Skip to main content
Saaskart

Referoo 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.

Referoo
Referoo
Rating
,
Reviews
0
From
Custom

in Background Checks

Sterling
Sterling
Rating
,
Reviews
0
From
Custom

in Background Checks

Jump to scorecard Ask SIA

The Short Answer

Referoo vs Sterling, in 15 seconds

Choose Referoo if…

  • You prefer Referoo's approach and ecosystem

Choose Sterling if…

  • You prefer Sterling's approach and ecosystem

Head-to-Head Scorecard

How Referoo and Sterling score

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

  • Customer Rating

    Average score from verified user reviews

    Even
    Referoo
    No reviews
    Sterling
    No reviews

  • Review Volume

    Number of verified reviews, a proxy for adoption

    Even
    Referoo
    0
    Sterling
    0

  • Entry Pricing

    Lowest published starting price (free plan = lowest)

    Even
    Referoo
    Custom
    Sterling
    Custom

  • Free Access

    Availability of a free plan and/or free trial

    Even
    Referoo
    Free trial
    Sterling
    Free trial

  • Integrations

    Number of listed third-party integrations

    Even
    Referoo
    6
    Sterling
    6

  • Features

    Number of listed product capabilities

    Even
    Referoo
    0
    Sterling
    0

  • AI Features

    Capabilities mentioning AI, automation or ML

    Even
    Referoo
    ,
    Sterling
    ,

  • Security & Compliance

    Number of listed compliance certifications

    Even
    Referoo
    3
    Sterling
    3

  • Platforms & Deployment

    Supported platforms and deployment options

    Even
    Referoo
    4
    Sterling
    4

Feature Comparison

Referoo vs Sterling feature breakdown

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

Referoo
Sterling
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
GreenhouseWorkdayLeverBamboo HRADPZapier
Public API
Platforms
Deployment
CloudSaaS
CloudSaaS
Platforms
WebAPI
WebAPI
Mobile support
Security & Compliance
Compliance
FCRAGDPRSOC 2
SOC 2FCRAGDPR
Vendor
Company
,
,
Verified
Founded
,
1975
Headquarters
Australia
New York, New York, USA

Pricing Comparison

Referoo vs Sterling pricing

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

Referoo

Custom to start
ProfessionalCustom
  • Analytics and reporting
  • reference requests
  • fraud detection
  • Integrations
EnterpriseCustom
  • templates
  • Dedicated support and onboarding
  • Everything in Professional
  • Advanced security and controls

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

Total cost of ownership factors

Free planReferoo Sterling
Free trial to evaluateReferoo Sterling
Transparent published pricingReferoo Sterling
Public API (build vs. buy add-ons)Referoo Sterling

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

Pros & Cons

Referoo vs Sterling: strengths and trade-offs

Referoo

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 Referoo 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)

WorkdayGreenhouseLever

Only in Referoo (3)

iCIMSSAP SuccessFactorsBambooHR

Only in Sterling (3)

Bamboo HRADPZapier

Keep Exploring

Other alternatives worth considering

Similar background checks products buyers compare alongside Referoo and Sterling.

Accurate Background

Accurate Background

Custom
Vetty

Vetty

Custom
Yardstik

Yardstik

Custom
Certn

Certn

Custom
Checkr

Checkr

Custom
Zinc

Zinc

Custom
More Referoo alternatives →More Sterling alternatives →

Ask SIA which solution fits your business

SIA, Saaskart's AI buying assistant, weighs Referoo 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 recommendation

Referoo vs Sterling, Frequently Asked Questions

What is the difference between Referoo and Sterling?

Referoo and Sterling are both Background Checks solutions. Referoo 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, Referoo or Sterling?

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

Which is cheaper, Referoo or Sterling?

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

Does Referoo or Sterling have a free plan?

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

Can I switch from Referoo to Sterling?

Switching between Referoo 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 Referoo vs Sterling?

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

Our Verdict

The bottom line on Referoo 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.

Ready to decide between Referoo and Sterling?

Visit Referoo Visit Sterling Ask SIA
Compare more alternatives →

Get a recommendation

Not sure which to choose?

Tell us your requirements and our advisors will help you compare and shortlist the best-fit options, free and unbiased.

  • A real human, fast

    Someone on our team replies within one business day, no bots, no ticket queue.

  • Routed to the right team

    Buying, selling, partnering, or investing, you reach the people who can actually help.

  • Independent & unbiased

    No pushy sales. Just honest guidance grounded in the ecosystem.

  • Tailored to your context

    Tell us what you need and we shape the next steps around it.

Replies within 1 business day No spam, ever Free to reach out
  1. 1You
  2. 2Details
  3. 3Contact

Who are you? Pick the option that fits best.