Zoho CRM, which unsurringly is part suite of tools created by Zoho, a company renowned for its suite of productivity applications, has been one of the best CRM platforms available since its inception in 2005.

With a user base exceeding 250,000 businesses worldwide, Zoho has established itself as a reliable and feature-rich platform for sales management, marketing, and customer support activities. It's a versatile CRM that can be tailored to meet specific organizational needs. Some key functionalities include lead and deal management, sales automation, and advanced analytics, all powered by an intelligent AI tool called Zia.

Throughout this review, I will share my detailed analysis of Zoho CRM, exploring its key features, functionalities, and how it can benefit businesses in managing customer relationships effectively.

This analysis is backed by TechRadar Pro’s commitment to exhaustive, hands-on testing. We don’t simply evaluate Zoho CRM based on its marketing materials; we spend hours navigating its interface, setting up automation Blueprints, and stress-testing the Zia AI assistant with real-world data. Our reviews are 100% independent, and we never accept payment for product rankings. This ensures that our verdict on Zoho’s complex feature set - and its value for money - is based entirely on how the platform performs under the pressure of daily business operations.

Zoho CRM core capabilities

When reviewing Zoho’s CRM platform, I found a robust set of features that cover the essential needs of most organizations. The platform provides a centralized database for managing contacts and accounts, making it easy to store and access customer information. I was able to quickly import my existing contacts via CSV file and map the fields to match Zoho's system. The interface for viewing and editing contact records is clean and intuitive, with the ability to log activities, tasks, notes and attach files.

Zoho CRM's lead management tools allow you to customize the lead lifecycle stages to match your sales process. You can capture leads from various sources, including web forms, social media, and manual entry. As leads progress, you can convert them into contacts, accounts and opportunities with one click. I appreciate the ability to create multiple sales pipelines for different products or business units. The drag-and-drop deal pipeline view gives a nice visual overview of where each opportunity stands.

Forecasting is another core feature, with the ability to generate revenue projections based on the deals in your pipeline. Being able to create multiple pipelines for different products or services was particularly useful. I could easily track deal progress, set probability percentages, and generate accurate sales forecasts. Zoho uses a weighted probability based on deal stage to predict the chances of closing. This provides more accurate forecasts than relying on gut feel or arbitrary percentages. You can also adjust the forecast categories and timeframes to suit your needs.

While the built-in reports cover most standard KPIs and metrics, I did find the report builder a bit cumbersome to use compared to some other CRMs I've tried. It gets the job done but requires a bit of a learning curve to master. On the plus side, the dashboards are attractive and you can lay them out with a variety of chart types and widgets to visualize your key data points.

Zoho CRM seamlessly connects with other Zoho applications, creating a cohesive ecosystem for business operations. Additionally, it offers integrations with popular third-party tools like Google Workspace, Microsoft 365, and various marketing automation platforms. You also have access to a custom API to build your own integrations from scratch with code.

Zoho particularly shines when it comes to mobile access. The mobile app is full-featured and works seamlessly to keep data in sync, even when offline. This is a big advantage for sales reps who spend much of their time on the road, which is increasingly common in the age of hybrid work. The app is intuitive and makes it easy to pull up customer information, log calls, and update deals and tasks from your smartphone.

Things get a little more interesting when you factor in Zoho’s newly introduced AI-powered sales assistant called Zia. Zia offers predictive lead scoring, anomaly detection in sales trends, and even suggests the best times to contact leads based on past interactions. I found these AI-driven insights to be generally accurate and helpful. However, it's worth noting that the full potential of Zia is only unlocked in the higher-tier plans, which can increase costs considerably.

While it may lack some of the advanced features or depth of customization of the market leaders, Zoho CRM meets the needs of most small to mid-sized companies and sales teams. However, it would be interesting to see how well the CRM stacks up once the AI features have had a chance to develop a bit. Users got a glimpos of this recently with Zia moving from a passive assistant to an Agentic AI helper. Now Zia can autonomously perform tasks like identifying at-risk renewals and drafting hyper-personalized recovery emails based on historical sentiment analysis.

How easy is Zoho CRM?

In the last few years, Zoho has made significant progress in improving the user interface and overall usability of its CRM. I found the new interface to be clean and intuitive, with a logical layout that made it easy to access key features and information. The home screen provides a comprehensive overview of important metrics and tasks, allowing me to quickly grasp the status of my sales pipeline and prioritize my activities for the day. Updates keep coming in this area, too, with Zoho recently launching a unified navigation sidebar that allows users to switch between CRM, Zoho Desk, and Zoho Books without a full page refresh, significantly reducing tab fatigue for users of the Zoho One suite.

