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First Advantage 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.

First Advantage
First Advantage
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

First Advantage vs Xref, in 15 seconds

Choose First Advantage if…

  • You prefer First Advantage's approach and ecosystem

Choose Xref if…

  • You prefer Xref's approach and ecosystem

Head-to-Head Scorecard

How First Advantage and Xref score

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

  • Customer Rating

    Average score from verified user reviews

    Even
    First
    No reviews
    Xref
    No reviews

  • Review Volume

    Number of verified reviews, a proxy for adoption

    Even
    First
    0
    Xref
    0

  • Entry Pricing

    Lowest published starting price (free plan = lowest)

    Even
    First
    Custom
    Xref
    Custom

  • Free Access

    Availability of a free plan and/or free trial

    Even
    First
    Free trial
    Xref
    Free trial

  • Integrations

    Number of listed third-party integrations

    Even
    First
    6
    Xref
    6

  • Features

    Number of listed product capabilities

    Even
    First
    0
    Xref
    0

  • AI Features

    Capabilities mentioning AI, automation or ML

    Even
    First
    ,
    Xref
    ,

  • Security & Compliance

    Number of listed compliance certifications

    Even
    First
    3
    Xref
    3

  • Platforms & Deployment

    Supported platforms and deployment options

    Even
    First
    4
    Xref
    4

Feature Comparison

First Advantage vs Xref feature breakdown

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

First Advantage
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
WorkdayGreenhouseiCIMSSAP SuccessFactorsBambooHRLever
WorkdayGreenhouseiCIMSSAP SuccessFactorsBambooHRLever
Public API
Platforms
Deployment
CloudSaaS
CloudSaaS
Platforms
WebAPI
WebAPI
Mobile support
Security & Compliance
Compliance
FCRAGDPRSOC 2
FCRAGDPRSOC 2
Vendor
Company
,
,
Verified
Founded
,
,
Headquarters
Atlanta, Georgia, USA
Sydney, Australia

Pricing Comparison

First Advantage vs Xref pricing

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

First Advantage

Custom to start
ProfessionalCustom
  • Integrations
  • criminal checks
  • drug screening
  • Standard support
EnterpriseCustom
  • Advanced security and controls
  • Dedicated support and onboarding
  • continuous monitoring
  • 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 planFirst Xref
Free trial to evaluateFirst Xref
Transparent published pricingFirst Xref
Public API (build vs. buy add-ons)First Xref

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

Pros & Cons

First Advantage vs Xref: 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)

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 First Advantage 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 (6)

WorkdayGreenhouseiCIMSSAP SuccessFactorsBambooHRLever

Only in First Advantage (0)

Only in Xref (0)

Keep Exploring

Other alternatives worth considering

Similar background checks products buyers compare alongside First Advantage and Xref.

Veremark

Veremark

Custom
SkillSurvey

SkillSurvey

Custom
Checkr

Checkr

Custom
GoodHire

GoodHire

Custom
Crosschq

Crosschq

Custom
Referoo

Referoo

Custom
More First Advantage alternatives →More Xref alternatives →

Ask SIA which solution fits your business

SIA, Saaskart's AI buying assistant, weighs First Advantage 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

First Advantage vs Xref, Frequently Asked Questions

What is the difference between First Advantage and Xref?

First Advantage and Xref are both Background Checks solutions. First Advantage 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, First Advantage or Xref?

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 Xref?

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

Does First Advantage or Xref have a free plan?

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

Can I switch from First Advantage to Xref?

Switching between First Advantage 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 First Advantage vs Xref?

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

Our Verdict

The bottom line on First Advantage 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 First Advantage and Xref?

Visit First Advantage Visit Xref Ask SIA
Compare more alternatives →

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