We researched and compared the five most widely used background check services. Here's everything side by side — price, what's included, and who each one is actually built for.
Best all-around for personal use
Best for
Self-checks, tenant screening research, reconnecting with people
What's included
Not for
Formal employment or tenant decisions (not FCRA-compliant)
Best for personal safety & dating
Best for
Meeting someone new, personal safety, deep criminal record searches
What's included
Not for
Formal hiring or rental decisions
Most comprehensive reports
Best for
Situations where you need the deepest possible background report
What's included
Not for
Formal employment or tenant decisions
Best budget option
Best for
Quick lookups on a budget, finding contact information
What's included
Not for
Deep criminal research or formal decisions
Best for employment & B2B
Best for
Employers, property managers, anyone making formal hiring or rental decisions
What's included
Not for
Casual personal lookups — overkill and more expensive per check
Answer 4 quick questions and get a personalized recommendation — free, no email required.
Take the free quiz →This page contains affiliate links. We may earn a commission at no cost to you. Full disclosure