Sterling vs Checkr
Side-by-side from the Top 11 ranking of The 11 Best Background Check Services (2026). Last verified June 13, 2026.
The short answer
Checkr ranks higher on Top 11 (#1 vs #4) for Employers screening candidates. Best for its fast, modern platform and deep integrations with over 100 ATS partners.
At a glance
| Sterling | Checkr | |
|---|---|---|
| Top 11 rank | #4 / The 11 Best Background Check Services (2026) | #1 / The 11 Best Background Check Services (2026) |
| Score (out of 9.4) | 8.6 | 9.2 |
| Best for | Vertical-specific screening | High-volume & API-driven screening |
| Pricing | $$$ (Quote-based) | $$ ($29 to $79+ per check) |
| HQ | New York, USA | San Francisco, USA |
| Founded | 1975 | 2014 |
Sterling
Best for its specialized solutions in healthcare, finance, and retail.
www.sterlingcheck.comSee full entry in The 11 Best Background Check Services (2026)
Checkr
Best for its fast, modern platform and deep integrations with over 100 ATS partners.
checkr.comSee full entry in The 11 Best Background Check Services (2026)
Methodology and scoring weights live at /methodology. No vendor pays for placement — see about.