First Advantage vs Backgrounds Online
Side-by-side from the Top 11 ranking of The 11 Best Background Check Services. Last verified June 13, 2026.
The short answer
First Advantage ranks higher on Top 11 (#6 vs #8) for Employers screening candidates. Best for transportation and logistics with specialized DOT compliance management.
At a glance
| First Advantage | Backgrounds Online | |
|---|---|---|
| Top 11 rank | #6 / The 11 Best Background Check Services | #8 / The 11 Best Background Check Services |
| Score (out of 9.4) | 8.1 | 7.8 |
| Best for | Enterprise fleet & logistics | SMBs wanting personal service |
| Pricing | $$$ (Quote-based) | $ ($19 to $69+ per check) |
| HQ | Atlanta, USA | Sacramento, USA |
| Founded | 2003 | 1997 |
First Advantage
Best for transportation and logistics with specialized DOT compliance management.
fadv.comBackgrounds Online
Best for its top-tier customer support and transparent pricing for small organizations.
www.backgroundsonline.comMethodology and scoring weights live at /methodology. No vendor pays for placement — see about.