SmartRecruiters vs Sterling Check: Which Should You Choose in 2026?
Choosing between SmartRecruiters and Sterling Check comes down to understanding what each tool does best. This comparison breaks down the key differences so you can make an informed decision based on your specific needs, not marketing claims.
By Toolradar Team · Last updated February 28, 2026 · Methodology
Short on time? Here's the quick answer
We've tested both tools. Here's who should pick what:
SmartRecruiters
AI-powered talent acquisition and recruitment software to streamline hiring and improve candidate experience.
Best for you if:
- • You want the higher-rated option (7.4/10 vs 0.0/10)
- • You need ats features specifically
- • AI-powered talent acquisition platform with ATS, CRM, and onboarding.
- • Streamlines hiring processes through automation, AI matching, and conversational AI.
Sterling Check
Comprehensive background checks and identity services for smarter hiring and faster onboarding.
Best for you if:
- • You need recruiting features specifically
- • Provides comprehensive pre-hire and post-hire background checks and identity services.
- • Offers industry-specific solutions with global reach and regional expertise.
| At a Glance |  SmartRecruiters |  Sterling Check |
|---|---|---|
Price | Paid | Paid |
Best For | ATS | Recruiting |
Rating | 74/100 | —/100 |
| Feature | SmartRecruiters | Sterling Check |
|---|---|---|
| Pricing Model | Paid | Paid |
| Editorial Score | 74 | — |
| Community Rating | No ratings yet | No ratings yet |
| Total Reviews | 0 | 0 |
| Community Upvotes | 0 | 0 |
| Categories | ATSRecruiting | RecruitingEmployee Onboarding |
How SmartRecruiters and Sterling Check Compare
SmartRecruiters
AI-powered talent acquisition and recruitment software to streamline hiring and improve candidate experience.
Paid · 74/100 score
Sterling Check
Comprehensive background checks and identity services for smarter hiring and faster onboarding.
Paid
SmartRecruiters is a ats tool. Sterling Check is in recruiting.
Who Should Use What?
On a budget?
Both are paid. Compare plans on their websites.
Go with: SmartRecruiters
Want the highest-rated option?
SmartRecruiters scores 74/100. Sterling Check is unrated.
Go with: SmartRecruiters
Value user reviews?
Neither has user reviews yet.
Go with: SmartRecruiters
3 Questions to Help You Decide
What's your budget?
Both are paid. Pricing won't help you decide here.
What's your use case?
SmartRecruiters is a ats tool. Sterling Check is in recruiting. Pick the category that matches your needs.
How important are ratings?
Not all tools have been rated yet.
Key Takeaways
SmartRecruiters
- Higher score: 74/100 vs unrated
- Our pick for this comparison
Sterling Check
- Better fit for recruiting
The Bottom Line
SmartRecruiters (74/100) is our pick.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is SmartRecruiters or Sterling Check better?
SmartRecruiters scores 74/100 in our evaluation. Both are paid.
What are SmartRecruiters and Sterling Check used for?
SmartRecruiters: AI-powered talent acquisition and recruitment software to streamline hiring and improve candidate experience.. Sterling Check: Comprehensive background checks and identity services for smarter hiring and faster onboarding..
What does SmartRecruiters cost vs Sterling Check?
SmartRecruiters is a paid tool. Sterling Check is a paid tool. Visit their websites for detailed pricing.