15 Best Background Check Software in 2025 [Free + Paid]

You know you need background check software. But with so many options available, how do you choose the right one? We’ll help you with that.

This comprehensive comparison guide simplifies selection by highlighting key features and pricing for leading background check tools.

But before we get to that, let’s take a quick look at what background check software is and some of its key features.

What is Background Check Software?

Ever wonder how companies make sure their new hires aren’t, like, secretly supervillains? That’s where background check software comes in.

It’s a handy tool that helps businesses quickly and easily check out a person’s history – everything from their work experience to their criminal record.

Think of it as a super-powered fact-checker for people. Companies use it to make sure they’re hiring trustworthy folks, whether it’s for a job, a volunteer gig, or even a business partnership.

It automates manual checking and makes sure they’re following all the legal rules. Checkr is a good example; it uses AI to make the whole process of background screening faster and more efficient.

Key Features of Background Check Software

So, what can this software actually do? Well, a few key things:

Identity Verification: First, it makes sure the person is who they say they are. No more catfishing your new employee!
Criminal Record Checks: It checks if they’ve got any skeletons in their closet – you know, any criminal history that might be a red flag.
Employment History Verification: Did they really work at that fancy company? This checks it out.
Education Verification: The same goes for their education. Did they actually graduate from Harvard, or were they just really good at pretending?
Credit History Checks: For some jobs, especially in finance, it’s important to check their credit history.
Compliance Management: And, of course, it makes sure everything is done by the book, following all the legal guidelines.

Industries That Rely on Background Check Software

Lots of industries use background checks, but some are way more strict about it than others. Think healthcare, finance, childcare, government, and law enforcement.

These folks need to be extra careful since they’re dealing with sensitive information, so they need to make sure everyone’s on the up and up.

Benefits of Background Check Software

Why should you even bother with background screening software? It turns out there are a bunch of good reasons. It’s not about being nosy; it’s about making smart hires and keeping the workplace safe.

1. Improved Quality of Hires

Do you want to hire someone who’s going to be a rockstar employee or someone who’s going to cause a ton of problems? Background checks help you find those rock stars.

They let you verify a candidate’s credentials, see their work history, and check if they’ve got any interesting stuff in their past.

A survey by NAPBS found that 95% of employers do background checks to make sure their hires are reliable. And 90% of them are checking out full-time employees as of 2024!

2. Enhanced Workplace Safety

Safety first. Background checks help keep things safe by flagging potential risks. If someone has a criminal record that suggests they might be a danger, you definitely want to know about it.

This is super important in places like hospitals, daycare centers, and police stations. The Professional Background Screening Association says that 93% of organizations worldwide do some kind of background check for safety purposes.

3. Increased Efficiency Through Automation

Doing background checks by hand is a total drag. It takes forever and you’re bound to make mistakes. Background check software automates the whole thing, which means way less time wasted and fewer errors.

It can automatically fill out forms and connect to databases to get info super fast. Cloud-based solutions are getting really popular too because they’re cheap and you can use them anywhere.

The cloud segment is even expected to grow the most in the background check software market.

4. Regulatory Compliance

Background check software helps you stay on the right side of things by making sure you’re following all the data privacy and employment rules. This is especially important in places with strict laws like Europe (GDPR) and the US (FCRA).

5. Cost Savings

Hiring the wrong person can cost a company a fortune. You’ve got to train them, pay them, and then if it doesn’t work out, you’ve got to start all over again.

Some studies say a bad hire can cost you up to 30% of their first year’s salary! Background checks help you avoid these costly mistakes.

6. Customization and Scalability

Every company is different. Some might need to check social media accounts, while others might need to look at credit histories.

Good background-checking software lets you customize the checks to fit your specific needs. And it can grow with your company, whether you’re hiring ten people or a hundred.

15 Best Background Check Software in 2025

Here’s the best software for background checks at a glance:

Tool	Key Features	Ideal For	Pricing
Checkr	AI-driven automation, 100+ HR & ATS integrations, criminal, driving, drug, international checks, mobile-friendly portal	Businesses of all sizes with high-volume hiring needs	Starts at $29.99 per check
GoodHire	SSN & address verification, customizable screening packages, automated compliance tools, mobile-optimized dashboard	Small to medium-sized businesses seeking a straightforward solution	Starts at $29.99 per check
Xref	Automated reference checks, bulk requests, core competency tracking, customizable surveys, AI-driven reporting, role-based dashboards	Organizations looking to improve reference-checking efficiency and quality	Starts at $80 per month
IntelliCorp	Real-time tracking, international verifications, government sanctions & sex offender checks, I-9 & E-Verify integration, discounted bulk packages	Small to medium-sized businesses focusing on compliance and affordability	Starts at $21.75 per check
Accurate Background	HR software integrations, mobile-optimized experience, criminal, credit, and employment verification, global search, adverse action tools	Mid-sized to large organizations needing compliance and integration capabilities	Starts at $29.00 per check
HireRight	Global checks in 200+ countries, transportation-specific checks, ATS & payroll integrations, employment & education verification	Organizations needing tailored solutions for specific industries or international hiring	Starts at $39.95 per check
Sterling	Healthcare & finance compliance, international checks, criminal & civil court screenings, custom workflows for regulated industries	Businesses prioritizing compliance and accuracy in hiring	Custom pricing based on business needs
First Advantage	Global checks in 240+ countries, criminal records, employment & education verifications, I-9 & E-Verify support, integrated onboarding workflows	Organizations with global hiring needs or those in regulated industries	Starts at $29 per search
SkillSurvey	Automated reference checking, customizable job-specific surveys, onboarding and candidate sourcing, multilingual feedback, ATS integrations	HR teams and recruiters seeking to streamline the reference-checking process	Starts at $10 per month

