People search sites can help locate your old lost friend or if you want to know something about someone. It is also dangerous for your digital privacy and controversial regarding its collection of data. More data has become publicly accessible, which helps to an extent but that also is a greater risk of privacy issues, fake, or misleading results.
These tools let you dig up details like addresses, phone numbers, social media profiles, or background info. While it is handy for reconnecting with old friends, verifying someone’s credentials, or even checking identity (maybe you want to check one of your potential hires at a company), without choosing the right engine, you could get wrong data, expose yourself, or run into legal or privacy dangers.
Choosing a trustworthy people search engine is critical. Our guide lists the 10 best services that balance accuracy with privacy. Note: We have no affiliation with any listed commercial engines, ensuring an unbiased ranking.
Top people search sites – Quick list
- Instant Checkmate: Best for detailed criminal and traffic records, and includes unlimited reports with a useful interface.
- Intelius: Popular for providing fast and thorough background checks and includes a simple, quick search.
- US Search: A good value and simple-to-use service, it’s one of the oldest people search engines on the market.
- Whitepages People Search: It’s a popular choice for a fast, initial search, offering a good balance of value and detailed information.
- TruthFinder: It’s a popular paid alternative to Google Person Finder and is highly regarded for its up-to-date information, it’s a great tool for comprehensive searches and has an excellent mobile app.
- BeenVerified: An impressive service for multiple searches, offering a wide range of search options and strong customer support.
- PeopleFinders: Good option for purchasing single reports and boasts excellent mobile applications.
- CheckPeople: A simple, easy-to-use site that focuses on all reports but will provide you a full detail with criminal records and most public information.
- PeopleLooker: An efficient service, and the interface is very nice and approachable, and easy to use. Speed and dependability are the hallmarks of their results, paired with a modern and attractive design.
- PeopleWhiz: Provides comprehensive reports and a fast, user-friendly search experience, with a focus on gathering a diverse range of public records.
Why you should use people search engines
In a world that keeps getting more and more connected, there are many reasons people search tools can serve purposes that are bigger than simply locating someone. The services can be beneficial for personal safety, professional networking, or finding people from your past. Below are some legitimate use cases:
- Find someone from your past: This is potentially the most common reason to use people search engines. It helps locate old friends, distant relatives, or coworkers you haven’t seen in a while. If you have a name to start with, you can usually get the person’s new address, phone number, and their social media profiles.
- Background searches: People search tools are great for doing a background check on new relationships. If you’re thinking of getting a new roommate, responding to a babysitter ad, or going on your first date, a quick search will set your mind at ease by telling you if you should be concerned at all about a prior problem or criminal history.
- Protect your identity: Searching for yourself will show you exactly what information about you is publicly available. You will then know if you have been listed anywhere that could potentially threaten your safety, and if you wish to remove your own private information. This method will protect your identity and minimize the risk of identity theft.
- Keeping you safe: These search engines help to “vet” persons that you may be meeting in person for the first time, or confirm someone’s identity on the Internet. This is an important step moving forward, especially in our current environment of online dating and social networking, when a person’s online profile is only a portion of the picture.
Best people search engines – Detailed list
When you decide on a people search engine, you need more than a list of features. It is vital to understand the differences in price structure and report details of each service. Below, we have a deep assessment of 10 people search engines to help you decide:
1. Instant Checkmate
Instant Checkmate is a credible people finder search engine and is regarded as one of the best for conducting criminal background checks and in-depth public records. It crawls a wide range of information from public records, court records, permits for weapons, location history, and much more. It is especially known for locating traffic history.
One of the standout features is its intuitive user interface when searching through information, which organizes the otherwise chaotic and difficult navigation of all the facts you have to go through.
It is a bit pricey due to its information-gathering capabilities. The service costs $35.12 for a one-month plan and $28.09 per month if you purchase a three-month plan.
There is also an option for a reverse phone lookup for a lesser fee. You need to have patience, as even with the paid plan, this service is a few-page alerts to get through before you see the report. The process takes a lot more time than others on the list (that depends on the specific search and the complexity of the available data).
- Provides detailed and reliable public and criminal records
- Features a user-friendly and well-designed interface
- Offers unlimited reports with a single monthly subscription
- Includes a nationwide inmate search and a reverse phone lookup
- Pricing is high compared to some competitors
- Search process is notably slow with many alerts
2. Intelius
Intelius is a popular service recognized for its superior functionality and speedy, thorough results. Its distinguishing feature, “Intelius Connections,” helps you visualize someone’s extended network of relatives and social associates, which is very beneficial for a thorough search.
The service has built a reputation for finding something that other search services don’t, like specific areas in educational history, and it has an A+ rating from the BBB, signifying good reliability and quality.
