# Top 10 RefNow Alternatives & Competitors **Average Rating:** 4.6/5 **Total Number of Reviews:** 166 RefNow is not the only option for Reference Check Software. Explore other competing options and alternatives. Reference Check Software is a widely used technology, and many people are seeking sophisticated, quick software solutions with real-time tracking, integrations, and ai text generation. Other important factors to consider when researching alternatives to RefNow include tracking system and candidates. The best overall RefNow alternative is Xref. Other similar apps like RefNow are Hireology, HiPeople, VICTIG Background Checks, and Checkr. RefNow alternatives can be found in [Reference Check Software](https://www.g2.com/categories/reference-check) but may also be in [Background Check Software](https://www.g2.com/categories/background-check) or [Payroll Software](https://www.g2.com/categories/payroll). ## Best Paid & Free Alternatives to RefNow - [Xref](https://www.g2.com/products/xref-xref/reviews) - [Hireology](https://www.g2.com/products/hireology/reviews) - [HiPeople](https://www.g2.com/products/hipeople/reviews) - [VICTIG Background Checks](https://www.g2.com/products/victig-background-checks/reviews) - [Checkr](https://www.g2.com/products/checkr/reviews) - [Paycom](https://www.g2.com/products/paycom/reviews) - [RUN Powered by ADP](https://www.g2.com/products/run-powered-by-adp/reviews) - [Paychex](https://www.g2.com/products/paychex/reviews) - [GoodHire (a Checkr company)](https://www.g2.com/products/goodhire-a-checkr-company/reviews) - [VidCruiter](https://www.g2.com/products/vidcruiter/reviews) ## Top 10 Alternatives to RefNow Recently Reviewed By G2 Community Browse options below. Based on reviewer data, you can see how RefNow stacks up to the competition, check reviews from current & previous users in industries like Hospital & Health Care, Human Resources, and Mental Health Care, and find the best product for your business. ### 1. [Xref](https://www.g2.com/products/xref-xref/reviews) By Xref **Average Rating:** 4.6/5 **Total Reviews:** 503 Xref is trusted by businesses globally to offer reference, background and ID checks that are fast, simple and secure. Reviewers say compared to RefNow, Xref is: - Slower to reach roi - Easier to do business with - Better at meeting requirements Categories in common with RefNow: [Reference Check](https://www.g2.com/categories/reference-check) **Compare:** [RefNow vs Xref](https://www.g2.com/compare/refnow-vs-xref-xref) **Compare Xref with other alternatives:** - [Xref vs Hireology](https://www.g2.com/compare/hireology-vs-xref-xref) - [Xref vs HiPeople](https://www.g2.com/compare/hipeople-vs-xref-xref) - [Xref vs VICTIG Background Checks](https://www.g2.com/compare/victig-background-checks-vs-xref-xref) - [Xref vs Checkr](https://www.g2.com/compare/checkr-vs-xref-xref) - [Xref vs Paycom](https://www.g2.com/compare/paycom-vs-xref-xref) - [Xref vs RUN Powered by ADP](https://www.g2.com/compare/run-powered-by-adp-vs-xref-xref) - [Xref vs Paychex](https://www.g2.com/compare/paychex-vs-xref-xref) - [Xref vs GoodHire (a Checkr company)](https://www.g2.com/compare/goodhire-a-checkr-company-vs-xref-xref) - [Xref vs VidCruiter](https://www.g2.com/compare/vidcruiter-vs-xref-xref) ### 2. [Hireology](https://www.g2.com/products/hireology/reviews) By Hireology **Average Rating:** 4.5/5 **Total Reviews:** 1,388 Since 2010, companies have trusted HIreology to find and hire the people they need. Build brand awareness and market open roles across multiple channels — including Google, Facebook, job boards and your career site — to connect with top applicants. Streamline & automate hiring processes, text and email candidates to drive engagement. Reduce risk with industry-specific skills tests, reference checks and background verifications. Accelerate new hire productivity with onboarding and integrations to your existing payroll, HRIS and scheduling platforms. Drive accountability centrally and identify opportunities across managers and locations with