What is MyLife and Why Look for Alternatives?
Limitations of MyLife
MyLife, while a popular background check service, has some limitations that may prompt users to seek alternatives:
- Some users have reported inaccurate or outdated information in MyLife’s reports
- MyLife’s pricing model can be confusing, with some services requiring additional fees
- Customer support has been inconsistent, with some users experiencing long response times
- MyLife’s interface is not as user-friendly as some of its competitors
MyLife has faced criticism over the years for certain practices. For an in-depth look, check out our MyLife review.
Benefits of Exploring MyLife Alternatives
There are several benefits to considering MyLife alternatives for your background check needs:
- You may find a service with more accurate and up-to-date information
- Alternative providers may offer more transparent and affordable pricing models
- Exploring competitors can reveal unique features and specializations that better fit your needs
- You may discover a background check service with better customer support and user experience
How We Evaluated the Best MyLife Alternatives
Key Criteria for Ranking MyLife Competitors
To determine the best MyLife alternatives, we evaluated each service based on the following key criteria:
- Accuracy and comprehensiveness of data sources
- Pricing model and overall value
- Ease of use and user interface
- Customer support and service
- Unique features and specializations
- Compliance with relevant regulations like the FCRA
- Customer reviews and industry reputation
By weighing these factors, we were able to identify the top 18 MyLife alternatives that excel in meeting various background check needs.
The 18 Best Alternatives to MyLife in 2024
I’ll dive into the specifics of how each MyLife alternative performs shortly, but here are a few of my top overall picks:
- BeenVerified – Best overall for accurate, comprehensive background reports at an affordable price. Intuitive interface and mobile apps.
- Intelius – Excels at people searches. Aggregates data from over 20 billion records. Straightforward pricing.
- Instant Checkmate – Ideal for criminal and arrest records. User-friendly reports. Offers reverse phone and email lookups.
- GoodHire – Top choice for employment screening. FCRA-certified. Integration with popular ATS platforms. 99.9% data accuracy.
But those are just a few highlights. Let’s explore the features, pricing, pros and cons of each MyLife alternative in more depth, so you can choose the best fit for your specific needs.
1. BeenVerified
Founded in 2007, BeenVerified has built a reputation as one of the most reliable and user-friendly background check sites.
Key Features:
- Accurate people search results sourced from millions of public records
- Detailed background reports including criminal records, bankruptcies, property records, and more
- Reverse phone, email, and address lookups
- Easy-to-use mobile apps for iOS and Android
- Transparent, affordable pricing with unlimited reports
Pricing:
- $26.89/month for monthly memberships
- $17.48/month for 3-month memberships
Pros:
- Consistently delivers accurate, up-to-date information
- Intuitive interface makes it easy to find who you’re looking for
- Comprehensive reports combine data from multiple sources
- A+ rating from the Better Business Bureau
Cons:
- No single reports – requires a subscription
- Some details can be missing or outdated in certain records
2. Intelius
Intelius is one of the longest-running background check providers, with over 50 million users served since 2003. They’re known for extensive people search data.
Key Features:
- Aggregates data from over 20 billion public records
- Detailed people search reports with contact info, location history, relatives, and more
- Background checks can include criminal records and lawsuits
- Offers reverse phone lookups and identity protection
- Mobile-responsive web interface
Pricing:
- People search: $0.95 for a 5-day trial, then $19.95/month
- Background check: $39.95 per report
- Reverse phone lookup: $0.95 for a 5-day trial, then $19.95/month
Pros:
- Comprehensive people search database with billions of records
- Simple, affordable pricing plans
- Finds connections between people, relatives, addresses, and more
- Helpful US-based customer support team
Cons:
- Additional fees for downloading reports or expanded details
- Interface feels a bit dated compared to some other services
- Some records can be incomplete or inaccurate
3. Instant Checkmate
Launched in 2010, Instant Checkmate stands out for detailed criminal background checks and an intuitive user experience.
