While most of us are used to “googling” for information and take it as the holy grail of information mining when it comes to locating friends, family, or business connections, there are better services out there.
If you’ve inferred that we were talking about people finder services, then you were correct. These services use the same approach that background check services use i.e. accessing public databases to collect and deliver the necessary information. However, there are numerous people search finder services and engines on the web, which can all be overwhelming for newcomers.
This is why we decided to bring you the best search finder services and engines that you can use in 2023.
Venturing into the realm of search sites was like navigating uncharted waters for us, but we refused to let that deter us from our meticulous approach. Our evaluation of these services took into account the following key factors:
Simplicity - We put their user interfaces to the test on all available platforms, such as their mobile apps, and not just their websites. We assessed them based on their ease of use and access.
Pricing - We conducted a thorough analysis of the prices charged by people finder sites, ensuring that the services offer maximum bang for your buck.
Database - We delved into the range and depth of information provided by each service, making note of any shortcomings.
Features - We scrutinized whether each service delivered on its advertised promises.
Accuracy - We verified the accuracy of the information provided through careful research.
User reviews - We scoured user reviews and complaints to gain a holistic understanding of each service's performance.
The best people search finder services and engines of 2023 in full:
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The detective among search sites, Instant Checkmate can help you find people easily via an interface that we found intuitive and perhaps the easiest to use. With an A+ rating from the Better Business Bureau (BBB), you can rest assured that the data you receive is reliable.
We like that the reports unlimited and are well presented, although searching can be slow. It offers reverse phone lookups, criminal records (arrests, prisoner searches, etc.). These searches can be further refined by adding city, ZIP, or state details.
However, the platform is not only used for criminal lookups; it can offer plenty of other details, such as an individual's phone number, court records, weapon permits, location history, address history, relatives, and much more.
While it is pricier than the competition, it does offer a trial for a mere dollar. Also, there is a PDF download option for $1.99 which can contain details that you selected while entering the search parameters, which we think is a very useful feature to have.
Read the full Instant Checkmate review.
Intelius serves over 300 million requests a month, making it one of the largest service providers on the list. With that, it offers reliable and fast results, but lacks some advanced functionalities seen with competitors.
In our experience, the download report function is a must-have in today’s digital world, and Intelius currently charges $3.99 for the reports, which is a bit much. The underlying data that lays the foundation for what Intelius can uncover is great, and includes some bits of data that other sites don’t seem to, like education history.
The platform offers a reverse phone search among its numerous features, with other examples of what you can uncover being (but not limited to): address history, phone numbers, bankruptcies, sexual offense, assets, arrest records, etc.
Moreover, as the platform itself is a veteran in the field, its user interface is clean and easy to use. We found the search fields to be intuitive and easy to populate, with the results being displayed in a digestible manner, despite querying public databases with extensive data. Beware, though, that it will only provide US-based results.
Read the full Intelius review.
TruthFinder is a versatile service that offers a range of different background checks. It also boasts an A+ rating from BBB, and the company also claims that it has over 60,000 five star reviews.
With its wide range of features, including public records, reverse phone lookup, persons search, and background check, you'll be able to unearth all the juicy details about anyone you want. Whether it's their name, phone number, physical location, or email address, TruthFinder covered it all for us.
Also, we thought the DarkWeb search option was a nice touch, ensuring that you or the person you are researching are not victims of online identity theft. This scan doesn't just search for information online but also keeps an eye out for potential identity theft down the road.
It was easy enough for us to download them via the website, but we also found the TruthFinder mobile app to be one of the best in the market.
Price wise, if you opt for a one month unlimited subscription, you will get all the reports you need and can own. Unfortunately, there is no free trial, and if you only want a one-off report - or two - then the cost may not be worth it. We also found the support options to be lacking somewhat, and there were some annoying pop-up ads and long search times for us to contend with.
Read the full Truthfinder review.
As the name suggests, US Search is at its most useful in the US where there are different data protection regulations compared with other regions like the European Union. If you’re going for a single package report, at just $1.99 it offers great value. However, if you’re looking to delve deeper into details, be prepared to shelve out more money.
The interface is intuitive, although it could use a refresher in our opinion. There is also no mobile app, which puts it behind the times a little. Regardless, it is usable and you will get your results very quickly. If you are looking to get information on social profiles, property ownership and value, phone numbers, personal details, employment, and education history, then US search has got you covered.
However, we did find there to be inaccuracies in a fair number of the reports we got, so they wouldn't suffice for official purposes, such as credit checks (US Search is not FCRA compliant) and employment.
Users also complain of hidden fees and lack of transparency when it comes to pricing, which could stem from the fact that there are numerous pricing options. Streamlining this aspect of their business would certainly benefit the firm and the users in our view.
In our experience, US search is best suited to limited multiple searches, while avoiding detailed reports as they can be costly.
Read the full US Search review.
BeenVerified is a comprehensive tool owned by Intelius, which also owns US Search and Instant Checkmate. It covers a variety of data, including social media information, criminal records, property information, and even vehicle data. It’s a behemoth in the field and offers a lot of bang for the buck.
