Why it comes up: US-centric API-first screening if most of your volume is FCRA and you want one currency.
Stands out: Self-serve packages plus MCP at mcp.checkr.com so hiring agents can read reports.
Watch out: Court and database access fees are billed on top, at cost. Essential and Complete cost more. International checks are priced by country.
Best for
- US employers running criminal packages at hire
- Teams that want candidate self-entry and ATS hooks
- Platforms ordering checks through the Checkr API
4.5 on Capterra from 303 reviews
Read the Checkr write-up · Certn vs Checkr
Why it comes up: Self-serve US checks with a public start if you want a US-only SMB motion.
Stands out: SMBs can actually see a rate card: Basic $29.99, Essential $59.99, Complete $94.99 per check, with a self-serve path under 50 checks a year instead of a mandatory sales call.
Watch out: Those prices are for fewer than 50 checks a year. Volume is a custom quote. County, state, and federal searches, drug tests, MVR, and education/employment verifications stack on. Third-party pass-through fees apply. Do not budget $29.99 as the all-in cost of a hire.
Best for
- US SMBs that run occasional background checks
- Staffing and hourly desks that want FCRA-compliant ordering from the ATS
- Companies that also need drug tests and MVR on the same vendor
4.8 on Capterra from 116 reviews
Read the GoodHire write-up · Certn vs GoodHire
Why it comes up: Global digital screening with a public Essential $42 package if references are the centre.
Stands out: Public US packages (Essential $42, Professional $169, Executive $397) plus a Verelink REST API and named ATS connectors.
Watch out: Essential is references plus identity, not a full criminal package. Do not treat $42 as a complete executive screen.
Best for
- Growth companies screening internationally
- TA teams on Ashby, Greenhouse, Lever, or iCIMS
- Buyers who want a public package price
4.8 on Capterra from 13 reviews
Read the Veremark write-up · Certn vs Veremark
Why it comes up: US packages from $29.99/check with a long ATS list if Certn's two-card setup is the wrong shape.
Stands out: A public $29.99 Basic package and a long ATS list, with I-9 in the same vendor, aimed at teams that refuse a CRA minimum.
Watch out: Basic is nationwide criminal plus watchlists, not county-unlimited or employment/education verify. Those sit on Essential and Premium.
Best for
- SMBs that want pay-per-check screening
- TA teams that need I-9 with background
- Companies connecting screening to an ATS
4.7 on Capterra from 19 reviews
Read the Verified First write-up · Certn vs Verified First
