The best personal data removal services of 2026: Which one should you choose?

What are data removal services?

Data removal services are businesses that remove personal data from the internet. They can do so in different ways, including sending requests to data brokers and people-finder sites to remove the information they have collected on specific users (also known as a digital footprint). You can also find data removal services that work to remove personal data from search engine results if the client wishes. 

Some removal services contact companies handling the data directly. Others may only deal with private data brokers. These are known as data broker removal services and their work mostly focuses on contacting data brokers and requesting to remove personal information from their databases.

Data removal services rely heavily on data privacy legislation and users’ right to privacy. For example, in the US, the California Consumer Privacy Act (CCPA) gives residents the right to demand deletion of their personal information. Meanwhile, in the EU, the General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR) grants a similar “right to erasure.” Both laws provide legal grounds for removal services to push brokers to comply.

What is a data broker?

Data brokers are companies that collect and sell personal information, often without the owner's knowledge. Data brokers typically scour the internet looking for raw personal data (both online and offline), such as browser activity, online store purchases, web searches, and even app interactions. Many also mine public records like birth certificates, voting records, and criminal records. They analyze it all and sell it to the highest bidder.

Brokers get your data in different ways. Sometimes you hand it over voluntarily, such as when you agree to marketing cookies. Other times, algorithms predict personal details from seemingly harmless data. Some data brokers also run public databases (known as people search sites) where anyone can look you up. 

Private data brokers, on the other hand, keep their databases hidden and typically only work with businesses that can buy huge datasets at once (for example, marketing agencies). Since private data brokers don’t share their databases with individuals, you can’t check whether your data is being passed around, nor is there an easy way to opt out of such practices.

While this business sounds questionable and intrusive privacy-wise (to say the least), even more concerning is the fact that the data broker industry isn’t thoroughly regulated. According to the Electronic Privacy Information Center (EPIC), the United States has yet to pass a federal law that would adequately protect consumers’ rights from data broker activity.¹

How do data removal services work?

Depending on the scope (data removal or data broker removal), data removal services may work differently. However, the key principle of all data removal services is the same — finding and removing your personal data from the internet.

Here’s a short overview of how data removal services usually work:

1. 1.Gathering information. It all starts with you providing the data removal service with the basic details, such as your name, address, phone number, and email address.
2. 2.Scanning databases. Once the service has the required information, it then searches for matches in online databases and data broker sites.
3. 3.Requesting removal. The service submits opt-out requests to data brokers on your behalf.
4. 4.Maintaining protection. If you’re using one of the top data removal services, it continues to monitor the web and remove your personal information if it reappears online.

Some data removal services may also actively work to remove personal data from search engine results and even delete defunct accounts. Meanwhile, data broker removal services deal solely with companies that collect, analyze, and sell your data.

You may also wonder whether you can remove personal information from the internet by yourself. While it’s technically impossible to delete all your personal data from the internet entirely, you can try to remove yourself from people search websites and deal with data brokers manually, potentially achieving the same results.

However, keep in mind that data removal services automate their processes, which saves you time and effort of searching the web for your data and submitting opt-out requests for every piece of information you find. 

Best data removal services of 2026

The data removal service business is booming. Many high-quality providers offer strong services, with some even having additional features such as credit monitoring or free risk assessment. So if you’re wondering what the best options are and which one you should choose to fulfill your needs, here are the best data removal services of 2026.

Disclaimer: The information below was last verified on the official websites of data removal tool service providers, specifically their English-language sites, on July 13, 2026, and is subject to change. The trademarks displayed are for illustration purposes only. NordVPN is not affiliated with, sponsored by, or endorsed by their owners. NordVPN and Incogni are developed by related entities, both part of the same corporate group. Prices shown are listed without discounts.

Incogni 

Incogni is one of the best services for removing personal data from the internet. It finds exposed info on the web, helps users remove it, and keeps their information private. And it’s not just talk — leading tech magazines and platforms recognize Incogni's capabilities, and the service has earned PCMag Editors' Choice and PCWorld Editors’ Choice awards.

The Incogni data removal service is the perfect option for those looking to keep their personal data from the sites that expose them. It scans the web so you no longer need to search for exposures by yourself, leaving you in charge of choosing which results to remove. Users may also appreciate the unlimited custom removal feature, which lets customers submit custom removal requests in case the service misses some exposures. 

And that’s not all — Incogni also sets new standards in transparency, having its core claims and processes independently reviewed by a third-party auditor — Deloitte.  Incogni's credibility is further reinforced by the highest (A+) rating from the Better Business Bureau (as of July 2026). For a more detailed analysis, you can also check out our Incogni review or take a look at the table below.

