--- title: "Best Reference Check Software for Small Businesses 2026 | Capterra" description: "Find and compare the 2026 best Reference Check software for small businesses, using our interactive tool to quickly narrow your choices based on businesses like yours." source_url: "https://www.capterra.com/reference-check-software/s/small-businesses/" page_type: "subcategory" language: "en" --- # Best Reference Check Software for small business ## Top 7 ranked by small-business reviewer ratings ### Ranked small business Reference Check products | Rank | Product | Overall rating | Category rating | Key attribute | Starting price | Key features | | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | | 1 | [Vitay](https://www.capterra.com/p/183558/Vitay/) | 4.9 out of 5 (49 reviews) | 4.9 out of 5 (36 category reviews) | Highly rated for Ease of Use | $699.00 Usage Based, Per Year | Included: Alerts/Notifications, Applicant Tracking, Bulk Reference Request, Email/Online, Mobile Access, Reference Checking, Reference Request Automation, Reminders, Reporting/Analytics | | 2 | [HiPeople](https://www.capterra.com/p/211940/HiPeople/) | 4.8 out of 5 (1,563 reviews) | 4.8 out of 5 (274 category reviews) | Highly rated for Ease of Use | Contact vendor | Included: Alerts/Notifications, Applicant Tracking, Bulk Reference Request, Email/Online, Mobile Access, Reference Checking, Reference Request Automation, Reminders, Reporting/Analytics | | 3 | [Zinc](https://www.capterra.com/p/179293/Zinc/) | 4.8 out of 5 (221 reviews) | 4.8 out of 5 (115 category reviews) | Highly rated for Quality of Support | Contact vendor | Included: Alerts/Notifications, Applicant Tracking, Bulk Reference Request, Email/Online, Mobile Access, Reference Checking, Reference Request Automation, Reminders, Reporting/Analytics | | 4 | [Xref](https://www.capterra.com/p/157672/xref/) | 4.7 out of 5 (95 reviews) | 4.7 out of 5 (23 category reviews) | Highly rated for Quality of Support | Contact vendor | Included: Alerts/Notifications, Bulk Reference Request, Email/Online, Mobile Access, Reference Checking, Reference Request Automation, Reminders, Reporting/Analytics; Not included: Applicant Tracking | | 5 | [RefNow](https://www.capterra.com/p/190447/RefNow/) | 4.7 out of 5 (473 reviews) | 4.7 out of 5 (428 category reviews) | Highly rated for Ease of Use | £12.99 One Time | Included: Alerts/Notifications, Applicant Tracking, Bulk Reference Request, Email/Online, Mobile Access, Reference Checking, Reference Request Automation, Reminders, Reporting/Analytics | | 6 | [HR Avatar](https://www.capterra.com/p/141052/HR-Avatar-Pre-Employment-Tests/) | 4.5 out of 5 (130 reviews) | 4.6 out of 5 (13 category reviews) | Highly rated for Ease of Setup | $50.00 Flat Rate, One Time | Included: Alerts/Notifications, Applicant Tracking, Bulk Reference Request, Email/Online, Mobile Access, Reference Checking, Reference Request Automation, Reminders, Reporting/Analytics | | 7 | [Employment Check Pro](https://www.capterra.com/p/252593/EBC-Global/) | 4.4 out of 5 (21 reviews) | 4.3 out of 5 (14 category reviews) | Highly rated for Ease of Use | Contact vendor | Included: Alerts/Notifications, Applicant Tracking, Bulk Reference Request, Email/Online, Mobile Access, Reference Checking, Reference Request Automation, Reminders, Reporting/Analytics | Category rating: Rating from reviewers who used each product as Reference Check software, with the number of those reviews. Products are ranked by this rating, adjusted for how many reviews support it. For the complete directory, see [the full product list](#full-product-list). --- ## See top 7 product details ### 1. [Vitay](https://www.capterra.com/p/183558/Vitay/) Overall rating: 4.9 out of 5 (49 reviews) Category rating: 4.9 out of 5 (36 category reviews) Key attribute: Highly rated for Ease of Use Starting price: $699.00 Usage Based, Per Year Free trial: Available Free version: Not available #### Features reviewers most value - Alerts/Notifications: Included - Applicant Tracking: Included - Bulk Reference Request: Included - Email/Online: Included - Mobile Access: Included - Reference Checking: Included - Reference Request Automation: Included - Reminders: Included - Reporting/Analytics: Included --- ### 2. [HiPeople](https://www.capterra.com/p/211940/HiPeople/) Overall rating: 4.8 out of 5 (1,563 reviews) Category rating: 4.8 out of 5 (274 category reviews) Key attribute: Highly rated for Ease of Use Starting price: Contact vendor Free trial: Available Free