What sets BeenVerified apart from the rest is its user-friendly interface, making it a top choice for first-time users. From pictures to social media profiles, and even criminal records, BeenVerified provided all the information we needed. We also found their support service to be great too.
The website offers paid accounts for those looking for more advanced features such as court records and complete background checks. This is where things come a bit unstuck for us, though. There is a paywall before search results are revealed, and you can't buy a single report - it is subscription only.
It is also not very clear on its pricing, forcing us to complete the whole search process (which can be time-consuming) before the price was revealed. We can tell you, though, that, at time of checking, the costs are $29.99 per month when you sign up month-to-month or $58.47 for three months, which works out to $19.49 per month.
While the firm often offers great discounts, the pricing in general is comparable to other premium services in the market, making the service that more attractive.
To cancel, you also have to call or email support to turn off auto-renew, and be careful to cancel well ahead of your next due bill.
Although BeenVerified is accessible worldwide, some of its perks are exclusively available to users within the US.
Read our full BeenVerified review.
Whitepages is another long-time player in the game that offers a free way to people search. We also though the mobile apps were great, which is handy if you prefer using your phone or tablet to search for information.
Paid plans offer more functionalities such as reverse phone lookup, background checks, public records, contact information, and much more. Unfortunately, these options are only available for premium (paying) users, and we found that the costs can mount up, but most other services have the same business model.
The user interface is clean and was easy to use for us, but if you do encounter any issues in using the service, Whitepages boasts great customer service that will be there to help you in an instant.
Users generally give great reviews to the platform, and the fact that there are free basic searches available makes it our go to place for initial searches.
Read the full Whitepages review.
Best people search finder services and engines FAQs
What is a people search finder?
These services are like a magician's hat - they promise to deliver what's on the label. However, their methods of helping you locate individuals (and their pertinent details) can differ drastically. Searching for someone by name, such as a distant cousin, is a breeze with most services. On the other hand, if you're fed up with unwelcome phone calls and wish to trace the caller, a reverse phone number search is necessary. Regardless of which type of search you initiate, all of these services belong to the same troupe of performers.
How can I choose the right people search finder?
As you contemplate delving into the depths of data, it's imperative to ponder over the type of information you possess and the kind you desire to unveil. It's no secret that most services tend to use the same databases, resulting in a barrage of uniform outcomes. However, not all platforms boast of similar search features, such as the much-coveted reverse phone number lookup. If you're still grappling with the selection process, take a moment to gauge the swiftness of their results generation. You wouldn't want to endure tedious hours of waiting when there's an option that can perform the task in a jiffy. Also, do ponder whether shelling out a considerable sum for premium services is truly worth it.
Should I pay to use a people search finder?
We recommend always checking out a free version before you plunge into the world of paid subscriptions, because you may be pleasantly surprised at what data you may get.
You could also check out social media profiles, which may be able to show you some superficial information. There are plenty of networks to choose from, including Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, and LinkedIn, and while they likely won’t give away personal information, they’re a great place for reaching out.
If you’re still wanting more, and a site can promise that, then it could be time to pay. Don’t sign up for a subscription, though, if this is likely to be a one-time search.
How do I remove myself from people search finders?
Povilas Reinotas of the data-deletion service Incogni has this to say:
"Exercising the right to remove your data from People Search Sites (PSS) can be more challenging compared to regular data brokers. Firstly, PSS often make it difficult to find the data removal option on their website. They typically only provide a “do not sell my personal information” option, which is required by law but allows them to keep your information for other purposes. In contrast, regular data brokers often accept data removal requests via email.
Moreover, PSS typically require you to fill out a web form to request data removal, if such an option even exists. This is different from regular data brokers, where a simple email request is a lot more likely to suffice. Another complication arises from the fact that the web form often asks for a link to the specific information you want to remove. This could enable PSS to retain some of your information, as you may not be able to locate all the data they have on you. Additionally, some individuals may feel discouraged or hesitant to complete the removal process if it involves conducting a search to find all their information.
Lastly, once you submit a data removal request to PSS, they may require further verification. This could involve providing copies of identification cards, bank statements, or utility bills. This extra step adds another layer of complexity to the process.
In summary, removing your data from People Search Sites involves navigating hidden data removal options, completing web forms, potentially leaving some information behind, and undergoing additional verification measures. This makes the process more intricate compared to regular data brokers."
Povilas Reinotas is a dedicated professional with a strong background in Political Science and International Relations. He is involved in the field of data protection and privacy laws, particularly focusing on the General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR) and the California Consumer Privacy Act (CCPA). In particular, Povilas's expertise lies in DSAR, as he has also conducted an in-depth analysis of the "right to erasure" process as part of his thesis.
How we tested the best people search finder services and engines
We've tested the best people search finder services and engines across numerous aspects, like the type of searches they perform, how long they take to complete checks, and the simplicity of their user interface.
We evaluated how easily users could use each search finder to find people they might know, and we considered whether the service could be accessed easily through mobile platforms and whether there were any human guidance features.
We also looked at their pricing plans and whether they were flexible regarding their offerings and pricing, among other things.
