Optery vs DeleteMe (2026): Full Comparison
Quick Verdict
DeleteMe is the better pick for most people. It covers 750+ data broker sites — the broadest in the category — with coverage across the US, UK, EU, Canada, and Australia. DeleteMe has been operating since 2011, assigns personal privacy advisors with phone support, and includes email and phone masking that Optery does not offer.
Optery is faster (results in an hour vs two days) and provides screenshot verification of every listing. That transparency is a genuine advantage. But when it comes to long-term protection, DeleteMe’s 10+ year track record, broader site coverage, and human advisor model give most users more comprehensive removal over time.
DeleteMe vs Optery: Side-by-Side Comparison
| Feature | Optery | DeleteMe |
|---|---|---|
| Total sites covered | 80–570 (by plan) | 750+ |
| Automated removals | ✅ All sites automated | ~85 automated, 560+ manual |
| Screenshot proof | ✅ Before & after | ❌ Count only |
| Free plan | ✅ Full exposure report | ❌ |
| First report speed | ~1 hour | 2–7 days |
| International coverage | ⚠️ Primarily US | ✅ US, UK, EU, Canada, Australia |
| Phone support | ❌ Chat & email only | ✅ Phone + email |
| Personal privacy advisors | ❌ | ✅ |
| Custom removals | ✅ Ultimate plan | ✅ |
| Email & phone masking | ❌ | ✅ |
| Power of attorney | Optional | Required |
| Monthly billing | ✅ | ❌ Annual only |
| Starting price | Free / $8.99/mo (Core) | ~$10.75/mo (annual) |
| Save 20% on Optery Code SECURITYHERO |
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The Broker Number Breakdown: What "750+ Sites" Actually Means
This is the single most important distinction in this comparison — and the one most reviews gloss over.
DeleteMe claims 750+ sites. That number is real. But approximately 85 of those sites are fully automated — meaning DeleteMe’s system sends opt-out requests without human involvement. The remaining 560+ sites require manual removal processing by DeleteMe’s team. Manual removal means a human team member submits each request individually, which takes significantly longer but reaches sites that automated tools cannot access.
Optery’s approach is different. Every site on every paid plan is automated. The Basic plan covers 80 sites, Core covers 370+, and Ultimate covers 570 sites — all fully automated with screenshot verification.
Why this matters:
- If raw site count is your metric, DeleteMe wins — 750+ vs 570
- If automation speed and verification matter, Optery wins — every removal is automated and screenshot-verified
- DeleteMe’s manual removals take weeks or months to process; Optery’s automated removals start immediately
- Neither number tells the full story without understanding what “covered” actually means
For most users, the broadest possible coverage matters more over time. Data brokers continuously repopulate your information — having 750+ sites covered, even with a mix of automated and manual processing, means fewer gaps where your data can resurface undetected.
Optery vs DeleteMe: Pricing Comparison (2026)
| Plan | Price | Sites | Key Features |
|---|---|---|---|
| Optery | |||
| Free | $0 | Exposure report | Screenshots, manual opt-out links, no credit card |
| Basic | ~$4.99/mo | 80 | Automated removal from core brokers |
| Core | ~$8.99/mo | 370+ | Full automation + human escalation, screenshots |
| Extended | ~$14.99/mo | 500+ | Expanded coverage, quarterly reports, human review |
| Ultimate | ~$24.99/mo | 570 | Max coverage, custom removals, priority support |
| DeleteMe | |||
| Standard | ~$10.75/mo (annual) | 750+ | 85 automated, 560+ manual, quarterly monitoring |
| Family (2 people) | ~$15.83/mo (annual) | 750+ | Same coverage for two people |
Key takeaway: DeleteMe is simpler — one plan tier covering 750+ sites with phone support and personal privacy advisors included. Optery offers more flexibility with five tiers, monthly billing, and a free plan. At comparable price points, DeleteMe’s $10.75/mo covers 750+ sites (85 automated + 560+ manual) while Optery Core at $8.99/mo covers 370+ fully automated sites. The trade-off is breadth vs speed.
What Each Service Does Well
Optery: Speed, Transparency, and Verification
1. Speed — results in an hour, not days. 45 minutes after signup, Optery began its first scan. About an hour after that, the full exposure report was ready. DeleteMe took two days. If you want to understand your exposure today, not this week, that difference is real.
