Sterling Check vs SmartRecruiters: Which Should You Choose in 2026?
Choosing between Sterling Check and SmartRecruiters 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:
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.
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.
| At a Glance |  Sterling Check |  SmartRecruiters |
|---|---|---|
Price | Paid | Paid |
Best For | Recruiting | ATS |
Rating | —/100 | 74/100 |
| Feature | Sterling Check | SmartRecruiters |
|---|---|---|
| Pricing Model | Paid | Paid |
| Editorial Score | — | 74 |
| Community Rating | No ratings yet | No ratings yet |
| Total Reviews | 0 | 0 |
| Community Upvotes | 0 | 0 |
| Categories | RecruitingEmployee Onboarding | ATSRecruiting |
How Sterling Check and SmartRecruiters Compare
Sterling Check
Comprehensive background checks and identity services for smarter hiring and faster onboarding.
Paid
SmartRecruiters
AI-powered talent acquisition and recruitment software to streamline hiring and improve candidate experience.
Paid · 74/100 score
Sterling Check is a recruiting tool. SmartRecruiters is in ats.
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?
Sterling Check is a recruiting tool. SmartRecruiters is in ats. 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 Sterling Check or SmartRecruiters better?
SmartRecruiters scores 74/100 in our evaluation. Both are paid.
What are Sterling Check and SmartRecruiters used for?
Sterling Check: Comprehensive background checks and identity services for smarter hiring and faster onboarding.. SmartRecruiters: AI-powered talent acquisition and recruitment software to streamline hiring and improve candidate experience..
What does Sterling Check cost vs SmartRecruiters?
Sterling Check is a paid tool. SmartRecruiters is a paid tool. Visit their websites for detailed pricing.