Quick Overview
- 1#1: Checkr - Delivers fast, FCRA-compliant criminal background checks with seamless API integrations for high-volume employers.
- 2#2: GoodHire - Provides affordable, user-friendly criminal and employment background screening for small to medium businesses.
- 3#3: Sterling - Offers comprehensive enterprise-level background checks including criminal records and identity verification.
- 4#4: HireRight - Global pre-employment screening platform specializing in criminal history and compliance reporting.
- 5#5: First Advantage - End-to-end background screening solutions with advanced criminal database access and analytics.
- 6#6: Accurate Background - Scalable criminal background check technology with automation for efficient hiring processes.
- 7#7: Asurint - Technology-powered criminal record searches with proprietary matching algorithms for accuracy.
- 8#8: Universal Background Screening - Nationwide criminal background checks with customizable packages for various industries.
- 9#9: TazWorks - Cloud-based platform for managing criminal background screenings and compliance workflows.
- 10#10: Certn - Mobile-first instant criminal record checks with international coverage and self-service options.
We ranked tools based on features like FCRA compliance and advanced database access, user experience, scalability, and cost-effectiveness, prioritizing those that balance robustness with flexibility to serve diverse needs from small teams to global enterprises.
Comparison Table
This comparison table simplifies evaluating criminal background check software, featuring tools like Checkr, GoodHire, Sterling, HireRight, First Advantage, and more. It breaks down key factors to help readers identify the best fit for their specific needs, from features to usability.
| # | Tool | Category | Overall | Features | Ease of Use | Value |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Checkr Delivers fast, FCRA-compliant criminal background checks with seamless API integrations for high-volume employers. | enterprise | 9.7/10 | 9.8/10 | 9.5/10 | 9.6/10 |
| 2 | GoodHire Provides affordable, user-friendly criminal and employment background screening for small to medium businesses. | enterprise | 9.2/10 | 9.5/10 | 9.4/10 | 8.9/10 |
| 3 | Sterling Offers comprehensive enterprise-level background checks including criminal records and identity verification. | enterprise | 8.7/10 | 9.2/10 | 8.1/10 | 8.0/10 |
| 4 | HireRight Global pre-employment screening platform specializing in criminal history and compliance reporting. | enterprise | 8.7/10 | 9.2/10 | 8.0/10 | 7.8/10 |
| 5 | First Advantage End-to-end background screening solutions with advanced criminal database access and analytics. | enterprise | 8.2/10 | 8.7/10 | 8.0/10 | 7.6/10 |
| 6 | Accurate Background Scalable criminal background check technology with automation for efficient hiring processes. | enterprise | 8.1/10 | 8.4/10 | 7.9/10 | 7.7/10 |
| 7 | Asurint Technology-powered criminal record searches with proprietary matching algorithms for accuracy. | specialized | 8.1/10 | 8.4/10 | 7.9/10 | 7.7/10 |
| 8 | Universal Background Screening Nationwide criminal background checks with customizable packages for various industries. | enterprise | 8.1/10 | 8.4/10 | 8.0/10 | 7.9/10 |
| 9 | TazWorks Cloud-based platform for managing criminal background screenings and compliance workflows. | specialized | 8.1/10 | 8.4/10 | 7.9/10 | 7.7/10 |
| 10 | Certn Mobile-first instant criminal record checks with international coverage and self-service options. | specialized | 7.8/10 | 8.2/10 | 7.9/10 | 7.4/10 |
Delivers fast, FCRA-compliant criminal background checks with seamless API integrations for high-volume employers.
Provides affordable, user-friendly criminal and employment background screening for small to medium businesses.
Offers comprehensive enterprise-level background checks including criminal records and identity verification.
Global pre-employment screening platform specializing in criminal history and compliance reporting.
End-to-end background screening solutions with advanced criminal database access and analytics.
Scalable criminal background check technology with automation for efficient hiring processes.