Insights. Reviewers say compared to RefNow, Hireology is: - Slower to reach roi - Easier to do business with - More expensive Categories in common with RefNow: [Background Check](https://www.g2.com/categories/background-check) **Compare:** [RefNow vs Hireology](https://www.g2.com/compare/hireology-vs-refnow) **Compare Hireology with other alternatives:** - [Hireology vs Xref](https://www.g2.com/compare/hireology-vs-xref-xref) - [Hireology vs HiPeople](https://www.g2.com/compare/hipeople-vs-hireology) - [Hireology vs VICTIG Background Checks](https://www.g2.com/compare/hireology-vs-victig-background-checks) - [Hireology vs Checkr](https://www.g2.com/compare/checkr-vs-hireology) - [Hireology vs Paycom](https://www.g2.com/compare/hireology-vs-paycom) - [Hireology vs RUN Powered by ADP](https://www.g2.com/compare/hireology-vs-run-powered-by-adp) - [Hireology vs Paychex](https://www.g2.com/compare/hireology-vs-paychex) - [Hireology vs GoodHire (a Checkr company)](https://www.g2.com/compare/goodhire-a-checkr-company-vs-hireology) - [Hireology vs VidCruiter](https://www.g2.com/compare/hireology-vs-vidcruiter) ### 3. [HiPeople](https://www.g2.com/products/hipeople/reviews) By HiPeople **Average Rating:** 4.6/5 **Total Reviews:** 1,066 HiPeople is a talent insight and reference checks platform. It helps companies make better hiring decisions by automatically collecting and analyzing talent data, as well as providing in-depth candidate insights. HiPeople automates the reference checking process from candidate request to collection and analysis. It allows companies to extend the information they have on a candidate without needing to perform additional manual work. Reviewers say compared to RefNow, HiPeople is: - More expensive - Easier to do business with - Better at meeting requirements Categories in common with RefNow: [Reference Check](https://www.g2.com/categories/reference-check), [Background Check](https://www.g2.com/categories/background-check) **Compare:** [RefNow vs HiPeople](https://www.g2.com/compare/hipeople-vs-refnow) **Compare HiPeople with other alternatives:** - [HiPeople vs Xref](https://www.g2.com/compare/hipeople-vs-xref-xref) - [HiPeople vs Hireology](https://www.g2.com/compare/hipeople-vs-hireology) - [HiPeople vs VICTIG Background Checks](https://www.g2.com/compare/hipeople-vs-victig-background-checks) - [HiPeople vs Checkr](https://www.g2.com/compare/checkr-vs-hipeople) - [HiPeople vs Paycom](https://www.g2.com/compare/hipeople-vs-paycom) - [HiPeople vs RUN Powered by ADP](https://www.g2.com/compare/hipeople-vs-run-powered-by-adp) - [HiPeople vs Paychex](https://www.g2.com/compare/hipeople-vs-paychex) - [HiPeople vs GoodHire (a Checkr company)](https://www.g2.com/compare/goodhire-a-checkr-company-vs-hipeople) - [HiPeople vs VidCruiter](https://www.g2.com/compare/hipeople-vs-vidcruiter) ### 4. [VICTIG Background Checks](https://www.g2.com/products/victig-background-checks/reviews) By Victig Screening Solutions **Average Rating:** 4.7/5 **Total Reviews:** 513 VICTIG is the nationwide leader of employment background checks, background screening, drug testing, county criminal searches, education verifications and employment verifications. Reviewers say compared to RefNow, VICTIG Background Checks is: - Easier to do business with - Better at meeting requirements - Better at support Categories in common with RefNow: [Reference Check](https://www.g2.com/categories/reference-check), [Background Check](https://www.g2.com/categories/background-check) **Compare:** [RefNow vs VICTIG Background Checks](https://www.g2.com/compare/refnow-vs-victig-background-checks) **Compare VICTIG Background Checks with other alternatives:** - [VICTIG Background Checks vs Xref](https://www.g2.com/compare/victig-background-checks-vs-xref-xref) - [VICTIG Background Checks vs Hireology](https://www.g2.com/compare/hireology-vs-victig-background-checks) - [VICTIG Background Checks vs HiPeople](https://www.g2.com/compare/hipeople-vs-victig-background-checks) - [VICTIG Background Checks vs