Head to head

First Advantage vs HireRight

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

First Advantage

Sales-quoted

Global background checks, identity verification and I-9 services. Pricing is quote-based. First Advantage now owns Sterling.

Where First Advantage fits

  • Global employers screening at scale
  • Teams that also need I-9 and E-Verify
  • Former Sterling customers
  • Buyers wanting identity checks and criminal checks together

HireRight

Sales-quoted

Enterprise background screening with a REST API and wide ATS and HCM integrations. Pricing is a custom quote.

Where HireRight fits

  • Enterprises with regulated or high-volume hiring
  • Teams that screen inside their ATS or HCM
  • Employers screening candidates in many countries
  • Buyers running a formal screening RFP

At a glance

DetailFirst AdvantageHireRight
Starting priceSales-quotedSales-quoted
Free tier–No–No
MCP server–No–No
Public API✓Yes✓Yes
Listed underBackground checkBackground check

Where they pull apart

First Advantage

Stands out: Background and identity checks across more than 200 countries and territories, with ATS integrations and REST APIs.

Watch out: No published per-check price. Former Sterling customers are moving onto First Advantage, so confirm which platform your contract runs on.

Not the right fit for

  • Small firms wanting a published per-check price
  • Individuals ordering a personal check

HireRight

Stands out: Integrates with 70 solutions across more than 45 HCM and ATS providers, plus the HireRight Connect REST API.

Watch out: No published per-check price. Cost depends on industry, check types, volume and regulatory needs, so budget only after a scoped package.

Not the right fit for

  • Small firms wanting a published per-check price
  • Individuals ordering a personal check

Pros and cons

First Advantage

  • Coverage in 200+ countries and territories
  • Identity checks and I-9 in one vendor
  • ATS integrations and REST APIs
  • No published per-check price
  • Enterprise sales cycle
  • Sterling migration may change workflows

HireRight

  • Wide ATS and HCM integration coverage
  • REST API for custom integrations
  • Global screening coverage
  • No published per-check price
  • Enterprise sales cycle
  • Too heavy for occasional small hiring

What each one costs

First Advantage

Sales-quoted

Sales-quoted. No public rate card on the vendor site. Pricing depends on check types, volume and regions. Confirm current terms on the vendor site.

Checked 19 Sep 2026

HireRight

Sales-quoted

Sales-quoted. No public rate card on the vendor site. Packages are priced by industry, check types, volume and compliance needs. Confirm current terms on the vendor site.

Checked 19 Sep 2026

Common questions

Can you try First Advantage or HireRight for free?
Neither carries a free tier on our listing.

Not the pair you wanted?

All First Advantage alternatives All HireRight alternatives Every Background check tool

Editorial listings, never paid rankings. Prices checked 19 Sep 2026. Confirm current terms on the vendor site. Spot an error?