I also appreciated the ability to tailor the interface to my specific needs, from rearranging the menu bar to creating custom fields and layouts. However, it's worth noting that while basic customizations are straightforward, more complex modifications may require a steeper learning curve.

Onboarding is relatively straightforward, thanks to the detailed instructions provided on the website and the inclusion of sample data to help new users get started. I found the step-by-step guide particularly helpful in setting up my account and configuring initial settings. That said, the sheer number of features and options available can be overwhelming at first.

Zoho offers a wealth of training resources to help users become proficient with the system. Its knowledge base is extensive, featuring detailed tutorials, training videos, and live and on-demand webinars. I found these resources to be well-organized and easy to follow, which significantly reduced the time it took me to become comfortable with the platform's core functionalities.

In terms of the learning curve, I found that mastering the basic features of Zoho CRM was relatively quick. Within a few days, I was able to navigate the system confidently, manage contacts, and track deals. However, becoming proficient with more advanced features, such as complex automation workflows or in-depth reporting, required more time and practice. One of these automation features is the newly launched Pathfinder, which uses machine learning to map out the most successful customer journeys in your specific industry, suggesting when to automate a touchpoint versus when to trigger a manual call. Although Pathfinder is pretty intuitive, it's somewhat complicated to set up.

While the CRM is generally user-friendly, there are still areas where it could improve. For instance, some users have reported that creating multi-module reports can be challenging and may require additional training or support. Also, while the AI features like Zia are powerful, they may take some time to learn and be fully leveraged. Higher-tier plans offer more advanced features and customization options, which can increase the complexity for users. However, these plans also come with additional support options, including onboarding assistance and dedicated account managers.

Zoho CRM integrations

Before we talk about third-party integrations, it’s important to acknowledge the level of functionality that you can extract simply from using Zoho’s own suite of productivity software — all of which integrate seamlessly with its CRM. With more than 40 different applications, including Zoho Webinar, Zoho Social, Zoho Books, and Zoho Surveys, it’s incredibly easy to extend functionality without having to rely on third-party providers.

Apart from that, Zoho also offers 600+ ready-to-use integrations for popular apps like QuickBooks, Google Workspace, Slack, Shopify, RingCentral, and DocuSign, among others. I found the process of setting up these pre-built integrations to be straightforward. Most integrations can be activated with just a few clicks, with clear documentation and setup guides for each integration.

However, for those looking to create custom integrations or connect with less common applications, Zoho CRM offers a robust API. The REST API documentation is comprehensive and well-organized, covering various aspects such as authentication, rate limits, and available endpoints. As I delved into the API documentation, I appreciated the clear examples and explanations provided, which would be helpful for developers of varying skill levels.

Zoho is also uniquely committed to making sure that developers have everything they need to build their own integrations. The Developer Console offers up a lot of different resources, including documentation, courses, ebooks, and webinars — to help developers at every stage of the integration process.

In terms of reliability, the experience is mostly consistent. Data is accurately and efficiently synchronized, minimizing the risk of discrepancies or delays. However, there is mention of users encountering some minor issues with workflow rules and alerts not functioning as expected, if you look at the different reviews available online.

How good is Zoho CRM customer support?

Speaking of customer support, Zoho can be a bit of a mixed bag. On one hand, Zoho offers a variety of support channels, including phone, email, and live chat, which provide flexibility in how users can reach out for assistance. But the quality of support received can be wildly inconsistent, depending on the agent you’re paired with at the time. Response times can also vary from time to time, leaving users frustrated.

Zoho does provide a robust self-service resource center, which includes a knowledge base, user guides, tutorials, and community forums. I've found these resources to be quite comprehensive and well-organized, making it easier for me to find answers to common questions and troubleshoot issues on my own. The step-by-step tutorials and user guides have been particularly helpful in navigating the various features and functionalities of the platform.

That being said, there have been instances where the self-service resources fell short in addressing more complex or specific issues I encountered. Thankfully, Zoho provides dedicated onboarding specialists who guide new users through the setup process and help customize the platform to their specific needs. Additionally, there are regular webinars and training sessions to help users make the most of the different features and capabilities.

On platforms like G2 and Capterra, Zoho CRM's customer support ratings hover around 4 out of 5 stars, indicating a generally positive sentiment. However, there are also a fair number of reviews that echo uncertainty and frustration given the inconsistent quality and slow response that many users have to deal with from Zoho. It's worth noting that Zoho offers a premium support option for an additional fee, which includes priority response times, dedicated account management, and personalized training sessions.

Zoho CRM pricing and plans

Zoho CRM operates on a per-user pricing structure, which means that the cost is directly tied to the number of users you have. The pricing starts at $14 per user per month for the Standard plan, which includes features like lead and account management, sales pipeline management, and basic reporting — it’s a good starting point and makes Zoho one of the best CRM for small businesses.