Checkr](https://www.g2.com/compare/checkr-vs-victig-background-checks) - [VICTIG Background Checks vs Paycom](https://www.g2.com/compare/paycom-vs-victig-background-checks) - [VICTIG Background Checks vs RUN Powered by ADP](https://www.g2.com/compare/run-powered-by-adp-vs-victig-background-checks) - [VICTIG Background Checks vs Paychex](https://www.g2.com/compare/paychex-vs-victig-background-checks) - [VICTIG Background Checks vs GoodHire (a Checkr company)](https://www.g2.com/compare/goodhire-a-checkr-company-vs-victig-background-checks) - [VICTIG Background Checks vs VidCruiter](https://www.g2.com/compare/victig-background-checks-vs-vidcruiter) ### 5. [Checkr](https://www.g2.com/products/checkr/reviews) By Checkr, Inc **Average Rating:** 4.5/5 **Total Reviews:** 456 Checkr provides simple, fast and compliant background screenings for Enterprises and Startups. Reviewers say compared to RefNow, Checkr is: - Easier to do business with - Easier to admin - Better at meeting requirements Categories in common with RefNow: [Reference Check](https://www.g2.com/categories/reference-check), [Background Check](https://www.g2.com/categories/background-check) **Compare:** [RefNow vs Checkr](https://www.g2.com/compare/checkr-vs-refnow) **Compare Checkr with other alternatives:** - [Checkr vs Xref](https://www.g2.com/compare/checkr-vs-xref-xref) - [Checkr vs Hireology](https://www.g2.com/compare/checkr-vs-hireology) - [Checkr vs HiPeople](https://www.g2.com/compare/checkr-vs-hipeople) - [Checkr vs VICTIG Background Checks](https://www.g2.com/compare/checkr-vs-victig-background-checks) - [Checkr vs Paycom](https://www.g2.com/compare/checkr-vs-paycom) - [Checkr vs RUN Powered by ADP](https://www.g2.com/compare/checkr-vs-run-powered-by-adp) - [Checkr vs Paychex](https://www.g2.com/compare/checkr-vs-paychex) - [Checkr vs GoodHire (a Checkr company)](https://www.g2.com/compare/checkr-vs-goodhire-a-checkr-company) - [Checkr vs VidCruiter](https://www.g2.com/compare/checkr-vs-vidcruiter) ### 6. [Paycom](https://www.g2.com/products/paycom/reviews) By Paycom **Average Rating:** 4.6/5 **Total Reviews:** 6,942 Paycom is an HR technology provider with a single-database, end-to-end product providing solutions for Talent Acquisition, Time and Labor Management, Payroll, Talent Management and HR Management, all in one application. Reviewers say compared to RefNow, Paycom is: - Slower to reach roi - More expensive Categories in common with RefNow: [Background Check](https://www.g2.com/categories/background-check) **Compare:** [RefNow vs Paycom](https://www.g2.com/compare/paycom-vs-refnow) **Compare Paycom with other alternatives:** - [Paycom vs Xref](https://www.g2.com/compare/paycom-vs-xref-xref) - [Paycom vs Hireology](https://www.g2.com/compare/hireology-vs-paycom) - [Paycom vs HiPeople](https://www.g2.com/compare/hipeople-vs-paycom) - [Paycom vs VICTIG Background Checks](https://www.g2.com/compare/paycom-vs-victig-background-checks) - [Paycom vs Checkr](https://www.g2.com/compare/checkr-vs-paycom) - [Paycom vs RUN Powered by ADP](https://www.g2.com/compare/paycom-vs-run-powered-by-adp) - [Paycom vs Paychex](https://www.g2.com/compare/paychex-vs-paycom) - [Paycom vs GoodHire (a Checkr company)](https://www.g2.com/compare/goodhire-a-checkr-company-vs-paycom) - [Paycom vs VidCruiter](https://www.g2.com/compare/paycom-vs-vidcruiter) ### 7. [RUN Powered by ADP](https://www.g2.com/products/run-powered-by-adp/reviews) By ADP **Average Rating:** 4.7/5 **Total Reviews:** 6,219 Whether you’ve been in business for 25 years or you’re just getting started, RUN Powered by ADP® can help. They've spent countless hours — and burned through even more cups of coffee — building a smarter, simpler, and more affordable payroll, tax and HR solution to help you get back to the work that matters most to you. Reviewers say compared to RefNow, RUN Powered by ADP is: - Easier to do business with - Better at meeting requirements - Easier to admin Categories in common with RefNow: [Background Check](https://www.g2.com/categories/background-check) **Compare:** [RefNow vs RUN