Best background check service of 2024

The best background check services make it simple and easy to search for records on people, for both personal use as well as employment purposes.

Background check uses can vary from trying to connect with a long-lost relative (in which case you may also want to check out one of the best people search finder services and engines) or just find out who called you. 

To evaluate the best background check services, we looked at more than 20 different commercial services, and compared them on various points: such as types of checks, to the time they take to make these. As ever, we also took pricing into consideration to check which offer the best value for money, and we’ve also taken the time to consider potential industry-specific features.

In the meantime, below we list the best background check services currently available, for business or personal use, as well as the best employee background check services.

We've also featured the best identity theft protection.

The best background check services of 2024 in full:

Why you can trust TechRadar We spend hours testing every product or service we review, so you can be sure you’re buying the best. Find out more about how we test.

Best background check service overall

(Image credit: Instant Checkmate)
Best background check service for data

Specifications

Single report purchase: No
Free reports/ results: No
Reverse lookup: Phone
Extra features: Inmate search

Reasons to buy

+
Accurate and timely data
+
Great search tools
+
Unlimited reports with subscription

Reasons to avoid

-
Pushy pop-up ads
-
No single report purchasing
-
No iPhone app

Instant Checkmate is primarily a people search finder with some criminal record searching and reverse phone number checking built in, but overall, we found that the data it can produce is extensive. According to the company, it has completed around 1.5 billion searches in total.

Getting your hands on the data in the first place may put you off, though, because users are presented with several prompts, warnings, and other pop-ups, and results aren’t instantaneous. 

While it only checks public records, so it doesn’t do anything that its competition couldn’t do, it manages to compile data about properties, vehicles, addresses, family members, marriages, and bankruptcies in its reports, among other legal and criminal information. If you can overlook the disappointing user experience, it could be worth your time.

Read our full Instant Checkmate review.

Best background check service for long-term users

(Image credit: Intelius)
Best background check service for long-term users

Specifications

Single report purchase: No
Free reports/ results: No
Reverse lookup: Address, phone
Extra features: Social network viewer

Reasons to buy

+
Detailed reports
+
Social network viewer

Reasons to avoid

-
Cancellation problems
-
Confusing pricing

The sorts of checks that Intelius can conduct are fairly thorough, which is one of the reasons for its healthy score in our tests. As well as the typical sorts of data, like addresses, criminal history, and financial information, Intelius is also able to delve deeper into education history.

The company markets itself under several promises, including being somewhat of a people search tool, as well as uncovering criminal records and other background check information. It also has a pair of reverse search functions for addresses and phone numbers, if you need to clarify who called you, for example.

We found it quick to work and the intuitive interface was especially helpful. Billing practices can be a bit convoluted and it’s likely that you’ll need to sign up for a long-term membership to access things, which makes it a fairly costly proposition. If you’re a regular user, the quality of the data it can produce makes it worth the expense, but as a casual user you may want to look elsewhere.

Read our full Intelius review.

Best background check service for features

(Image credit: TruthFinder)
Best background check service for features

Specifications

Single report purchase: No
Free reports/ results: No
Reverse lookup: Address, email, phone
Extra features: Dark web scan, self-monitoring tool

Reasons to buy

+
Unlimited background checks
+
Self-monitoring tools
+
Impressive people-finding capabilities

Reasons to avoid

-
Expensive memberships
-
Searches take too long

Like many other background check tools, TruthFinder can pull data from a number of public databases, but it can also delve a little deeper into certain private databases, giving you access to even more information.

Besides this, you can run its self-monitoring tool to find out what other people may be able to learn about you, like potential employers. You can claim your own record too, allowing you to correct potential misinformation about yourself or hide your profile from other TruthFinder users.

Overall, it’s an impressive platform with a wealth of knowledge, and while it’s not cheap, you can run unlimited background checks as part of your monthly plan.

Read our full TruthFinder review.

Best background check service for those on a budget

(Image credit: US Search)
Best background check service for those on a budget

Specifications

Single report purchase: No
Free reports/ results: Yes (partial)
Reverse lookup: Address, phone
Extra features: n/a

Reasons to buy

+
Good value
+
Easy and fast to use

Reasons to avoid

-
No option to buy a single report
-
Some inaccurate results
-
Cancellation requires a phone call

US Search allows you to pull up all manner of detail and find people by name, phone number, email address, or home address. 

Unlike other background checks, there’s no paywall stopping you from accessing some of the data, so you’ll only pay if you want to open up the full and more detailed report.

