Payroll Watchdog
Comparison

Checkr vs GoodHire

Our take

Most comparison articles won't tell you that Checkr owns GoodHire, so this is one company with two front doors. Pick by how you buy, not by the checks, which are substantially the same underneath. GoodHire for self-serve, published prices and low or irregular volume; Checkr for API integration and negotiated volume pricing. Comparing them as 'alternatives' to each other is shopping the same store twice.

Pricing modelper-checkper-check
Starting pointPlans reportedly run from about $29Three self-serve packages: Basic+ $29
Best forUS-based small and mid-size employers who want background checks built into their existing hiring software.Small businesses hiring a few people a month that want published pricing, FCRA guardrails, and no sales call.
CountriesUnited StatesUnited States
Editorial score8.4/108/10

Checkr

Pros
  • Fastest, most reliable turnaround of the mainstream US background check providers
  • Integrates directly into most popular hiring stacks, minimal manual work
  • Built-in compliance workflows for adverse action notices
Cons
  • Roughly double Certn's entry price for a comparable basic check
  • US-focused, not the right choice if you're vetting contractors or hires abroad
  • Package/pricing structure can be confusing to compare against competitors up front

GoodHire

Pros
  • Published prices and no minimums, you can run a single check without talking to sales
  • FCRA adverse-action workflow is built in, which is where DIY screeners get sued
  • Complete package covers the identity and work-history checks that catch payroll fraud at the door
Cons
  • Same company as Checkr underneath, so it's not a true second opinion on your shortlist
  • County court fees and add-ons inflate the sticker price in fee-heavy states like New York
  • US-only screening, no real international coverage for global hires
United States