Powered by ADP](https://www.g2.com/compare/run-powered-by-adp-vs-refnow) **Compare RUN Powered by ADP with other alternatives:** - [RUN Powered by ADP vs Xref](https://www.g2.com/compare/run-powered-by-adp-vs-xref-xref) - [RUN Powered by ADP vs Hireology](https://www.g2.com/compare/hireology-vs-run-powered-by-adp) - [RUN Powered by ADP vs HiPeople](https://www.g2.com/compare/hipeople-vs-run-powered-by-adp) - [RUN Powered by ADP vs VICTIG Background Checks](https://www.g2.com/compare/run-powered-by-adp-vs-victig-background-checks) - [RUN Powered by ADP vs Checkr](https://www.g2.com/compare/checkr-vs-run-powered-by-adp) - [RUN Powered by ADP vs Paycom](https://www.g2.com/compare/paycom-vs-run-powered-by-adp) - [RUN Powered by ADP vs Paychex](https://www.g2.com/compare/paychex-vs-run-powered-by-adp) - [RUN Powered by ADP vs GoodHire (a Checkr company)](https://www.g2.com/compare/goodhire-a-checkr-company-vs-run-powered-by-adp) - [RUN Powered by ADP vs VidCruiter](https://www.g2.com/compare/run-powered-by-adp-vs-vidcruiter) ### 8. [Paychex](https://www.g2.com/products/paychex/reviews) By Paychex Inc **Average Rating:** 4.1/5 **Total Reviews:** 1,734 Paychex reduces the complexity and risk of running your own payroll, while ensuring greater accuracy with up-to-date tax rates and regulatory information. Reviewers say compared to RefNow, Paychex is: - Slower to reach roi Categories in common with RefNow: [Background Check](https://www.g2.com/categories/background-check) **Compare:** [RefNow vs Paychex](https://www.g2.com/compare/paychex-vs-refnow) **Compare Paychex with other alternatives:** - [Paychex vs Xref](https://www.g2.com/compare/paychex-vs-xref-xref) - [Paychex vs Hireology](https://www.g2.com/compare/hireology-vs-paychex) - [Paychex vs HiPeople](https://www.g2.com/compare/hipeople-vs-paychex) - [Paychex vs VICTIG Background Checks](https://www.g2.com/compare/paychex-vs-victig-background-checks) - [Paychex vs Checkr](https://www.g2.com/compare/checkr-vs-paychex) - [Paychex vs Paycom](https://www.g2.com/compare/paychex-vs-paycom) - [Paychex vs RUN Powered by ADP](https://www.g2.com/compare/paychex-vs-run-powered-by-adp) - [Paychex vs GoodHire (a Checkr company)](https://www.g2.com/compare/goodhire-a-checkr-company-vs-paychex) - [Paychex vs VidCruiter](https://www.g2.com/compare/paychex-vs-vidcruiter) ### 9. [GoodHire (a Checkr company)](https://www.g2.com/products/goodhire-a-checkr-company/reviews) By Checkr, Inc **Average Rating:** 4.6/5 **Total Reviews:** 280 GoodHire simplifies and speeds background checks with customizable, on-demand services for organizations of all sizes. More than 80,000 employers benefit from GoodHire’s advanced technology that makes background checks easy, fast, accurate and compliant. Reviewers say compared to RefNow, GoodHire (a Checkr company) is: - Slower to reach roi - Easier to do business with - Better at meeting requirements Categories in common with RefNow: [Background Check](https://www.g2.com/categories/background-check) **Compare:** [RefNow vs GoodHire (a Checkr company)](https://www.g2.com/compare/goodhire-a-checkr-company-vs-refnow) **Compare GoodHire (a Checkr company) with other alternatives:** - [GoodHire (a Checkr company) vs Xref](https://www.g2.com/compare/goodhire-a-checkr-company-vs-xref-xref) - [GoodHire (a Checkr company) vs Hireology](https://www.g2.com/compare/goodhire-a-checkr-company-vs-hireology) - [GoodHire (a Checkr company) vs HiPeople](https://www.g2.com/compare/goodhire-a-checkr-company-vs-hipeople) - [GoodHire (a Checkr company) vs VICTIG Background Checks](https://www.g2.com/compare/goodhire-a-checkr-company-vs-victig-background-checks) - [GoodHire (a Checkr company) vs Checkr](https://www.g2.com/compare/checkr-vs-goodhire-a-checkr-company) - [GoodHire (a Checkr company) vs Paycom](https://www.g2.com/compare/goodhire-a-checkr-company-vs-paycom) - [GoodHire (a Checkr company) vs RUN Powered by ADP](https://www.g2.com/compare/goodhire-a-checkr-company-vs-run-powered-by-adp) - [GoodHire (a Checkr company) vs