When the time comes for you to part with your cash, there is a subscription that entitles you to unlimited reports. Overall, US Search promises to be a good tool for reconnecting with long-lost friends and relatives, and is the ideal place to start your search if nothing else.

Read our full US Search review.

For a more comprehensive background check service

(Image credit: PeopleFinders)
For a more comprehensive background check service

Specifications

Single report purchase: Yes
Free reports/ results: Yes (partial)
Reverse lookup: Address, email, phone
Extra features: n/a

Reasons to buy

+
Affordable, comprehensive reporting
+
Uncovers data some rivals don’t
+
Easy-to-use website
+
Excellent mobile apps

Reasons to avoid

-
No social media lookup
-
Limited report data
-
No annual discount

As seems to be the case for most background check services, PeopleFinders traces its roots back to being a people-finding tool, unsurprisingly given its name. It works on the basis of reverse searching with the data you have.

In the very likely event that you get multiple results, some data like the person’s age and potential relatives are free to see, to help you narrow down the search before you commit to paying. Then, you can pay for a report, or an enhanced report with criminal information, or you can choose to subscribe and access unlimited reports.

We found its service comprehensive and it uncovered some data that rivals didn’t. For example, PeopleFinders told us about a company owned by one of our targets that other sites didn’t report. However, it lacks social media data.

Read our full PeopleFinders review.

Best background check service for property

(Image credit: BeenVerified)
Best background check service for property

Specifications

Single report purchase: No
Free reports/ results: No
Reverse lookup: Address, email, phone, vehicle
Extra features: n/a

Reasons to buy

+
Affordable subscriptions
+
Many input data options
+
Unclaimed property search

Reasons to avoid

-
Cannot buy a single report
-
Paywall before search results
-
Less than upfront pricing

BeenVerified offers up a number of different ways that you can search for a person beyond their name and address information, to their social media handle and even vehicle identification number (VIN), making it an incredibly versatile and powerful tool.

Reports include contact details, property records, criminal records, and social media information. However, you won’t get more detailed information about weapons licenses, traffic violations, and other records that some other people search finders offer. That said, you will be able to make use of its unclaimed property search function.

BeenVerified covers the usual background check essentials, but you won’t be able to buy a one-off report. Rather, you have to sign up for a monthly subscription that only offers 100 per month, not an unlimited amount as with many other services. You can choose between a recurring one-month subscription, or pay for three months upfront.

Read our full BeenVerified review.


Close up of a handshake between two men.

(Image credit: Image Credit: Rawpixel / Pexels)

Best employee background check services

While it’s fairly uncommon for individuals to want to conduct background checks on others beyond the realms of basic people finding, it’s increasingly normal for employers to use such tools to find out more about potential candidates as part of the screening process. Criminal behavior, financial irregularities, or even history of drug use are all things that these tools could uncover while we sit patiently waiting to find out whether we’ve got the interview. 

That said, getting the data isn’t necessarily easy as it relies on the companies having access to the necessary data and ensuring it’s relevant, correct, and up-to-date. This is made even harder when crossing state borders, not to mention international borders.

Choosing the right company to conduct your background checks, then, is essential. You’ll want to make sure that they operate in the correct regions and that they have access to the sorts of data you want. With that in mind, we’ve picked out the best employee background check companies for you right here.

Also check out the best HR outsourcing services.

Data-powered background checks

(Image credit: GoodHire)
Data-powered background checks

Specifications

NAPBS/ PBSA Accredited: No
Integrations: ATS, HRIS
Packaged plans: Yes
Custom plans: No

Reasons to buy

+
Search records directly
+
Mobile-friendly platform
+
High accuracy rate

Reasons to avoid

-
Can take longer to process than other options
-
Unclear fees
-
Not NAPBS accredited

GoodHire covers areas such as criminal convictions, credit checks, drug screening, and identity verification. It’s also a handy tool for a range of industries with specific data catering to construction, healthcare, retail, and technology.

Where GoodHire differs from other providers is that it stores a lot of data for popular searches, and can provide this through a mobile-friendly platform for customers to carry out their own background checks. The interface is quite easy to understand too. 

The advertised dispute rate of 0.03% is pretty astonishing, but it takes time for it to get results (sometimes even a couple of days) which could end up costing your company in lost time.

Read our full GoodHire review.

