First Advantage vs Sterling Comparison: Reviews, Features, Pricing & Alternatives in 2026

Detailed side-by-side comparison to help you choose the right solution for your team

Updated Apr 2026 8 min read

First Advantage

0.0 (0 reviews)

First Advantage is a global background screening software providing automated employment background checks, drug testing, and identity verification to help you hire and onboard qualified candidates quickly and safely.

Starting at --
Free Trial NO FREE TRIAL
VS

Sterling

0.0 (0 reviews)

Sterling provides comprehensive background screening and identity verification services to help you build a foundation of trust and safety for your global workforce and customers.

Starting at --
Free Trial NO FREE TRIAL

Quick Comparison

Feature First Advantage Sterling
Website fadv.com sterlingcheck.com
Pricing Model Custom Custom
Starting Price Custom Pricing Custom Pricing
FREE Trial ✘ No free trial ✘ No free trial
Free Plan ✘ No free plan ✘ No free plan
Product Demo ✓ Request demo here ✓ Request demo here
Deployment saas mobile saas mobile
Integrations Workday Oracle SAP SuccessFactors Greenhouse Lever iCIMS SmartRecruiters ADP Jobvite PageUp Workday Oracle SAP SuccessFactors iCIMS Greenhouse Lever SmartRecruiters Jobvite Bullhorn UKG
Target Users mid-market enterprise small-business mid-market enterprise
Target Industries healthcare retail transportation healthcare retail financial-services
Customer Count 0 0
Founded Year 2003 1975
Headquarters Atlanta, USA New York, USA

Overview

F

First Advantage

First Advantage helps you streamline your hiring process by automating background checks and identity verification. You can manage everything from criminal record searches and drug testing to education and employment history verification through a single, centralized dashboard. The platform integrates directly with your existing Applicant Tracking System (ATS), allowing you to initiate screenings and view results without switching between different tools.

You can scale your screening program globally, ensuring compliance with local regulations across different countries and regions. By using their automated workflows, you reduce manual data entry and speed up your time-to-hire. Whether you are a small business or a global enterprise, the software provides the tools you need to build a safer workplace and make more informed hiring decisions with confidence.

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Sterling

Sterling helps you hire with confidence by providing fast and reliable background screening and identity verification. You can streamline your entire hiring process, from criminal record checks and employment verification to drug and health screening. The platform is designed to integrate directly into your existing HR tech stack, allowing you to manage candidates globally while maintaining compliance with local regulations.

You can reduce manual paperwork and speed up your time-to-hire using their mobile-first candidate experience. Whether you are a small business making your first hire or a global enterprise managing thousands of employees, the software provides the tools you need to verify identities and maintain a safe workplace. By automating the collection of candidate data, you can focus on making better hiring decisions rather than chasing documentation.

Overview

F

First Advantage Features

  • Criminal Record Checks Access comprehensive criminal history data from thousands of jurisdictions to ensure you make safe and informed hiring decisions.
  • Identity Verification Verify candidate identities in real-time using document scanning and biometric technology to prevent fraud during the application process.
  • Drug and Health Screening Manage your entire drug testing program and occupational health screenings through a digital network of thousands of collection sites.
  • ATS Integrations Connect your background checks directly to platforms like Workday, Oracle, and SAP SuccessFactors to keep your hiring workflow seamless.
  • Global Compliance Tools Navigate complex international privacy laws and local screening regulations automatically with built-in compliance filters and expert guidance.
  • Education Verification Confirm candidate credentials and degrees directly with academic institutions to ensure your new hires have the required qualifications.
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Sterling Features

  • Criminal Background Checks. Access automated searches of national and local criminal databases to identify potential risks before you extend a job offer.
  • Identity Verification. Verify candidate identities in real-time using biometric technology and government-issued ID scanning to prevent sophisticated identity fraud.
  • Employment Verification. Confirm your candidate's professional history and education credentials automatically to ensure they have the experience they claim.
  • Drug and Health Screening. Manage employee drug testing and occupational health screenings through a massive network of collection sites with digital results.
  • Mobile Candidate Hub. Give your candidates a mobile-friendly way to submit information and track their screening status from any device.
  • Global Compliance Tools. Stay compliant with built-in tools that adapt to local privacy laws and industry-specific regulations across different countries.

Pricing Comparison

F

First Advantage Pricing

S

Sterling Pricing

Pros & Cons

M

First Advantage

Pros

  • Extensive global reach for international background checks
  • Seamless integration with major Applicant Tracking Systems
  • Comprehensive range of screening services in one platform
  • Automated status updates keep recruiters and candidates informed

Cons

  • Customer support response times can be slow
  • Interface can feel dated compared to newer competitors
  • Turnaround times vary significantly depending on the jurisdiction
A

Sterling

Pros

  • Extensive global reach for international background checks
  • Seamless integration with popular applicant tracking systems
  • User-friendly interface for both recruiters and candidates
  • Comprehensive reporting that simplifies compliance audits

Cons

  • Turnaround times can vary by jurisdiction
  • Customer support response times can be slow
  • Pricing structure is complex for smaller organizations
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