Quick Overview
- 1#1: HireRight - Offers comprehensive global background screening, drug testing, and identity verification for employers.
- 2#2: Sterling - Delivers fast, FCRA-compliant background checks, verifications, and screening solutions for hiring.
- 3#3: First Advantage - Provides end-to-end pre-employment screening including criminal records, employment history, and drug tests.
- 4#4: Checkr - Modern API-driven background checks with rapid turnaround for high-volume hiring.
- 5#5: Accurate Background - Specializes in customizable background screening, I-9 verification, and compliance management.
- 6#6: GoodHire - User-friendly, FCRA-compliant employment screening for small to mid-sized businesses.
- 7#7: Certn - Streamlines background checks with automation, international support, and mobile-friendly processes.
- 8#8: TruDiligence - Offers affordable, nationwide criminal and civil background searches for employment screening.
- 9#9: Verifirst - Provides instant background checks, verifications, and watchlist screening services.
- 10#10: BackgroundChecks.com - Online platform for quick criminal records, driving records, and employment verification checks.
These platforms were selected based on feature strength, data accuracy, user-friendliness, and practical value, ensuring a balanced ranking of high-performance options.
Comparison Table
Employment screening software is essential for modern hiring, helping businesses verify candidates efficiently while ensuring compliance. This comparison table outlines key features, pricing structures, and suitability for diverse needs across top tools like HireRight, Sterling, First Advantage, Checkr, Accurate Background, and more, guiding users to make informed choices.
| # | Tool | Category | Overall | Features | Ease of Use | Value |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | HireRight Offers comprehensive global background screening, drug testing, and identity verification for employers. | enterprise | 9.5/10 | 9.8/10 | 9.2/10 | 9.0/10 |
| 2 | Sterling Delivers fast, FCRA-compliant background checks, verifications, and screening solutions for hiring. | enterprise | 9.2/10 | 9.5/10 | 8.6/10 | 8.4/10 |
| 3 | First Advantage Provides end-to-end pre-employment screening including criminal records, employment history, and drug tests. | enterprise | 8.7/10 | 9.2/10 | 8.1/10 | 8.3/10 |
| 4 | Checkr Modern API-driven background checks with rapid turnaround for high-volume hiring. | specialized | 8.7/10 | 9.1/10 | 8.4/10 | 8.2/10 |
| 5 | Accurate Background Specializes in customizable background screening, I-9 verification, and compliance management. | enterprise | 8.7/10 | 9.2/10 | 8.5/10 | 8.3/10 |
| 6 | GoodHire User-friendly, FCRA-compliant employment screening for small to mid-sized businesses. | specialized | 8.6/10 | 8.4/10 | 9.2/10 | 8.7/10 |
| 7 | Certn Streamlines background checks with automation, international support, and mobile-friendly processes. | specialized | 8.4/10 | 8.7/10 | 8.9/10 | 7.9/10 |
| 8 | TruDiligence Offers affordable, nationwide criminal and civil background searches for employment screening. | specialized | 8.2/10 | 8.5/10 | 8.0/10 | 7.8/10 |
| 9 | Verifirst Provides instant background checks, verifications, and watchlist screening services. | specialized | 8.2/10 | 8.5/10 | 8.0/10 | 8.1/10 |
| 10 | BackgroundChecks.com Online platform for quick criminal records, driving records, and employment verification checks. | other | 7.5/10 | 7.4/10 | 8.1/10 | 7.8/10 |
Offers comprehensive global background screening, drug testing, and identity verification for employers.
Delivers fast, FCRA-compliant background checks, verifications, and screening solutions for hiring.
Provides end-to-end pre-employment screening including criminal records, employment history, and drug tests.
Modern API-driven background checks with rapid turnaround for high-volume hiring.
Specializes in customizable background screening, I-9 verification, and compliance management.
User-friendly, FCRA-compliant employment screening for small to mid-sized businesses.
Streamlines background checks with automation, international support, and mobile-friendly processes.
Offers affordable, nationwide criminal and civil background searches for employment screening.
Provides instant background checks, verifications, and watchlist screening services.
Online platform for quick criminal records, driving records, and employment verification checks.