Background checks for large firms and SMBs

(Image credit: Sterling)
Background checks for large firms and SMBs

Specifications

NAPBS/ PBSA Accredited: Yes
Integrations: ATS, HRIS
Packaged plans: Yes
Custom plans: Yes

Reasons to buy

+
Big brand screening
+
Small business packages

Reasons to avoid

-
Not as customizable as some other services
-
Unclear pricing
-
Support could be better

One of the largest providers of employee background checks, Sterling covers the main areas of criminal and civil court checks, identity verification, drug and health screening, and workforce monitoring. Like EBI above, Sterling can also conduct searches on a global scale where certain criteria are met. It’s a NAPBS-accredited company and a member of the ASA.

Although the company provides screening for major brands and agencies, Sterling also provides a number of packaged solutions for small businesses in order to make background checking services more accessible and affordable. These small business packages have flat-fee pricing, and cost varying amounts according to the depth and breadth of search required.

However for most clients, a more custom approach to employee background checks will be required, leading to a personalized quote from Sterling.

Read our full Sterling review.

Background checks with human guidance

(Image credit: Peopletrail)
Background checks with human guidance

Specifications

NAPBS/ PBSA Accredited: Yes
Integrations: ATS, HRIS
Packaged plans: Yes
Custom plans: No

Reasons to buy

+
Wide range of industries
+
Accredited & compliant
+
Human guidance features available

Reasons to avoid

-
Pricing will vary depending on what you need

Yet another NAPBS-accredited provider of compliant background checks for employers, Peopletrail covers the areas of criminal records, identity verification, credit records, drug screening, credentials, and education. 

The criminal records check can include felonies and misdemeanors and even traffic offenses as required, at the county, state, and federal levels. Civil court case records can also be included in any search of court databases.

The company is able to provide checks to the specific requirements of different industries, not least construction, education, finance, government, healthcare, and retail. Background checks provided can be as targeted or as comprehensive as required, and Peopletrail emphasizes that they provide human guidance to ensure the right areas for information are checked. As ever, pricing varies depending on the sort of result you’re after.

Read our full People Trail review.

Another competent background check service

(Image credit: Universal Background Screening)
Fully accredited background checks

Specifications

NAPBS/ PBSA Accredited: Yes
Integrations: ATS, HRIS
Packaged plans: No
Custom plans: Yes

Reasons to buy

+
Wide variety of checks available
+
County, state, and federal checks

Reasons to avoid

-
Pricing will vary depending on what you need
-
Support could be better

Universal Background Screening provides comprehensive employment checks at the county, state, and federal levels, using a combination of government and industry-specific databases. Key checks available include criminal records, employment history, as well as education, and professional accreditation records. Drug testing records, income, and Form I-9 compliance can also be verified.

Inquiries can be made directly through a client portal on the company website, and results are usually provided within two or three days depending on the information required. However, there's also the option for ATS and HRIS integration within your HR department, where supported. A wide number of industry checks are available.

Universal Background Screening is an accredited member of NAPBS which gives it authenticity, and checks are compliant with state and federal legislation, as well as following industry best practices for the protection of employers and clients. Fees vary according to the background checks actually required, so will you need to contact Universal Background Screening for a quote according to your needs.

Read our full Universal Background Screening review.

Also check out the best malware removal software.


Best background check services FAQs

What is an employee background check service?

A background check service helps uncover information about a person’s past, like their education, work experience, and criminal history. With accurate information about a candidate, an employer can filter authentic applications from fraudulent ones. On the personal level, individuals can use the detailed information to narrow down potential long-lost relatives or friends.

The best thing about these sorts of checks is that they are simple and easy to do, and there's no public record of who was searching or who was searched, so there is no harm at all in using such services.

The main negative about these background check services is that they do tend to be limited, and if you want more than just names, addresses, and telephone numbers you may find it hard. Businesses looking to verify potential employees will need a more dedicated employee background check service.

How far back does an employee background check go?

Laws and regulations determine how long critical information found on a background check is maintained and available to outsiders. These rules vary significantly by industry and jurisdiction. Generally, most background check information is retained for up to seven years, including criminal history and credit information. However, the former can be kept for up to a decade in some cases. Employment history and driver records are usually kept for a shorter timeframe, while education details are kept permanently. 

How long does an employee background check take?

The time it takes to receive requested background check information varies considerably, from a few minutes to several weeks or longer. Basic criminal history, for example, is usually available immediately. However, a deeper dive that might require manual research can take much longer. Meanwhile, you can receive someone's credit history relatively quickly. Education verification can take a few days or longer, depending on the school or university. Driving history can also take a while and depends on the U.S. state. Again, you can expect to wait a few days before obtaining this information. 

