First Advantage vs Sterling

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

Updated Mar 2026 8 min read

First Advantage

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.

0.0 (0 reviews)
Starting at --
Free Trial 14 days
VS

Sterling

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.

0.0 (0 reviews)
Starting at --
Free Trial 30 days

Quick Comparison

Feature Monday.com Asana
Starting Price $8/user/mo $10.99/user/mo
Free Plan ✓ Yes (2 seats) ✓ Yes (15 users)
Free Trial 14 days 30 days
Deployment Cloud-based Cloud-based
Mobile Apps ✓ iOS, Android ✓ iOS, Android
Integrations 200+ 100+
Gantt Charts ✓ Timeline view ✓ Timeline view
Automation ✓ Advanced ✓ Basic
Best For Visual teams, automation Task-focused teams

Overview

F

First Advantage

<p>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.</p> <p>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.</p>

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Sterling

<p>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. </p> <p>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.</p>

Pricing Comparison

M

First Advantage Pricing

Free
$0
  • Up to 2 seats
  • Unlimited boards
  • 200+ templates
A

Sterling Pricing

Free
$0
  • Up to 15 users
  • Unlimited tasks
  • List & Board views

Pros & Cons

M

First Advantage

Pros

  • Highly visual and intuitive
  • Powerful automation
  • 200+ integrations
  • Great mobile apps

Cons

  • Can get expensive for larger teams
  • Free plan limited to 2 users
  • Learning curve for advanced features
A

Sterling

Pros

  • Excellent task dependencies
  • Free plan supports 15 users
  • Strong reporting features
  • Great for enterprise teams

Cons

  • Higher starting price
  • Less visual than Monday.com
  • Fewer integrations

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