Best Background Check Software for Small Business

One thing to know before comparing names: this market consolidated hard. Checkr owns GoodHire, and First Advantage bought Sterling in late 2024, so some of the 'alternatives' you'll see compared against each other are actually the same company. For a small business the honest shortlist is below, ranked by how well each fits occasional, non-enterprise hiring.

1. 01
   G

   GoodHire

   Checkr's SMB storefront, with the transparent pricing Checkr won't show you

   Published package prices, no minimums, FCRA guardrails built in, the default for occasional screening

   Three self-serve packages: Basic+ $29.8.0/10
2. 02
   C

   Checkr

   The default US background check pick, fast and deeply integrated

   Fastest, most integrated option for US hiring at volume (and GoodHire's parent company)

   Plans reportedly run from about $29.8.4/10
3. 03
   C

   Certn

   The budget-friendly, international-first background check option

   Best for international hiring or if you want to skip the sales call

   Entry-level checks start around $13.8.1/10
4. 04
   P

   Persona

   Configurable identity verification that doesn't assume you're a bank

   Worth a look if you need identity + background verification combined

   Startup and small business track: 500 free verifications a month, then roughly $1 per verification after that.8.0/10
5. 05
   H

   HireRight

   Enterprise screening muscle that most SMBs will find is aimed past them

   Only if you're hiring across borders under one contract, otherwise it's aimed past you

   No public pricing for the core platform, contracts are quoted on volume and scope.7.2/10