Paychex](https://www.g2.com/compare/goodhire-a-checkr-company-vs-paychex) - [GoodHire (a Checkr company) vs VidCruiter](https://www.g2.com/compare/goodhire-a-checkr-company-vs-vidcruiter) ### 10. [VidCruiter](https://www.g2.com/products/vidcruiter/reviews) By VidCruiter **Average Rating:** 4.8/5 **Total Reviews:** 252 VidCruiter is a digital, mobile and video recruiting software. They specialize in applicant tracking and video interviewing making it possible to hire from anywhere at anytime. Reviewers say compared to RefNow, VidCruiter is: - Easier to do business with - Better at support - Better at meeting requirements Categories in common with RefNow: [Reference Check](https://www.g2.com/categories/reference-check) **Compare:** [RefNow vs VidCruiter](https://www.g2.com/compare/refnow-vs-vidcruiter) **Compare VidCruiter with other alternatives:** - [VidCruiter vs Xref](https://www.g2.com/compare/vidcruiter-vs-xref-xref) - [VidCruiter vs Hireology](https://www.g2.com/compare/hireology-vs-vidcruiter) - [VidCruiter vs HiPeople](https://www.g2.com/compare/hipeople-vs-vidcruiter) - [VidCruiter vs VICTIG Background Checks](https://www.g2.com/compare/victig-background-checks-vs-vidcruiter) - [VidCruiter vs Checkr](https://www.g2.com/compare/checkr-vs-vidcruiter) - [VidCruiter vs Paycom](https://www.g2.com/compare/paycom-vs-vidcruiter) - [VidCruiter vs RUN Powered by ADP](https://www.g2.com/compare/run-powered-by-adp-vs-vidcruiter) - [VidCruiter vs Paychex](https://www.g2.com/compare/paychex-vs-vidcruiter) - [VidCruiter vs GoodHire (a Checkr company)](https://www.g2.com/compare/goodhire-a-checkr-company-vs-vidcruiter) --- ## RefNow Alternatives FAQs ### How does RefNow compare to Xref? Both [RefNow](https://www.g2.com/products/refnow/reviews) and [Xref](https://www.g2.com/products/xref-xref/reviews) hold an equal average rating of 4.6 out of 5 on G2, with Xref having a larger review base (482 vs 161). In dimension scores, Xref leads RefNow by 0.3 points in Better at Meeting Requirements (9.3 vs 9.0) and by 1.0 point in Easier to Do Business With (9.5 vs 8.5). RefNow holds a slight 0.1-point advantage in More Usable (9.4 vs 9.3), while Xref leads by 0.1 points in Easier to Admin (9.1 vs 9.0). Both products tie at 9.2 in Easier to Set Up and 9.3 in Better at Support. Sentiment analysis reveals that RefNow users emphasize Ease of Use (23 mentions), Time-saving (11), and Reference Checks (9), highlighting its simplicity, speed, and clear instructions. Xref users mention Ease of Use more frequently (39 mentions), along with Speed (23), Time-saving (18), and Customer Support (12), reflecting strong appreciation for its efficiency and support. Overall, [Xref](https://www.g2.com/products/xref-xref/reviews) offers stronger integration capabilities and a more business-friendly experience, whereas [RefNow](https://www.g2.com/products/refnow/reviews) excels in usability and straightforwardness. Both platforms effectively save time and streamline reference checking, with Xref favored for its comprehensive features and RefNow praised for its simplicity and user-friendly design. ### What are the best alternatives to RefNow? The best alternatives to RefNow according to G2 user ratings and review counts are [Xref](https://www.g2.com/products/xref-xref/reviews) (4.6/5 stars, 482 reviews), [Hireology](https://www.g2.com/products/hireology/reviews) (4.5/5 stars, 1362 reviews), [HiPeople](https://www.g2.com/products/hipeople/reviews) (4.6/5 stars, 1066 reviews), and [VICTIG Background Checks](https://www.g2.com/products/victig-background-checks/reviews) (4.7/5 stars, 511 reviews). These platforms offer strong user satisfaction and extensive review volumes, indicating robust market presence and user trust. ### Which Reference Check tools do reviewers recommend instead of RefNow? Reviewers recommend [Xref](https://www.g2.com/products/xref-xref/reviews) for its ease of use (39 mentions), speed (23 mentions), and comprehensive automated reference checks that deliver 60% more insights than phone-based methods, with 93% of users finding it