*Incogni allows an unlimited number of custom removal requests. However, it can only request data removal where it's legally feasible. This means government sites, public records, and user-generated content sites such as forums and social media sites are generally outside the service's scope.

Pros:

• Broad data broker coverage.

• Custom removals feature additionally covers non-broker websites.

• Immediate custom removals.

• 420+ brokers covered on every plan tier.

• Focus on high-impact removals first.

• Monthly progress reports.

• The only service with its removal processes reviewed by an independent auditor — Deloitte.

Cons:

• Monthly reports may be too basic for some.

• Custom removals require the Unlimited plan.

DeleteMe

DeleteMe is another reliable data removal service provider that focuses on Google search results and data brokers. It’s a perfect choice for those concerned with visible people search sites. DeleteMe also provides detailed quarterly reports, which may be a benefit for those interested in knowing how their data removal queries are being handled. You can find more about DeleteMe’s pros and cons in our Incogni vs. DeleteMe comparison.

Pros:

• Detailed exposure reports.

• Scalable business plan with custom pricing.

• Strong focus on people search sites.

• Offers instructions for free DIY removals.

• Has a masking feature for phone number, email address, and credit card number protection.

Cons:

• Fewer core automated brokers than some competitors.

• No coverage of private data brokers.

• Extra costs for phone masking.

• Infrequent reports (once a quarter).

Optery

Optery earns its spot as the pick for precise, verifiable removals. More importantly, it even offers free plans for users with basic features, such as personalized exposure reports and self-service removal tools. It’s a well-rounded option, perfect for those interested in manually managing their data removal requests. For more information about Optery and its benefits in comparison to other services, check out our Incogni vs. Optery comparison.

Pros:

• Free version with basic features.

• Detailed exposure reports.

• Before-and-after screenshots.

• Links directly to found personal data.

• Detailed verification of removals.

• Covers private-database brokers (only with the Expanded Reach feature).

Cons:

• Does not distinguish removed data from never-found data.

• Relies on AI data processing (while optional, still poses some privacy risks).

• Uses TLS encryption, which may cause a lack of transparency about at-rest encryption (for data in transit, for example, when sending requests to remove information).

Kanary

Kanary may be a great choice for those who want to manage their data removal access from their smartphone. This provider offers a free service (via its Community plan), which includes data removal from top data broker sites, Google's cache, and social media. The service is accessible to mobile users only with iOS and Android apps available in the App Store and Play Store.

Pros:

• Flexible billing options.

• More affordable compared to the competition.

• Free tier available.

• Detailed exposure reports.

• Before-and-after screenshots.

Cons:

• 30-day delay on custom removals.

• Screenshot feature offers limited availability.

• Small display of screenshots.

Aura

While not primarily a data removal service, Aura offers automated data removal requests and more. The service provides extra features, such as identity theft and call protection. Aura also has a 14-day free trial and reasonably priced service plans. This option works best for those looking for a broad spectrum of cybersecurity features instead of a standalone data removal tool.

Pros:

• Versatile range of data protection/removal options (including antivirus and VPN).

• Remediations for identity theft (up to $1M).

• Free 14-day trial.

• Dark web monitoring.

• Credit score monitoring.

• Flags suspicious financial transactions.

• Kids plan for parental monitoring.

Cons:

• Not specialized for data broker removal.

• Limited transparency regarding data removal capabilities.

• The mobile app lacks some of the expected features.

• Limited VPN features.

• Parental control focuses on mobile only.

• Limited credit monitoring.

• No custom removal option.

Onerep

Onerep is another great automated data removal service, particularly well-suited for families. It provides reasonably priced plans and covers more than 200 data broker websites. For premium plan users, the service also includes unlimited custom removal requests and even a dedicated data privacy expert for edge cases and quality checks.

Pros:

• Free 5-day trial.

• 24/7 customer support.

• Affordable family plan.

• Business plan.

• 30 day money-back guarantee

Cons:

• Available in the US only.

• Alias names need to be entered manually.

Privacy Bee

While last on our list, Privacy Bee is definitely not the least when it comes to its service and coverage. Covering more than 980 data brokers, this data removal service offers users comprehensive privacy management including an option to blur your house on Google Maps and Apple Maps (for premium users). It’s a great choice for those looking for specialized risk assessment and broad data broker coverage. Keep in mind, though, that the price may not suit every budget, especially if you choose monthly billing instead of an annual plan.

Pros:

• Broad data broker coverage.

• Free risk assessment features.

• Handles industry opt-out processes (such as junk mail).

• Data breach exposure reports.

• A “Do not track" browser extension.

• Works with thousands of companies.

