Work Insiders directory

Reference check software

What is reference check software?

Reference check software replaces phone tag with online surveys. The candidate enters their referees, the tool sends the requests and reminders, and the answers come back as a structured report you can compare across candidates.

What should I look for in a reference checking tool?

Check how referees are reached (email, SMS or phone), how fast they typically respond, and whether the tool flags suspicious referees, for example by IP or device matching. Then confirm it connects to your ATS so a request can start from the candidate record.

How is reference check software priced?

Models differ a lot. Some vendors charge a monthly plan sized by company headcount, some sell credits per candidate, some price by candidates a year, and many quote only. Each listing below shows the published price or pricing model, with the date we checked it.

Is reference checking the same as a background check?

No. A reference check asks former managers and colleagues about the candidate's work. A background check verifies records such as criminal history, identity or education. Several tools here sell both, so confirm what your quote covers.

Showing 9 of 9 tools

CrossChq

Assessments · Background check · Reference checks

AI-driven reference checks, fraud detection, and quality-of-hire analytics.

Sales-quoted

Quote Compare

Expr3ss!

ATS · Assessments · Reference checks

Australian predictive hiring platform that ranks applicants on skills, temperament and culture fit, on one quoted subscription.

Quote-based

Quote Compare

HiPeople

Assessments · Background check · Reference checks

Automated reference checks and skills surveys. Permanent free plan for one candidate.

Free plan, paid from $70/mo

Free tier Compare

Refapp

Reference checks

Digital reference checks with science based question templates

Sales-quoted

Quote Compare

Referoo

Reference checks · Background check

Reference checks by email, phone, or SMS, with a 14 day trial

Sales-quoted

Free trial Compare

RefLynk

Reference checks · Background check

Text message reference checks scored for corporate hiring teams

From $350/yr

Paid Compare

RefNow

Reference checks · Background check

Automated employment references with fraud checks for HR teams

Sales-quoted

Free trial API Compare

VITAY

Reference checks · Background check

Automated reference checks that most referees finish within a day

Sales-quoted

Quote API Compare

Xref

Reference checks · Background check

Automated reference checks with fraud detection for hiring teams

From $70/mo

Free trial API Compare

Questions about reference checks tools

How many reference checks tools does Work Insiders list?

9. Each listing records its starting price, free plan, free trial, MCP and API support the same way, so the cards can be compared line for line.

How much do reference checks tools cost?

3 of the 9 list a US dollar starting price, and the median of those is about $70. Units differ by vendor (per seat, per month, per check or credit pack), so compare the unit on each card, not just the number. 6 are priced by quote, so the vendor sets the number after a call.

Are there free reference checks tools?

1 of them have a permanent free plan rather than a timed trial. 3 offer a free trial.

How are reference checks tools ordered on this page?

The tools we use ourselves are marked as picks and listed first, then everything else runs A to Z. There is no paid ranking: a sponsored slot is labelled as such and never changes a listing, its category or its position.

Counted from every published listing in this category, so the numbers move with the directory.