Key Features:
- Specializes in criminal records and arrest data from federal, state, and county databases
- Comprehensive background reports featuring location history, social media accounts, relatives, and more
- Reverse phone and email lookups to identify mystery contacts
- Mobile apps for background checks on the go
- US-based customer support
Pricing:
- $34.78/month for a 1-month plan
- $27.82/month for a 3-month plan
Pros:
- One of the best choices for in-depth criminal background checks
- Informative, user-friendly reports
- Multiple ways to search, including name, phone, or email
- Accesses data from a wide range of sources
- Unlimited reports with membership
Cons:
- Higher base price than some other services
- Focuses mainly on criminal records over other data points
- Marketing tactics can feel aggressive to some users
4. TruthFinder
TruthFinder sets itself apart with unique features like self-monitoring tools and dark web scans.
Key Features:
- Detailed background reports including criminal records, contact info, social media profiles, and more
- Unique self-search feature to monitor your own online presence
- Dark web scan identifies compromised personal information
- Location history, property records, and education history often included
Pricing:
- $27.78/month for 1-month plans
- $23.02/month for 2-month plans
Pros:
- Distinctive self-search tool provides valuable online privacy insights
- Reports are generally reliable and return a wealth of data points
- Dark web scan is a nice value-added feature
- Straightforward pricing with unlimited reports
Cons:
- No true trial period or pay-per-report option
- Tends to be pricier than its closest competitors
- Some details can be outdated or inaccurate as with any database
5. PeopleFinders
PeopleFinders has provided people search and background check services since 1999, with a focus on simplicity.
Key Features:
- People search reports with age, relatives, contact info, location history and more
- Background checks can uncover criminal records, judgments, sex offender status and other key details
- Reverse phone, email and address lookups
- Business data to research companies and executives
- Easy-to-use web and mobile interfaces
Pricing:
- People search:$24.95/month or $3.95 for a single report
- Background check: $39.95 per report
- Reverse phone lookup: $4.95 per report
Pros:
- Flexible pay-as-you-go option for one-off searches
- Minimal learning curve to get started
- Consistent high ratings for customer satisfaction
- Clear, user-friendly reports
Cons:
- Subscription required for full access vs. one-off reports
- Data is generally reliable but some records can be incomplete
- Lacks mobile apps offered by some competitors
6. US Search
As one of the earliest online people search engines, US Search offers basic contact information lookup at an affordable price.
Key Features:
- People search data including age, relatives, current and past addresses and phone numbers
- Additional details like email addresses, social profiles and background info available for an added fee
- Aggregates data from multiple sources into one report
- Pay-as-you-go pricing model
Pricing:
- People search: $2.45 for a single report
- OmniSearch report: $19.95 includes email, social profiles and more
Pros:
- One of the most affordable options for basic people searches
- No subscription required
- Easy-to-use interface
- Accesses data from a variety of public record sources
Cons:
- More limited data compared to other full-featured background check services
- Additional charges for info beyond basic contact details
- No mobile apps
- Some data can be outdated or inaccurate
7. PeopleLooker
PeopleLooker emphasizes an intuitive user experience and affordable, unlimited background checks.
Key Features:
- Detailed background reports including criminal records, contact info, relatives, social media profiles and more
- Reverse phone and email lookup tools
- Location history, property ownership and other key details provided
- Unlimited searches with a paid membership
Pricing:
- $18.28/month for a 1-month subscription
- $13.71/month for a 3-month subscription
Pros:
- Unlimited searches included with any paid plan
- Consistently delivers reliable, comprehensive reports
- Intuitive website and mobile apps
- Excellent customer service and support resources
Cons:
- Requires a recurring subscription for access vs. one-off reports
- Marketing emails and refund process can be confusing to some users
- Higher base price than some budget-friendly competitors
8. Spokeo
Spokeo has served over 20 million users since 2006 and is known for its powerful people search algorithm.
