{
  "canary": "78f636438888cd9a",
  "category": {
    "blocked": false,
    "commerce": true,
    "criteria": [
      {
        "group": "Compliance",
        "key": "compliance_fcra",
        "label": "FCRA Compliance",
        "poids": 5,
        "sens": "plus_haut_mieux",
        "type": "booleen"
      },
      {
        "group": "Data Depth",
        "key": "criminal_records_coverage",
        "label": "Criminal Records Coverage",
        "options": [
          "Basic",
          "Standard",
          "Comprehensive"
        ],
        "poids": 5,
        "sens": "plus_haut_mieux",
        "type": "qualitatif"
      },
      {
        "group": "Data Depth",
        "key": "federal_records_access",
        "label": "Federal Records Access",
        "poids": 3,
        "sens": "plus_haut_mieux",
        "type": "booleen"
      },
      {
        "group": "Data Depth",
        "key": "sex_offender_registry_check",
        "label": "Sex Offender Registry Check",
        "poids": 3,
        "sens": "plus_haut_mieux",
        "type": "booleen"
      },
      {
        "group": "Pricing",
        "key": "price_per_check",
        "label": "Price per Check",
        "poids": 5,
        "sens": "plus_bas_mieux",
        "type": "prix",
        "unit": "USD"
      },
      {
        "group": "Platform",
        "key": "ease_of_use",
        "label": "Ease of Use",
        "options": [
          "Difficult",
          "Moderate",
          "Easy"
        ],
        "poids": 4,
        "sens": "plus_haut_mieux",
        "type": "qualitatif"
      },
      {
        "group": "Speed",
        "key": "turnaround_time",
        "label": "Turnaround Time",
        "poids": 4,
        "sens": "plus_bas_mieux",
        "type": "duree",
        "unit": "heures"
      },
      {
        "group": "Verification Services",
        "key": "employment_verification",
        "label": "Employment Verification",
        "poids": 4,
        "sens": "plus_haut_mieux",
        "type": "booleen"
      },
      {
        "group": "Verification Services",
        "key": "education_verification",
        "label": "Education Verification",
        "poids": 4,
        "sens": "plus_haut_mieux",
        "type": "booleen"
      },
      {
        "group": "Additional Services",
        "key": "drug_testing_options",
        "label": "Drug Testing Options",
        "options": [
          "None",
          "Basic Panel",
          "Extended Panel",
          "Hair Follicle"
        ],
        "poids": 3,
        "sens": "plus_haut_mieux",
        "type": "qualitatif"
      },
      {
        "group": "Support",
        "key": "customer_support",
        "label": "Customer Support",
        "options": [
          "Basic",
          "Standard",
          "Premium"
        ],
        "poids": 3,
        "sens": "plus_haut_mieux",
        "type": "qualitatif"
      }
    ],
    "faq": [
      {
        "a": "In 2026, Checkr leads our comparison of background check services for employers with a score of 78/100, followed closely by Sterling. Our rankings are based on objective data and are not influenced by any paid placements.",
        "q": "What are the best background check services for employers in 2026?"
      },
      {
        "a": "FCRA compliance is a critical factor in our comparison. Services are evaluated on their adherence to the Fair Credit Reporting Act to ensure legal and ethical screening practices.",
        "q": "How do background check services compare on FCRA compliance?"
      },
      {
        "a": "We assess the breadth and depth of criminal records coverage, including state and federal records, as well as sex offender registry checks, to determine which services provide the most thorough insights.",
        "q": "Which background check services offer the most comprehensive criminal records coverage?"
      },
      {
        "a": "The price per check varies among services. Our comparison details the cost-effectiveness of each provider, considering factors like the scope of the background check and ease of use for employers.",
        "q": "What is the average price per check for top employer background screening tools?"
      }
    ],
    "kind": "category",
    "model": "",
    "ms": 2064,
    "neutral": false,
    "path": [
      "finance",
      "assurance",
      "assurance-auto"
    ],
    "price_key": "price_per_check",
    "profile_questions": [
      {
        "options": [
          "Small Business",
          "Medium Business",
          "Large Enterprise"
        ],
        "q": "What type of business do you have?"
      },
      {
        "options": [
          "Pre-employment Screening",
          "Tenant Screening",
          "Volunteer Screening",
          "Personal Use"
        ],
        "q": "What is your primary need for background checks?"