Technology-powered criminal record searches with proprietary matching algorithms for accuracy.
Nationwide criminal background checks with customizable packages for various industries.
Cloud-based platform for managing criminal background screenings and compliance workflows.
Mobile-first instant criminal record checks with international coverage and self-service options.
Checkr
enterpriseDelivers fast, FCRA-compliant criminal background checks with seamless API integrations for high-volume employers.
Machine learning-powered record matching for superior accuracy and speed in high-volume screening
Checkr is a top-tier background screening platform specializing in criminal background checks, delivering fast, FCRA-compliant reports for employers across industries. It leverages an API-first approach for seamless integration, covering county, state, federal criminal records, sex offender registries, and global watchlists. With machine learning for accurate record matching and high-volume scalability, Checkr powers hiring for companies like Uber and Instacart, often providing results in under 60 minutes.
Pros
- Ultra-fast turnaround times (often same-day or faster)
- Developer-friendly API with extensive integrations
- Advanced compliance tools including automated FCRA workflows
Cons
- Pricing can be higher for low-volume users
- Limited options for highly customized international checks
- Results dependent on public record accuracy and court delays
Best For
High-volume employers in gig economy, staffing, or on-demand sectors needing rapid, scalable criminal background screening.
Pricing
Pay-per-report model starting at $29 for basic criminal checks, with tiered volume discounts and custom enterprise pricing.
GoodHire
enterpriseProvides affordable, user-friendly criminal and employment background screening for small to medium businesses.
SmartSearch technology that automatically selects the optimal criminal records based on candidate location and risk level for efficiency and compliance
GoodHire is an FCRA-compliant background screening platform specializing in criminal background checks, offering nationwide database searches, county-level court records, federal searches, and multi-jurisdictional reviews for comprehensive pre-employment screening. It streamlines the process with automated workflows, real-time status updates, and integrations with popular ATS like Greenhouse and Workable. Designed for employers of all sizes, it ensures legal compliance while delivering fast results, often within one business day for many checks.
Pros
- Extensive criminal search coverage including 600M+ records across counties, states, and federal levels
- Intuitive dashboard and mobile-first candidate experience for quick self-service check initiation
- Seamless integrations with HR tools and automated FCRA-compliant adverse action workflows
Cons
- Higher costs for premium multi-jurisdictional or international searches
- Turnaround times can extend beyond one day for some manual county court searches
- Limited customization options for very large enterprise reporting needs
Best For
Small to mid-sized businesses and HR teams seeking fast, compliant criminal background checks with easy integrations.
Pricing
Pay-per-check packages from $29.99 (basic criminal) to $99+ (enterprise), with volume discounts, subscriptions, and custom enterprise pricing available.
Sterling
enterpriseOffers comprehensive enterprise-level background checks including criminal records and identity verification.
Direct access to proprietary county court data network covering over 4,000 jurisdictions for superior accuracy in local criminal records.
Sterling is a comprehensive background screening platform specializing in criminal background checks, providing access to extensive federal, state, county, and international databases for thorough vetting. It offers automated workflows, real-time dashboards, and seamless integrations with ATS and HRIS systems to streamline high-volume screening processes. The software emphasizes FCRA compliance, adverse action workflows, and scalable solutions for enterprises managing large-scale hiring.
Pros
- Extensive database coverage including 4,000+ county courts and federal records
- Fast turnaround times averaging 1-2 days for most checks
- Robust compliance tools and integrations with major HR platforms
Cons
- Pricing can be high for small businesses or low-volume users
- Steeper learning curve for non-enterprise users
- Custom quotes required, lacking transparent self-service pricing
Best For
Mid-to-large enterprises with high-volume hiring needs requiring compliant, scalable criminal background screening.
Pricing
Custom enterprise pricing; typically $25-60 per criminal check depending on volume and scope, with subscription tiers for ongoing services.
HireRight
enterpriseGlobal pre-employment screening platform specializing in criminal history and compliance reporting.
