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

What are data removal services?

Data removal services are businesses that engage in personal data removal 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. You can also find data removal services that work to remove personal data from search engine results, if the client wishes so. 

Some removal services reach out to 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 encompasses contacting data brokers and requesting to remove personal information from their databases. 

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 data from online browsers, internet stores, web searches, and even app interactions. They can even look through public records (birth certificates, voting, and criminal records) to get as much data as possible, analyze it, and sell it to the highest bidder.

The way data brokers get their hands on your data can vary from voluntary exposition (for example, users agreeing to the collection of browsing information for marketing purposes) to special algorithms designed to make predictions from seemingly non-personal data.¹ Some data brokers also run public databases (known as people search sites) where the general public can look up whether their data is exposed or not. Meanwhile private data brokers keep their databases secluded 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, there's no way of checking whether your data is being passed around, nor an easy way to opt out from such practice.

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.² Other countries, like those in the EU also lack a specific data broker legislation. However, the EU’s GDPR legislation offers protections such as the requirement to obtain explicit consent for data collection and sales.

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.Request for removal. Once it finds the match, the service submits opt-out requests to data brokers on your behalf.
4. 4.Further maintenance. 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 your personal information from search engine results and even defunct account removal. Meanwhile data broker removal services focus solely on dealing with companies that collect, analyze, and sell your data.

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

However, keep in mind that data removal services automate their processes, which means trusting one will save you time and effort of having to search the web for your personal data and submitting opt-out requests to data brokers for each little piece of information you’ll find.

Best data removal services of 2026

The data removal service business is booming. You can find lots of high-quality service providers that will offer great service, 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 fulfil your needs, here are the best data removal services of 2026.

Disclaimer: The information presented below was last verified on data removal tool service providers’ official websites, specifically their English-language sites, on September 24, 2025, and is subject to change. The trademarks shown are for illustrative purposes only. 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 top data removal services, recognized by leading tech magazines and platforms, earning PCMag Editors' Choice and PCWorld Editors' Choice awards. It covers the most data broker types, including some private ones often overlooked by its competitors. 

The Incogni data removal service is the perfect option for those looking to get comprehensive coverage across both people search sites and private data brokers (with access to 260+ people search sites and 160+ private data brokers). Users may also appreciate the automated data removal feature, available to every user, regardless of subscription type. 

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. For a more detailed analysis, you can also check out our Incogni review or take a look at the table below.

*Incogni allows unlimited amount 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 as forums and social media sites are generally outside the service’s scope. 

Pros:

• Vast data broker coverage.

• Custom removals feature additionally covers non-broker websites.

• Immediate custom removals.

• Coverage across 420+ brokers, regardless of subscription type.

• 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 are available only to unlimited plan users.

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.

Pros:

• Detailed exposure reports.

• Scalable business plan with custom pricing.

• Strong focus on people search sites.

• Offers instruction for free DIY removals.

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

Cons:

• Low number of automated broker coverage (compared to competitors).

• No coverage of private data brokers.

• Extra costs for phone masking.

• Infrequent reports (once a quarter).

Optery

Optery sits among the top data removal service providers as the choice that’s best for precise verifiable data removal. More importantly, it even offers free plans for users with basic features, such as personalized exposure report and self-service removal tools. It’s a well-rounded option, perfect for those interested in manually managing their data removal requests.

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:

• Almost exclusively focuses on people search sites.

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

• Uses TLS encryption (for data in transit, for example, when sending requests to remove information).

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

Kanary

Kanary may be a great choice for those not sure about whether they want to fully invest in a data removal service. This provider offers a free 14-day trial for users to try the service without any hassle. The service is currently undergoing a transition toward mobile-first solutions with an iOS app already available in the Apple store and the Android version being in the works.

Pros:

• Flexible billing options.

• More affordable compared to the competition.

• Free 14-day trial.

• Detailed exposure reports.

• Before-and-after screenshots.

Cons:

• 30-day delay on custom removals.

• Doesn’t cover private database data brokers.

• 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. Like Kanary, Aura also has a 14-day free trial and reasonably priced service plans. This option works best for those who’re looking for a broad spectre 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, 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 a vast data broker coverage. Although, keep in mind, the price range of the service may not be for everyone’s pocket (especially, if you choose a monthly billing instead of annual plans).

Pros:

• Vast 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 (if “Email search” is enabled).

• Pricy.

• 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 lead to phishing attacks and identity theft, causing significant financial loss. 

Since data is a valuable online commodity³, 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 kinda 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 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 criteria 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.

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.

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 you time and peace of mind.

References

¹ Understanding the work of data brokers and their impact on data privacy | TrustArc. (2025, July 16). TrustArc. https://trustarc.com/resource/data-brokers-impact-data-privacy/

² https://epic.org/issues/consumer-privacy/data-brokers/ 

³ 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/ 

⁴ Volobueva, M. (2025, August 12). Deloitte Independent Limited Assurance Report [2025] | Incogni. Incogni Blog. https://blog.incogni.com/deloitte-independent-limited-assurance-report/