Although there is an inexpensive trial option (7-day), its subscription format is a bit complicated. It has three different plans:
- Reverse Phone Lookup costs $34.95 monthly (after 5 days $0.95 trial).
- People Search costs $42.69 monthly.
- Address Lookup + People Search costs $34.95 (after 7 days $0.95 trial).
- Clean and intuitive interface
- A+ rating from the Better Business Bureau
- Provides detailed criminal, education, and traffic records
- Fast and comprehensive reports with a unique connections feature
- Confusing and opaque subscription and pricing structure
- Hidden fees for PDF downloads and premium reports
3. US Search
As one of the oldest and most established people search services, US Search is a reliable and straightforward option. The service has a significant attraction due to its low price and no-frills approach. While the name gives the impression of United States-only people search, the service also provides Europe addresses and other information.
While it’s not your best option for a thorough search, it is a good place to start for basic searches (good for beginners). The site has a number of search options, and it costs about $2.45 for a one-time people search report and $19.95 for a monthly subscription to their records. The customer support is also up to the mark.
One of its drawbacks is that its reports can sometimes be incomplete or inaccurate. While a low price may make US Search appealing for simple look-ups, it’s not recommended to use it for official employment checks or personal reasons. The subscription can also be difficult to cancel (a call during their business hours is the fastest way).
- Affordable pricing for both single reports and subscriptions
- Option to buy a single report is a major benefit
- Simple and easy-to-use interface for quick searches
- Responsive and helpful customer support
- Reports can be inaccurate or incomplete
- The subscription cancellation process can be difficult
4. Whitepages People Search
Whitepages is a classic name in people search that offers both free and premium services. The free version provides fundamental information, including addresses and contact information.
The $5.99 Premium membership allows access to more comprehensive records, such as criminal history, property ownership, and professional licenses.
The website’s performance is notably fast, quickly sifting through its vast databases. It is a great choice for a fast, initial search, and its reverse phone lookups can also identify scams or spam callers. However, most of the valuable, in-depth data is locked behind the premium subscription.
- Fast search results and a large database
- Free, basic searches are available for quick lookups
- Good value for the price of a premium subscription
- Includes fraud and scam ratings in its reverse phone lookup
- Most valuable features are not free
- Reports can sometimes be less in-depth than those of competitors
5. TruthFinder
TruthFinder distinguishes itself with its thorough reports, which provide more than surface-level information. The service is known for its ability to pull information from the “deep web,” which might reveal hidden social media accounts and other online activities. (For readers curious about the layers of the web beyond the surface, our guide on the key dark web statistics provide a fascinating deeper dive.)
All subscription plans include unlimited searches. One month subscription costs $27.78, while three months pricing comes to a discounted $23.04 per month.
The downside is that it can feel like a marketing funnel, with a large number of screens and warnings before activating a report. There is no free trial. However, its dedicated mobile app for both iOS and Android is a major plus, allowing for on-the-go searches and access to reports.
- Unlimited reports with a subscription
- Wonderful mobile application for searches on the move
- Comprehensive data, including deep web searches
- Well-organized reports that are easy to read and decipher
- Expensive memberships
- Doesn’t offers a free trial
6. BeenVerified
BeenVerified is a comprehensive service that offers more than just people searches. It provides an extensive range of search options, such as reverse phone lookup, email lookup, and even vehicle records. Its user-friendly interface and great customer support make its use appealing for different roles for which it is needed.
It is a subscription-based service and does not allow one-off reports to be purchased. A one-month membership is $26.89, and a three-month membership is billed monthly, discounted to $17.48 per month.
While there are a lot of options to search, the reports can vary widely in the level of detail provided, with some reports being very in-depth and others seeming to be missing substantial detail.
- Wide range of search options beyond people search
- Good customer support
- Offers a dedicated mobile app
- User-friendly interface
- Reports can be inconsistent in quality
- No option to buy a single report
7. PeopleFinders
PeopleFinders is a long-standing service that offers a flexible approach to people searching. It is one of the few platforms that helps users to purchase a single report without a full subscription. A single search report costs about $1.95, and a comprehensive report costs $9.95. You can sign up for a monthly subscription for $24.95. The business is also highly rated on the speed and accuracy of its search results.
While PeopleFinders is a good option, its reports are not as extensive as other options available. In particular, they often do not provide social media profiles or emails, and the main focus is on public records – criminal history and property records.
- Option to purchase single reports
- Excellent mobile apps
- Fast and accurate results
- Has a large and secure database
- Reports often lack social media profiles or email addresses
- The single report option can still be pricey
8. CheckPeople
CheckPeople is a straightforward option for a quick background check. The service has a reputation for being a high-risk option for consumers.