This is followed by the Professional plan priced at $35 per user per month, which adds more advanced features like sales signals, forms integration, and inventory management. The Enterprise plan at $50 per user per month includes AI-powered tools like Zia, multi-user portals, and mobile SDKs. Finally, the Ultimate plan at $65 per user per month enhances the package with advanced data visualization and business intelligence.

In addition to these traditional plans, Zoho CRM also offers two bundle options: CRM Flex and CRM Plus. CRM Flex allows you to hand-select additional Zoho apps to add to your CRM suite, with prices adjusting accordingly. CRM Plus, on the other hand, includes a comprehensive suite of eight Zoho apps, including Zoho Desk, Zoho Campaigns, and Zoho Analytics, for $57 per user per month. This bundle offers significant savings compared to purchasing each app separately.

Zoho offers a 15-day free trial for its CRM, which allows you to test the platform and its features before committing to a paid plan. Additionally, Zoho CRM offers a free version for up to three users, which includes basic features like lead and account management, making it one of the best CRM for start ups. You also get a 34% discount if you commit to an annual subscription upfront, which can significantly reduce costs.

While the pricing is generally competitive, it's worth noting that costs can add up quickly when you have a large number of employees who need access to the CRM. It’s also a little unfortunate that the AI sales assistant, Zia, is fully accessible only on the Enterprise and Ultimate plans. Still, the platform offers a generally good value for money for most small and medium-sized businesses.

Zoho CRM review: Final verdict

Throughout my experience with Zoho CRM, I have been consistently impressed by its robust set of core features, including lead and opportunity management, sales forecasting, and reporting. That being said, the responsiveness and quality of assistance can be inconsistent at times.

While the plans are generally cost effective and offer good value, certain essential features are restricted to higher tier plans only. For example, Zoho’s new AI sales assistant, Zia, is only available to Enterprise and Ultimate plan users. And while a Free plan does exist, it’s highly limited in functionality and serves only for testing purposes at best.

Still, Zoho CRM is a versatile choice for small businesses looking for a solid hub for their sales and customer facing teams. But, I’d recommend it only if AI features aren’t a priority to your organization, unless you’re willing to spend $50+ per user per month for one of the higher tier plans.

Zoho CRM FAQ

After spending several days exploring its features and capabilities, I've come away impressed with the value Workbooks CRM, a cloud-based platform aimed at midsize businesses, delivers. It is clear that Workbooks is one of the best CRM platforms on the market. This is a fully-integrated CRM solution, not just a collection of modules. It provides tools for sales, marketing, support, order management, and more in a unified interface.

What really sets Workbooks CRM apart is its hands-on approach to implementation and support. The vendor works closely with each customer to tailor the system to their unique needs and provides ongoing consulting to ensure they get the most from the platform.

While it may lack the vast third-party app marketplace you find on platforms such as Salesforce CRM, Workbooks more than makes up for it with attentive service and an extensive feature set at a very competitive price point.

At TechRadar Pro, we recognize that choosing a CRM is one of the most critical infrastructure decisions a business can make. Our experts don't just skim feature lists; we perform hands-on, multi-day testing to see how these platforms perform under pressure.

For our Workbooks review, we navigated the entire user journey - from initial setup and data migration to complex workflow automation and financial reporting. We evaluated its unique approach to see if it truly saves businesses money or simply adds administrative complexity

So, let's dive in and examine the platform in more detail.

Workbooks core capabilities

Workbooks CRM offers a centralized database for contact management and account administration. I can easily store and organize detailed information about my customers, including their contact details, communication history, and any relevant notes. The system automatically links contacts to their associated accounts, giving me a clear overview of the relationships between individuals and organizations.

It also makes it easy to log all my customer interactions, including emails, calls, meetings and notes. I especially appreciate the ability to restrict access to sensitive notes, ensuring that private information like contracts and agreements stays secure. The platform also excels at mapping relationships between people and organizations, allowing me to visualize my entire business ecosystem, including customers, partners, suppliers, and even competitors.

When it comes to sales, Workbooks offers a comprehensive set of tools for lead and opportunity management. I can capture leads directly from my website using customizable web-to-lead forms, then track the effectiveness of my marketing campaigns by integrating with Google SEO tools. Workbooks automatically routes new leads to the appropriate sales rep and provides a clear view of my entire sales pipeline. Built-in sales forecasting helps me predict revenue and track quotas.

On the customer service side, Workbooks streamlines case management with its ticketing system. When a customer submits an issue, Workbooks automatically creates a ticket, assigns it a reference number, and routes it to the correct team member based on rules I define. I can set priorities based on urgency and monitor SLA compliance to ensure my team is meeting its commitments to customers.

