Checkr vs GoodHire
An honest side-by-side comparison of two of our top background check services picks — pricing, strengths, weaknesses, and who each one is really for.
Checkr
Ranked #1 of 15 in this directory
Modern, API-first background check platform built for high-volume hiring
GoodHire
Ranked #2 of 15 in this directory
Candidate-friendly employment background checks with outstanding compliance support
Our pick: Checkr. Our editors rank Checkr higher overall in Background Check Services — but GoodHire can be the better fit depending on your budget and use case below. How we review
Compare the details
| Checkr | GoodHire | |
|---|---|---|
| Pricing model | Paid | Paid |
| Starting price | See website | See website |
| Category | Employment | Employment |
| Editorial rank | #1 of 15 | #2 of 15 |
Strengths
Checkr
- ✓Industry-leading API and ATS integrations for fully automated workflows
- ✓Fast turnaround — many checks complete in under 24 hours
- ✓Transparent candidate experience with real-time status updates
- ✓Built-in adjudication tools and ban-the-box compliance features
- ✓Scales easily for gig economy and high-volume hourly hiring
GoodHire
- ✓PBSA-accredited with industry-leading compliance support and legal guidance
- ✓Excellent candidate-facing experience reduces friction and drop-off
- ✓Clear, easy-to-read reports with built-in adverse action workflow
- ✓Transparent pricing with no hidden fees
- ✓Integrates with major ATS platforms like BambooHR and Greenhouse
Watch out for
Checkr
- !Pricing is volume-based and can be expensive for small or occasional hirers
- !Customer support response times can lag during peak periods
- !Some criminal database searches vary in completeness by county
- !Setup and integration require technical resources for smaller teams
GoodHire
- !Turnaround times can be slower than Checkr for some county criminal searches
- !Not ideal for extremely high-volume or API-heavy workflows
- !Limited international screening capabilities compared to enterprise providers
- !Self-service plan lacks dedicated account management
Best use cases
Checkr
- →Tech company or gig platform needing API-integrated background checks at scale
- →HR team automating pre-employment screening within their ATS
- →Employer seeking built-in fair-chance hiring compliance tools
GoodHire
- →Small to mid-size employer wanting a simple, compliant hiring workflow
- →HR team that prioritizes positive candidate experience during background screening
- →Company needing built-in adverse action letters and FCRA compliance tools
About each tool
Checkr
Checkr is the leading technology-driven background check provider, purpose-built for companies that hire at scale. Its REST API integrates directly into applicant tracking systems and HR platforms, enabling fully automated screening workflows. Checkr covers criminal records, driving history, employment verification, education verification, and drug testing in one unified platform. The company is known for fast turnaround times, transparent candidate portals, and a commitment to fair chance hiring through its adjudication tools and compliance features for ban-the-box laws.
GoodHire
GoodHire is a PBSA-accredited background check provider that stands out for its exceptional candidate experience and compliance-first approach. The platform guides both employers and candidates through the screening process with clear communication and transparent reporting. GoodHire offers a full suite of employment checks including criminal history, employment verification, education verification, professional license checks, and drug testing. Its intuitive dashboard makes it easy for HR teams of any size to manage screenings, and its compliance library keeps employers current on state and local regulations.
Still deciding? Browse all 15 options with honest pros, cons, and pricing.
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