Key Features:
- Advanced people search aggregating data from 12 billion records
- Can often uncover emails, social media profiles, interests/hobbies and more
- Reverse phone, email and address lookups
- Offers individual data lookups a la carte
- Wealth data available including property ownership and estimated income
Pricing:
- People search: $7.95 per report or $13.95/month for 6 months
- Reverse phone lookup: $0.95 per number
- Wealth data add-on: Additional $5 per report
Pros:
- Powerful search algorithms often return hard-to-find info like social profiles and photos
- Handy browser extension for on-the-go searching
- Unique “wealth data” intel provides useful context
- Option to purchase one-off reports vs. subscription
Cons:
- Some reports contain limited or outdated information
- Full access requires a subscription on top of search fees
- Interface isn’t always intutive to navigate
- Better for casual lookups than official background checks
9. PeopleWhiz
PeopleWhiz offers reliable, FCRA-compliant background checks geared towards employers and landlords.
Key Features:
- Full-service background checks for pre-employment or tenant screening
- Includes SSN validation, criminal records, sex offender status and more
- Can verify education, employment history and credentials
- Customizable screening packages to fit different needs
- FCRA-certified staff ensures compliance
Pricing:
- Basic background check: $20 per applicant
- Standard background check: $45 per applicant
- Premium background check: $75 per applicant
Pros:
- Tailored screening packages for specific industries or roles
- FCRA-certified process protects against compliance issues
- Fast turnaround times, usually within 1-2 days
- Integrates with popular ATS and property management software
Cons:
- Not ideal for casual people searches – employer focused
- Pricing model can be complex with various add-ons
- Some very recent records may not yet be in databases
- No mobile apps for on-the-go screening
10. Whitepages
Whitepages is a pioneer of the online phone book space and offers unique data for people searches and background checks.
Key Features:
- Extensive, accurate people search results powered by its own databases
- “Pro” subscriptions for more detailed background info like criminal records, bankruptcies and liens
- Tenant screening services verify identity and include eviction history
- Business data covers executives, company details and more
Pricing:
- People search: Free for basic info, $4.99/month for 20 “Pro” searches
- Background checks: $10 pay-as-you-go or $19.99/month for unlimited
- Tenant screening: $49.99 per report
Pros:
- Leverages over 20 years of proprietary data for reliable results
- Flexible pricing for casual and power users
- Useful niche searches like business and tenant screening data
- Often the best choice for hard-to-find contact info
Cons:
- Free results are very limited compared to paid reports
- Per-search fees can add up quickly
- “Pro” interface has a slight learning curve
- Customer support can be hit-or-miss
11. Checkmate
Checkmate is a popular choice for straightforward, unlimited background checks and people searches.
Key Features:
- Comprehensive reports covering criminal/arrest records, addresses, phone numbers, email and more
- Searches data from millions of public records in all 50 states
- Monthly subscription provides unlimited searches
- Offers add-ons like reverse phone and email lookup
Pricing:
- $34.78/month for a 1-month plan
- $27.82/month for a 3-month plan
Pros:
- Delivers highly detailed reports compared to many competitors
- Unlimited searches with any subscription
- Includes email and phone lookups with premium plans
- Mobile-optimized web interface
Cons:
- No option for one-off reports without a subscription
- Base price is higher than some budget-friendly services
- Refund process can be confusing to some customers
- Some very recent data may not yet be searchable
12. GoodHire
GoodHire provides FCRA-certified pre-employment screening services tailored to the needs of HR teams.
Key Features:
- Comprehensive background checks compliant with FCRA and EEOC regulations
- Can include criminal records, verifications, drug screening and more
- Integrates with major ATS platforms like Greenhouse and Lever
- Built-in compliance features like candidate consent and adverse action
Pricing:
- Basic background check: $29.99 per candidate
- Standard background check: $54.99 per candidate
- Premium background check: $79.99 per candidate
Pros:
- One of the highest accuracy ratings in the industry at 99.9%
- Full-service, FCRA-certified process to minimize compliance risk
- Tailored screening packages for different industries and roles
- US-based customer service team
Cons:
- Not for casual people searches – employer focused
- Can be pricier than some competitors, though pricing is transparent
- Drug screening and some verifications cost extra
- Requires business verification to get started
13. First Advantage
First Advantage is a global leader in background screening and identity services for employers.
