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Sterling vs Zinc: 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

Zinc
Zinc
Rating
,
Reviews
0
From
Custom

in Background Checks

Jump to scorecard Ask SIA

The Short Answer

Sterling vs Zinc, in 15 seconds

Choose Sterling if…

  • You prefer Sterling's approach and ecosystem

Choose Zinc if…

  • You prefer Zinc's approach and ecosystem

Head-to-Head Scorecard

How Sterling and Zinc 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
    Zinc
    No reviews

  • Review Volume

    Number of verified reviews, a proxy for adoption

    Even
    Sterling
    0
    Zinc
    0

  • Entry Pricing

    Lowest published starting price (free plan = lowest)

    Even
    Sterling
    Custom
    Zinc
    Custom

  • Free Access

    Availability of a free plan and/or free trial

    Even
    Sterling
    Free trial
    Zinc
    Free trial

  • Integrations

    Number of listed third-party integrations

    Even
    Sterling
    6
    Zinc
    6

  • Features

    Number of listed product capabilities

    Even
    Sterling
    0
    Zinc
    0

  • AI Features

    Capabilities mentioning AI, automation or ML

    Even
    Sterling
    ,
    Zinc
    ,

  • Security & Compliance

    Number of listed compliance certifications

    Even
    Sterling
    3
    Zinc
    3

  • Platforms & Deployment

    Supported platforms and deployment options

    Even
    Sterling
    4
    Zinc
    4

Feature Comparison

Sterling vs Zinc feature breakdown

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

Sterling
Zinc
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
WorkdayGreenhouseiCIMSSAP SuccessFactorsBambooHRLever
Public API
Platforms
Deployment
CloudSaaS
CloudSaaS
Platforms
WebAPI
WebAPI
Mobile support
Security & Compliance
Compliance
SOC 2FCRAGDPR
FCRAGDPRSOC 2
Vendor
Company
,
,
Verified
Founded
1975
,
Headquarters
New York, New York, USA
London, United Kingdom

Pricing Comparison

Sterling vs Zinc 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

Zinc

Custom to start
ProfessionalCustom
  • Analytics and reporting
  • Standard support
  • right to work
  • reference checks
EnterpriseCustom
  • Dedicated support and onboarding
  • automation
  • criminal record checks
  • Advanced security and controls

Total cost of ownership factors

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

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

Pros & Cons

Sterling vs Zinc: 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)

Zinc

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 Sterling vs Zinc?

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)

GreenhouseWorkdayLever

Only in Sterling (3)

Bamboo HRADPZapier

Only in Zinc (3)

iCIMSSAP SuccessFactorsBambooHR

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Ask SIA which solution fits your business

SIA, Saaskart's AI buying assistant, weighs Sterling and Zinc 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 Zinc, Frequently Asked Questions

What is the difference between Sterling and Zinc?

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

Which is better, Sterling or Zinc?

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 Zinc?

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

Does Sterling or Zinc have a free plan?

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

Can I switch from Sterling to Zinc?

Switching between Sterling and Zinc 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 Zinc?

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

Our Verdict

The bottom line on Sterling vs Zinc

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 Zinc?

Visit Sterling Visit Zinc Ask SIA
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