15 Best Spokeo Alternatives (Free & Paid) in 2023

In today‘s digital age, access to information is just a few clicks away. People search platforms have emerged as powerful tools to look up details about individuals, enabling users to uncover valuable insights ranging from basic contact information to comprehensive background reports.

Spokeo rose to prominence as a leading people search engine, garnering over 12 million monthly visitors at its peak. However, in recent years many viable alternatives have come to the forefront, each with unique strengths and specializations.

Join us as we explore 15 of the top Spokeo alternatives available in 2023. We will analyze their key features, pros and cons, and highlight what distinguishes each platform. Whether you are looking to verify identities, perform due diligence, reconnect with old contacts or research prospective dates, this guide will help you find the right people search tool for your needs.

1. Instant Checkmate

Launched in 2010, Instant Checkmate is now one of the most widely used Spokeo alternatives. Their specialty lies in detailed background checks, powered by a database of over 1 billion public records.

Key features include:

  • Comprehensive background reports covering criminal records, contact information, marriages/divorces, bankruptcies, foreclosures, online footprint and more
  • Options for single or unlimited reports
  • User-friendly interface with robust search capabilities
  • Available on desktop and mobile apps
  • Regular website updates for accuracy

Pros

  • Unparalleled depth of background reports
  • Useful tracking features like alert notifications
  • Ranked amongst the most accurate consumer reporting agencies

Cons

  • Membership fees required for full reports
  • Information not always up to date or verified

Overall, Instant Checkmate shines for its wealth of information on individuals across numerous parameters. The level of detail in their background reports is hard to match, making this a top choice for due diligence and risk mitigation. However, the reliability of data could be improved and the pricing may deter casual users looking for basic information.

2. TruthFinder

Emerging as a top competitor to Instant Checkmate, TruthFinder offers AI-powered people search and background screening. Key features include:

  • Diverse search options including phone number lookup, email address search, reverse address lookup and more
  • Criminal records, contact information, social media profiles, traffic history and other public records
  • Dark web scan for compromised information
  • Available on web, iOS and Android
  • Pricing tiers for unlimited vs single reports

Pros

  • Clean, user-friendly interface and search process
  • Useful identity verification and risk indication tools
  • Regularly updated database for accuracy

Cons

  • Membership mandatory for full reports
  • Some inaccurate or outdated information

TruthFinder matches Instant Checkmate in the depth of background checks while adding handy unique features like dark web monitoring and user-friendly design. However, the reliability of reports is still hindered by outdated or unverified information.

3. BeenVerified

BeenVerified differentiates itself through speed, simplicity and accuracy of results. Their key features include:

  • Quick turnaround on background check reports
  • Diverse search options including reverse phone lookup, address history and more
  • Reports include criminal checks, contact info, social media profiles, education history and more
  • Available on web and mobile
  • Flexible pricing from single reports to subscriptions

Pros

  • Emphasis on providing the most accurate, timely data
  • Useful reputation monitoring tools
  • Multiple means of identity verification

Cons

  • Web interface less intuitive than some competitors
  • Fewer parameters in background check vs Instant Checkmate

BeenVerified is one of the most accurate people search services, aided by constant information updates and multiple verification touchpoints. The quick results and reputation monitoring provide useful protections. However, the scope of their background reports is limited compared to market leaders.

4. Intelius

Intelius operates one of the largest online people search databases, with over 20 billion public records. Their key offerings include:

  • In-depth background checks covering criminal history, bankruptcies, court records and more
  • Reverse phone number lookup, email address search and identity verification services
  • Available through web search or monthly subscription plans
  • FCRA-compliant reports

Pros

  • Vast database provides extensive background report details
  • Useful reputation monitoring tools
  • Regular updates to maintain accuracy

Cons

  • Dated web interface less user-friendly than newer tools
  • Reverse search capabilities more limited than some competitors

Intelius provides extensive information on individuals thanks to its vast public records database. However, the platform lacks some innovations in user experience and search capabilities seen in newer tools. But for traditional background screening, Intelius remains a reliable choice.

5. PeekYou

PeekYou brings a unique focus on connecting digital footprints across social media and web presence. Key features include:

  • Social media aggregation tools to compile profiles from Facebook, Twitter, LinkedIn and hundreds of sites
  • Reverse email lookup and username search capabilities
  • Real-time monitoring alerts
  • Basic access free, paid plans for reports and monitoring

Pros

  • Powerful profiling through social media aggregation
  • Useful for investigating online identities
  • Free basic access

Cons

  • Limited customization in paid reports
  • Information often outdated or unverified

For exploring individuals‘ digital footprints, PeekYou has an edge with their social media aggregation tools. The ability to compile profiles from numerous sites provides unique insights. However, more serious background checks require turning to more specialized platforms.