HireRight
enterpriseOffers comprehensive global background screening, drug testing, and identity verification for employers.
Global Screening Network with AI-driven risk scoring for unparalleled international compliance and accuracy
HireRight is a leading employment screening software platform that delivers comprehensive background checks, drug testing, employment and education verifications, and I-9 compliance services to help employers make informed hiring decisions. Its cloud-based portal enables seamless ordering, real-time tracking, and automated workflows, integrating with major ATS systems like Workday and iCIMS for efficient high-volume screening. With a global network and strict adherence to regulations like FCRA, HireRight minimizes risks and accelerates time-to-hire while providing detailed, actionable insights.
Pros
- Extensive global screening coverage in 200+ countries with localized expertise
- Fast turnaround times averaging 1-2 days for most checks
- Robust ATS integrations and compliance tools ensuring FCRA and GDPR adherence
Cons
- Pricing is quote-based and can be expensive for low-volume users
- Advanced customization requires dedicated account management
- Occasional delays in international checks due to local regulations
Best For
Large enterprises and high-volume recruiters needing scalable, compliant global background screening.
Pricing
Custom enterprise pricing per check or volume contract; basic U.S. criminal checks start around $25-50, with discounts for high volume.
Sterling
enterpriseDelivers fast, FCRA-compliant background checks, verifications, and screening solutions for hiring.
Sterling Experience Portal: a self-service platform for real-time ordering, tracking, and candidate communication with AI-driven automation.
Sterling (sterlingcheck.com) is a top-tier employment screening platform offering comprehensive background checks, including criminal records, employment and education verification, drug testing, and I-9 compliance. It leverages advanced technology for rapid turnaround times, global coverage, and seamless integrations with major ATS systems like Workday and iCIMS. Designed for high-volume hiring, Sterling ensures FCRA compliance and provides actionable insights to streamline the hiring process.
Pros
- Extensive global screening options with coverage in 200+ countries
- Industry-leading turnaround times (some checks in under 1 hour)
- Robust ATS integrations and compliance expertise
Cons
- Premium pricing less suitable for small businesses
- Steeper learning curve for complex configurations
- Occasional variability in international check speeds
Best For
Large enterprises and high-volume recruiters needing scalable, compliant screening with global reach.
Pricing
Custom enterprise pricing based on volume; basic checks start around $25-60, with discounts for high-volume contracts.
First Advantage
enterpriseProvides end-to-end pre-employment screening including criminal records, employment history, and drug tests.
Global Reach Network for seamless international background screenings in over 200 countries with localized compliance.
First Advantage is a leading employment screening platform that delivers comprehensive background checks, drug screening, and verification services to support informed hiring decisions. It offers an integrated suite including criminal records searches, employment and education verification, motor vehicle reports, I-9 compliance, and identity authentication. The cloud-based CORE platform streamlines workflows with ATS integrations and real-time reporting, emphasizing FCRA compliance and data security. Designed for scalability, it serves businesses from SMBs to global enterprises with fast turnaround times.
Pros
- Extensive global screening capabilities covering 200+ countries
- Seamless integrations with major ATS and HRIS systems
- High accuracy and rapid turnaround times (often 1-2 days for basic checks)
Cons
- Pricing is quote-based and can be costly for low-volume users
- Interface may feel complex for non-enterprise teams
- Limited self-service options for custom report building
Best For
Mid-to-large enterprises with high-volume, international hiring needs requiring robust compliance and scalability.
Pricing
Custom quote-based pricing; typically $25-$60 per background check depending on package and volume, with enterprise subscriptions for unlimited access.
Checkr
specializedModern API-driven background checks with rapid turnaround for high-volume hiring.
AI-driven Instant Check for criminal records, delivering results in seconds for 70%+ of U.S. searches.
Checkr is a comprehensive employment screening platform specializing in fast, FCRA-compliant background checks for businesses hiring at scale. It provides a wide array of services including criminal record searches, identity verification, employment and education history checks, motor vehicle records, and drug testing. Powered by AI and machine learning, Checkr streamlines the screening process with seamless integrations into ATS and HRIS systems, enabling rapid results often within minutes to one business day.
