People search sites offer this power, providing access to everything from contact details to criminal records. According to the Professional Background Screening Association (PBSA), 95% of US employers conduct employee background screening for potential hires.
To help you navigate people search sites, we've put together this guide based on my experience as an HR professional specializing in background check screening. We've assessed the best free and paid people search platforms, focusing on usability and compliance with privacy regulations.
Our expert picks will help you find the information you need while respecting privacy standards. Keep reading to discover the top people lookup sites.
» Check out our best phone number lookup sites & services.
Our 10 Best People Search Sites - Free and Paid in 2024:
- PeopleFinders- Best people search sites overall
- BeenVerified - Best for reverse email lookups to find a sender's details
- TruthFinder - Best for deep web personal information searches
- PeopleLooker - Best for an easy-to-use search interface
- Intelius - Best for reverse address lookups
- Instant Checkmate - Best for uncovering someone's criminal history
- US Search - Best for finding a person's business information
- Whitepages - Best for screening tenants' credit reports
- Spokeo - Best for aggregating data for detailed reports
- TruePeopleSearch - Best for free people searching services
How We Reviewed the Best People Search Sites - Free and Paid:
Our review team, consisting of data analysis professionals and consumer advocates, evaluated various people search sites using direct testing and comprehensive research.
They incorporated user feedback, scholarly research, customer reviews, and industry insights to determine the best people lookup platforms. The team assessed each platform based on the following criteria:
Evaluation Criteria
- Data accuracy: We ensured each site's information was precise, current, and sourced from reliable public records and databases.
- Information depth: We assessed the scope of personal details available, ranging from basic contact information to comprehensive background data.
- User experience: We evaluated each platform's usability, search functionality, and overall user-friendliness.
- Privacy and security: We prioritized sites with strict data protection measures and privacy policies that handle sensitive information responsibly.
- Extra features: We considered value-added features like reverse phone lookups, email searches, and background check integrations.
- Pricing and value: We compared pricing structures and subscription options, assessing the value of both free and paid services.
- Customer support: We tested the effectiveness of customer support and the availability of helpful resources.
- Reputation: We reviewed each company's standing on sites like Trustpilot and Better Business Bureau to gauge customer satisfaction.
A Closer Look at Our Best People Search Sites - Free and Paid: Our Quick Reviews
1. PeopleFinders
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- Best for - Finding family members and associates linked to a person
- Pricing - From $24.95/month
- Searches offered - Background, people, criminal background, reverse phone number, address, reverse e-mail
- Smartphone apps - Android and iOS
- Free version - Yes
With access to over 6,000 data sources, PeopleFinders has helped users search billions of records spanning the last 40+ years. In addition to basic contact information, it offers detailed background checks, including criminal records, bankruptcies, foreclosures, and court records in its Premium Membership.
Why we chose PeopleFinders: If you're receiving frequent unknown calls, the reverse phone search allows you to identify the mysterious caller. Once you've identified the perpetrator, you can block them to avoid unwanted interruptions. The platform also offers a $9.95 intro special for both subscription options.
Our experience: We were very impressed with the address lookup feature when planning a surprise party for a coworker. We used it to find and contact friends they had mentioned before. The process was simple and straightforward, and the addresses were accurate.
Pros
- Access to over 120 billion public records
- Excellent customer support
- Available on weekends
Cons
- The accuracy of records depends on sources and availability
- Doesn't provide social media handles in people's searches
Read full PeopleFinders review
2. BeenVerified
Provides academic credentials to validate educational qualifications 
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- Best for - Finding associated social media profiles
- Pricing - From $19.49/month
- Searches offered - People, reverse phone number, background, address, email, property, white pages
- Smartphone apps - Android and iOS
- Free version - No
BeenVerified combines several searches into one report, including phone, email, and address lookup. This simplifies the process if you need someone's detailed information quickly.
The platform also provides criminal record checks, helping you stay informed about an individual's legal past. This is crucial for maintaining security, as about one in three American adults has a criminal record,
Why we chose BeenVerified: Its asset search feature allows you to uncover someone's property ownership, making it a valuable tool for conducting financial background checks. This is particularly useful for investors who want to confirm someone's financial stability before engaging in business transactions.
Our experience: We recently checked our employees' work histories and licenses with BeenVerified. It was incredibly reassuring to see firsthand that everyone's qualifications were legitimate. This tool is invaluable for gauging the honesty of coworkers and clients.
