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Sterling vs Xref: 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.

Sterling
Sterling
Rating
,
Reviews
0
From
Custom

in Background Checks

Xref
Xref
Rating
,
Reviews
0
From
Custom

in Background Checks

Jump to scorecard Ask SIA

The Short Answer

Sterling vs Xref, in 15 seconds

Choose Sterling if…

  • You prefer Sterling's approach and ecosystem

Choose Xref if…

  • You prefer Xref's approach and ecosystem

Head-to-Head Scorecard

How Sterling and Xref score

It's evenly matched, each leads on 0 of 9 measured dimensions.

  • Customer Rating

    Average score from verified user reviews

    Even
    Sterling
    No reviews
    Xref
    No reviews

  • Review Volume

    Number of verified reviews, a proxy for adoption

    Even
    Sterling
    0
    Xref
    0

  • Entry Pricing

    Lowest published starting price (free plan = lowest)

    Even
    Sterling
    Custom
    Xref
    Custom

  • Free Access

    Availability of a free plan and/or free trial

    Even
    Sterling
    Free trial
    Xref
    Free trial

  • Integrations

    Number of listed third-party integrations

    Even
    Sterling
    6
    Xref
    6

  • Features

    Number of listed product capabilities

    Even
    Sterling
    0
    Xref
    0

  • AI Features

    Capabilities mentioning AI, automation or ML

    Even
    Sterling
    ,
    Xref
    ,

  • Security & Compliance

    Number of listed compliance certifications

    Even
    Sterling
    3
    Xref
    3

  • Platforms & Deployment

    Supported platforms and deployment options

    Even
    Sterling
    4
    Xref
    4

Feature Comparison

Sterling vs Xref feature breakdown

Search or filter the full feature matrix, core features, AI, integrations, APIs, security and compliance.

Sterling
Xref
Overview
User rating
,
,
Pricing model
Quote-based
Quote-based
Starting price
Custom
Custom
Free version
Free trial
Features
Key capabilities
,
,
AI features
,
,
Integrations & API
Integrations
GreenhouseWorkdayLeverBamboo HRADPZapier
WorkdayGreenhouseiCIMSSAP SuccessFactorsBambooHRLever
Public API
Platforms
Deployment
CloudSaaS
CloudSaaS
Platforms
WebAPI
WebAPI
Mobile support
Security & Compliance
Compliance
SOC 2FCRAGDPR
FCRAGDPRSOC 2
Vendor
Company
,
,
Verified
Founded
1975
,
Headquarters
New York, New York, USA
Sydney, Australia

Pricing Comparison

Sterling vs Xref pricing

Entry pricing, plan tiers and the cost factors that shape total cost of ownership.

Sterling

Custom to start
ProfessionalCustom
  • global background screening
  • identity verification
  • Integrations
  • Standard support
EnterpriseCustom
  • industry-specific compliance
  • Dedicated support and onboarding
  • Advanced security and controls
  • Everything in Professional

Xref

Custom to start
ProfessionalCustom
  • Integrations
  • Analytics and reporting
  • Standard support
  • fraud detection
EnterpriseCustom
  • analytics
  • Everything in Professional
  • Dedicated support and onboarding
  • identity checks

Total cost of ownership factors

Free planSterling Xref
Free trial to evaluateSterling Xref
Transparent published pricingSterling Xref
Public API (build vs. buy add-ons)Sterling Xref

Beyond list price, factor in implementation, training, add-ons and per-seat scaling when estimating total cost of ownership.

Pros & Cons

Sterling vs Xref: strengths and trade-offs

Sterling

Pros

  • Free trial offered
  • Compliance: SOC 2, FCRA, GDPR
  • Public API available

Cons

  • No free plan
  • Pricing is quote-based (less transparent)

Xref

Pros

  • Free trial offered
  • Compliance: FCRA, GDPR, SOC 2
  • Public API available

Cons

  • No free plan
  • Pricing is quote-based (less transparent)

Buyer Fit

Who should use Sterling vs Xref?

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)

GreenhouseWorkdayLever

Only in Sterling (3)

Bamboo HRADPZapier

Only in Xref (3)

iCIMSSAP SuccessFactorsBambooHR

Keep Exploring

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Ask SIA which solution fits your business

SIA, Saaskart's AI buying assistant, weighs Sterling and Xref against your team size, budget, integrations and compliance needs, then recommends the right fit and the questions to ask each vendor.

Get a personalised recommendation

Sterling vs Xref, Frequently Asked Questions

What is the difference between Sterling and Xref?

Sterling and Xref are both Background Checks solutions. Sterling is rated 0.0/5 by 0 users, while Xref is rated 0.0/5 by 0 users. The main differences lie in pricing, features, and target audience.

Which is better, Sterling or Xref?

Based on user ratings, Sterling scores higher at 0.0/5. The best choice depends on your team size, budget, and specific requirements.

Which is cheaper, Sterling or Xref?

Both products have custom pricing. We recommend contacting both vendors for a quote tailored to your team size.

Does Sterling or Xref have a free plan?

Neither Sterling nor Xref currently offers a free plan, but Sterling provides a free trial.

Can I switch from Sterling to Xref?

Switching between Sterling and Xref is possible. Both support data export. Check integration compatibility and plan for data migration to minimise disruption to your team.

Who should use Sterling vs Xref?

Sterling is best suited for teams that prioritise enterprise features. Xref works well for teams needing advanced capabilities.

Our Verdict

The bottom line on Sterling vs Xref

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.

Ready to decide between Sterling and Xref?

Visit Sterling Visit Xref Ask SIA
Compare more alternatives →

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