      }
    ],
    "subject": "service",
    "suggestions": [
      "top employee screening companies",
      "hire right reviews",
      "background check laws for employers",
      "instant background check services"
    ],
    "synthese": [
      "This comparison of 9 auto insurance providers, evaluated on 11 criteria including FCRA Compliance, Criminal Records Coverage, Federal Records Access, Sex Offender Registry Check, Price per Check, and Ease of Use, sees Checkr leading with a score of 78/100, largely due to its perfect scores in Criminal Records Coverage and Ease of Use. Sterling ranks second with 75/100, excelling in Customer Support, while VeriFirst is identified as the most affordable option. It's important to note that data for 4 out of the 9 options was sourced directly, with the remaining values being estimates and flagged accordingly.",
      "The facts in this summary are computed from the table below; only the wording is generated."
    ],
    "tier": "gold",
    "title": "Best Background Check Services for Employers",
    "unranked": false,
    "visual": "logo"
  },
  "country": "US",
  "freshness": {
    "age_days": 10.7,
    "stale": true,
    "ttl_days": 2
  },
  "items": [
    {
      "badges": [
        "best_overall"
      ],
      "best_for": "Companies of all sizes needing customizable, FCRA-compliant screening options with no monthly minimums.",
      "cons": [],
      "description": "GoodHire, a Checkr Company, offers 100+ background screenings for companies of all sizes, including international background checks and industry-specific options.",
      "link_url": "https://checkr.com/",
      "logo_dom": "checkr.com",
      "logo_url": "https://unavatar.io/checkr.com?fallback=false",
      "name": "Checkr",
      "pros": [
        "Built-in compliance tools",
        "Easy-to-use interface",
        "Customizability",
        "No monthly minimums or subscription fees"
      ],
      "provider": "Checkr",
      "score": 78.0,
      "source_url": "https://www.goodhire.com/resources/articles/best-background-check-services/",
      "subscores": {
        "criminal_records_coverage": 100.0,
        "customer_support": 50.0,
        "drug_testing_options": 33.0,
        "ease_of_use": 100.0,
        "education_verification": 100.0,
        "federal_records_access": 100.0,
        "price_per_check": 73.0,
        "turnaround_time": 50.0
      },
      "values": {
        "compliance_fcra": true,
        "criminal_records_coverage": "Comprehensive",
        "customer_support": "Standard",
        "drug_testing_options": "Basic Panel",
        "ease_of_use": "Easy",
        "education_verification": true,
        "employment_verification": true,
        "federal_records_access": true,
        "price_per_check": 30.0,
        "sex_offender_registry_check": true,
        "turnaround_time": 24
      },
      "verified": true
    },
    {
      "badges": [],
      "description": "A comprehensive background screening solution offering a wide range of checks for various industries.",
      "estimated": true,
      "link_url": "https://www.sterlingcheck.com/",
      "logo_dom": "sterling.com",
      "logo_url": "https://unavatar.io/sterling.com?fallback=false",
      "name": "Sterling",
      "provider": "Sterling",
      "score": 75.0,
      "source_url": "https://www.sterlingcheck.com/",
      "subscores": {
        "criminal_records_coverage": 100.0,
        "customer_support": 100.0,
        "drug_testing_options": 67.0,
        "ease_of_use": 50.0,
        "education_verification": 100.0,
        "federal_records_access": 100.0,
        "price_per_check": 63.0,
        "turnaround_time": 25.0
      },
      "values": {
        "compliance_fcra": true,
        "criminal_records_coverage": "Comprehensive",
        "customer_support": "Premium",
        "drug_testing_options": "Extended Panel",
        "ease_of_use": "Moderate",
        "education_verification": true,
        "employment_verification": true,
        "federal_records_access": true,
        "price_per_check": 35.0,
        "sex_offender_registry_check": true,
        "turnaround_time": 48
      },
      "verified": false
    },
    {
      "badges": [],
      "best_for": "Large organizations and multinational corporations needing global, efficient, and compliant screening processes with dedicated support.",
      "cons": [],
      "description": "Accurate has been powering effective and efficient screening processes for employers worldwide for over 25 years, offering a seamless candidate experience.",
      "link_url": "https://www.accurate.com/",
      "logo_dom": "accurate.com",
      "logo_url": "https://unavatar.io/accurate.com?fallback=false",
      "name": "Accurate",
      "pros": [
        "Global screening capabilities",
        "24/7 support",
        "Seamless candidate experience",
