Sterling vs First Advantage
Side-by-side from the Top 11 ranking of The 11 Best Background Check Services (2026). Last verified June 13, 2026.
The short answer
Sterling ranks higher on Top 11 (#4 vs #6) for Employers screening candidates. Best for its specialized solutions in healthcare, finance, and retail.
At a glance
| Sterling | First Advantage | |
|---|---|---|
| Top 11 rank | #4 / The 11 Best Background Check Services (2026) | #6 / The 11 Best Background Check Services (2026) |
| Score (out of 9.4) | 8.6 | 8.1 |
| Best for | Vertical-specific screening | Enterprise fleet & logistics |
| Pricing | $$$ (Quote-based) | $$$ (Quote-based) |
| HQ | New York, USA | Atlanta, USA |
| Founded | 1975 | 2003 |
Sterling
Best for its specialized solutions in healthcare, finance, and retail.
www.sterlingcheck.comSee full entry in The 11 Best Background Check Services (2026)
First Advantage
Best for transportation and logistics with specialized DOT compliance management.
fadv.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.