Key Features:
- Wide range of screening services including criminal checks, verifications, drug testing and more
- Supports FCRA compliance with built-in consent and disclosure processes
- Extensive international screening capabilities
- Integrates with leading HR software like Workday and iCIMS
Pricing:
- Basic background check: $30-$50 per candidate
- Standard background check: $60-$80 per candidate
- Premium background check: $80+ per candidate
- A la carte pricing for individual searches also available
Pros:
- Well-established provider trusted by many large enterprises
- Robust global screening options for international employers
- Intuitive platform and candidate experience
- Large partner network for drug and health screening
Cons:
- Generally pricier than newer, tech-forward competitors
- Setup and implementation can be more involved
- Inconsistent customer service experiences reported by some users
- Base plans somewhat limited – many services cost extra
14. Sterling
Sterling provides a variety of tech-enabled employment screening and identity verification services.
Key Features:
- Background checks including criminal records, sanctions, credit reports and more
- Unique identity verification and fraud detection solutions
- Focuses on compliance and has in-house legal expertise
- Integrates via API with many ATS and HRIS platforms
Pricing:
- Employer must contact Sterling for custom quote based on specific needs
Pros:
- Cutting-edge technology yields fast, accurate results
- Invests heavily in data security and privacy
- Proactive compliance and legal guidance
- Serves both small businesses and large enterprises
Cons:
- Pricing isn’t transparent – requires custom quote
- Some customers report longer than expected turnaround times
- Support responsiveness and quality can be hit-or-miss
- User interface isn’t always intuitive for hiring managers
15. HireRight
HireRight delivers a broad suite of global screening services geared towards enterprises and high-volume hiring.
Key Features:
- 150+ background screening services across 200+ countries and territories
- Includes criminal checks, education/employment verification, drug and health screening and more
- Advanced integration and workflow capabilities for high-volume hiring
- Mobile-optimized candidate experience
Pricing:
- Contact HireRight for a custom quote tailored to your organization’s needs
Pros:
- Trusted by many large global enterprises
- Extensive international screening capabilities
- Flexibility to create customized screening packages
- Deep expertise in complex compliance issues
Cons:
- Pricing model lacks transparency
- Implementation and integration can be lengthy
- Some customers report issues with data accuracy
- Inconsistent customer support reported by some users
16. AccurateNow
AccurateNow provides streamlined, tech-forward pre-employment screening with transparent pricing.
Key Features:
- Fast, FCRA-compliant background checks for businesses of all sizes
- Includes SSN trace, criminal records, sex offender search and more
- Intuitive, mobile-optimized employer and candidate portals
- Straightforward, pay-as-you-go pricing with no hidden fees
Pricing:
- Basic background check: $29.95 per candidate
- Standard background check: $59.95 per candidate
- A la carte searches also available from $6.95 each
Pros:
- Simple, affordable pricing with no minimums or contracts
- Easy-to-use platform for both hiring managers and applicants
- Accesses data from extensive network of criminal record databases
- Responsive US-based customer support team
Cons:
- Focuses mainly on core screening vs. niche searches
- International checks have limited coverage
- Some a la carte searches can add up for more in-depth screens
- Less flexibility than larger competitors for high-volume needs
17. InfoMart
InfoMart has over 30 years of experience providing global background screening solutions.
Key Features:
- Comprehensive screening services for businesses across industries
- Covers criminal history, education/employment, professional licenses and more
- Proprietary technology leverages automation for speed and accuracy
- Strong global capabilities with screening in 200+ countries
Pricing:
- Must contact InfoMart for pricing tailored to your organization’s specific needs
Pros:
- Longstanding industry experience and deep compliance expertise
- Powerful tech delivers results quickly without sacrificing accuracy
- Offers unique services like continuous criminal monitoring
- Helpful resource center with guides, checklists and more
Cons:
- Pricing not disclosed – requires a custom quote
- Some customers report longer turnaround times than expected
- Support quality and responsiveness can be inconsistent
- Can be overkill for small businesses with basic screening needs
18. PreCheck
PreCheck specializes in healthcare and volunteer organization background screening.