Workbooks comes with a wide array of pre-built reports covering sales activity, pipeline health, forecasting, and more. Dashboards are fully customizable, so I can put the KPIs that matter most to my business front and center. If you need a report that isn't available out of the box, you can easily create your own using Workbooks' reporting wizard. However, I have found the report-building process to be a bit less user-friendly than some other areas of the system.

For employees in the field, Workbooks CRM offers mobile-optimized versions of all its core features, so I'm never out of touch when I'm away from my desk. I can quickly pull up a contact's information, log a call, or update an opportunity from my smartphone. GPS integration allows me to easily log visits to customer sites, and I can even dictate notes via voice recognition. Workbooks CRM has clearly put a lot of thought into empowering users to enjoy maximum productivity wherever they are.

Finally, while Workbooks CRM covers all the essentials quite well, its extensibility is somewhat limited compared to larger players like Salesforce. It doesn't have the same vast ecosystem of pre-built connectors for third-party apps and integrations. This can be a challenge for data-driven enterprises that rely on multiple sources of business intelligence, but smaller organizations should find it suitable for meeting their needs.

How easy it Workbooks to use?

As someone who has used a variety of CRM platforms over the years, I found that Workbooks offers one of the smoothest user experiences in the market. The layout is clean and uncluttered, clearly inspired by the aesthetic flaunted by an earlier generation of Windows PCs. It’s gentle enough for new users to get up and running quickly, while still providing robust features for power users and administrators. I was able to start using basic functions with minimal training, thanks to the logical organization of menus and features.

The platform offers a high degree of flexibility to tailor the CRM to your specific business needs. I was able to easily modify field names, create custom workflows, and build personalized dashboards to track my key metrics. Workbooks also provides an extensive library of templates and configuration options, allowing me to set up the system to mirror my unique sales process.

In terms of onboarding and training, Workbooks offers a wealth of resources to help new users get acquainted with the platform. The company provides detailed documentation, video tutorials, and regular webinars to guide users through the various features and best practices. I found the step-by-step guides particularly helpful when I was first learning to navigate the system.

Workbooks also offers formal training courses, both online and in-person, for those who want a more structured learning experience. These courses cover everything from basic navigation to advanced administrator functions, and include hands-on exercises to reinforce learning. Every trainee receives a comprehensive manual that serves as a valuable reference guide long after the initial training.

Perhaps most impressive is the level of personalized support Workbooks CRM provides during the implementation process. The vendor assigns a dedicated success manager to work closely with each client, providing guidance on configuration, data migration, and user adoption strategies. This white-glove approach ensures a smooth rollout and helps organizations start realizing value from the CRM as quickly as possible.

Workbooks integrations

Out of the box, Workbooks offers pre-built integrations with several popular applications, such as Google Workspace (formerly G Suite), Microsoft 365, and Mailchimp. Setting up these integrations is a breeze, often requiring just a few clicks and minimal configuration. While the number of pre-built integrations available in Workbooks is nowhere near as vast as Salesforce or HubSpot CRM, it’s still enough to serve the needs of most small-to-medium-sized businesses.

For more specialized needs, Workbooks offers a robust API that allows developers to build custom integrations with other systems. The attached API documentation is comprehensive, with detailed descriptions of endpoints, request and response formats, and code samples. For those of us who need to use custom integrations but aren’t comfortable using the API, Workbooks also integrates with iPaaS vendors like Zapier for seamless no-code automation.

Workbooks also has a pretty unique approach to data synchronization. The platform uses a sophisticated conflict resolution system to ensure that data remains consistent across integrated systems. If a record is updated in multiple places, Workbooks CRM intelligently determines which changes should take precedence based on factors like timestamp and user permissions. This gives me confidence that data is always accurate and up-to-date.

In addition, the 2026 version of the Business Edition now features deeper, real-time sync with cloud accounting platforms like Xero and Sage Intacct, further reducing the gap between the sales quote and the final invoice.

CRM integrations can pile up over time, often leading to unnecessary sprawl. That’s why Workbooks CRM offers tools for monitoring and managing integrations using a single dashboard - so you don’t lose track. The Integration Hub allows administrators to view the status of all integrations, monitor sync logs, and troubleshoot issues. This can be incredibly useful for resolving sync errors or performance bottlenecks.

Overall, I've been quite satisfied with Workbooks' integration capabilities. While it may not have the largest ecosystem of third-party integrations, the platform more than makes up for it with its iPaaS integrations, API, and real-time data synchronization features. The integrations I've used so far have performed well, plus there’s always the option to build your own using iPaaS tools or the API.

How good is Workbooks customer support?

Workbooks offers a comprehensive range of support channels to ensure that users can get help whenever and however they need it. The primary support channel is email, with a dedicated support email address that is monitored during regular business hours. I've found the email support to be highly responsive, with most of my inquiries receiving an initial response within an hour or two.

