Incogni vs Optery in 2026: Automation or Oversight?

Removing personal data from data broker databases isn't just about finding listings. Equally important, if not more so, is keeping that information from coming back. In 2026, most people already realize that their name, address, phone number, and any other personal details are circulating online through private companies that collect and resell them. The real question is how you want to stop it.

Incogni and Optery both exist to take that work off your plate. They address the same problem, but their approaches are designed for different user groups. One prioritizes automation and continuity. The other prioritizes insight and involvement.

This 2026 comparison looks at how each service operates in practice, not just what it claims to cover.

Quick Look: Two Different Models

This snapshot helps, but it doesn't explain how these differences affect real use.

How the Two Services Are Built

Incogni relies on an automated process. Once you sign up and undergo identity verification, it starts sending deletion requests to hundreds of companies that collect and trade personal data. Then, it tracks responses and resends removal requests as needed (approximately every 60 days for listing-style databases and every 90 days for commercial data aggregators).

Incogni aims to keep personal data out of circulation for good.

Optery is designed around insight and confirmation. It scans the web for your data, shows you the results, and initiates removal requests. Some are automatic, while others require you to confirm or complete some steps manually. Plus, broker coverage expands as you pay more for your subscription.

It gives you a more interactive experience, but it also depends on user follow-through.

What "Coverage" Really Means Here

Both services contact private companies that operate data broker databases. Some of them publish the personal information; others don't, but still sell or share it.

Optery's strength is breadth, especially for people-search sites. For the most expensive plans, it claims coverage from more than 600 brokers.

Incogni's strength is consistency across types. Its coverage includes listing-style sites, as well as marketing, recruitment, and risk-related data brokers that don't publicly expose individual profiles. It amounts to 420+ in total.

To sum up: Optery may cover more visible listings, but Incogni reaches deeper, where personal data may be reused.

Trust, Reviews, and Checks

In an industry that handles personal data, where users can't easily verify what happens behind the scenes, external checks can make a difference.

Incogni has gone through a Deloitte Independent Limited Assurance Assessment. Deloitte confirmed that the provider sends, tracks, and renews requests as declared. This doesn't guarantee outcomes, of course. Brokers may or may not cooperate. However, it's a solid validation of how the system operates.

Major technology publications have also reviewed Incogni. In 2025, PCMag granted it the Editors' Choice Award for personal data removal. PCWorld highlighted its automation and coverage, awarding Incogni its Editors' Choice badge.

Optery was also positively reviewed by PCMag. However, it does not publish independent audits or assessments of its internal processes. Most of its transparency comes from user-facing evidence such as screenshots or profile links.

What Using Each Service Feels Like

With Incogni, you don't have to do much or even think about it. Once it starts operating, it will run in the background. You can inspect your dashboard to see progress at any time, but you're rarely required to act. Users often describe the service as something to "set and forget," with results appearing gradually over time.

Optery is more hands-on. The service shows you its findings and, in certain cases, requests action (mostly confirmations). Many people prefer a higher level of control, but you have to be ready for more frequent interaction.

Neither experience is better. You just need to decide how involved you want to be.

Simplified Pricing

Incogni's pricing is simple. All plan tiers include the same core protection: automated, recurring renewals across their entire broker network. Higher tiers only add convenience features like priority handling and family access. There's no free plan here, but Incogni offers a 30-day money-back guarantee.

Optery has a free plan, but solely with self-service. Paid options allow you access to broader coverage and automation. Full reach typically requires more expensive subscriptions.

In practice, Incogni's pricing is more straightforward to predict, while Optery trades simplicity for choice.

Incogni vs Optery: Which One to Choose in 2026?

Is Incogni or Optery better for long-lasting privacy protection?

If you want to stay involved, review findings, and confirm actions yourself, Optery offers that level of visibility. It will fit users who prefer oversight and don't mind regular engagement.

If you want data removal to work unattended with minimal effort on your part and you care about third-party verification, Incogni is the stronger option. Its automation, request renewals, and external assessment make it better for reducing data circulation over time.

In 2026, the difference lies in who protects your personal information from circulation after the first cleanup.