anyone who wants that extra layer of control.

Optery’s “Ultimate” plan also includes custom removals, letting you request takedowns from data brokers beyond its standard coverage. There’s no hard limit on requests, but processing starts 30 days after you subscribe.

So, if you want immediate access to unlimited removals, DeleteMe gives you more flexibility.

Additional features and benefits: Who offers better extras?

	DeleteMe	Optery
Privacy-focused browser extensions	❌	✔️
Email, phone, and payment card masking	✔️	❌
Free privacy scan	✔️	❌
Free trial or free tier	❌	✔️

It’s not all about just taking your data down — both DeleteMe and Optery throw in some extra goodies to boost your online security. Think of bonus tools and features that level up your privacy game. But which one’s bringing the best surprises to the table? Let’s see who’s got the coolest perks.

Browser extension for extra security

Optery gets a leg up with its Global Privacy Control (GPC) browser extension, available for Chrome. It's like a privacy superhero that automatically tells websites, “Hey, I’d rather not share my data.” One click, and it sends out your privacy preferences, helping to keep you off those pesky data broker lists. It's super easy to use and gives you some peace of mind as you surf the web.

As for DeleteMe, it doesn’t have a browser extension. While that means it’s not automatically signaling websites for you, DeleteMe is still hard at work behind the scenes, making sure your data gets scrubbed from data broker sites. If you’re looking for that extra browsing security, Optery’s extension is a neat tool to add to your privacy arsenal!

Hiding your details: Email, phone, and payment card privacy

DeleteMe gives you the power to keep your personal details under wraps with its handy masking tools. You can create alternate email addresses, phone numbers, and even disposable card numbers to use in place of your real info. These masked details still route to your main inbox or phone, so you don’t miss anything important — but they’re safe from prying eyes. The disposable card feature is “coming soon,” but once available, it’ll let you make online purchases without ever revealing your real credit card number.

On top of that, DeleteMe's phone masking feature helps keep robocalls at bay by giving you a secondary number that’s still linked to your primary line. It's a clever way to maintain privacy without cutting off connections. Whether it’s emails, phone calls, or payment info, DeleteMe makes it easy to stay anonymous without missing a beat.

Free scan report

So, we gave DeleteMe’s free scan a whirl — and here’s what we found. You just need to plug in your name, city, and state, and boom, it runs a scan across 40+ data broker sites. Sounds pretty good, right?

Well, after testing it, we didn’t exactly get the mind-blowing results we expected. The scan shows a blurry version of your info, making it pretty hard to figure out what, if anything, is out there. For us, it came back clean, but it felt more like a teaser to get us curious about the paid version. If you’re looking to uncover where your data is hiding, you'll need to upgrade. But hey, we’re feeling safe for now.

Which service gives you the best bonus security perks?

Optery and DeleteMe both offer great extras to level up your online security. Optery gives you the GPC browser extension, which tells websites not to share your data, while DeleteMe offers tools to mask your email, phone, and card details. Both services do a great job of protecting your privacy – just in different ways!

Ease of use and user interface: Is DeleteMe or Optery more user-friendly?

Both DeleteMe and Optery make it easy to clean up your digital footprint, but if you’re looking for a no-fuss experience, DeleteMe takes the win.

From the start, DeleteMe keeps things smooth and simple — just enter your info, and boom, it gets to work behind the scenes. The dashboard is clean, easy to navigate, and packed with helpful visuals like charts and graphs to show your data removal progress without overwhelming you. Plus, DeleteMe does all the heavy lifting and checks in quarterly with clear, digestible reports. No micromanaging required!

Optery, on the other hand, is great if you love details. It goes the extra mile by showing you actual screenshots of where your data appears, which is super transparent — but also means there’s more info to process. It also updates users monthly instead of quarterly, which is nice if you like frequent updates, but it requires a bit more hands-on attention.

Security and privacy: Is DeleteMe or Optery a safer choice?

	DeleteMe	Optery
Encryption	256-bit AES and TLS 1.2	256-bit AES and TLS 1.3
Two-factor authentication	✔️	✔️
Multi-factor authentication	❌	✔️
Collects user data and shares it with third parties	Yes, minimal	Yes, minimal
Extra security an privacy tools	Yes (email, phone, and payment card privacy masking)	Yes (privacy browser extension)

Both DeleteMe and Optery use AES-256 encryption (the same as banks and governments) to keep your data safe. DeleteMe also runs regular internal audits to catch risks early.