For more urgent issues, Workbooks also provides telephone support. The support team is available by phone during extended business hours, and I've always found them to be friendly, knowledgeable, and eager to help. On the rare occasions when I've encountered a technical issue with the platform, the support team has worked diligently to diagnose and resolve the problem in a timely manner.

In addition to the live support channels, Workbooks offers a wealth of self-service resources to help users find answers on their own. The online knowledge base is particularly impressive, with a vast library of articles, tutorials, and FAQs covering every aspect of the platform. The articles are well-written, thoroughly illustrated, and frequently updated to reflect the latest features and best practices.

Workbooks also maintains an active user community forum, where users can ask questions, share tips, and learn from each other's experiences. The forum is moderated by Workbooks staff, who often chime in with expert advice and guidance. I've found the community to be a valuable resource for discovering new ways to use the platform and connecting with other users in my industry.

Finally, beyond the usual support channels, every customer is also assigned a dedicated Customer Success Manager who serves as their primary point of contact and advocate within Workbooks. They take the time to understand each customer's unique needs and goals, working closely with them to ensure they are getting the most value from the platform. I really liked this white glove approach to customer service, which is often missing from other small business CRMs.

Workbooks pricing and plans

Workbooks CRM review: Final verdict

When evaluating a CRM platform, it's crucial to consider not just the raw cost, but the value it delivers relative to that cost. In my experience, Workbooks CRM offers exceptional value for the price, thanks to its flexible pricing model, robust feature set, and generous free trial period.

Unlike many competitors that offer complex tiered pricing or charge separately for different modules, Workbooks has just 3 straightforward plans: CRM, Business, and Events.

CRM Edition

- Best for: Small to mid-sized sales and support teams that need a centralized 360-degree view of their customers without complex back-office requirements.

- What you get: This plan provides the core essentials for managing the customer lifecycle. It includes robust tools for contact and account management, lead tracking, and pipeline management. Beyond just sales, it features a full suite for customer service, including helpdesk ticketing and case management. Users also benefit from Google and Office 365 integrations, basic reporting, and the ability to send professional quotations directly from the platform. It is a streamlined choice for businesses focusing primarily on relationship building and service delivery.

Business Edition

- Best for: Organizations that want to bridge the gap between sales and finance by managing the entire quote-to-cash process within a single system.

- What you get: The Business Edition includes every feature found in the CRM Edition but adds powerful commercial and financial capabilities. This plan allows you to manage orders, generate invoices, track supplier contracts, and issue credit notes - all without leaving the CRM. It is specifically designed to integrate with accounting and ERP software, ensuring that your sales team and finance department are looking at the same real-time data. It is the ideal choice for companies that want to eliminate manual data entry between their CRM and their billing systems.

Events Edition

- Best for: Professional event organizers, trade association managers, and marketing teams that run large-scale seminars, conferences, or exhibitions.

- What you get: This plan includes everything in the Business Edition but adds a comprehensive Event Management layer. You can manage every detail of an event from a single dashboard: venue logistics, speaker sessions, sponsor tracking, and registration management. Crucially, it integrates these events directly into your sales pipeline, so a ticket purchase or booth booking automatically updates the customer's financial record and the salesperson’s opportunity view. It’s designed to eliminate the need for separate, disconnected event platforms like Eventbrite or Cvent.

After thoroughly evaluating Workbooks CRM across 6 key categories, I've come away impressed with the platform's capabilities and value proposition. Workbooks excels in its core CRM functionality, providing robust tools for sales, marketing, and customer service. The platform is intuitive and user-friendly, with extensive customization options to tailor the system to unique business needs.

While the third-party app marketplace is not as extensive as some competitors, Workbooks offers seamless integrations with iPaaS vendors and a flexible API for custom development.

But the most striking takeaway from this review is Workbooks' dedication to customer success. The hands-on implementation support, comprehensive training resources, and responsive ongoing service set Workbooks apart in the CRM market. Coupled with transparent and affordable pricing, Workbooks delivers exceptional value for growing businesses.

With a strong track record of innovation and a clear vision for the future, Workbooks is well-positioned for continued success. For mid-market organizations seeking a full-featured CRM with outstanding support, Workbooks CRM is a no-brainer.

Workbooks CRM FAQ

Universal Background Screening, located in Scottsdale, Arizona, operates as a licensed private investigation firm in accordance with state laws. They even provide their license on their website. The company offers a variety of services, starting with employment background checks, and also includes employment physical exams, general physical exams, income verification, and compliance management solutions. Although Universal Background Screening is entirely based in the United States, it offers its services worldwide, covering approximately 200 countries—from Albania to Zimbabwe.

