DeleteMe vs Optery

DeleteMe

The original data removal service

DeleteMe launched the data removal category and remains the most recognized name in the space. Setup takes about five minutes. You enter your personal details and DeleteMe handles the rest, sending opt-out requests to dozens of people-search sites on a recurring basis.

It covers both the USA and Europe, which gives it a geographic edge over most competitors. The dashboard is clean and provides regular progress reports. A family plan is available for households. Customer support runs 24/7.

The biggest concern is performance. In the Consumer Reports data removal study, DeleteMe successfully removed only 27% of user profiles after four months. That was the lowest score among all seven services tested. DeleteMe also limits users to 10 removal requests per quarter, with no manual opt-out controls.

What users are saying

Optery

Best performer in Consumer Reports testing

Optery starts with a free scan that shows you exactly where your personal data appears online. No payment required. That alone sets it apart from DeleteMe, which requires a subscription before you see anything.

The basic plan at $3.99/mo covers manual opt-out tools. The Ultimate plan at roughly $25/mo adds full automation with recurring removals. Both plans include a money-back guarantee.

In the Consumer Reports study, Optery was the best performer among all seven services tested. It scored 41 percentage points higher than DeleteMe. Optery published their own statement on the study with additional context.

One user reported going from 150 broker listings down to 23 within months. Others saw spam calls drop from 5 to 10 per day to nearly zero. However, Optery is USA only and does not offer a family plan. Some users have reported slow response times from customer support.

What users are saying

Pricing comparison

DeleteMe starts at $8.71 per month. There is no free tier and no money-back guarantee. You commit to a subscription before seeing any results.

Optery starts at $3.99 per month, which is less than half the cost. It also offers a free scan so you can see your exposure before paying anything. If you want full automation, the Ultimate plan runs about $25 per month. Both paid plans come with a money-back guarantee.

DeleteMe does offer a family plan, which Optery lacks. If you need coverage for multiple household members, that is a real advantage for DeleteMe. But for individual users focused on value, Optery is the clear winner on price.

Broker coverage and removal performance

This is where the gap is widest. The Consumer Reports study tested seven data removal services over four months. Optery came out on top. DeleteMe finished last with a 27% removal rate.

Optery scored 41 percentage points higher than DeleteMe. To put that in perspective, even manual opt-out requests submitted by users themselves achieved a 70% removal rate. DeleteMe's automated service performed significantly worse than doing it yourself.

Optery gives users both automated and manual removal tools. You can let the service handle everything or take control of specific opt-outs yourself. DeleteMe only offers automated removals and limits users to 10 requests per quarter. If a broker gets missed, you have limited options.

DeleteMe does cover both the USA and Europe. Optery is USA only. If you live outside the US or need European broker coverage, DeleteMe has the advantage there.

Real user experience

DeleteMe has strong brand loyalty. Long-term users often report that their information becomes much harder to find after a year or more of service. The onboarding is simple, and the progress reports are easy to understand.

But negative reviews tell a different story. Multiple Trustpilot reviewers report that DeleteMe missed obvious listings. One user found that only 2 out of 85 sites had been cleaned up. The 10-request-per-quarter limit frustrates users who want more thorough coverage.

Optery users tend to report bigger results. One went from 150 listings to 23. Another saw robocalls drop from 5 to 10 per day to almost none. The free scan helps set expectations before you pay.

On the downside, some Optery users report slow customer support response times. One user waited three months without seeing meaningful progress. Verifying that removals actually happened is also difficult, which is a problem shared by the entire industry.

Who should pick which

Final verdict

Optery is the stronger service for most people. It costs less, performs better in independent testing, and gives you more control over your removals. The free scan alone makes it worth trying before you spend anything.

DeleteMe is not a bad service. It pioneered this category and still works well for users who want a simple, hands-off experience with European coverage. But the Consumer Reports data is hard to ignore. A 27% removal rate means nearly three out of four listings stayed up after four months.

If you are choosing one service, go with Optery. Start with the free scan, see where your data lives, and decide from there.

Frequently asked questions

Is Optery better than DeleteMe?

Based on the Consumer Reports study, yes. Optery scored 41 percentage points higher than DeleteMe in removal performance. It also costs less, offers a free scan, and supports manual opt-outs. DeleteMe has the edge on brand recognition, European coverage, and family plans.

Does Optery have a free plan?

Optery offers a free initial scan that shows you where your personal data appears online. You do not need to pay to see your results. Paid plans start at $3.99 per month for manual removal tools, with the Ultimate plan at roughly $25 per month for full automation.

Why did DeleteMe score so low in Consumer Reports?

Consumer Reports tested seven data removal services over four months and measured actual removal rates. DeleteMe achieved a 27% removal rate, which was the lowest of all tested services. The study did not explain why DeleteMe underperformed, but the 10-request-per-quarter limit and lack of manual controls may be contributing factors.

Can I use both DeleteMe and Optery at the same time?

Yes. Some users run two services to maximize coverage. Each service may catch brokers that the other misses. This approach costs more but provides the most thorough protection.

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