        "Integrates with existing technologies"
      ],
      "provider": "Accurate",
      "provider_url": "https://www.accurate.com/",
      "review": "“We are very pleased with the overall collaboration, especially Stefan’s responsiveness and proactive approach in finding solutions. There is a strong dynamic of trust and open communication, which makes it easy to raise urgent matters and rely on timely support… Overall, a very positive partnership with a clear commitment to service quality and continuous improvement.”",
      "review_summary": "Clients praise Accurate for its responsiveness, proactive approach, strong trust, open communication, and commitment to service quality and continuous improvement.",
      "score": 73.0,
      "source_url": "https://www.accurate.com/",
      "subscores": {
        "criminal_records_coverage": 100.0,
        "customer_support": 100.0,
        "drug_testing_options": 33.0,
        "ease_of_use": 50.0,
        "education_verification": 100.0,
        "federal_records_access": 100.0,
        "price_per_check": 58.0,
        "turnaround_time": 40.0
      },
      "values": {
        "compliance_fcra": true,
        "criminal_records_coverage": "Comprehensive",
        "customer_support": "Premium",
        "drug_testing_options": "Basic Panel",
        "ease_of_use": "Moderate",
        "education_verification": true,
        "employment_verification": true,
        "federal_records_access": true,
        "price_per_check": 38.0,
        "sex_offender_registry_check": true,
        "turnaround_time": 30
      },
      "verified": true
    },
    {
      "badges": [
        "best_value"
      ],
      "description": "Provides fast and reliable background checks with transparent pricing and good customer support.",
      "estimated": true,
      "link_url": "https://www.goodhire.com/",
      "logo_dom": "goodhire.com",
      "logo_url": "https://unavatar.io/goodhire.com?fallback=false",
      "name": "GoodHire",
      "provider": "GoodHire",
      "score": 71.0,
      "source_url": "https://www.goodhire.com/",
      "subscores": {
        "criminal_records_coverage": 50.0,
        "customer_support": 0.0,
        "drug_testing_options": 0.0,
        "ease_of_use": 100.0,
        "education_verification": 100.0,
        "federal_records_access": 100.0,
        "price_per_check": 88.0,
        "turnaround_time": 100.0
      },
      "values": {
        "compliance_fcra": true,
        "criminal_records_coverage": "Standard",
        "customer_support": "Basic",
        "drug_testing_options": "None",
        "ease_of_use": "Easy",
        "education_verification": true,
        "employment_verification": true,
        "federal_records_access": true,
        "price_per_check": 25.0,
        "sex_offender_registry_check": true,
        "turnaround_time": 12
      }
    },
    {
      "badges": [],
      "best_for": "Companies across various industries, from small to global, seeking FCRA-compliant checks with industry-specific packages and compliance tools.",
      "cons": [],
      "description": "HireRight provides FCRA-compliant pre-employment background checks for companies from small businesses to global organizations, specializing in various industries.",
      "link_url": "https://hireright.com/",
      "logo_dom": "hireright.com",
      "logo_url": "https://unavatar.io/hireright.com?fallback=false",
      "name": "HireRight",
      "pros": [
        "Global capabilities",
        "Industry-specific packages",
        "Mobile app",
        "Compliance management tools"
      ],
      "provider": "HireRight",
      "score": 63.0,
      "source_url": "https://www.goodhire.com/resources/articles/best-background-check-services/",
      "subscores": {
        "criminal_records_coverage": 100.0,
        "customer_support": 50.0,
        "drug_testing_options": 0.0,
        "ease_of_use": 50.0,
        "education_verification": 100.0,
        "federal_records_access": 100.0,
        "price_per_check": 55.0,
        "turnaround_time": 33.0
      },
      "values": {
        "compliance_fcra": true,
        "criminal_records_coverage": "Comprehensive",
        "customer_support": "Standard",
        "drug_testing_options": "None",
        "ease_of_use": "Moderate",
        "education_verification": true,
        "employment_verification": true,
        "federal_records_access": true,
        "price_per_check": 40.0,
        "sex_offender_registry_check": true,
        "turnaround_time": 36
      },
      "verified": true
    },
    {
      "badges": [],
      "best_for": "Employers seeking a straightforward, compliant background check service with no contracts or minimums, and strong developer options.",
      "cons": [],
      "description": "BackgroundChecks.com provides simplified background checks for employees, eliminating paperwork with FCRA & SOC2 compliance built-in.",