Plans and pricing

Determining the exact pricing for Universal Background Screening can be challenging, as their cost structure is often customized to meet each client’s unique requirements. The pricing for background screening services typically varies due to several key factors influencing the overall scope and complexity of the checks performed.

Depth of the Search: The level of detail in the background check plays a significant role in pricing. For instance, an essential check might include a simple criminal history report, while a more comprehensive search could involve multi-state criminal checks, credit reports, and education verification. The greater the depth of the search, the higher the cost is likely to be.

Types of Checks Conducted: Background screening can encompass a wide range of checks beyond criminal history. Depending on the client’s needs, this could include employment verification, reference checks, drug testing, and social media analysis. Each type of check has its associated costs, which can vary significantly.

Volume of Checks Requested: The number of background checks requested can also impact pricing. Many companies offer bulk pricing discounts for clients requiring multiple checks, which can lead to cost savings for larger organizations or industries with high turnover rates.

Custom Quotes: Given the variability of these factors, Universal Background Screening, like many other companies in the industry, typically provides custom quotes tailored to each client's specific needs. This ensures clients pay for what they require rather than a one-size-fits-all package.

To obtain accurate and detailed pricing information, it’s generally necessary to contact Universal Background Screening directly. Their team can assess your needs and provide a tailored solution for your budget. It's also worth noting that, generally speaking, the costs associated with background check services fluctuate based on the depth and breadth of the checks requested, making it essential to discuss your requirements upfront.

How it works

After you contact Universal Background Screening using the Contact Form, a staff member will create a customized screening program tailored to your specific needs. To develop this program, Universal will consider the specific liabilities related to your industry to determine which screening services are necessary.

Once you and Universal have agreed on the relevant checks and you have subscribed to their services, you'll be able to order background checks whenever you are ready to hire.

Because Universal operates a paperless system and is HR-XML certified, you can place a new order with just one click from within your Applicant Tracking System (ATS) of choice. Alternatively, you can enter a candidate’s details through a portal on Universal’s website.

Features

Universal Background Screening offers a number of services to its clients. One shortcoming is that there are no smartphone apps for Universal Background Screening.

Criminal Record Searches from the cornerstone of the offerings. The most local one is on the county level, the so-called County Court Criminal Record Search. It covers a minimum of 7 years, and encompasses court convictions for both felonies and misdemeanors. It gets conducted on-site at the local court house, with a turnaround time of within 2 days in 97% of cases. When a conviction gets identified, it includes the relevant case number, and the other details of the case such as any prison time or fines that the court ordered, and how the applicant was identified.

Expanding the search takes us to the Statewide Criminal Search that is offered, and covers 42 states. The results vary by the state, but often include the offense, court document number, and other relevant details should a conviction be found. In some cases there is an additional charge for this search, depending on the state, from a low of zero dollars in Alabama, to a high of New York that imposes a $95 search fee.

These county and state searches often get directed based upon the addresses that the individual has lived at, both currently and previously. Sometimes, the approach needs to be more widespread, such as with an individual without accurate prior address info. Universal Background Screening has this covered as well, starting with the USA CriminalSearch, which covers “Criminal history data from statewide court repositories from 22 states and Department of Corrections records from 45 states.” This reportedly covers 94% of the US population. The search can even be expanded further with a USA OffenderSearch that covers a nationwide sex offender registry. Finally, there is USA SecuritySearch, a national security database and antiterrorism database with fourteen sources.

Another differentiation point of Universal Background Screening is that this is verified information. This means that it is not merely the results of a search of a database, which can often be inaccurate due to unconfirmed hits, particularly with a common name. Rather, these searches are a curated result, with confirmed hits that can be trusted, and “Fully compliant with Section 613 of the Fair Credit Reporting Act (FCRA).”

Beyond criminal background checks, there are also additional services available. First is the search of motor vehicle driving records, which captures data going back 36 months, and includes traffic violations, and license suspensions. Then there is the Employment Credit Report, that is tailored for employment purposes. It is a PEER (Pre-Employment Evaluation Report) from TransUnion, and gives a complete credit history to identify applicants that are potentially overextended, or not financially stable. It does not include account numbers, nor adversely affect the applicant’s credit score. Finally, there is drug testing, through a network of over 8,000 sites at SAMHSA-certified labs, that even can meet the stringent Department of Transportation (DOT) requirements.

Support

We can sum up that options for support with Universal Background Screening are direct, but not excessively plentiful. There is a postal address, but it is doubtful how many want to receive their support that way in our modern connected times. There are also direct phone numbers, with extra kudos for being toll free, and dedicated for service, but most folks don’t really pay for long distance these days anyway. We also found a fax number, and a direct email address. The final option we found was a support portal, where you enter the required fields, and you can essentially send a message for contact, although we would criticize the shortcoming that there is no option to include an attachment, which can be useful to send a marked up screenshot to detail the difficulty encountered.