Pros
- Notifications for report changes
- People Search reports are based on both current and past addresses
- Unclaimed money lookups can help you locate assets
Cons
- Paywall blocks search results until you pay
- Doesn't offer one-time searches
3. TruthFinder
Offers sex offender searches to help improve community safety
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- Best for - Managing your digital footprint
- Pricing - From $23.52/month
- Searches offered - People, reverse phone, background, reverse address, public records, reverse email, dark web
- Smartphone apps - Android and iOS
- Free version - No
TruthFinder lets you search hidden areas of the internet, uncovering in-depth details about people, like their chat room activity and passport numbers. The self-monitoring deep web feature can help you maintain your privacy. It tracks your online presence and notifies you if your credentials are compromised.
Why we chose TruthFinder: TruthFinder's interactive maps use visual aids to display addresses associated with your search subjects, making it easier to understand their locations at a glance. This feature is perfect for visual learners and researchers who prefer information presented in a different format.
Our experience: We used TruthFinder to verify the contact details of a job applicant. We were happy to see that it provided extensive contact details, including phone numbers and email addresses, that matched what he gave us.
Pros
- Offers detailed criminal record reports
- Can find education records that verify academic achievements
- Capable of searching traffic records for driving-related violations
Cons
- Search processes cancel if you accidentally close the browser window
- Subscription-based service only
4. PeopleLooker
Uncover connections with detailed public records and background checks
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- Best for - Receiving notifications when reports change
- Pricing - From $19.19/month
- Searches offered - People, phone numbers, relatives, addresses, criminal records, email, photos, court records, property, B2B, unclaimed money, background
- Smartphone apps - Android and iOS
- Free version - No
PeopleLooker provides a searchable database of combined public records from numerous sources. Its mobile app is useful for conducting a background check on someone while traveling. It's also handy if you’re a busy professional who needs flexibility in accessing information.
The customer-focused service ensures you get what you pay for without hidden fees or misleading tactics. The company doesn't conceal information behind escalating paywalls.
Why we chose PeopleLooker: It delivers rapid search results, which is perfect when you need quick information. The interface is user-friendly, with a simple design and large print. This makes navigation easy, even for those with limited tech skills or vision impairments.
Our experience: We turned to PeopleLooker to find the social media profiles of our coworker's potential new roommates. It was a surprisingly practical way to learn more about their online presence.
Pros
- Live customer support is available by phone and email
- You can search for usernames if you don't know a person's real name
- The seven-day trial allows up to 100 reports
Cons
- Possible tax charges on your monthly subscription
- You can only download the Android app directly from the homepage
» Learn what causes a red flag when doing a background check.
5. Intelius
Uncover who’s calling with easy phone number verification
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- Best for - Searching nearby sex offenders
- Pricing - From $21.35/month
- Searches offered - People, reverse phone, background, public records, criminal, traffic, reverse address, people directory, phone directory, trending names
- Smartphone apps - Android and iOS
- Free version - No
Intelius offers a reverse email lookup feature to verify email addresses. This tool is particularly helpful for companies that want to connect with professional contacts. Verifying email addresses can prevent fraud and ensure your communications are legitimate.
Plus, it has a public data suppression tool, demonstrating its commitment to accurate information and helping you combat misinformation.
Why we chose Intelius: With a people search membership, you can try the reverse phone feature for five days at $0.95. You can also trial address lookups for seven days at the same price. These are great options if you want more detailed reports on a budget.
Our experience: We found that real estate investors and those curious about property ownership can benefit from Intelius’ Property Records service. This feature gives information on a person's asset ownership and address history to help investors make purchasing decisions.
Pros
- Extensive list of 10 different search options
- You can authorize an Intelius agent to exercise user data rights for you
- Provides criminal records
Cons
- iPhone devices must be iOS 14.0 or later to host the mobile app
- Doesn't have a money-back guarantee
6. Instant Checkmate
Uncover criminal records, addresses, and social profiles instantly
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- Best for - Verifying inmate release dates
- Pricing - From $35.47/month
- Searches offered - Person, birth information, phone numbers, criminal records, traffic records, court records, phone reports
- Smartphone apps - Android only
- Free version - No
Instant Checkmate searches millions of national records, including traffic violations, criminal offenses, and arrest reports, providing you with clear insights into a person's background.