Paying more for expedited service can shorten the time to receive background check information. However, much depends on whether the information is available digitally or requires manual work. 

Which employee background check services are the best for me?

No two background check services are the same. The one for you will vary on several general factors. For example, some services are better than others in providing extensive background checks. Meanwhile, only some provide global background check services, which is something to remember when looking for a company. Likewise, some services are better than others when looking for someone's educational background. And yes, some services are cheaper than others, which could be an important factor, depending on your budget. 

Why should you run an employee background check?

There are various reasons to run a background check on someone. The reasons are usually professional, although that's only sometimes the case. Background checks are most often requested as part of a pre-employment screening. Would-be employers, for example, might want to know whether a candidate has a criminal record or doesn't handle money correctly. Meanwhile, a legal issue might require a background check before a lawsuit is filed. People are increasingly also doing background checks before starting a relationship or business arrangement with someone. 

Should I pay for an employee background check?

If you’re using it for the most basic purposes, for example finding out who that missed call was from, and you don’t intend to do anything with that information, then absolutely not. If you’re researching your family history and you want to reach out to somebody, then you may want to consider paying for an extended service, but check that the free offerings don’t bring up what you want first.

Employers will almost certainly have to pay for the service, especially if they want detailed information about criminal charges and so on. Again, if only basic information is required then you may want to handle things internally or use a free service before forking out. 

What shows up in an employee background check?

Background checks primarily verify a person's identity and provide the requestor with criminal, financial, and educational details. It can also include credit history, driving records, social media presence, and whether the person has professional licenses and certifications. The exact information provided will vary by the background check company. 

How to choose the employee best background check services

When selecting the best background check service, you'll want to start with defining your needs and the type of background checks you have to perform. Some types of background checks include driving records, criminal records, work history, and credit reports.

But if you only need to verify simpler information, like the candidate's degree or social media history, then you could opt to do it internally or through a basic background check service. 

You'll then want to evaluate how long the service's checks take to complete. More complex checks may take longer to complete, but to ensure your hiring process isn't delayed, opting for a service that won't take more than a few days is best. 

Another aspect to consider is the amount of employee background checks you’ll likely need to conduct. Many services offer set subscriptions, while others also work on a client-by-client basis, so should be able to offer you a tailored plan to meet your organization’s needs. Some offer one-shot reports, which may be preferable if you only envision needing to conduct a checks on the odd occasion. 

You’ll also want to take into account the locations across which your checks will be made. If your business operates in various countries and territories, then your checks will need to comply with local laws and regulations. Get in touch with the service before you sign up - which you may have to do regardless - to inform them of your situation and see whether they can offer what you’re after.

The size of your HR department is another relevant factor when choosing the best employee background check service for you. If it is small, then you may want a service that can support you throughout the entire process, by offering the most recent forms and a good customer support line. On the contrary, if your team is large, then you’ll likely want to find a service that makes it easy to add multiple users and accounts, with differing levels of privilege and access. 

Customizing your screening procedures based on the job role may also be important to your business, so consider using a background check service that allows you to alter your screening parameters easily based on your company policies. 

Lastly, look out for the service's ease of use and value for money. Make sure you get a clear idea of what is and what isn’t included, and think carefully whether it aligns with what you really need. Unfortunately, quite a few of the services out there - even the best of them - don’t always display their costs in an upfront manner, so inquire as much as possible before you commit.

How we test the best employee background check services

We've tested the best background check services across numerous aspects, like the type of background checks they perform, how long they take to complete checks, and the simplicity of their user interface. 

We evaluated whether the services could provide checks for the specific requirements of industries like education, healthcare, retail, and more. We also considered how easy the platforms are to access and how user-friendly their interfaces are, and whether there’s any human guidance and support features.

Finally, checking for information on pricing and hidden fees rounded up our analysis.

Read how we test, rate, and review products on TechRadar.


Get in touch

  • You've reached the end of the page. Jump back up to the top ^
Brian Turner

Brian has over 30 years publishing experience as a writer and editor across a range of computing, technology, and marketing titles. He has been interviewed multiple times for the BBC and been a speaker at international conferences. His specialty on techradar is Software as a Service (SaaS) applications, covering everything from office suites to IT service tools. He is also a science fiction and fantasy author, published as Brian G Turner.

With contributions from