Cons:

• Full access to your email address (if “Email search” is enabled).

• Pricey.

• Requires substantial hands-on work and constant monitoring.

Why should you use a data broker removal service?

The key reason why you should use data broker removal services is to protect your online data from cybercriminals. While seemingly innocent, even your email address can be used in phishing attempts, which in some cases may lead to further attacks, identity theft, or significant financial loss. Opting for a trusted data broker removal service also comes with additional benefits, like: 

• Significant time savings. Manually contacting hundreds of brokers to opt out is tedious and nearly impossible to sustain, because your data constantly reappears online. Automated services scan and submit removal requests around the clock, saving you hours.
• Less spam and stronger privacy. Removing your info from people search sites significantly cuts down on junk mail, spam calls, and unwanted marketing emails.
• Lower identity theft and harassment risk. Brokers sell detailed profiles that criminals may use for phishing, social engineering, and identity theft. Removing that data reduces the scam and doxxing risks.
• Continuous monitoring. Removal isn't a one-time task. When your data reappears, data removal services can handle the takedown again automatically.
• Expertise in complex opt-outs. Some brokers might intentionally complicate their opt-out processes to discourage removals. Data broker removal services know how to navigate those systems effectively, saving you the headache of dealing with difficult processes.

Since data is a valuable online commodity², data brokers have no problems storing, managing, and selling it to third parties. That’s why it’s best to take online privacy into your own hands. To limit your online data exposure, consider subscribing to one of the leading data removal services and using a VPN for additional safety features. 

How to choose a data removal service

Choosing the best data removal service always boils down to your personal preferences. While we can’t specify which of the aforementioned data removal services would work best for you, we can offer the key criteria that may help you pick the option best suited for your needs. Here’s what you should look for when choosing the best data removal service.

• Broker coverage. The more brokers the service covers — the less of your personal data will float around the internet. While it’s impossible to fully rid the web of your personal information, choosing the service that covers the most data brokers is your best bet.
• Trust. Choosing the most trusted data removal service sounds obvious, but what does it mean exactly? When choosing a service provider look for reviews, certifications, and features in reviews such as the Deloitte Independent Assurance Report. While Incogni is the only one of these data removal services that has had their marketing claims verified by this independent third-party auditing firm, other data removal services may also have strong testimonials from trusted evaluators.
• Automation. A good service provides users with tools to manage their personal data queries. A great service automates the processes to save the user time and effort. If you’re the impatient type, choosing a service that automates these requests will be your best option.
• Regular scans. We’ve mentioned that it’s impossible to completely rid the internet of your personal data. Part of it is because it can reappear even when you specifically requested it to be removed. To mitigate this hurdle, consider choosing data removal services that perform regular scans and send automated removal requests even after your data resurfaces.
• Detailed progress tracking. Knowing how your data removal requests are being handled can be an important criterion when choosing your preferred service. Some providers might not include that, while others (like Incogni) come with detailed tracking reports giving you clearer insights into each step of the removal process and greater transparency into how your data protection works.
• Compare. Let’s say it’s Incogni vs. Onerep that you’re evaluating. Put them side by side on the criteria above — broker coverage, reporting style, pricing, and trust signals. A direct comparison makes it easier to see which service actually fits your situation.

What are other options to remove your data from the internet?

While deleting yourself from the internet is basically impossible, you can still reduce the amount of your personal data found on the web by trying some free manual methods. These include deleting social media accounts, submitting manual requests to data brokers to remove your data, and asking search engines to limit or remove specific search results. For detailed instructions on the latter, check out our blog post on how to remove your personal information from Google and how to delete your digital footprint.

However, even if it’s free, manually removing your information from the internet is likely to consume a lot of time and effort. In addition, some data brokers or search engines might be reluctant to comply with your requests (even though they must abide by the specific laws and regulations, such as the GDPR in the EU, and local state laws in the US). 

These are just a few reasons why we strongly recommend considering a trusted personal data removal service, such as Incogni. Along with the vast list of data brokers, the service can also automate these requests to remove your sensitive information from data broker websites (only those that it covers), saving time and giving you peace of mind.

References

¹ https://epic.org/issues/consumer-privacy/data-brokers/ 

² Pittman, M. (2025, June 3). Council Post: The massive implications of data becoming a commodity. Forbes. https://www.forbes.com/councils/forbestechcouncil/2025/06/03/the-massive-implications-of-data-becoming-a-commodity/ 

³ Volobueva, M. (2025, August 12). Deloitte Independent Limited Assurance Report [2025] | Incogni. Incogni Blog. https://blog.incogni.com/deloitte-independent-limited-assurance-report/