Compare/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.

Starting price

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 4 Nov 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 4 Nov 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 4 Nov 2026. Confirm current terms on the vendor site. Spot an error?