Many users report being charged a greater monthly fee after signing up for a “cheap trial,” with no clear way to cancel the subscription. The trial is often advertised as $1 for 5 days, but if not canceled, users are automatically billed for an expensive monthly membership, which can be up to $44.85 per month.
You can check out our guide here if you want to know how you can remove your information from CheckPeople.
- Aims to provide comprehensive reports
- The interface is easy to use
- Focuses on detailed public record checks
- Free trial available
- Very difficult to cancel a subscription
- Considered a high-risk service due to its billing practices
9. PeopleLooker
PeopleLooker is designed for simplicity and speed, with a modern interface that makes it an attractive choice for those who want quick and reliable results. A 7-day trial costs just $1, but if not canceled, it automatically converts to a full one-month membership at $22.86. A three-month membership costs $18.28 per month.
Similar to CheckPeople, PeopleLooker has received many negative customer reviews about its billing practices. Although PeopleLooker is relatively easy to use, consumers are worried about the company’s reputation for canceling accounts and dishonest trial offers.
- Modern and user-friendly interface
- Fast search results
- Comprehensive data collection
- Offers a mobile-friendly website
- Significant customer complaints about deceptive billing
- Difficult subscription cancellation process
10. PeopleWhiz
PeopleWhiz is a people search service that offers in-depth public and background check reports with 67 billion records to use in a search. It provides complete information quickly and efficiently. Plus, they offer 24/7 customer support, which is a nice addition to their service.
The single biggest con is that there is no pricing information anywhere on their site. Another con is that they do not have a mobile app for searches on the go.
Lastly, PeopleWhiz received a few negative reviews regarding report accuracy, and the user interface does not offer a central search function to put all records in the same view.
- Comprehensive database with over 67 billion records
- Fast and efficient search results
- Easy to use for searching
- 24/7 customer support
- No dedicated mobile app
- Reports can be inaccurate
The best people search engine: Comparison table
Here is the feature comparison table for all 10 people search engines, providing a clear overview of their key offerings:
| Tool | Trial period | Single report | Subscription cost (Approx.) | Mobile app | Important features |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Instant Checkmate | 5-day trial available $1 | No | $35.12/month | Yes | Comprehensive criminal background checks, traffic records information, ability to search nationwide inmates, sends unlimited reports. |
| Intelius | 5-day trial available for $1.99 | Yes (with trial) | $24.86/month | Yes | “Connections” feature that can map out networks, fast report lookups, and education history search options. |
| US Search | 2-Day Trial | Yes ($2.45) | $19.95/month | No | One-time report option, long-standing reputation, and affordable. |
| Whitepages People Search | No Trial (Free Search) | Yes ($19.99/report) | $5.99/month | Yes | Free basic search, identity verification, and reverse phone lookup for spam identification. |
| TruthFinder | No Trial (Free Preview) | No | $27.78/month | Yes | Deep web searches, unlimited reports with subscription, excellent mobile app. |
| BeenVerified | 1-Week Trial | No | $26.89/month | Yes | Wide range of search options (email, VIN), user-friendly interface. |
| PeopleFinders | 3-Day Trial for $0.95 | Yes ($1.95/report) | $24.95/month | Yes | Option to buy single reports, fast results, good for genealogy. |
| CheckPeople | 5-Day Trial for $1 | No | $44.85/month | Yes | Specializes in comprehensive criminal records and public information. |
| PeopleLooker | 7-Day Trial for $1 | No | $22.86/month | Yes | Modern design, fast results, reverse phone/email lookup, social media checks. |
| PeopleWhiz | Opaque/Trial | No | Opaque/Variable | No | Comprehensive reports from over 67 billion records, 24/7 customer support. |
How to choose the best people search engine services
It can be overwhelming to sift through the many people search services available. Here are some factors to help you decide on the best people search service for your scenario to get the most value and the best, most accurate, and relevant information.
| Factor | What to look for | Why it matters |
|---|---|---|
| Search detail | An extensive amount of details, including, but not limited to, names, phone numbers, addresses, criminal history, and social network and media profiles. | The more detail provided, the more likely you will find the right person and the more you’ll know about that person. |
| Time to search | Default for fast, accurate exploration. | An exploration that quickly gives you the information you need, especially when you need to do something in the moment. |
| User-friendliness | A clean and simple interface, a clear pricing structure, and easy to navigate. | Comparatively good user experience, supports what you’re paying for, and figuring out how to find what you need. |
| Compatibility | A responsive mobile app dedicated to exploration on the go. | You might need to access information on a mobile device, so access should be multifaceted. |
| Transparent pricing | Transparent pricing. A few options for a single report or subscription model. | Being clear about pricing avoids any surprises or anchored recurring rates without notice. |
What information can people search websites provide?
