GoodHire vs Xref: Pricing and Ratings Compared (2026)
Entry prices and free plans as read on each vendor's pricing page, and user ratings as published on review sites, for GoodHire and Xref side by side. This page compares data; it is not a hands-on review.
On the data: On the data below, GoodHire leads on lower entry price. We do not name an overall winner for this pair.
Short on time? Here's the quick answer
Based on published vendor pricing and features and on public review data, here's who should pick what:
GoodHire
Simply better employment background check services for companies of all sizes.
Best for you if:
- • You want significantly reduces time spent on processing background checks
Xref
Build better teams with automated reference, background, and engagement tools.
Best for you if:
- • You want significantly reduces time to hire through automation
| At a Glance | GoodHire | Xref |
|---|---|---|
Starts at | From $29.99/mo Basic plan | From $80/mo, billed monthly Starter plan |
Category | HR & Recruiting Compliance | HR & Recruiting AI Assistants |
Rating | 4.7/5 G2 4.6 · Capterra 4.8 396 reviews | 4.6/5 G2 4.6 503 reviews |
Free plan | No | No |
Choose GoodHire or Xref?
Choose GoodHire if
- You want significantly reduces time spent on processing background checks
- You want offers industry-leading low dispute rate for accuracy
- Budget matters ($29.99/mo vs $80/mo, billed monthly)
Choose Xref if
- You want significantly reduces time to hire through automation
- You want provides deep, quantifiable insights into candidates and employee sentiment
In-Depth Analysis
GoodHire
Simply better employment background check services for companies of all sizes.
GoodHire's pricing seems fair for the services offered, especially for companies needing comprehensive checks.
Strengths
- Pro: Significantly reduces time spent on processing background checks
- Pro: Offers industry-leading low dispute rate for accuracy
- Pro: Provides unparalleled compliance expertise and automated features
- Pro: Flexible and scalable for businesses of all sizes and industries
- Pro: Integrates with existing HR systems for seamless workflows
Weaknesses
- Con: Additional third-party fees may apply beyond base package costs
- Con: Pricing varies by annual volume, requiring a custom quote for larger needs
Key features
Xref
Build better teams with automated reference, background, and engagement tools.
Xref's pricing is reasonable for small to mid-sized businesses needing automated reference checks, with Starter at $80/month for up to 74 employees and Growth at $160/month for up to 150.
Strengths
- Pro: Significantly reduces time to hire through automation.
- Pro: Provides deep, quantifiable insights into candidates and employee sentiment.
- Pro: Ensures compliance with robust security and data protection measures (ISO 27001, GDPR).
- Pro: Offers a comprehensive suite of tools from pre-hire to post-exit.
- Pro: User-friendly interface and strong customer support.
Weaknesses
- Con: Specific pricing details are not publicly available, requiring a demo request.
- Con: The full benefits are realized with consistent use across multiple HR functions.
Key features
Plans and prices: GoodHire vs Xref
| Tool | Plans and prices | Source |
|---|---|---|
| GoodHire |
| goodhire.com/pricing read Oct 31, 2026 |
| Xref |
| xref.com/pricing read Oct 31, 2026 |
Prices as read on each vendor's own pricing page on the date shown. Plans are listed per tool and are not matched against the other tool's plans: a plan name or price in one column says nothing about the same row in the other. Details on GoodHire pricing and Xref pricing.
Key Takeaways
GoodHire
- Lower entry price: $29.99/mo vs $80/mo, billed monthly
Xref
- Choose if you want build better teams with automated reference, background, and engagement tools
What the data shows
On the data below, GoodHire leads on lower entry price. We do not name an overall winner for this pair.
- User ratings are within 0.2 points (4.7/5 from 396 reviews for GoodHire, 4.6/5 from 503 reviews for Xref).
- GoodHire has the lower entry price: $29.99/mo (Basic) against $80/mo, billed monthly (Starter) for Xref.
Criteria: user rating (only above 20 reviews on both sides, gap of 0.2 or more), entry price (only on the same billing basis), free plan. How we rate
Frequently Asked Questions
How do GoodHire and Xref compare in 2026?
On the data below, GoodHire leads on lower entry price. We do not name an overall winner for this pair. User ratings are within 0.2 points (4.7/5 from 396 reviews for GoodHire, 4.6/5 from 503 reviews for Xref). GoodHire has the lower entry price: $29.99/mo (Basic) against $80/mo, billed monthly (Starter) for Xref.
What are GoodHire and Xref used for?
GoodHire: Simply better employment background check services for companies of all sizes. Xref: Build better teams with automated reference, background, and engagement tools.
What does GoodHire cost vs Xref?
GoodHire's cheapest paid plan is Basic at $29.99/mo. Xref's cheapest paid plan is Starter at $80/mo, billed monthly. Prices read on the vendors' pricing pages, latest check Oct 31, 2026.
What's the main difference between GoodHire and Xref?
GoodHire's main strength: significantly reduces time spent on processing background checks. Xref's main strength: significantly reduces time to hire through automation.