1. Checkr

Checkr is a leading background check software for high-volume hiring and enterprise-level needs. It offers robust compliance tools to help you adhere to federal, state, and local hiring regulations.

Key Features

AI-driven automation for faster processing
100+ pre-built HR and ATS integrations
Criminal, driving, drug, and international checks
Mobile-friendly candidate portal

Pros

Highly scalable for large organizations
Strong integration capabilities with HR systems
Comprehensive compliance tools
Fast turnaround times

Cons

Limited customization for complex checks
Occasional delays in high-demand periods
Maybe overkill for small businesses

Who It’s Best For

Businesses of all sizes with high-volume hiring needs.

Free Trial Availability

Yes, Checkr offers a free trial for users to run their first background check at no cost

Pricing

Packages start at $29.99/check (Basic+), with higher-tier options like Professional at $79.99/check

G2 Rating

4.6/5 based on 280+ reviews

Capterra Rating

4.6/5 based on 270+ reviews

2. GoodHire (a Checkr company)

GoodHire is a user-friendly background verification software ideal for small to medium-sized businesses. It offers a simple workflow and fast results.

Key Features

Social Security Number and address verification
Employment, education and driving record checks
Customizable screening packages
Automated compliance tools for ban-the-box laws
Mobile-optimized candidate dashboard

Pros

Exceptionally low error rate (under 0.1%)
User-friendly platform with HRIS integrations
Compliance with EEOC, FCRA, and other legal standards.

Cons

Limited features for enterprise-level needs
Limited professional background checks (e.g., employment history verification)
Fewer international screening options

Who It’s Best For

Small to medium-sized businesses looking for a straightforward solution.

Free Trial Availability

No free trial, but a demo is available.

Pricing

Starts at $29.99 per check.

G2 Rating

4.6/5 based on 270+ reviews

Capterra Rating

4.8/5 based on 110+ reviews

3. Xref

Xref is a reference-checking platform that automates the process of gathering candidate references. It is widely recognized for its ease of use and ability to improve the candidate experience.

Key Features

Automated reference checks
Bulk reference requests
Core competency tracking
Customizable surveys and secure survey sharing
AI-driven reporting and analytics
Role-based dashboards

Pros

Speeds up reference checks with automated workflows
User-friendly dashboard with real-time tracking
Enhances collaboration in multi-user projects
Improves efficiency in fast-paced hiring environments

Cons

Limited features for broader background screening needs
Learning curve for advanced customization
Higher pricing for smaller businesses

Who It’s Best For

Organizations focused on improving the efficiency and quality of their reference-checking processes.

Free Trial Availability

No free trial, but demo options are available.

Pricing

Starts at $80 per month

G2 Rating

4.6/5 based on 400+ reviews

Capterra Rating

4.7/5 based on 90+ reviews

4. IntelliCorp (a Cisive company)

IntelliCorp provides reliable background screening services with a focus on compliance and data accuracy.

Key Features

Real-time background check tracking
International employment and education verification
Government sanctions and sex offender registry checks
I-9 and E-Verify integration tools
Discounted bulk screening packages

Pros

Accurate and reliable background check results.
Strong compliance focus and straightforward reporting.
Affordable pricing for small businesses

Cons

Limited international screening options
Basic user interface

Who It’s Best For

Small to medium-sized businesses that prioritize compliance and affordability.

Free Trial Availability

No free trial, but demo options are available.

Pricing

Starts at $21.75 per check (plus monthly fees); criminal bundles start at $58.95

G2 Rating

4.6/5 based on 90+ reviews

Capterra Rating

N/A

5. Accurate Background

Accurate Background is a comprehensive background screening platform that is known for its smooth integrations with HR systems and its focus on compliance.