Pros
- Exceptionally fast turnaround times, often under 30 minutes for basic checks
- Robust integrations with major ATS like Workday, Greenhouse, and Lever
- Strong FCRA compliance and adverse action workflow support
Cons
- Pay-per-check pricing model can become expensive at high volumes without deep discounts
- Occasional reports of data inaccuracies requiring manual reviews
- Limited options for highly customized or international screenings
Best For
Gig economy companies and high-volume hiring enterprises like Uber or DoorDash that prioritize speed and scalability in background checks.
Pricing
Custom volume-based pricing; basic criminal checks start at $29-$49 per report, with enterprise discounts for 1,000+ checks/month.
Accurate Background
enterpriseSpecializes in customizable background screening, I-9 verification, and compliance management.
Global screening network covering 200+ countries with localized compliance expertise
Accurate Background (accurate.com) is a comprehensive employment screening platform that provides criminal background checks, employment and education verifications, drug screening, I-9 services, and global compliance solutions. It integrates seamlessly with major ATS platforms like Workday, iCIMS, and Greenhouse, enabling automated workflows and real-time candidate status updates. The service emphasizes FCRA compliance, data accuracy, and fast turnaround times, serving businesses from SMBs to Fortune 500 companies.
Pros
- Extensive screening options including criminal, civil, credit, and international checks across 200+ countries
- Strong ATS integrations and API for streamlined hiring processes
- High compliance standards with FCRA, state regulations, and robust adverse action workflows
Cons
- Pricing is quote-based with limited public transparency, potentially higher for low-volume users
- User interface is functional but can feel dated compared to newer platforms
- Customer support response times vary during peak seasons
Best For
Mid-to-large enterprises needing scalable, compliant background screening with deep ATS integrations and global reach.
Pricing
Custom quote-based pricing; per-check costs typically $25-$100 depending on package, volume discounts available for high-volume clients.
GoodHire
specializedUser-friendly, FCRA-compliant employment screening for small to mid-sized businesses.
Seamless integrations with 100+ ATS/HRIS platforms, enabling one-click screening launches directly from hiring workflows.
GoodHire is an FCRA-compliant employment screening platform designed for small to mid-sized businesses, offering a range of background checks including criminal records, employment and education verification, motor vehicle records, and credit checks. It provides customizable packages with fast turnaround times, averaging 1-2 days for most reports, and emphasizes user-friendly interfaces for both employers and candidates. The service integrates with over 100 ATS and HRIS systems like Greenhouse, BambooHR, and Workday, streamlining the hiring process while ensuring legal compliance.
Pros
- Fast report turnaround times (often 1-2 days)
- Intuitive dashboard and mobile-friendly candidate experience
- Robust FCRA compliance tools and excellent customer support
Cons
- Limited options for international background checks
- Pricing can escalate for comprehensive or high-volume needs
- Lacks advanced AI-driven analytics found in enterprise competitors
Best For
Small to medium-sized businesses seeking quick, compliant, and affordable background screening with easy ATS integrations.
Pricing
Pay-per-check model starting at $29.99 for basic criminal checks, up to $89.99 for premium packages; volume discounts and custom enterprise pricing available.
Certn
specializedStreamlines background checks with automation, international support, and mobile-friendly processes.
AI-driven instant screening with real-time status updates and 70% completion in under 1 hour
Certn is a robust employment screening platform specializing in background checks, identity verification, and compliance solutions for global hiring teams. It provides criminal record searches, employment and education verifications, credit checks, and reference monitoring across 200+ countries using AI-driven automation for faster results. With seamless integrations into ATS like Greenhouse and Workable, Certn streamlines the screening process while ensuring regulatory compliance.
Pros
- Global coverage with checks in over 200 countries
- AI-powered automation delivering 70% of checks in under 1 hour
- Intuitive dashboard and easy ATS integrations
Cons
- Quote-based pricing lacks transparency and can be costly for small volumes
- Variable turnaround times in regions with limited data access
- Limited advanced customization for enterprise-scale reporting
Best For
Mid-sized companies with international hiring needs seeking fast, compliant background screening.