Whether you want to find an old friend's contact information or ensure your community's safety by identifying registered sex offenders, this platform supports your needs. You can easily access mugshots of registered sex offenders in your area, empowering you to stay informed and prioritize safety.
Why we chose Instant Checkmate: Instant Checkmate allows you to search for names, criminal records, and government watchlist status. You can find out if agencies are monitoring an individual and the reason why they're on a watchlist. 256-bit encryption ensures your searches remain confidential, so you can investigate without raising suspicions.
Our experience: We appreciated that Instant Checkmate includes an inmate checker among its services. This thoughtful feature allows previous victims to monitor inmates' location and release dates across the US.
Pros
- Offers unlimited searches on its plans
- The sample report details what you can expect from the services
- You can view the timeline of an individual's offenses
Cons
- Charges an additional $3.99 to download reports
- Accuracy may vary depending on the record source
Read full Instant Checkmate review
7. US Search
Discover associates within the social network of the people you search
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- Best for - Compiling an individual's asset value
- Pricing - From $59/month
- Searches offered - Addresses, phone numbers, social media profiles, email addresses, criminal, arrest, traffic records, assets, employment history, financial information, bankruptcies, and civil judgments
- Smartphone apps - No
- Free version - No
US Search is one of the first online public record search tools and started out in 1995 as a way to find old friends and relatives. It now uses millions of federal, state, and county databases to aid the search efforts of individuals and legal teams.
It compiles everything from a person's social media presence to their car's VIN number into one detailed report. The service is affordable, offering unlimited searches for a reasonable monthly fee.
Why we chose US Search: US Search helps you connect the dots by expanding your search to include a person's network. When available, the platform shows you your search subject's friends, relatives, and neighbors, providing a more comprehensive picture.
Our experience: We tested US Search's robust asset search feature by attempting to estimate a coworker's net worth. The tool revealed her vehicle history and ownership of a small apartment, allowing us to make an educated guess about her overall assets.
Pros
- You don't have to pay extra for PDF report downloads
- Five-day trial for $1.99
- Saves your report history in one place for easy access
Cons
- No mobile app available
- Cancellation requires a phone call
8. Whitepages
Lets you try out premium search features for just $1
- Best for - Verifying currently active emails
- Pricing - From $5.99/month
- Searches offered - Address, phone number, email address, background checks, criminal records, property records, tenant screening
- Smartphone apps - iOS and Android
- Free version - No
Whitepages is a trusted people-finding service with more than 30 million monthly customers. It uses algorithmic search technology to refine your results. Instead of throwing a bunch of outdated data at you, it verifies that email addresses are active and deliverable. To ensure your anonymity, it offers the Hide My Email feature to generate a unique account for its services.
Why we chose Whitepages: Unlike other services that offer limited "free" services without real value, Whitepages offers a 5-day trial at just $1. With it, you'll gain access to phone numbers, emails, addresses, and property information.
Our experience: We chose Whitepages' premium package for its Speed Search feature. We could effortlessly upload a list of names and instantly receive multiple reports, saving us valuable time.
Pros
- User-friendly iOS and Android applications
- Allows you to export a list of the contact information you compiled
- Provides access to the contact information of 275 million people
Cons
- Accessing its information outside of the US may trigger restrictions
- The Reverse Phone Lookup app is only available on iOS
9. Spokeo
Discover social profiles and detailed personal data from thousands of sources
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- Best for - Accessing over 12 billion data records
- Pricing - From $19.95/month
- Searches offered - People finder, reverse phone lookup, reverse email lookup, court records, criminal records, sex offender records, marriage and divorce records, family history lookup, work and wealth data.
- Smartphone apps - Android only
- Free version - Yes
Spokeo stands out for its massive database. It pulls over 12 billion data records from over 5000 distinct public sources. Spokeo expanded beyond public government records to include eCommerce, networking, and dating site data. This has made it a favorite service tool for people in real estate, law enforcement, and debt collection.
Why we chose Spokeo: Its sophisticated search engine uncovers a new level of personal details. Under wealth data, you can see a person's investments and even their estimated salary.
Our experience: We found Spokeo to be the ideal date preparation tool. It compiles extensive personal details, like hobbies and interests. It even uncovers social media, gaming, and music accounts. With Spokeo, you'll be well-equipped to navigate any first-date conversation.