Optery adds extra safeguards, like access control to limit employee data access and two-factor authentication (2FA). However, while stored data is encrypted with AES-256, data in transit only gets TLS encryption — not the strongest option.

DeleteMe follows best practices with HTTPS for all data requests, compliance with GDPR and CCPA, and MFA via authenticator apps or email codes. Neither service sells your data, but DeleteMe may share it in limited legal situations.

Customer support and resources: Who has more helpful support?

Good customer support can make or break a service, especially when dealing with sensitive data.

DeleteMe shines in this department with multiple support options, including phone, live chat, and email (available Monday through Friday, 9 AM to 8 PM ET). While not widely advertised, the live chat feature is particularly helpful — our experience showed that responses were prompt, polite, and informative. Plus, email queries often get answered within an hour, making it a great option for users in different time zones.

Optery also offers multiple support channels, including live chat, email, and a help desk with step-by-step guides. However, the “live” chat is often more of a chatbot directing users to FAQs rather than an actual agent. Response times can range from 1-3 days, which is slower than DeleteMe. While Optery’s guides are useful, customer interactions sometimes feel impersonal, with responses that don’t always address specific questions.

Plans and pricing: Does DeleteMe or Optery offer greater value for money?

DeleteMe plans	Price per month (paid yearly)	Price per month (paid for two years)
Single	$8.60/month for the first year, then $10.75/month	$6.97/month for the first two years, then $8.71/month
Couple	$17.20/month for the first year, then $21.50/month	$13.93/month for the first two years, then $17.42/month
Family	$34.40/month for the first year, then $43.00/month	$27.87/month for the first two years, then $34.83/month

DeleteMe starts at 103.20 per year, with the cost varying depending on how many people you protect and how long you’re in it. While it’s a bit on the pricey side, you get continuous monitoring and removal services, making it ideal for anyone serious about keeping their data safe long-term. Plus, businesses can get customized plans, which is pretty cool! No free trial here, but don’t worry — you can get a pro-rated refund if you decide to bail after your first report.

Optery plans	Price per month (paid monthly)	Price per month (paid yearly)
Free Basic (self-service opt-out)	Forever-free	Forever-free
Core	3.99/month	3.25/year
Extended	14.99/month	12.42/year
Ultimate	24.99/month	20.70/year

Now, Optery takes a more flexible approach. It offers a free plan if you’re up for doing things the DIY way (hello, data broker site opt-out).

For those who want a little more help, Optery’s paid plans range from $3.99 to $24.99 per month, with sweet savings on annual plans. The higher-tier options give you real agents to help with removals and detailed reports with before-and-after screenshots. Plus, there’s a 30-day money-back guarantee, so you can test it out risk-free.

DeleteMe vs Optery: Which one is better for you?

When it comes to removing your personal data from the internet, DeleteMe and Optery each bring something unique to the table. Both are trusted services in the data removal space, with solid reputations for safeguarding user privacy and are transparent about their processes. Want to know which one suits your needs best? Here’s how they stack up across key areas:

1. Availability: DeleteMe — It is available during business hours, offering phone, email, and live chat support, which is easy to access when needed. On the other hand, Optery is a bit slower with response times, which might leave you hanging a little longer.

2. Coverage and core features: DeleteMe — DeleteMe shines with its ability to remove data from over 750 data broker sites, offering extensive coverage and thorough manual removal processes that ensure comprehensive data protection.

3. Additional features: Tie — Both services have some handy extras up their sleeves! Optery offers a free plan for DIY removers, and DeleteMe provides regular reports and updates on the progress of your data removal.

4. Ease of use: DeleteMe — It has nailed it with its user-friendly interface. The dashboard is intuitive, easy to navigate, and makes the data removal process simple.

5. Security and privacy: DeleteMe — Both services provide strong data security, but DeleteMe’s regular internal audits and comprehensive encryption practices give it a slight edge in safeguarding user information.

6. Customer support: DeleteMe — DeleteMe takes the crown in this category, offering fast, responsive support via live chat, email, and even phone.

7. Pricing and plans: Tie — If you want flexibility and a super low starting cost, Optery is your pick. But if you're willing to spend a bit more for a service that's a bit more robust, DeleteMe delivers great value.

When it comes to data removal, both DeleteMe and Optery bring their A-game. But, if you want comprehensive coverage, reliable support, and top-tier security, DeleteMe takes the win. It's the one-stop-shop for those who like their digital protection to be as thorough as it gets.

DeleteMe vs Optery FAQ

This DeleteMe vs Optery comparison guide was last updated on March 7, 2025.