In terms of the more advanced options, there really are not any to be found. We did not find a chat box, whether live nor an automated chatbot. Nor are there any self-serve options such as a FAQ, predone articles, webinars or a community forum.

The competition

Although Universal Background Screening is our top choice for the best employee background check service, it isn’t a great option if you need to order a low volume of screenings quickly. GoodHire is a service that offers pre-made screening packages and which may be worth checking out if you don’t want to waste time setting up a customized screening system, as you have to with Universal.

Sterling is another background check provider that sells custom solutions for clients in certain industries. Depending on your sector, you may find that Sterling has services that fit better with your specific sector than Universal’s screenings do.

Final verdict

Universal Background Screening is a significant contender in the candidate search market, particularly regarding pre-employment screening. The company's extensive search options offer employers a comprehensive approach to vetting potential hires. These searches encompass criminal background checks, employment verifications, education confirmations, and reference checks, providing a well-rounded view of a candidate's qualifications and background.

In addition to its search capabilities, Universal Background Screening offers ancillary drug screening services, which can be vital for organizations looking to maintain a safe and compliant workplace. Their customer support is also commendable, providing direct assistance to clients navigating the screening process.

However, there are notable areas for improvement. The absence of dedicated smartphone applications limits accessibility and convenience for users who prefer managing their screenings on mobile devices. Furthermore, the pricing structure can be opaque; potential clients often face frustration due to hidden fees associated with specific searches and the use of out-of-network centers for lab testing. This lack of pricing transparency can lead to unexpected costs that complicate organizational budgeting.

Despite these concerns, Universal Background Screening remains a solid option for organizations seeking thorough pre-employment screening solutions. Its comprehensive service offerings and customer support make it worth considering, particularly for companies that prioritize a meticulous hiring process. Continual technological improvements and pricing clarity could further enhance its standing in the competitive landscape of background screening services.

We've also highlighted the best background check services for individuals.

US Search is one of the veterans in the people search industry, providing effective background check tools since 1993. Based in Culver City, California, this private company allows users to search for individuals using just a name, phone number, or address.

• Want to try US Search? Check out the website here

However, it's important to note that US Search reports may contain inaccurate information, so they should not be used for official purposes like employment or credit checks, as they are not compliant with the Fair Credit Reporting Act (FCRA). Despite this limitation, the platform can still be a valuable resource for reconnecting with old friends or researching the background of a new acquaintance.

In our review of US Search, we will help you determine whether this people finder is worth your investment.

US Search: plans and pricing

US Search has unclear pricing, as they do not provide an upfront cost or an option to request a custom quote. The absence of a pricing page makes it difficult to determine how much the company charges. After conducting a test search, we discovered only one available plan that offers unlimited reports for $19.86 per month. This plan automatically renews, and canceling requires a phone call. There is no option to purchase just a single report; payment must be made with a major credit card.

There is no free trial available; however, they offer a special trial for $1.99 for five days, including unlimited lookups.

US Search: features

US Search is a popular tool for retrieving information from public records, though its quality may not match that of some higher-end services. The platform utilizes publicly accessible databases to compile various records into a single report, making it convenient for users seeking information about individuals.

One of the key features of US Search is its flexible search capabilities. You can look for individuals by name, phone number, address, or email address. This breadth of search options is particularly useful when trying to track down someone in a crowded database of potential matches. The service allows you to compile a substantial list of results, helping guide you to the specific person you’re looking for. Unlike many similar services, US Search does not impose a paywall to initiate a search; however, accessing the detailed results does require a fee.

When you conduct a search, you'll be presented with a list of individuals that match your query. You can select the correct person based on the available information, and you only pay for the full report of an individual you’re interested in. These reports are quite comprehensive and typically include basic details such as names of family members, previous addresses, property ownership, and any criminal records. Additionally, they provide known phone numbers, email addresses, and social media handles, which are invaluable for reconnecting with old friends or long-lost relatives.

Despite its advantages, US Search has some notable drawbacks, primarily concerning accuracy and completeness. Many users have reported that the information returned in the reports can be inconsistent, with inaccuracies related to family member names and historical addresses often present alongside correct data. This is particularly concerning as US Search does not comply with the Fair Credit Reporting Act, meaning the reports generated cannot be used for activities such as employment or rental screening, where accuracy is critical.

Moreover, while the service promises extensive social media and property data, users frequently find these elements missing from the reports they receive. Unfortunately, there is no preview available to see exactly which data fields will be included in a report prior to purchasing access, leading to potential frustrations for users hoping for specific information.