AI-powered adjudication engine that automates screening decisions based on customizable client policies
HireRight is a leading background screening platform that specializes in criminal background checks, accessing vast databases including county, state, federal, and national criminal records for accurate and comprehensive results. The software offers real-time status updates, automated workflows, and robust compliance tools to meet FCRA and other regulatory standards. It integrates seamlessly with ATS and HRIS systems, enabling efficient hiring processes for employers of all sizes.
Pros
- Extensive multi-jurisdictional database access
- Strong FCRA compliance and audit trails
- Seamless integrations with major ATS/HRIS platforms
Cons
- Premium pricing can be costly for small volumes
- Initial setup and customization require time
- Turnaround times vary for international or complex searches
Best For
Mid-to-large enterprises needing scalable, compliant criminal background checks with global capabilities.
Pricing
Custom enterprise pricing; criminal checks typically $30-$60 per report, with volume discounts and subscription models available.
First Advantage
enterpriseEnd-to-end background screening solutions with advanced criminal database access and analytics.
Advanced multi-jurisdictional criminal search engine that aggregates data from over 700 million records for precise, court-search verified results.
First Advantage (fadv.com) is a comprehensive background screening platform specializing in criminal background checks for employers and organizations. It offers a user-friendly portal for ordering, tracking, and reviewing criminal records searches across federal, state, and county levels, including sex offender registries and global checks. The software integrates with HR systems and applicant tracking software (ATS) to streamline hiring processes while ensuring FCRA compliance.
Pros
- Extensive database coverage for nationwide and international criminal searches
- Strong FCRA compliance tools and audit trails
- Fast turnaround times with real-time status updates
Cons
- Pricing can be high for small businesses or low-volume users
- Integration setup may require technical support
- Occasional delays in complex multi-jurisdictional searches
Best For
Mid-to-large enterprises with high-volume hiring needs requiring scalable, compliant criminal background screening.
Pricing
Custom enterprise pricing based on volume; typically $25-$60 per criminal background check, with discounts for high-volume contracts.
Accurate Background
enterpriseScalable criminal background check technology with automation for efficient hiring processes.
Proprietary multi-jurisdictional search engine delivering high-accuracy matches across fragmented U.S. records
Accurate Background is a robust FCRA-compliant platform specializing in criminal background checks, offering nationwide coverage of county, state, federal, and international records. It provides seamless integrations with ATS and HRIS systems, enabling automated workflows for high-volume screening. The software emphasizes speed with many checks completing in under an hour, alongside tools for identity verification and adverse action management.
Pros
- Extensive database access for comprehensive criminal searches
- Rapid turnaround times with 90% of checks under 1 hour
- Strong API integrations and compliance tools
Cons
- Custom pricing lacks transparency for small users
- Steeper learning curve for advanced reporting
- Occasional delays in rural county searches
Best For
Mid-to-large enterprises with high-volume hiring requiring scalable, compliant criminal screening.
Pricing
Custom quotes based on volume; typically $25-$100 per criminal check package.
Asurint
specializedTechnology-powered criminal record searches with proprietary matching algorithms for accuracy.
AI-driven rapid screening delivering criminal check results in under 15 minutes
Asurint is a comprehensive background screening platform specializing in criminal background checks for employers, leveraging AI and proprietary technology for rapid results often delivered in as little as 15 minutes. It searches vast databases including county, state, and federal records, sex offender registries, and global watchlists, ensuring FCRA compliance and high accuracy. The service integrates with HR and ATS systems, streamlining hiring processes for businesses of all sizes.
Pros
- Lightning-fast turnaround times with AI-powered searches
- High accuracy through proprietary data validation
- Strong FCRA compliance and seamless ATS integrations
Cons
- Premium pricing compared to basic providers
- Primarily focused on U.S. records with limited international depth
- Setup and customization can require dedicated support
Best For
Mid-to-large enterprises needing quick, accurate U.S. criminal background checks during high-volume hiring.