Key Features:
- Background screening tailored to healthcare employers and volunteer programs
- Includes sanctions and exclusions, license verification, drug testing and more
- Partners with leading healthcare HR platforms like HealthcareSource
- Offers unique medical compliance solutions like exclusion monitoring
Pricing:
- Contact PreCheck for a customized quote based on your needs
Pros:
- Niche expertise in healthcare and volunteer screening compliance
- Comprehensive services cover full range of healthcare requirements
- Extensive partner network for drug testing and other add-ons
- Helpful resources like webinars and guides for healthcare HR
Cons:
- Not ideal for employers outside healthcare/volunteer niches
- Pricing isn’t disclosed publicly
- Onboarding and setup can be complex and time-consuming
- Outdated user interface reported by some customers
Key Factors to Consider When Choosing a MyLife Alternative
With so many choices, how do you determine the best MyLife alternative for your needs? Consider these key factors:
Comprehensive, Accurate Data
The best background check services access data from millions of public records across federal, state, and county databases. Look for providers that use multiple reliable sources to compile reports.
Affordable, Transparent Pricing
Pricing models vary, from one-off reports to monthly subscriptions. The best value will depend on your usage – occasional searches may be cheaper a la carte, while frequent checks are often best with a subscription. Watch out for hidden fees.
Intuitive User Experience
An intuitive interface will make your screening process much smoother. Look for easy-to-navigate portals with clear steps for both hiring managers and candidates. Mobile-friendly design is also a plus.
Unique Features
Consider your specific needs to determine which unique features matter most. Healthcare employers, for instance, may prioritize license verification and sanction searches. Those hiring remote workers may value extensive international screening capabilities.
MyLife Alternatives FAQ
Still have questions? Here are answers to some common queries about MyLife alternatives:
What are the best free MyLife alternatives?
Most reputable background check providers charge some fee for their services, since compiling reports involves paying for access to various databases. However, some options like US Search offer very affordable a la carte pricing for basic people searches.
How do I know if a MyLife competitor is legit?
Look for established providers that are transparent about their practices, comply with relevant regulations like the FCRA, and have positive customer reviews. Reputable services will clearly explain their data sources and have a fair dispute resolution process.
Are there any MyLife alternatives that don’t require a subscription?
Yes, many services like Intelius, PeopleFinders and Whitepages offer one-off reports for a fixed fee. This pay-as-you-go model can be cost-effective for infrequent searches. Others like GoodHire and AccurateNow charge per candidate screened.
Which MyLife alternatives are best for tenant screening?
Look for providers that offer comprehensive reports tailored to tenant screening, often including eviction history, credit checks and income/employment verification. Instant Checkmate, PeopleWhiz and RentPrep are popular choices.
Can I get a refund if I’m not satisfied with a MyLife alternative?
Refund policies vary by provider. Many offer some form of money-back guarantee, often 5-10 days, if you’re unsatisfied with the results. However, some may deduct processing fees or pro-rate based on usage. Always check the specific terms before purchasing.
How do I remove my information from MyLife?
If you want to opt-out of MyLife, follow the steps outlined in this guide.
Key Takeaways
- There are many high-quality MyLife alternatives for background checks and people searches, each with unique strengths. Top options include BeenVerified, Intelius, Instant Checkmate and GoodHire.
- Consider key factors like data accuracy, pricing, ease of use, and special features when choosing the best service for your needs.
- Background check providers vary in their pricing models, from one-off reports to monthly subscriptions. The best value depends on your expected usage.
- Pay attention to compliance with relevant laws like the FCRA, and look for transparency around data sources and dispute policies to ensure you’re using a reputable service.
- Many top background check companies now offer mobile-optimized designs, international screening, and direct integrations with popular HR software.
Navigating the complex world of online background checks can feel overwhelming, but armed with the right information, you’re well equipped to choose a MyLife alternative that delivers the speed, accuracy, and reliability you need. Whether you opt for an budget-friendly people search tool or a comprehensive employment screening platform, the perfect fit for your specific use case is out there.
