True Probe vs. Sterling: Which Is Right for Your Company?

Sterling is an enterprise-focused background check provider with strong brand recognition. True Probe targets mid-market companies with AI-powered speed and cost efficiency. The two serve different segments of the market. This guide compares them across speed, automation, pricing, and use cases—helping you decide which is right for your company.

Speed

Sterling typically delivers employment verification in 2-4 weeks. True Probe: 1-3 days. The gap is significant. Companies that need fast verification—tech, startups, competitive hiring—often find Sterling's timeline too slow. True Probe's AI automation compresses the process dramatically.

Automation

Sterling uses traditional processes: manual outreach, phone and email, human coordination. True Probe offers full AI automation with 24/7 agents. No manual chase. Multi-channel outreach. Automatic follow-ups. The process model differs fundamentally.

Pricing

Sterling charges approximately $175 per check. True Probe: $70-$100. At scale, the difference is meaningful. For a company verifying 50 candidates per year, that's $8,750 vs. $3,500-5,000.

Best For

Sterling suits large enterprises with complex global needs, established procurement relationships, and requirements for comprehensive global screening. True Probe suits mid-market companies (100-1000 employees) prioritizing speed, cost, and modern AI-powered workflows. If you're losing candidates to slow verification or straining your verification budget, True Probe may be the better fit.