Key Features

Seamless HR software integrations
Mobile-optimized candidate experience
Criminal, credit, and employment verification
Global search capabilities and adverse action tools
Form I-9 and E-Verify integration

Pros

Reliable results with fast turnaround times
Strong focus on legal compliance
24/7 customer support

Cons

Higher pricing for advanced features
Outdated user interface and administrative limitations
Limited customization for smaller businesses

Who It’s Best For

Mid-sized to large organizations that require robust compliance and integration capabilities.

Free Trial Availability

No free trial, but demo options are available.

Pricing

Basic plans start at $29.00–$30.99/check, with specialized services (e.g., Florida criminal searches) costing $98–$175

G2 Rating

4.3/5 based on 30+ reviews

Capterra Rating

N/A

6. HireRight

HireRight specializes in customizable background screening solutions tailored to various industries such as healthcare, finance, and retail.

Key Features

Global coverage across 200+ countries
Transportation-specific checks (e.g., drug and alcohol testing)
ATS and payroll integrations (e.g., BambooHR, ADP)
Employment history and education verification

Pros

Industry-specific packages
Mobile-friendly platform with real-time updates
Integrates with most applicant tracking systems
Strong global reach
User-friendly interface

Cons

Customer support can be slow at times
Complex processes leading to delays
Higher costs for detailed checks
Mixed reviews on report accuracy

Who It’s Best For

Organizations that need tailored solutions for specific industries or international hiring.

Free Trial Availability

No free trial, but a demo is available.

Pricing

Starts at $39.95/check, with premium options at $69.95/check

G2 Rating

3.3/5 based on 130+ reviews

Capterra Rating

3.8/5 based on 10+ reviews

7. Sterling

Sterling is a trusted name in background screening. It provides a wide range of services with a focus on accuracy and compliance.

Key Features

Specializes in healthcare and finance compliance
International background checks in 200+ countries
Criminal/civil court history screenings
Custom workflows for regulated industries

Pros

Simple and easy-to-use interface for background checks and I-9 verifications.
Efficient for standard screenings with organized reporting.
Continuous monitoring for ongoing employee screening.

Cons

Longer processing times for some checks
Limited verification methods (e.g., reliance on documents over direct employer contact)
Higher cost for premium features

Who It’s Best For

Businesses that prioritize compliance and accuracy in their hiring processes.

Free Trial Availability

No free trial, but consultations are offered.

Pricing

Custom pricing based on business needs.

G2 Rating

3.2/5 based on 50+ reviews

Capterra Rating

4.1/5 based on 20+ reviews

8. First Advantage

First Advantage is a comprehensive background check solution with a strong focus on international screening and industry-specific packages.

Key Features

Global background checks in 240+ countries
Criminal records, employment and education verifications
Integrated onboarding workflows
I-9 processing and E-Verify support
Applicant-focused compliance insights

Pros

Excellent for global hiring
Thorough background checks with detailed candidate documentation.
Predictable processes and prompt customer service in some cases.
Industry-specific solutions

Cons

Reports of delays, poor communication, and unclear reporting.
Lacks tenant screening services offered by competitors.
Higher cost for international checks
Complex setup process

Who It’s Best For

Organizations with global hiring needs or those in regulated industries.

Free Trial Availability

No free trial, but consultations are available.

Pricing

Starts at $29 per search

G2 Rating

3.6/5 based on 40+ reviews

Capterra Rating

N/A

9. iCIMS SkillSurvey

iCIMS SkillSurvey is a reference-checking platform that automates gathering feedback on candidates. You get valuable insights into a candidate’s skills and reliability.

Key Features

Automated reference checking
Customizable job-specific surveys
Onboarding and candidate sourcing
Multilingual feedback support
Comprehensive reporting tools
Integration with applicant tracking systems

Pros

High response rates for reference checks
Intuitive interface with robust analytics for candidate evaluation
Reduces turnover by validating candidate fit

Cons

Limited features outside of reference checking
Limited flexibility in customizing reference questions
Higher pricing for smaller organizations

Who It’s Best For

HR teams and recruiters looking to streamline the reference-checking process.

Free Trial Availability

Yes, a 30-day free trial is available

Pricing

Starts at $10 per month

G2 Rating

4.6/5 based on 200+ reviews

Capterra Rating

N/A

10. WorkBright

WorkBright is an onboarding and background check platform designed to streamline hiring processes for HR teams.

Key Features

Automated onboarding workflows
Remote I-9 form compliance
Digital document management
E-signature support

Pros

Combines onboarding and background checks
User-friendly interface
Great for HR teams

Cons

Limited standalone background check features
Occasional user login issues reported
Higher pricing for small businesses

Who It’s Best For

HR teams looking for an all-in-one onboarding and screening solution.

Free Trial Availability

Yes, a 60-day free trial is available

Pricing

Starts at $79.17 per month

G2 Rating

4.7/5 based on 160+ reviews

Capterra Rating

4.9/5 based on 170+ reviews

11. Verifile

Verifile is a global background screening platform that specializes in providing comprehensive hiring-related checks. It is particularly well-suited software for staffing agencies and organizations with international hiring needs.

