Skip to main content
Saaskart

Sterling vs Yardstik: 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.

Sterling
Sterling
Rating
,
Reviews
0
From
Custom

in Background Checks

Yardstik
Yardstik
Rating
,
Reviews
0
From
Custom

in Background Checks

Jump to scorecard Ask SIA

The Short Answer

Sterling vs Yardstik, in 15 seconds

Choose Sterling if…

  • You prefer Sterling's approach and ecosystem

Choose Yardstik if…

  • You prefer Yardstik's approach and ecosystem

Head-to-Head Scorecard

How Sterling and Yardstik score

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

  • Customer Rating

    Average score from verified user reviews

    Even
    Sterling
    No reviews
    Yardstik
    No reviews

  • Review Volume

    Number of verified reviews, a proxy for adoption

    Even
    Sterling
    0
    Yardstik
    0

  • Entry Pricing

    Lowest published starting price (free plan = lowest)

    Even
    Sterling
    Custom
    Yardstik
    Custom

  • Free Access

    Availability of a free plan and/or free trial

    Even
    Sterling
    Free trial
    Yardstik
    Free trial

  • Integrations

    Number of listed third-party integrations

    Even
    Sterling
    6
    Yardstik
    6

  • Features

    Number of listed product capabilities

    Even
    Sterling
    0
    Yardstik
    0

  • AI Features

    Capabilities mentioning AI, automation or ML

    Even
    Sterling
    ,
    Yardstik
    ,

  • Security & Compliance

    Number of listed compliance certifications

    Even
    Sterling
    3
    Yardstik
    3

  • Platforms & Deployment

    Supported platforms and deployment options

    Even
    Sterling
    4
    Yardstik
    4

Feature Comparison

Sterling vs Yardstik feature breakdown

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

Sterling
Yardstik
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
GreenhouseWorkdayLeverBamboo HRADPZapier
GreenhouseWorkdayLeverBamboo HRADPZapier
Public API
Platforms
Deployment
CloudSaaS
CloudSaaS
Platforms
WebAPI
WebAPI
Mobile support
Security & Compliance
Compliance
SOC 2FCRAGDPR
SOC 2FCRAGDPR
Vendor
Company
,
,
Verified
Founded
1975
2020
Headquarters
New York, New York, USA
Minneapolis, Minnesota, USA

Pricing Comparison

Sterling vs Yardstik pricing

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

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

Yardstik

Custom to start
ProfessionalCustom
  • background screening APIs
  • identity verification
  • Integrations
  • Analytics and reporting
EnterpriseCustom
  • Everything in Professional
  • trust and safety workflows
  • Dedicated support and onboarding
  • developer-first integration

Total cost of ownership factors

Free planSterling Yardstik
Free trial to evaluateSterling Yardstik
Transparent published pricingSterling Yardstik
Public API (build vs. buy add-ons)Sterling Yardstik

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

Pros & Cons

Sterling vs Yardstik: strengths and trade-offs

Sterling

Pros

  • Free trial offered
  • Compliance: SOC 2, FCRA, GDPR
  • Public API available

Cons

  • No free plan
  • Pricing is quote-based (less transparent)

Yardstik

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 Sterling vs Yardstik?

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)

GreenhouseWorkdayLeverBamboo HRADPZapier

Only in Sterling (0)

Only in Yardstik (0)

Keep Exploring

Other alternatives worth considering

Similar background checks products buyers compare alongside Sterling and Yardstik.

Accurate Background

Accurate Background

Custom
Vetty

Vetty

Custom
Certn

Certn

Custom
Checkr

Checkr

Custom
GoodHire

GoodHire

Custom
More Sterling alternatives →More Yardstik alternatives →

Ask SIA which solution fits your business

SIA, Saaskart's AI buying assistant, weighs Sterling and Yardstik 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

Sterling vs Yardstik, Frequently Asked Questions

What is the difference between Sterling and Yardstik?

Sterling and Yardstik are both Background Checks solutions. Sterling is rated 0.0/5 by 0 users, while Yardstik is rated 0.0/5 by 0 users. The main differences lie in pricing, features, and target audience.

Which is better, Sterling or Yardstik?

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

Which is cheaper, Sterling or Yardstik?

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

Does Sterling or Yardstik have a free plan?

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

Can I switch from Sterling to Yardstik?

Switching between Sterling and Yardstik is possible. Both support data export. Check integration compatibility and plan for data migration to minimise disruption to your team.

Who should use Sterling vs Yardstik?

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

Our Verdict

The bottom line on Sterling vs Yardstik

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 Sterling and Yardstik?

Visit Sterling Visit Yardstik 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.