intuitive. [Hireology](https://www.g2.com/products/hireology/reviews) is favored for its applicant and candidate management capabilities (142 and 126 mentions respectively), ease of use (233 mentions), and its all-in-one hiring platform that supports multi-location businesses with integrated background checks and onboarding. [HiPeople](https://www.g2.com/products/hipeople/reviews) is praised for its AI-powered automation of reference checks and candidate assessments, providing detailed insights and a user-friendly interface with 110 mentions of ease of use and 53 mentions of assessments. [VICTIG Background Checks](https://www.g2.com/products/victig-background-checks/reviews) stands out for its excellent customer support (82 mentions), fast turnaround times (65 mentions), and ease of use (82 mentions), with seamless integration capabilities and a paperless process that simplifies background screening. These tools are recommended by reviewers seeking efficient, reliable, and scalable reference check solutions beyond RefNow. ### Why do users choose Xref over RefNow? Users choose [Xref](https://www.g2.com/products/xref-xref/reviews) over [RefNow](https://www.g2.com/products/refnow/reviews) primarily for its superior ability to meet requirements, scoring 9.3 versus RefNow's 9.0, and its significantly higher score in Easier to Do Business With (9.5 vs 8.5), indicating a smoother vendor relationship and business process. Xref's larger user base (482 reviews) and frequent mentions of excellent Customer Support (12 mentions) and strong integration capabilities make it attractive for organizations seeking a robust, scalable solution. Additionally, Xref's automated candidate-driven process, comprehensive fraud detection, and efficient reference chasing are highly valued, contributing to its reputation as a time-saving and reliable platform. Users also appreciate its detailed reporting and notifications, despite some concerns about intrusive reminders. The platform's ability to integrate with applicant tracking systems and provide consolidated background checks further enhances its appeal. In summary, users prefer Xref for its advanced features, better business engagement, and comprehensive support, which collectively streamline recruitment workflows and reduce administrative burden more effectively than RefNow. ## Explore Articles - [Which lifestyle spending account platforms integrate with existing HR systems without creating new bottlenecks for teams?](https://www.g2.com/discussions/which-lifestyle-spending-account-platforms-integrate-with-existing-hr-systems-without-creating-new-bottlenecks-for-teams) - [What BIM objects sources are most trusted for accuracy and model quality by structural engineers who need components that behave correctly inside analysis workflows?](https://www.g2.com/discussions/what-bim-objects-sources-are-most-trusted-for-accuracy-and-model-quality-by-structural-engineers-who-need-components-that-behave-correctly-inside-analysis-workflows) - [Which audio engine platforms have strong reliability and uptime ratings based on customer reviews?](https://www.g2.com/discussions/which-audio-engine-platforms-have-strong-reliability-and-uptime-ratings-based-on-customer-reviews) - [Leading operational risk management solutions for medium-sized businesses](https://www.g2.com/discussions/what-are-the-leading-operational-risk-management-solutions-for-medium-sized-businesses) - [Best platforms for tracking cost allocation by department](https://www.g2.com/discussions/what-is-the-best-platform-for-tracking-cost-allocation-by-department) - [What platform integrates video ads with social media and OTT channels?](https://www.g2.com/discussions/what-platform-integrates-video-ads-with-social-media-and-ott-channels) ## Spotlight Categories - [Video Conferencing Software](https://www.g2.com/categories/video-conferencing) - [Professional Services Automation Software](https://www.g2.com/categories/professional-services-automation) - [Demo Automation Software](https://www.g2.com/categories/demo-automation)