6. PeopleFinders

PeopleFinders emphasizes convenience and ease of use in people search. Key features include:

  • Search by name, phone, address, email, username and more
  • Comprehensive background checks including criminal records, contact info, relatives, etc.
  • Reverse phone lookup and identity verification services
  • User-friendly web interface and mobile app
  • Flexible subscription plans

Pros

  • Convenient search features like voice assistant integration
  • Useful customization settings for saved searches and reports
  • Responsive customer support

Cons

  • Information can sometimes be outdated or inaccurate
  • Limited social media aggregation capabilities

PeopleFinders makes access to background checks and public records seamless through their user-friendly interface and responsive support. The voice assistant integration adds a touch of modern convenience. However, the reliability and online footprint data is not on par with top-tier platforms.

7. ZabaSearch

ZabaSearch distinguishes itself by providing basic people search services for free. Key features:

  • Free search by name, address, phone number, email
  • Reverse phone lookup to identify name by number
  • Available through desktop site or mobile app
  • Paid plans unlock more detailed reports

Pros

  • Completely free basic access
  • Helpful reverse phone lookup capability
  • User-friendly ad-free interface

Cons

  • Very limited information without paid subscription
  • No background check or social media aggregation capabilities

For basic contact information lookup, ZabaSearch provides helpful free access. However, their capabilities are limited compared to more full-featured platforms, especially for background checks and identity verification. But the free reverse phone lookup adds unique value.

8. Spokeo

The platform that started it all, Spokeo offers a wide range of people search services. Key features include:

  • Aggregates data from hundreds of sources including social networks, public records, marketing lists
  • Options to search by name, username, email, phone number and more
  • Reverse phone lookup capability
  • Paid packages for background checks, custom reports and monitoring

Pros

  • Impressive depth of information from aggregating so many sources
  • Useful customization options for monitoring and alerts

Cons

  • Accuracy and reliability of information is questionable
  • Complaints around removal of inaccurate or outdated information

Spokeo set the standard for online people search through its impressive aggregation of information sources. However, concerns around information accuracy and lack of source transparency make Spokeo less reliable than some newer competitors. But custom monitoring features are useful for ongoing tracking.

9. Radaris

Radaris focuses on public records access and verification. Key features include:

  • Search by name, phone number, address, email, social media username
  • Instant identity verification through SSN and other data points
  • Criminal records, income details, property ownership and other public documents
  • Web and mobile access
  • Ability to update or remove outdated information

Pros

  • Extensive public records access
  • Useful identity verification and reputation management capabilities
  • Transparent source citations

Cons

  • Cluttered interface and ads affect user experience
  • Limited background report customization

Radaris offers users control over their information through useful reputation management and updating tools. Source transparency also adds credibility. However, the ad-heavy interface can be distracting and reports lack the customization of other paid services.

10. Whitepages

Whitepages provides straightforward people and business search functions. Key features include:

  • Free search by name, phone number, address
  • Reverse phone number lookup
  • Paid plans for background checks, public records access and monitoring
  • Identity verification services
  • Mobile apps for Android and iOS

Pros

  • Clean, user-friendly interface
  • Integration with platforms like Salesforce
  • Responsive customer service

Cons

  • Limited customization options for reports
  • Thin availability of information internationally

For domestic people search from the US and Canada, Whitepages provides reliable results through a polished interface. Their responsive support and enterprise integration are added advantages. However, limited international data availability hinders more global searches.

11. FastPeopleSearch

As the name suggests, FastPeopleSearch prioritizes delivering quick and easy access to public data. Key features include:

  • Free search by name, phone number, email or address
  • Reverse phone number lookup
  • Criminal records, contact info, relatives and other public documents
  • Ad-free clean interface
  • Paid plans for background checks and reports

Pros

  • Speedy results in real-time
  • Useful free reverse phone lookup
  • Clean user experience

Cons

  • Limited customization of paid reports
  • Narrower range of search filters than competitors

For a fast, free way to find basic public information on individuals, FastPeopleSearch delivers. Their lack of ads and real-time results provide a smooth searching process. However, users seeking more advanced customization or filtering will prefer a more robust platform.

12. US Search

US Search offers user-friendly access to public records. Key features include:

  • Search by name, phone, address, email, DOB and more
  • Hundreds of data sources including criminal records, contact details, legal filings
  • Reverse phone lookup and identity verification
  • Mobile-optimized site
  • Custom packages to meet specific searching needs

Pros

  • Useful reputation monitoring features
  • Custom packages fit diverse needs
  • Mobile-friendly interface

Cons

  • Requires mailed written request to opt out
  • Limited social media aggregation capabilities

For public records access, US Search provides extensive information via their hundreds of data sources, aided by reputation monitoring. However, limited social media linking and strict opt-out process are disadvantages compared to competitors.