Key Features

Instant global background checks
Compliance with employment regulations
Identity verification and right-to-work validation
Criminal record and financial history screening

Pros

PBSA-accredited with comprehensive global checks
Detailed audit trails for compliance
Strong focus on international screening

Cons

Limited advanced features for small businesses
Customer support availability can vary by region

Who It’s Best For

Staffing agencies and organizations with global hiring requirements.

Free Trial Availability

No free trial, but demo options are available.

Pricing

Custom pricing based on business needs.

G2 Rating

4.5/5 based on 4 reviews

Capterra Rating

N/A

12. ClearStar

ClearStar is a simple background check software ideal for streamlining the hiring process for businesses of all sizes.

Key Features

Pre-employment and medical screening
Multilingual support and audit trails
Employee monitoring and access control
Integration with UKG Pro and SAP systems

Pros

Efficient API integration for onboarding
Multilingual support for global candidates
Reliable and responsive customer support

Cons

Limited advanced features for niche industries
Slightly slower processing times for international checks

Who It’s Best For

Small to medium-sized businesses looking for a reliable and easy-to-use background screening solution.

Free Trial Availability

No free trial, but demo options are available.

Pricing

Custom pricing based on services selected.

G2 Rating

3.6/5 based on 5+ reviews

Capterra Rating

4/5 based on 1 review

13. GCheck

GCheck is an affordable background check software that gives fast and reliable results for businesses of all sizes.

Key Features

Quick criminal background checks
Employment and education verification
MVR and driving record checks
FCRA compliance tools
Customized reports
Drug testing

Pros

Fast processing times
Affordable pricing
Easy integration with HR systems

Cons

Limited advanced features
Customer support can be inconsistent

Who It’s Best For

Businesses that seek a cost-effective and fast solution.

Free Trial Availability

No free trial, but a demo is available.

Pricing

Custom pricing based on business needs.

G2 Rating

N/A

Capterra Rating

N/A

14. Spokeo

Spokeo is a background search software primarily designed for people searches but also offers basic employment screening features.

Key Features

Reverse phone and email lookup
Address search and criminal history checks
Social media account tracking
Access to 12 billion public records

Pros

Affordable pricing
Aggregates data from diverse sources
Quick search results
Easy-to-use interface
Great for personal use

Cons

Data accuracy varies, with occasional outdated information
Limited to U.S.-based individuals
Additional fees are required for PDF report downloads
Not FCRA-compliant for hiring purposes

Who It’s Best For

Individuals or small businesses with a need to perform basic background checks.

Free Trial Availability

Yes, a 7-day free trial is available.

Pricing

Starts at $19.95 per month.

G2 Rating

N/A

Capterra Rating

N/A

15. Instant Checkmate

Instant Checkmate is a background check tool for in-depth personal searches

Key Features

Public records aggregation
Criminal and traffic record searches
Contact information verification
Reverse phone lookup

Pros

Provides detailed reports using 30+ data points, including criminal records
Simple user interface
Offers a low-cost trial period ($1 for five days)

Cons

Not FCRA-compliant; unsuitable for employment screening
Automatic subscription renewals and hidden charges were reported
Data removal is limited to the platform, not source records

Who It’s Best For

Individuals or businesses who need basic background checks for non-employment purposes.

Free Trial Availability

No, a paid 5-day trial for $1 is available

Pricing

Starts at $35.47 per month

G2 Rating

N/A

Capterra Rating

3.1/5 based on 20+ reviews

Learn How You Can Use Recruiterflow for Efficient Background Checks

Recruiterflow offers a comprehensive Applicant Tracking System (ATS) that streamlines the recruitment process, including background checks.

By integrating background screening services directly into Recruiterflow, you can automate candidate evaluations for a more efficient hiring workflow.

Recruiterflow offers so much more than that. It’s an AI-first command center that helps you manage all your agency’s recruitment operations.

Your agency gets everything it needs to grow faster in 2025:

Integrated ATS & CRM
Centralized candidate database
Top-notch recruiting automation
Multi-channel outreach (Email, SMS, Call & Socials)
AI-first screening and sourcing tools
Data enrichment capabilities
Advanced reporting and analytics
Open APIs and a host of integrations

Kevin L., Partner and Director of Recruiting, reviewed us on G2Crowd:

“CRM is shockingly good, and with numerous integrations, you can maximize sales and recruiting on the same platform. The price is far lower than many ATSs, and month-to-month is easy. Lastly – the team. They truly care and want to know what can be improved. In my 25 years of recruiting, I have become an expert in ATS systems. I just left Bull Horn (which I NEVER should have signed up for) and will never look back.”

See it in action now: Book a free demo

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