Optery vs Kanary
A head-to-head comparison for 2026 — pricing, features, and which is better for different use cases.
Quick Comparison
| Feature | Optery | Kanary |
|---|---|---|
| Price | $4-$25/mo | $7-$9/mo |
| Free Tier | Free scan + DIY removals | Free initial scan |
| Brokers Covered | 365+ (Core plan) | 400+ |
| Monitoring | Monthly scans | Continuous |
| Key Feature | Before/after screenshots | Fast growing + competitive price |
| Best For | Transparency + free start | Mid-tier value |
Optery — Overview
Optery is the most transparent data removal service. When it finds your personal information on a data broker site, you get before-and-after screenshots proving what was found and what was removed. No other service provides this level of visual evidence. The free tier includes a scan plus DIY removal guides, so you can start protecting your privacy without paying anything.
The Core plan ($4/month) covers 365+ data brokers with automated removals. The Extended plan ($15/month) adds human privacy agents for difficult removals. The Ultimate plan ($25/month) covers the broadest set of brokers with unlimited custom removals. Optery has earned multiple PCMag Editors' Choice awards and holds two US patents for data search technology. Monthly billing and a 30-day money-back guarantee make it risk-free to try.
Kanary — Overview
Kanary is the fast-growing newcomer covering 400+ data brokers with an automated process and competitive pricing around $7-9/month. The platform runs frequent automated scans and handles difficult brokers like LexisNexis, Truthfinder, and Radaris that some competitors struggle with.
The free initial scan shows you exactly what's exposed before you pay. The interface is well-designed and provides clear progress tracking. Kanary's coverage sits between Incogni (420+) and DeleteMe (850+ with custom), making it a strong mid-tier option. The service is newer than DeleteMe and Incogni, which means less track record but more modern technology. Best for users who want broader coverage than Incogni at a competitive price point.
Key Differences
Screenshot proof vs growing coverage. Optery offers the most transparent removal process. Kanary offers strong coverage at a competitive price with modern technology.
Transparency favors Optery. Before-and-after screenshots are unique to Optery. Kanary shows progress tracking but not visual proof of removals.
Coverage slightly favors Kanary. 400+ brokers vs Optery Core's 365+. Optery's higher tiers (Extended, Ultimate) exceed Kanary's coverage. At the entry level, Kanary covers more brokers per dollar.
Free tier favors Optery. Optery's free plan includes scans plus DIY removal guides. Kanary offers a free initial scan but no DIY tools. Optery lets you do meaningful privacy work at zero cost.
The Verdict
Choose Optery for transparent removals with screenshots and a free DIY tier. Choose Kanary for strong automated coverage at a competitive price point.