SkillSurvey 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.
The Short Answer
SkillSurvey vs Sterling, in 15 seconds
Choose SkillSurvey if…
- You prefer SkillSurvey's approach and ecosystem
Choose Sterling if…
- You prefer Sterling's approach and ecosystem
Head-to-Head Scorecard
How SkillSurvey and Sterling score
It's evenly matched, each leads on 0 of 9 measured dimensions.
- Even
Customer Rating
Average score from verified user reviews
SkillSurveyNo reviewsSterlingNo reviews - Even
Review Volume
Number of verified reviews, a proxy for adoption
SkillSurvey0Sterling0 - Even
Entry Pricing
Lowest published starting price (free plan = lowest)
SkillSurveyCustomSterlingCustom - Even
Free Access
Availability of a free plan and/or free trial
SkillSurveyFree trialSterlingFree trial - Even
Integrations
Number of listed third-party integrations
SkillSurvey6Sterling6 - Even
Features
Number of listed product capabilities
SkillSurvey0Sterling0 - Even
AI Features
Capabilities mentioning AI, automation or ML
SkillSurvey,Sterling, - Even
Security & Compliance
Number of listed compliance certifications
SkillSurvey3Sterling3 - Even
Platforms & Deployment
Supported platforms and deployment options
SkillSurvey4Sterling4
Feature Comparison
SkillSurvey vs Sterling feature breakdown
Search or filter the full feature matrix, core features, AI, integrations, APIs, security and compliance.
SkillSurvey
SterlingPricing Comparison
SkillSurvey vs Sterling pricing
Entry pricing, plan tiers and the cost factors that shape total cost of ownership.
SkillSurvey
Custom to start- Integrations
- Analytics and reporting
- predictive insights
- reference surveys
- Everything in Professional
- Dedicated support and onboarding
- sourcing
- Advanced security and controls
Sterling
Custom to start- global background screening
- identity verification
- Integrations
- Standard support
- industry-specific compliance
- Dedicated support and onboarding
- Advanced security and controls
- Everything in Professional
Total cost of ownership factors
Beyond list price, factor in implementation, training, add-ons and per-seat scaling when estimating total cost of ownership.
Pros & Cons
SkillSurvey vs Sterling: strengths and trade-offs
SkillSurvey
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 SkillSurvey 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)
Only in SkillSurvey (3)
Only in Sterling (3)
Keep Exploring
Other alternatives worth considering
Similar background checks products buyers compare alongside SkillSurvey and Sterling.
Ask SIA which solution fits your business
SIA, Saaskart's AI buying assistant, weighs SkillSurvey 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 recommendationSkillSurvey vs Sterling, Frequently Asked Questions
What is the difference between SkillSurvey and Sterling?
SkillSurvey and Sterling are both Background Checks solutions. SkillSurvey 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, SkillSurvey or Sterling?
Based on user ratings, SkillSurvey scores higher at 0.0/5. The best choice depends on your team size, budget, and specific requirements.
Which is cheaper, SkillSurvey or Sterling?
Both products have custom pricing. We recommend contacting both vendors for a quote tailored to your team size.
Does SkillSurvey or Sterling have a free plan?
Neither SkillSurvey nor Sterling currently offers a free plan, but SkillSurvey provides a free trial.
Can I switch from SkillSurvey to Sterling?
Switching between SkillSurvey 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 SkillSurvey vs Sterling?
SkillSurvey is best suited for teams that prioritise enterprise features. Sterling works well for teams needing advanced capabilities.
Our Verdict
The bottom line on SkillSurvey 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.