People search websites are a type of data broker. They gather or purchase and then sell out an enormous amount of data. The breadth of data they provide may vary, but most all-inclusive services contain a considerable amount of information presented in an accessible and digestible report. Typically, this information is captured from a variety of public and private databases.
A comprehensive report generally contains:
- Identifier information: Full name, other names (if any), prior names, and the date of birth.
- Contact details: Any phone numbers, email addresses, and physical addresses you have previously or currently use.
- Residential history: Any previous addresses and current or recent addresses.
- Family members: Names of family members and associates.
- Employment and education history: Current and past employment (with positions held), and educational history in schools.
- Civil or criminal history: Arrest records, booking photographs, court records (bankruptcies, liens, etc.), and sexual offender registry background.
- Social media or other online profiles: URL links to accounts and activity.
- Financial Information: Liens, judgments, and other public information.
- Real estate records: Properties owned with values.
Are there any free people search sites?
The term “people search engine free” can be misleading. While many services offer a free “search” that provides a limited amount of information, they will almost always require payment to access a full, detailed report. Think of the free search as a preview designed to entice you into a subscription.
Completely free options, like Google Person Finder tool, Unmask, and True People Search, are often less effective. To conduct genuinely free searches, you generally need to depend on public records and social media.
You can find some basic information on a site like True People Search, but it’s going to take lots of manual searching and cross-referencing among free resources to piece together a whole profile. You can potentially get some information this way, but it is very labor and time-consuming and usually produces incomplete information.
Benefits of person lookup tools
- Time savings: Rather than searching for information across an array of web-based resources and public record databases, person lookup tools demand only a quick search and provide all the information in one readable report, saving you countless hours.
- Complete data: They provide access to thousands of public records, which leads to a more complete information view than would likely be obtained independently.
- Accuracy improvements: Person lookup tools reduce human errors by cross-referencing data from various sources, leading to more accurate, updated information.
- Peace of mind: Both personally and professionally, good background checks can provide you with substantive evidence to help you feel more at ease, whether it’s a new contact you are considering or simply being a good parent.
- Protecting your identity: This is where the trouble begins; with so much data available, your information may also be available online. Knowing what data about you is publicly available can help you protect yourself.
FAQs
Yes, it is legal to use a search engine to review public information in your state. People search sites extract data from public records, social media, and legitimate online public data sources. Background check services (i.e., CheckPeople, PeopleLooker, etc.) can, however, be considered Fair Credit Reporting Act (FCRA) compliant if you are using these services for employment purposes, tenant screenings, and credit decisions. If you are searching simply to satisfy plain curiosity, technically, these services are legal.
Most such services allow users to perform an initial search for free, especially by a name, to verify whether a record meets your criteria (name, state, etc.). To access that information and additional personal details, like contact particulars, criminal history, or complete addresses, you most likely will need a membership or a one-off payment for complete report.
While a search engine like Google indexes the public internet (websites and blogs, forums, and news articles), a People Search Engine is built to search, sort, and organize public records from the deep web and other forums. These public records include court documents, official licensing databases, and government records, which are typically not indexed easily, if at all, by search bots. Ultimately, these specialized searches combine disparate information into a complete profile in a way that Google cannot effectively perform (or is not designed to perform).
Most sites marketed as “People search engine free” actually work on freemium models. They lure users with the promise of a free initial search but paywall the actual, valuable data (phone numbers, private addresses, background info). The costs cover the extensive data acquisition, maintenance of proprietary databases, and the technology needed to constantly aggregate and analyze millions of records.
The level of precision is dependent on the service and the age of the records. Well-known paid services such as Instant Checkmate, PeopleWhiz, and TruePeopleSearch tend to profess better accuracy because they are regularly updating their databases. However, because they draw their information from various third-party sources, there’s always the possibility that you obtain old addresses, disconnected numbers, and/or records about separate people. As with any important thing needing cross-verification, you should verify any important data from several sources.
Google Person Finder is a free, open-source application that allows individuals to find one another after natural disasters and crises. This is not a general person search engine, but is rather a public board where people or entities upload or search for missing persons. Google Person Finder only goes into operation on a case-by-case basis per crisis; it is not designed to be available continuously for everyday people search databases.
Most reputable services of such kind have an opt-out method. You will typically find a link (in the footer of the website) for data removal (sometimes labeled “Do Not Sell My Info” or “Remove My information”, etc.). This process can be tedious and, in some instances, you may have to repeat several times to get your information removed from a few sites.