Pros
- Provides updates on old searches
- Gives API access to utilize people's data in your own apps
- Large knowledge base of articles for all your questions
Cons
- Enhanced reports about certain licenses come at an extra fee
- Customer phone support isn't available 24/7
» Find out why you should do background checks when dating online.
10. TruePeopleSearch
Offers free API integration for sales intelligence
- Best for - Finding detailed personal information for free
- Pricing - Free
- Searches offered - Name search, phone search, address search, email search, reverse phone lookup, reverse address lookup
- Smartphone apps - iOS only
- Free version - Yes
TruePeopleSearch is an outstanding tool for finding people and learning more about them—all for free. It pulls information from more than 6000 data sources and it's all refreshed daily, making it as accurate as any paid service. Its user-friendly interface and extensive database make it a top choice for anyone looking to conduct people searches without any cost.
Why we chose TruePeopleSearch: We chose TruePeopleSearch for its free API access to over 120 billion records. The API can be used for contact enrichment and sales or marketing intelligence. You get 100 matches monthly with no setup, monthly fees, or contracts.
Our experience: We really liked that none of our own data was at risk while using the services. There are no accounts and no sign-up or login forms. It also uses SSL encryption to ensure you can find people safely and privately.
Pros
- Completely free with no hidden fees
- Free people search and reverse phonebook lookup apps
- No sign-up or login required
Cons
- Doesn't show any asset data
- No Android app
Compare the Best People Search Sites - Free and Paid:
Address, phone number, email address, background checks, criminal records, property records, tenant screening.
What Is a People Search Finder?
This online tool or website allows you to search for and find information about individuals. These services typically aggregate data from various public and private sources to compile profiles on people, including their contact information, addresses, social media profiles, and other publicly available details.
Most people search finders require you to input basic information about the person you're searching for, such as their name, location, or age. The service scans multiple databases and returns relevant information about the individual from public records, social media profiles, and other online sources.
People search finders may provide information with varying levels of accuracy and completeness. Depending on their sources, some services offer more comprehensive or current data.
Reasons to Use a People Search Site
- Reconnecting with lost contacts: These platforms help you find current contact information or social media profiles of people you've lost touch with, making it easier to reconnect.
- Evaluating individuals: Employers, landlords, or potential romantic partners can use these sites to access background information, such as criminal records, addresses, and social media activity, to assess someone's suitability or trustworthiness.
- Genealogy research: People searching for distant relatives or researching family history find these sites valuable for uncovering contact details and other information.
- Debt collection and investigations: Collection agencies, private investigators, and law enforcement may use these sites to locate individuals who owe money or have gone missing.
- Identity verification: These sites can confirm someone's identity by providing additional background details and online presence information.
- Personal curiosity: Some people use these sites simply to satisfy their curiosity about an individual or to conduct research for various reasons.
Finding the Right People Search Site for You
To ensure you get the most accurate and up-to-date information, choose a people search site that uses reliable sources like government records and verified online profiles. Top providers, like PeopleFinders and BeenVerified, invest in thorough data checks and have features that improve your search experience.
When evaluating your options, consider factors such as data quality, scope, and transparency. This will help you find a dependable people search site that delivers the information you need.
» Learn more about the do's and don'ts of background checks here.
FAQs
What's the most accurate people search?
The most accurate people search services access extensive, up-to-date databases. Top services like TruthFinder, Intelius, and BeenVerified gather information from public records, social media, and other sources for detailed reports. These sites maintain high accuracy through regular data updates.
What's the best way to search for a person?
The best way to search for a person is to use a combination of online tools and resources. Look up their name with keywords like hometown, age, workplace, or phone number. Public records databases and government websites can also provide valuable data, like legal information.
Is there a 100% free people search?
Yes, Unmask and That'sThem offer 100% free people search services. You can browse public records about individuals without charges, making them accessible options if you're on a budget.
How do people search sites get your information?
People search services gather information from various public and private sources, like property records, courts, marriage licenses, and social media profiles. Additionally, some sites purchase data from third-party companies specializing in collecting and selling personal information.
Are people search sites accurate?
People search sites can vary in accuracy depending on the site and its sources. It also depends on your search subject’s presence in public records and online databases. However, regardless of how accurate the information seems, it's wise to verify the details from multiple sources.
