Why it comes up: Modern API-first background checks if you want the other SMB-to-mid-market default.
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 · GoodHire vs Checkr
Why it comes up: US and Canada self-serve packages plus a partner API if you hire across the border.
Stands out: A rare public rate card for screening (criminal, identity, and verifications priced per check in both USD and CAD), plus ATS names (Greenhouse, Lever, Workday) on the marketing site.
Watch out: There are two rate cards, one in USD and one in CAD, and the figures differ. Check you are reading the one for your hiring country before you budget, and remember county searches and pass-through access fees stack on the headline check.
Best for
- US and Canadian employers buying criminal and identity checks
- Staffing teams that want self-serve packages
- ATS-connected hiring on Greenhouse, Lever, or Workday
4.6 on Capterra from 81 reviews
Read the Certn write-up · GoodHire vs Certn
Why it comes up: Background, drug, and I-9 with broad ATS hooks when I-9 is in the same conversation.
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 · GoodHire vs Verified First
Why it comes up: Enterprise CRA if volume, global coverage, and a sales-led program matter more than a $29.99 card.
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.
Best for
- Enterprises with regulated or high-volume hiring
- Teams that screen inside their ATS or HCM
- Employers screening candidates in many countries
Read the HireRight write-up · GoodHire vs HireRight