Pricing
Custom quote-based pricing; typically $25-$60 per check depending on type and volume, with discounts for high-volume users.
TruDiligence
specializedOffers affordable, nationwide criminal and civil background searches for employment screening.
Proprietary verification engine for high-accuracy employment and education checks with source documentation.
TruDiligence is a robust employment screening platform specializing in background checks, including criminal records, employment and education verification, motor vehicle reports, and drug screening. It offers FCRA-compliant services with a user-friendly dashboard for ordering, tracking, and reviewing results in real-time. The software integrates with major ATS platforms to streamline hiring workflows for HR teams.
Pros
- Comprehensive screening options with fast turnaround (often 24-48 hours)
- Strong FCRA compliance and data security features
- Seamless ATS integrations like Workday and BambooHR
Cons
- Pricing can be higher for low-volume users compared to competitors
- Limited international screening capabilities
- Dashboard interface feels dated in some areas
Best For
Mid-sized companies and staffing agencies needing reliable, U.S.-focused background checks with solid compliance support.
Pricing
Pay-per-report starting at $25 for basic criminal checks, scaling to $100+ for packages; volume discounts and custom enterprise plans available.
Verifirst
specializedProvides instant background checks, verifications, and watchlist screening services.
Verifirst 360° portal for real-time status updates and customizable reporting
Verifirst is a robust employment screening platform specializing in background checks, including criminal records, employment and education verification, credit reports, and drug screening. It provides a web-based portal for seamless ordering, real-time tracking, and results delivery, ensuring FCRA compliance and rapid turnaround times. The service caters to businesses of all sizes with customizable screening packages and integrations with popular ATS systems.
Pros
- Comprehensive screening options including international checks and MVR reports
- Fast average turnaround of 1-2 days for most checks
- Strong FCRA compliance and user-friendly online dashboard
Cons
- Pricing is per-report which can add up for high-volume users
- Limited advanced AI-driven analytics compared to top competitors
- Customer support availability could be improved outside business hours
Best For
Small to mid-sized businesses seeking reliable, compliant background screening without complex enterprise features.
Pricing
Pay-per-check model starting at $25 for basic criminal searches, with packages up to $100+ and volume discounts for larger clients.
BackgroundChecks.com
otherOnline platform for quick criminal records, driving records, and employment verification checks.
Instant nationwide criminal search results available in under 60 seconds for eligible records
BackgroundChecks.com is an online platform specializing in FCRA-compliant background screening services for employment, offering instant access to criminal records, sex offender registries, credit reports, and employment verifications. It caters primarily to small and medium-sized businesses with a straightforward, pay-per-use model that delivers reports quickly via a user-friendly web interface. The service emphasizes affordability and speed, making it suitable for recruiters handling moderate volumes without needing enterprise-level integrations.
Pros
- Fast turnaround with instant results for many basic checks
- Affordable pay-per-report pricing suitable for low-volume users
- Simple, intuitive dashboard for ordering and reviewing reports
Cons
- Limited integrations with major ATS or HRIS systems
- Occasional reports of data inaccuracies requiring manual follow-up
- Customer support can be slow during peak times
Best For
Small to medium-sized businesses and independent recruiters needing quick, cost-effective background checks without advanced automation.
Pricing
Pay-per-report starting at $24.78 for criminal checks, with bundles from $39.95 and volume discounts for 50+ reports monthly.
Conclusion
The reviewed employment screening tools highlight diverse strengths, from global coverage to fast turnaround and compliance focus. At the top, HireRight stands out with its comprehensive background screening, making it a top choice for employers needing thorough, wide-reaching solutions. Sterling and First Advantage are strong alternatives—Sterling for fast, FCRA-compliant checks, and First Advantage for seamless end-to-end processes, each suited to specific hiring needs. Ultimately, the right tool depends on an employer’s priorities, but the top three deliver reliability.
Take the first step toward streamlined, effective hiring: try HireRight to experience its comprehensive screening capabilities, or explore Sterling or First Advantage to find the tool that aligns perfectly with your unique requirements.
Tools Reviewed
All tools were independently evaluated for this comparison