Pricing
Custom quotes based on volume; typically $25-$60 per criminal background check, with packages for employment verification bundles.
Universal Background Screening
enterpriseNationwide criminal background checks with customizable packages for various industries.
SearchDirect technology for rapid, automated criminal record aggregation across multiple jurisdictions
Universal Background Screening offers a web-based platform specializing in FCRA-compliant criminal background checks, including county, state, federal, and multi-jurisdictional searches. It enables employers, landlords, and organizations to order screens online, monitor progress in real-time, and access detailed reports with adverse action workflows. The software integrates with HR systems and supports customizable packages for pre-employment, tenant, and volunteer screening.
Pros
- Extensive US criminal database coverage with fast turnaround (often 1-2 days)
- Strong FCRA compliance tools and adverse action support
- User-friendly dashboard for real-time tracking and reporting
Cons
- Pricing lacks full transparency without a quote
- Limited options for international background checks
- Fewer native integrations compared to top competitors
Best For
Small to mid-sized US-based employers and property managers needing reliable domestic criminal screening without complex enterprise needs.
Pricing
Custom quotes with pay-as-you-go starting at $25-$50 per basic criminal check; volume discounts available.
TazWorks
specializedCloud-based platform for managing criminal background screenings and compliance workflows.
Proprietary Multi-Jurisdictional Criminal Search engine that compiles results from thousands of sources in real-time
TazWorks is a web-based background screening platform specializing in criminal background checks, offering access to over 600 million records across county, state, federal, and nationwide databases. It provides FCRA-compliant services including multi-jurisdictional criminal searches, sex offender registry checks, and employment verifications with fast turnaround times. The software integrates with applicant tracking systems (ATS) and HR platforms, streamlining the screening process for employers.
Pros
- Comprehensive multi-jurisdictional criminal database coverage
- Strong FCRA compliance tools and audit trails
- Seamless integrations with popular ATS and HRIS systems
Cons
- Pricing can be higher for low-volume users without discounts
- Interface feels dated compared to newer competitors
- Limited support for international background checks
Best For
Mid-sized businesses and staffing agencies in the US conducting high-volume domestic criminal background screenings.
Pricing
Custom quotes based on volume; criminal checks start at $25-$60 per report, with discounts for 100+ monthly orders.
Certn
specializedMobile-first instant criminal record checks with international coverage and self-service options.
AI-powered instant criminal checks delivering results in minutes for eligible candidates
Certn is a background screening platform specializing in criminal record checks, identity verification, and reference checks for employers in North America. It uses AI and automation to deliver results in as little as one hour for many standard criminal checks across Canada and the US. The software integrates seamlessly with ATS and HRIS systems, making it suitable for high-volume hiring processes.
Pros
- Ultra-fast turnaround times with AI-driven checks often under 1 hour
- Strong North American coverage including Canadian vulnerable sector checks
- Robust API and integrations with popular ATS like Workable and Greenhouse
Cons
- Higher per-check costs compared to some budget competitors
- Limited international coverage outside North America
- Customization options can feel restrictive for enterprise users
Best For
Small to mid-sized businesses in Canada and the US conducting high-volume hiring who prioritize speed and compliance.
Pricing
Custom quotes based on volume; typically $25-$60 per criminal background check with discounts for high volume and enterprise plans.
Conclusion
The top criminal background check tools showcase distinct strengths, with Checkr leading as the overall winner for its fast, FCRA-compliant screening and seamless API integrations, while GoodHire stands out for affordability and user-friendliness for small to medium businesses, and Sterling offers comprehensive enterprise-level solutions. These top three tools set the standard, with Checkr excelling in scalability and compliance, and the others meeting unique operational needs.
Elevate your hiring process—try Checkr today to experience fast, reliable background checks that keep your team strong and your operations compliant.
Tools Reviewed
All tools were independently evaluated for this comparison
Referenced in the comparison table and product reviews above.