On a more positive note, the searches are generally completed quickly, taking only a minute or two, which is certainly a plus compared to other services that can be cumbersome and slow. Additionally, US Search offers a relatively streamlined user experience without an overwhelming number of popups that often plague other websites.

Finally, US Search provides an “Information Opt-out” option, allowing individuals to remove their personal details from its database—a feature that highlights the service's awareness of privacy concerns in today’s digital age. Overall, while US Search can be a useful tool for gathering basic information, users should approach it with a critical eye, especially regarding the accuracy and completeness of the data provided.

US Search: interface and in use

The US Search interface is straightforward, although it lacks some streamlining. Upon entering the site, you are presented with options to search for individuals by name, phone number, or address. There are several tabs available for People Search, Criminal Records, Background Check, and more. However, these tabs do not actually change the search parameters or the content of the reports you receive.

US Search requests a full name and an email address during the search process. Before payment, you will only see the name of the person searched (which you presumably already know), their city, and age.

The reports are displayed on a single webpage, making navigation cumbersome, as it often requires extensive scrolling. While this isn’t a significant issue, it would be preferable if the reports were provided as PDFs with a table of contents or if the US Search website included tabs for more straightforward information navigation. Additionally, US Search does not have a mobile app, and the reports retain the same elongated layout when viewed on a smartphone.

Overall, the interface is user-friendly for novices but overly simplistic for more advanced users.

US Search: support

US Search doesn’t offer much in the way of support. There is not even a dedicated support page, a FAQ, nor a support portal. We also did not find a chat option, or a community forum.

You can get in touch with the company by a direct email address or a toll free phone number (between 10 am and 8 pm Eastern Standard Time, Monday to Friday, closed some holidays), but don’t expect a lot of help. The company’s representatives mostly deal with billing and account issues, and cannot assist you in finding someone using the software.

US Search: security

US Search uses 256-bit encryption to keep your search results and account information secure. However, there aren’t any security measures in place, like two-factor authentication (2FA), to protect your account from misuse.

We also thought it was telling that US Search simply requires you to check a box saying that you won’t abuse its reports by stalking or harassing someone. The company doesn’t do anything to verify the identity of people using its service, but then again this is common practice and its competitors don’t vet their users either prior to providing the info.

US Search: the competition

For the price, we believe there are better people search services than US Search. For example, Instant Checkmate costs more, but the quality of its information is significantly higher and more likely to be accurate. This service also offers more comprehensive data, including bankruptcies and weapons permits, which can be particularly useful if you're searching for someone in your neighborhood.

If you need to conduct a background check for employment, you should choose a service that complies with the Fair Credit Reporting Act (FCRA). GoodHire is a solid option, though it is more expensive.

US Search: final verdict

US Search is marketed as an affordable tool that allows users to conduct an unlimited number of person searches each month. This makes it a budget-friendly option for those who need frequent or extensive data on individuals. This can be particularly appealing for casual users or those on a tight budget who want access to public records or basic background information without incurring high costs.

However, a significant drawback of US Search is its tendency to provide incomplete or inaccurate reports. Users often report discrepancies in the information, such as outdated addresses, incorrect phone numbers, or missing details. This inconsistency raises serious concerns about the reliability of the data, especially in situations where accurate information is crucial, such as in legal proceedings, hiring decisions, or personal safety matters.

The information provided is untrustworthy, which can significantly diminish the overall value of US Search’s services. Users who cannot rely on the reports generated may make decisions based on faulty data, potentially leading to adverse outcomes.

Given these concerns, we recommend a more accurate people search tool that can provide more reliable and comprehensive reports, even if it comes at a higher cost. Investing in a service known for its accuracy and up-to-date information can save users from tUS Search is advertised as an affordable tool that allows users to conduct an unlimited number of person searches each month. This makes it a budget-friendly option for those who need frequent or extensive data on individuals. It is particularly appealing to casual users or those on a tight budget who want access to public records or basic background information without incurring high costs.

However, a significant drawback of US Search is its tendency to provide incomplete or inaccurate reports. Users often report discrepancies in the information, such as outdated addresses, incorrect phone numbers, or missing details. This inconsistency raises serious concerns about the reliability of the data, especially in situations where accurate information is crucial, such as legal proceedings, hiring decisions, or matters related to personal safety.

The untrustworthiness of the information can greatly diminish the overall value of US Search’s services. Users who cannot rely on the reports generated may make decisions based on faulty data, potentially leading to negative outcomes.

Given these concerns, we recommend considering a more accurate people search tool that can provide reliable and comprehensive reports, even if it comes at a higher cost. Investing in a service known for its accuracy and up-to-date information can save users from the pitfalls of relying on questionable data, ultimately providing peace of mind and greater confidence in the results.he pitfalls of relying on questionable data, ultimately providing peace of mind and greater confidence in the results.

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