First Advantage vs Sterling: Which Background Checks Is Better in 2026?
Compare pricing, features, integrations, verified reviews, AI capabilities, security, and customer satisfaction, side by side, with no marketing spin.
The Short Answer
First Advantage vs Sterling, in 15 seconds
Choose First Advantage if…
- You prefer First Advantage's approach and ecosystem
Choose Sterling if…
- You prefer Sterling's approach and ecosystem
Head-to-Head Scorecard
How First Advantage and Sterling score
It's evenly matched, each leads on 0 of 9 measured dimensions.
- Even
Customer Rating
Average score from verified user reviews
FirstNo reviewsSterlingNo reviews - Even
Review Volume
Number of verified reviews, a proxy for adoption
First0Sterling0 - Even
Entry Pricing
Lowest published starting price (free plan = lowest)
FirstCustomSterlingCustom - Even
Free Access
Availability of a free plan and/or free trial
FirstFree trialSterlingFree trial - Even
Integrations
Number of listed third-party integrations
First6Sterling6 - Even
Features
Number of listed product capabilities
First0Sterling0 - Even
AI Features
Capabilities mentioning AI, automation or ML
First,Sterling, - Even
Security & Compliance
Number of listed compliance certifications
First3Sterling3 - Even
Platforms & Deployment
Supported platforms and deployment options
First4Sterling4
Feature Comparison
First Advantage vs Sterling feature breakdown
Search or filter the full feature matrix, core features, AI, integrations, APIs, security and compliance.
First Advantage
SterlingPricing Comparison
First Advantage vs Sterling pricing
Entry pricing, plan tiers and the cost factors that shape total cost of ownership.
First Advantage
Custom to start- Integrations
- criminal checks
- drug screening
- Standard support
- Advanced security and controls
- Dedicated support and onboarding
- continuous monitoring
- Everything in Professional
Sterling
Custom to start- global background screening
- identity verification
- Integrations
- Standard support
- industry-specific compliance
- Dedicated support and onboarding
- Advanced security and controls
- Everything in Professional
Total cost of ownership factors
Beyond list price, factor in implementation, training, add-ons and per-seat scaling when estimating total cost of ownership.
Pros & Cons
First Advantage vs Sterling: strengths and trade-offs
First Advantage
Pros
- Free trial offered
- Compliance: FCRA, GDPR, SOC 2
- Public API available
Cons
- No free plan
- Pricing is quote-based (less transparent)
Sterling
Pros
- Free trial offered
- Compliance: SOC 2, FCRA, GDPR
- Public API available
Cons
- No free plan
- Pricing is quote-based (less transparent)
Buyer Fit
Who should use First Advantage vs Sterling?
Startups
Either
Either keeps early-stage costs lowest with its entry tier.
Small businesses
Either
Either offers the most accessible pricing for lean teams.
Agencies
Either
Either connects to more tools for multi-client workflows.
Enterprises
Either
Either leads on compliance and breadth for complex needs.
Ecommerce
Either
Either integrates with more of the commerce stack.
SaaS companies
Either
Either is the more developer- and automation-friendly choice.
Integration overlap
Shared integrations (3)
Only in First Advantage (3)
Only in Sterling (3)
Keep Exploring
Other alternatives worth considering
Similar background checks products buyers compare alongside First Advantage and Sterling.
Ask SIA which solution fits your business
SIA, Saaskart's AI buying assistant, weighs First Advantage and Sterling against your team size, budget, integrations and compliance needs, then recommends the right fit and the questions to ask each vendor.
Get a personalised recommendationFirst Advantage vs Sterling, Frequently Asked Questions
What is the difference between First Advantage and Sterling?
First Advantage and Sterling are both Background Checks solutions. First Advantage is rated 0.0/5 by 0 users, while Sterling is rated 0.0/5 by 0 users. The main differences lie in pricing, features, and target audience.
Which is better, First Advantage or Sterling?
Based on user ratings, First Advantage scores higher at 0.0/5. The best choice depends on your team size, budget, and specific requirements.
Which is cheaper, First Advantage or Sterling?
Both products have custom pricing. We recommend contacting both vendors for a quote tailored to your team size.
Does First Advantage or Sterling have a free plan?
Neither First Advantage nor Sterling currently offers a free plan, but First Advantage provides a free trial.
Can I switch from First Advantage to Sterling?
Switching between First Advantage and Sterling is possible. Both support data export. Check integration compatibility and plan for data migration to minimise disruption to your team.
Who should use First Advantage vs Sterling?
First Advantage is best suited for teams that prioritise enterprise features. Sterling works well for teams needing advanced capabilities.
Our Verdict
The bottom line on First Advantage vs Sterling
Best Overall
Either
It's a tie balances user satisfaction and proven adoption.
Best for Startups
Either
It's a tie has the friendliest entry point for new teams.
Best for Enterprise
Either
It's a tie leads on compliance and feature breadth.
Best Value
Either
It's a tie delivers the lowest cost to get started.
Best AI Features
Either
Comparable AI capabilities on both sides.
Highest Rated
Either
Both earn equal user ratings.