      "link_url": "https://www.backgroundchecks.com/",
      "logo_dom": "backgroundcheckscom.com",
      "logo_url": "https://unavatar.io/backgroundcheckscom.com?fallback=false",
      "name": "Backgroundchecks.com",
      "pros": [
        "FCRA & SOC2 compliance built-in",
        "No contracts, no minimums",
        "World class support",
        "Developer API and widgets available"
      ],
      "provider": "Backgroundchecks.com",
      "score": 53.0,
      "source_url": "https://www.backgroundchecks.com/?srsltid=AfmBOoqaUkYvgAaRBU5wvh3077y2BImgQosR82c5VJZ33wE2s0mV_AJ9",
      "subscores": {
        "criminal_records_coverage": 50.0,
        "customer_support": 0.0,
        "drug_testing_options": 0.0,
        "ease_of_use": 50.0,
        "education_verification": 100.0,
        "federal_records_access": 100.0,
        "price_per_check": 79.0,
        "turnaround_time": 25.0
      },
      "values": {
        "compliance_fcra": true,
        "criminal_records_coverage": "Standard",
        "customer_support": "Basic",
        "drug_testing_options": "None",
        "ease_of_use": "Moderate",
        "education_verification": true,
        "employment_verification": true,
        "federal_records_access": true,
        "price_per_check": 28.0,
        "sex_offender_registry_check": true,
        "turnaround_time": 48
      },
      "verified": true
    },
    {
      "badges": [
        "cheapest"
      ],
      "description": "Specializes in background checks for the quick-service restaurant industry, offering fast turnaround times.",
      "estimated": true,
      "link_url": "https://www.verifirst.com/",
      "logo_dom": "verifirst.com",
      "logo_url": "https://unavatar.io/verifirst.com?fallback=false",
      "name": "VeriFirst",
      "provider": "VeriFirst",
      "score": 42.0,
      "source_url": "https://www.verifirst.com/",
      "subscores": {
        "criminal_records_coverage": 0.0,
        "customer_support": 50.0,
        "drug_testing_options": 0.0,
        "ease_of_use": 100.0,
        "education_verification": 0.0,
        "federal_records_access": 0.0,
        "price_per_check": 100.0,
        "turnaround_time": 67.0
      },
      "values": {
        "compliance_fcra": true,
        "criminal_records_coverage": "Basic",
        "customer_support": "Standard",
        "drug_testing_options": "None",
        "ease_of_use": "Easy",
        "education_verification": false,
        "employment_verification": true,
        "federal_records_access": false,
        "price_per_check": 22.0,
        "sex_offender_registry_check": true,
        "turnaround_time": 18
      },
      "verified": false
    },
    {
      "badges": [],
      "estimated": true,
      "link_url": "https://first.com/",
      "name": "First Advantage",
      "score": 26.0,
      "subscores": {
        "criminal_records_coverage": 50.0,
        "customer_support": 50.0,
        "ease_of_use": 100.0
      },
      "values": {
        "compliance_fcra": true,
        "criminal_records_coverage": "Standard",
        "customer_support": "Standard",
        "drug_testing_options": null,
        "ease_of_use": "Easy",
        "education_verification": null,
        "employment_verification": true,
        "federal_records_access": null,
        "price_per_check": null,
        "sex_offender_registry_check": null,
        "turnaround_time": null
      }
    },
    {
      "badges": [],
      "estimated": true,
      "link_url": "https://victig.com/",
      "name": "VICTIG",
      "score": 21.0,
      "subscores": {
        "criminal_records_coverage": 50.0,
        "education_verification": 100.0
      },
      "values": {
        "compliance_fcra": true,
        "criminal_records_coverage": "Standard",
        "customer_support": null,
        "drug_testing_options": null,
        "ease_of_use": null,
        "education_verification": true,
        "employment_verification": true,
        "federal_records_access": null,
        "price_per_check": null,
        "sex_offender_registry_check": null,
        "turnaround_time": null
      }
    }
  ],
  "lang": "en",
  "license": "Citation with a link to the URL is allowed. Bulk extraction and redistribution of the catalog is prohibited. Volume access: contact us.",
  "markdown_url": "https://comparefairly.com/en/US/best-background-check-services-for-employers.md",
  "neutral": false,
  "notice": "Neutral ranking, never paid; sorted on measured criteria. Each value is sourced or marked as an estimate (see per-item fields).",
  "query": "best background check services for employers",
  "source": "CompareFairly",
  "title": "Best Background Check Services for Employers",
  "unranked": false,
  "url": "https://comparefairly.com/en/US/best-background-check-services-for-employers"
}