13. PeopleLooker

True to its name, PeopleLooker provides an easy look into people‘s backgrounds and contact information. Key features include:

  • Free search by name, location, phone number, email and username
  • Reverse phone lookup and identity verification
  • Paid plans for unlimited reports and monitoring
  • Social media linking tools
  • Dark web scan for compromised information

Pros

-Broad set of free lookup options

-Useful identity verification and dark web scan features

-Competitive pricing on subscriptions

Cons

-Information not always up to date

-Limited customization of paid reports

PeopleLooker enables users to freely look up individuals‘ contact information, aided by handy identity verification and dark web monitoring tools. However, reliability concerns around outdated data persist.

14. USA People Search

USA People Search provides public records lookup tailored for the US population. Key features include:

  • Search by name, phone, address, email, DOB
  • Criminal records, contact details, marriage/divorce records and more
  • Reverse phone number lookup
  • Paid subscription plans
  • Identity verification services

Pros

  • Useful reputation management tools
  • Specialized focus on US records

Cons

  • Narrower range of search filters than other tools
  • Limited social media integration

With a targeted focus on US records, USA People Search caters well to domestic background checks and contact searches. However, those seeking more advanced filtering or social media integration may prefer a more robust platform.

15. Nuwber

Rounding out our list is Nuwber, focusing on quick delivery of contact details and public records. Key features include:

  • Free basic search by name, phone number, or address
  • Reverse phone number lookup
  • Paid background checks, employment history, relatives, criminal offenses and more
  • Dark web monitoring add-on
  • Batch searching capabilities

Pros

  • Speedy results within minutes
  • Batch search allows high-volume lookups
  • Competitive subscription pricing

Cons

  • Limited filters and customization in paid reports
  • Information accuracy concerns

When fast individual or batch contact lookups are needed, Nuwber delivers with its real-time results. But limitations like fixed report formats inhibit customization. And Nuwber‘s accuracy still falls short of top people search tools.

What distinguishes TruthFinder, Intelius and Instant Checkmate from other people search sites?

TruthFinder, Intelius and Instant Checkmate stand out for their unparalleled depth in background checks and public records access.

TruthFinder offers robust identity verification tools, dark web monitoring and a clean interface. Intelius provides extensive information thanks to its vast database of over 20 billion public records. And Instant Checkmate shines with comprehensive background reports covering everything from criminal records to online footprint.

While newer tools have emerged, these three lead the pack when it comes to the wealth of information provided in background screening reports. Their vast databases and public records access remain hard to beat.

How does Radaris provide such detailed background reports?

Radaris builds up its impressive background reports through direct integration with thousands of public record databases. This provides extensive reach into documents like criminal records, court filings, address history and more.

Radaris also employs algorithms to analyze, verify and connect relevant data points into detailed profiles. This automated processing allows them to comb through huge volumes of information and piece together comprehensive reports.

By tapping into original public sources and using technology to connect insights, Radaris provides levels of detail on individuals that surpass many competitors.

What makes the search capabilities of TruePeopleSearch unique?

TruePeopleSearch stands out through its diverse range of lookups not found on every platform. Some unique features include:

  • Username search across 600+ sites
  • Social media profile matching by images
  • Review site lookups by name
  • Email validity verification
  • Domain name search to find associated people

By expanding beyond conventional inputs like phone, name or email, TruePeopleSearch empowers users with more ways to search for and identify individuals online. This can be particularly helpful in tracking down profiles using limited information.

Their innovative tools for connecting social media profiles, validating identities and leveraging non-traditional data points offer versatile options to get results other engines would miss. The breadth of search capabilities make TruePeopleSearch versatile for both standard and tricky people searches.

People search platforms open up a treasure trove of insights and information on those around us. While Spokeo set the standard as an early mover in the space, competitors have honed their offerings to provide more reliable, customized and effective people search experiences.

As this guide demonstrates, there is now an array of Spokeo alternatives to suit different needs. Whether your priority is free access, social media aggregation, reputation monitoring or top-tier background checks, an option exists to get the people search functionality you desire.

And innovative tools continue pushing the boundaries of finding and connecting information on individuals online. With the field constantly evolving, people search is only becoming more powerful in revealing details about our lives and those around us.

Written by Jason Striegel

C/C++, Java, Python, Linux developer for 18 years, A-Tech enthusiast love to share some useful tech hacks.