2. Screenshot proof of every finding. When Optery finds your information on data broker sites, it captures a screenshot showing exactly what was listed — your name, address, phone number, relatives. That verification doesn’t exist with DeleteMe.
3. Free before you pay. Optery’s free tier generates a complete exposure report — with screenshots — before you spend a dime. DeleteMe requires payment upfront with no preview.
4. Flexible billing. Monthly billing, five tiers, 30-day money-back guarantee. DeleteMe is annual-only with a 7-day window.
DeleteMe: Coverage, International Reach, and Human Support
1. Broadest raw site coverage. 750+ sites is the largest number in the category. Even with the automated/manual split, DeleteMe reaches sites that Optery’s automation cannot access. For maximum removal breadth, DeleteMe’s total coverage is unmatched.
2. International coverage. DeleteMe covers users in the US, UK, EU, Canada, and Australia. Optery is primarily US-focused. If you live outside the United States, DeleteMe has significantly broader geographic reach — similar to Incogni’s international coverage.
3. Personal privacy advisors and phone support. DeleteMe assigns personal representatives who handle your case and are available by phone. If you prefer speaking directly to someone about your privacy situation — particularly for complex cases involving doxxing, divorce, or public-facing professions — that human advisor relationship has genuine value that Optery’s chat-and-email model doesn’t replicate.
4. Email and phone masking. DeleteMe includes email and phone masking features that reduce your exposure to spam and robocalls. Optery doesn’t offer this.
5. Over a decade of track record. DeleteMe has been operating since 2011. That longevity means established relationships with data brokers, refined processes, and a proven ability to sustain the service long-term.
Real-World Testing: Optery vs DeleteMe
We ran both services simultaneously — our tester signed up for Optery, team member Ian signed up for DeleteMe at the same time, using real personal data on both.
The Scan Results
Optery: Found our tester’s information on 119 different data broker sites in approximately one hour, with a screenshot of every listing.
DeleteMe: Found Ian’s information on 27 sites containing 251 pieces of personally identifiable information after two days.
The raw numbers diverge significantly. Part of that reflects methodology — Optery’s screenshot-based approach surfaces and counts individual listings in more detail. Part reflects genuine coverage differences. Either way, Optery gave us a richer, faster, more verifiable picture of what was actually out there.
The Screenshot Difference
Ian’s DeleteMe report told us 251 data points were found across 27 sites. What it didn’t tell us was which specific information was on which site, what the actual page looked like, or whether the profile was definitively Ian versus someone who shares his name.
With Optery, you can confirm every single removal is the right person. For anyone with a common name, this verification gap is the deciding factor.
Who Should Choose Optery
You want to see your exposure before spending anything. Optery’s free scan shows you exactly where your information is — with screenshots — before you pay a dime. No other service in this category offers that.
Screenshot verification matters to you. Before-and-after proof that your specific information was found and removed. Critical for common names.
You want fast initial results. One hour vs two to seven days. If you need to understand your exposure today, Optery delivers.
You prefer monthly billing with no commitment. Five plan tiers, monthly billing, 30-day money-back guarantee. Try before you commit.
You are US-based. Optery’s coverage is strongest in the US market. If that’s where you live, you’re getting the best version of the service.
You want fully automated removal across all covered sites. Every site on every Optery paid plan is automated. No waiting for manual processing.
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Read our full Optery review.
Who Should Choose DeleteMe
You live outside the US. DeleteMe covers the US, UK, EU, Canada, and Australia. Optery is primarily US-focused. For international users, DeleteMe has significantly broader reach.
You want phone support and a personal privacy advisor. If your situation is complex — doxxing, divorce, public-facing career — having a dedicated human advisor available by phone is a real advantage over chat-and-email support.
Maximum raw site coverage is your priority. 750+ sites is the largest number available. The automated/manual split means some removals take longer, but for sheer breadth, nothing matches it.
You want email and phone masking features. Reducing spam calls and email exposure is part of DeleteMe’s package. Optery doesn’t include this.
You trust a long track record. DeleteMe has been operating since 2011. For users who value proven longevity over newer features, that history matters.
Read our full DeleteMe review.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Optery or DeleteMe better?
