4.3/5
Service Evaluation
Key Takeaway: GoodHire (Expert Score: 4.3/5.0)
GoodHire earns an Expert Score of 4.3/5.0 from BestGuide, scoring highest in Services at 90% due to its catalog of over 100 screening options. With 90% of nationwide criminal checks returned in less than one minute, it offers highly efficient processing. However, businesses screening more than 10 candidates annually must request custom pricing, creating a transparency gap for growing organizations.
GoodHire earns an Expert Score of 4.3/5.0 from BestGuide, ranking it among the top background check providers for fast screening. In this detailed GoodHire review, we analyze how the platform handles pre-employment screenings, criminal background check processes, and verification services. Our evaluation is based on rigorous data collection and performance standards established by our expert panel.
When aggregating GoodHire reviews, our team analyzed feedback from verified enterprise administrators and small business owners alike. This helped us identify real-world advantages and operational constraints. If your organization requires a reliable screening partner, this review details exactly what to expect regarding cost, compliance, and turnaround times.
Compare GoodHire with other top-rated background checks companies to see how it stacks up.
How GoodHire Works
GoodHire operates as an online employment screening service under parent company Checkr, which acquired the brand in April 2022. The platform simplifies the background screening lifecycle by utilizing automated database searches and digital candidate workflows.
Step 1: Account Creation and Verification
To begin, employers set up an account and undergo a verification process to ensure they have a permissible purpose under the Fair Credit Reporting Act (FCRA). GoodHire offers free account setup on core plans, allowing new accounts to explore the dashboard interface without immediate financial commitment.
Step 2: Candidate Consent and Data Entry
Once verified, the employer enters the candidate’s name and email address. GoodHire then contacts the candidate directly to secure digital consent and gather sensitive information like Social Security numbers. This self-service data entry reduces input errors and protects employer liability.
Step 3: Database Search and Verification
GoodHire queries national, state, and county databases to pull relevant records. Employers frequently ask: how long does a background check take? GoodHire returns 85% of clear background checks within one minute by using automated matching algorithms. For deeper manual searches, such as county court records or employment verification, processing times range from 1-5 business days.
Who GoodHire Is Best For
GoodHire is ideal for small to medium-sized businesses with low-volume hiring needs under 10 checks per year who require a fast background check. The self-service portal is easy to navigate and does not require complex software integrations or contract negotiations. If you need quick turnaround times for local and nationwide criminal records, the platform provides rapid, compliant reporting.
However, GoodHire is not ideal for larger enterprise organizations that need extensive custom integrations with niche Applicant Tracking Systems. It is also not suited for landlords seeking a specialized tenant background check, as the platform is structurally configured for employment screening rather than residential leasing rules.
GoodHire Standout Features
Why it matters: Rapid results prevent candidate drop-off during competitive hiring cycles. GoodHire returns 90% of nationwide criminal checks in less than one minute, which keeps hiring pipelines moving quickly.
Compliance Engine: GoodHire features built-in adverse action workflows that help employers remain compliant with local, state, and federal laws. This includes automated localized legal notices based on candidate geography, reducing the risk of class-action lawsuits.
Candidate Dispute Portal: GoodHire has a low dispute rate of less than 0.1%. When errors occur, the platform provides a dedicated portal where candidates can upload supporting documentation directly, speeding up the resolution process.
GoodHire Review of Pros and Cons
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Fast Processing: 85% of clear screenings return in under 1 minute. | Gated Pricing: No pricing is listed online for teams screening over 10 people annually. |
| Low Dispute Rate: Less than 0.1% dispute rate on completed reports. | Extra DMV Fees: Motor vehicle reports require additional state fees starting at $2 per check. |
| No Subscription Fees: Offers free account setup across all main plans. | Integration Limits: Custom Applicant Tracking System integrations require additional setup costs. |
Is GoodHire Legit?
Yes, GoodHire is a highly legitimate pre-employment screening provider. Headquartered in San Francisco, California, the company was acquired by Checkr in April 2022. Checkr is one of the largest screening platforms in the United States, lending substantial database resources and security infrastructure to GoodHire operations.
GoodHire is fully compliant with the Fair Credit Reporting Act (FCRA) and the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC). Its US-based support team is available Monday-Friday, 8 am – 8 pm ET, via phone, live chat, and email, which ensures employers have direct access to compliance experts. The platform maintains data protection protocols, securing candidate records with advanced encryption standards.
Understanding what does a background check show is crucial for compliant hiring. A standard criminal background check from GoodHire shows criminal records, court histories, sex offender registry status, and identity verification, ensuring employers only receive legally permissible data.
GoodHire BestGuide Rating
GoodHire earns an Expert Score of 4.3/5.0 from the BestGuide expert panel. This score is generated using our standardized five-point Service Evaluation methodology, which compares background check providers against objective metrics.
GoodHire performed strongest in Services (90%) and Scalability (90%), driven by its extensive offering of over 100 screening options and its ability to process 90% of nationwide criminal checks in less than 1 minute. It scored lowest in Transparency (80%) because the platform hides pricing details for organizations that conduct more than 10 screenings per year, requiring a direct sales consultation.
This 4.3/5.0 rating puts GoodHire well above the background checks industry average of 4.1/5.0, making it a highly recommended solution for growing small businesses.
GoodHire Cost: What You Should Expect to Pay
GoodHire pricing operates on a pay-per-check model for small businesses conducting fewer than 10 screenings annually. There are three primary tiers, with pricing ranging from $29.99 to $79.99 depending on the level of detail required.
| Plan Tier | Starting Price | Key Inclusions |
|---|---|---|
| Basic+ | starting at $29.99 per check | SSN trace, national criminal database search, sex offender registry search |
| Essential | starting at $54.99 per check | All Basic+ features plus county criminal court search |
| Professional | starting at $79.99 per check | All Essential features plus education and employment verification |
This structure places GoodHire in the mid-range of national screening providers. While the initial setup is transparent, employers should note that certain add-on searches, such as motor vehicle records or drug screening, require separate fees that increase total transaction costs.
Final Verdict: GoodHire Review
GoodHire earns an Expert Score of 4.3/5.0 from BestGuide, positioning it as an exceptionally fast and reliable candidate screening tool. Our GoodHire review reveals that the platform excels in rapid processing, completing 90% of criminal database searches in under one minute. This efficiency, combined with built-in FCRA and EEOC compliance workflows, provides excellent value for businesses executing under 10 screenings annually.
However, some GoodHire reviews point out notable limitations. The platform is not ideal for larger organizations because pricing is gated for high volumes, and custom ATS integrations require additional technical setup. Furthermore, basic tiers do not include county-level searches, which are essential for thorough vetting but require upgrading to the $54.99 Essential plan or paying separate court access fees.
Despite these minor limitations, GoodHire remains a top recommendation for small business compliance and speed.
See our full Buyers Guide for the best background checks companies before making your decision.