Sterling 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
Sterling ranks higher on Top 11 (#4 vs #8) for Employers screening candidates. Best for its specialized solutions in healthcare, finance, and retail.
At a glance
| Sterling | Backgrounds Online | |
|---|---|---|
| Top 11 rank | #4 / The 11 Best Background Check Services | #8 / The 11 Best Background Check Services |
| Score (out of 9.4) | 8.6 | 7.8 |
| Best for | Vertical-specific screening | SMBs wanting personal service |
| Pricing | $$$ (Quote-based) | $ ($19 to $69+ per check) |
| HQ | New York, USA | Sacramento, USA |
| Founded | 1975 | 1997 |
Backgrounds 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.