Head to head

Checkr vs Occuscreen

Same facts, side by side: starting price, free tier, MCP, API and what each one is actually built for.

Checkr

$29.99/report

US background checks billed per report, with a public API and hosted MCP. Workforce Basic starts at $29.99 per report before pass-through fees.

Where Checkr fits

  • US employers running criminal packages at hire
  • Teams that want candidate self-entry and ATS hooks
  • Platforms ordering checks through the Checkr API
  • Ops teams that want MCP over their own reports

Occuscreen

$19/check

Background checks and drug screening in one PBSA shop. Background packages start at $19. Lab drug screens start at $39.

Where Occuscreen fits

  • Employers that want background and drug tests together
  • HR teams that need MRO-included lab screens
  • Companies that will complete an end-user agreement
  • Hiring managers who want a simple order portal

At a glance

DetailCheckrOccuscreen
Starting price$29.99/report$19/check
Free tier–No–No
MCP server✓Yes–No
Public API✓Yes–No
Listed underBackground checkBackground check
Capterra4.5 from 303 reviewsNot enough reviews

Where they pull apart

Checkr

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.

Not the right fit for

  • Landlords (use Checkr Tenant, not Workforce)
  • Companies that need one global price for every country

Occuscreen

Stands out: Printed starting prices for both background packages and MRO-included drug screens.

Watch out: Accounts start with an end-user agreement and sales setup. Custom packages can run above the $19 floor.

Not the right fit for

  • Teams that need instant self-serve checkout with no paperwork
  • Buyers who want a public developer API

Pros and cons

Checkr

  • Self-serve Workforce packages from $29.99/report
  • No monthly platform fee on standard orders
  • Public API plus hosted customer MCP
  • Pass-through court fees sit on top of package price
  • International pricing varies by country
  • Enterprise ATS depth is quote-only

Occuscreen

  • Background packages from $19
  • Drug screens from $39 with MRO
  • Background and drugs in one portal
  • Account setup needs an agreement
  • Custom packages can exceed $19
  • Password resets every 90 days

What each one costs

Checkr

$29.99/report

Pay per report with no monthly platform fee on standard orders. Workforce Basic is $29.99, Essential $59.99 and Complete $94.99 per report; Enterprise is sales-quoted. Court and database access fees are passed through at cost on top. Confirm current terms on the vendor site.

Checked 18 Sep 2026

Occuscreen

$19/check

Background packages start at $19. Oral fluid and urine lab drug screens start at $39 including MRO, plus supplies on oral fluid. Custom comprehensive packages are available. New accounts require an end-user agreement. Confirm current terms on the vendor site.

Checked 19 Sep 2026

Common questions

Is Checkr cheaper than Occuscreen?
Occuscreen starts lower, at $19/check against $29.99/report for Checkr. That is the entry plan on each side, so the real number depends on seats and the tier you land on.
Can you try Checkr or Occuscreen for free?
Neither carries a free tier on our listing.
Does Checkr or Occuscreen have an MCP server?
Checkr ships a first party MCP server, so an AI assistant can work the product directly.

Not the pair you wanted?

All Checkr alternatives All Occuscreen alternatives Every Background check tool

Editorial listings, never paid rankings. Prices checked 18 Sep 2026. Confirm current terms on the vendor site. Spot an error?