Checkr vs Sterling
A detailed comparison of Checkr and Sterling. See how they stack up on features, pricing, and user ratings.
At a Glance
| Checkr | Sterling | |
|---|---|---|
| Rating | 4.3/5 | 4.2/5 |
| Starting Price | $30/mo | N/A |
| Free Trial | No | No |
| Free Plan | No | No |
| Features | 7 | 7 |
| Best For | All | Enterprise |
Checkr
AI-powered background check platform offering criminal checks, MVR, drug screening, and continuous monitoring via API-first integrations with major ATS and HR platforms.
Sterling
Enterprise background screening and identity verification provider offering criminal checks, drug testing, credential verification, and onboarding across 240+ countries and territories.
Feature Comparison
| Feature | Checkr | Sterling |
|---|---|---|
| Workflow Automation | ||
| Reporting Dashboard | ||
| GDPR Compliance | ||
| API Access | ||
| HRIS Integration | ||
| Background Checks | ||
| Reference Checking |
Pricing Comparison
Checkr
Sterling
Integrations
Both tools integrate with
Only Checkr
Only Sterling
Pros & Cons
Checkr
Pros
- +Fast turnaround on background checks
- +Developer-friendly API for custom integrations
- +Fair chance hiring features (adjudication tools)
- +Transparent, pay-per-check pricing
Cons
- -US-focused — limited international coverage
- -Occasional delays on county-level checks
- -Customer support can be hard to reach
- -Add-on costs for premium screenings
Sterling
Pros
- +One of the largest background check providers globally
- +Strong in regulated industries (finance, healthcare)
- +Comprehensive international screening
- +Enterprise compliance and analytics
Cons
- -Not transparent pricing — enterprise quotes only
- -Long onboarding and implementation process
- -Interface dated compared to newer providers
- -Overkill for small companies
Which Should You Choose?
Choose Checkr if:
- • Higher user ratings matter to you (4.3 vs 4.2)
- • Fast turnaround on background checks
Choose Sterling if:
- • Your company is Enterprise size
- • One of the largest background check providers globally
How we evaluate tools
Our ratings combine verified user reviews from G2 and Capterra with hands-on feature analysis. Pricing is checked against official sources. We may earn a commission through affiliate links, but this never influences our rankings or recommendations. Read our full methodology.