DeleteMe is the better choice for most people. It covers 750+ data broker sites — the broadest in the category — with international reach across the US, UK, EU, Canada, and Australia. DeleteMe has been operating since 2011, offers phone support with personal privacy advisors, and includes email and phone masking. Optery is faster (results in about an hour vs two days) and provides screenshot proof of every listing, which is a genuine transparency advantage. But for long-term, comprehensive data removal, DeleteMe’s broader coverage and proven track record make it the stronger pick.
How many DeleteMe sites are automated vs manual?
DeleteMe covers 750+ sites total, but approximately 85 are fully automated. The remaining 560+ sites require manual removal processing by DeleteMe’s team. This means automated removals happen quickly, but manual removals can take weeks or months to complete. Optery automates every site on every paid plan.
Does Optery really offer a free plan?
Yes. Optery’s free plan runs a full scan of data broker sites and generates a detailed exposure report with screenshots showing exactly how your information appears on each site. No credit card is required. You can use the report to submit manual opt-out requests yourself, or upgrade to a paid plan for automated removal.
How fast does DeleteMe work compared to Optery?
Optery delivered its first exposure report in approximately one hour after signup. DeleteMe took two days before the initial report arrived — though it can take up to seven days. For ongoing removals, both services operate on similar timelines since data brokers are legally allowed up to 45 days to respond.
Does DeleteMe work internationally?
Yes. DeleteMe offers coverage for users in the US, UK, EU, Canada, and Australia. Optery is primarily US-focused. For users outside the United States, DeleteMe has significantly broader geographic reach and is often the better choice based on coverage alone.
How many sites does Optery cover vs DeleteMe?
Optery covers 80 sites (Basic) to 570 sites (Ultimate) — all fully automated with screenshot verification. DeleteMe covers 750+ sites total but only about 85 are automated, with the remaining 560+ requiring manual processing. Raw site count favors DeleteMe; automated coverage with verification favors Optery.
Which is cheaper, Optery or DeleteMe?
Optery starts free with a paid Core plan at approximately $8.99/month. DeleteMe starts at approximately $10.75/month on a required annual plan. Optery offers monthly billing and a free tier with no commitment; DeleteMe requires annual payment upfront with a 7-day cancellation window.
Does DeleteMe require a power of attorney?
Yes. DeleteMe requires you to sign a limited power of attorney during signup. Optery offers the same document as optional — though signing it expands access to additional sites and speeds up removals.
Does DeleteMe or Optery offer phone support?
DeleteMe offers phone support and assigns personal privacy advisors. Optery currently offers chat and email support only, with response times of approximately 30 minutes. For complex privacy situations, DeleteMe’s phone access and dedicated advisor model is a genuine advantage.
Do Optery or DeleteMe protect against identity theft?
No. Both are data broker removal specialists. Neither monitors your credit, scans the dark web, offers identity theft insurance, or provides fraud resolution. For full identity theft protection alongside data broker removal, Aura covers all of those in one plan.
What Neither Service Covers — And Why It Matters
Both Optery and DeleteMe remove your information from publicly visible data broker sites. That’s meaningful protection. But it’s one piece of a larger picture.
Neither service monitors your credit. Neither scans the dark web for leaked credentials. Neither offers identity theft insurance or provides a team to help if your identity is actively compromised.
If your concern extends beyond broker removal — credit fraud, SSN theft, financial account takeover — Aura covers data broker removal from 200+ sites alongside real-time three-bureau credit monitoring, dark web scanning, up to $5 million in identity theft insurance per adult, and 24/7 fraud resolution.
Final Recommendation
DeleteMe wins this comparison for most users. It covers the most sites (750+), works internationally, offers phone support with dedicated privacy advisors, includes email and phone masking, and has been refining its removal processes since 2011. When data brokers continuously repopulate your information, the broadest long-term coverage matters more than the fastest initial scan.
Optery earns its place for users who want speed (results in an hour), screenshot verification of every listing, a free exposure report before paying, and flexible monthly billing. If transparency and seeing exactly what brokers have on you is your priority, Optery delivers that better than anyone.
For complete identity protection beyond broker removal: Start with Aura. Add DeleteMe or Optery on top if you want the deepest removal coverage available.
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