version: Available #### Features reviewers most value - Alerts/Notifications: Included - Applicant Tracking: Included - Bulk Reference Request: Included - Email/Online: Included - Mobile Access: Included - Reference Checking: Included - Reference Request Automation: Included - Reminders: Included - Reporting/Analytics: Included #### Pros based on reviews - Intuitive and seamless interface - Clear and straightforward instructions #### Cons based on reviews - Challenging video assessment experience - Technical glitches and connectivity problems --- ### 3. [Zinc](https://www.capterra.com/p/179293/Zinc/) Overall rating: 4.8 out of 5 (221 reviews) Category rating: 4.8 out of 5 (115 category reviews) Key attribute: Highly rated for Quality of Support Starting price: Contact vendor Free trial: Available Free version: Available #### Features reviewers most value - Alerts/Notifications: Included - Applicant Tracking: Included - Bulk Reference Request: Included - Email/Online: Included - Mobile Access: Included - Reference Checking: Included - Reference Request Automation: Included - Reminders: Included - Reporting/Analytics: Included --- ### 4. [Xref](https://www.capterra.com/p/157672/xref/) Overall rating: 4.7 out of 5 (95 reviews) Category rating: 4.7 out of 5 (23 category reviews) Key attribute: Highly rated for Quality of Support Starting price: Contact vendor Free trial: Available Free version: Available #### Features reviewers most value - Alerts/Notifications: Included - Applicant Tracking: Not included - Bulk Reference Request: Included - Email/Online: Included - Mobile Access: Included - Reference Checking: Included - Reference Request Automation: Included - Reminders: Included - Reporting/Analytics: Included --- ### 5. [RefNow](https://www.capterra.com/p/190447/RefNow/) Overall rating: 4.7 out of 5 (473 reviews) Category rating: 4.7 out of 5 (428 category reviews) Key attribute: Highly rated for Ease of Use Starting price: £12.99 One Time Free trial: Available Free version: Available #### Features reviewers most value - Alerts/Notifications: Included - Applicant Tracking: Included - Bulk Reference Request: Included - Email/Online: Included - Mobile Access: Included - Reference Checking: Included - Reference Request Automation: Included - Reminders: Included - Reporting/Analytics: Included --- ### 6. [HR Avatar](https://www.capterra.com/p/141052/HR-Avatar-Pre-Employment-Tests/) Overall rating: 4.5 out of 5 (130 reviews) Category rating: 4.6 out of 5 (13 category reviews) Key attribute: Highly rated for Ease of Setup Starting price: $50.00 Flat Rate, One Time Free trial: Available Free version: Not available #### Features reviewers most value - Alerts/Notifications: Included - Applicant Tracking: Included - Bulk Reference Request: Included - Email/Online: Included - Mobile Access: Included - Reference Checking: Included - Reference Request Automation: Included - Reminders: Included - Reporting/Analytics: Included --- ### 7. [Employment Check Pro](https://www.capterra.com/p/252593/EBC-Global/) Overall rating: 4.4 out of 5 (21 reviews) Category rating: 4.3 out of 5 (14 category reviews) Key attribute: Highly rated for Ease of Use Starting price: Contact vendor Free trial: Not available Free version: Not available #### Features reviewers most value - Alerts/Notifications: Included - Applicant Tracking: Included - Bulk Reference Request: Included - Email/Online: Included - Mobile Access: Included - Reference Checking: Included - Reference Request Automation: Included - Reminders: Included - Reporting/Analytics: Included --- ## All reference check software for small businesses [4.7 (473)](https://www.capterra.com/p/190447/RefNow/reviews/) Allows companies to make smarter, more informed recruitment decisions by providing online employment reference reports. [Learn more about RefNow](https://www.capterra.com/p/190447/RefNow/) Reference Check features reviewers most value Alerts/Notifications Applicant Tracking Bulk Reference Request Email/Online Mobile Access Reference Checking Reference Request Automation Reminders Reporting/Analytics [4.9 (49)](https://www.capterra.com/p/183558/Vitay/reviews/) VITAY is the most recommended candidate reference checking software automating reference checking at scale. [Learn more about Vitay](https://www.capterra.com/p/183558/Vitay/) Reference Check features reviewers most value Alerts/Notifications Applicant Tracking Bulk Reference Request Email/Online Mobile Access Reference Checking Reference Request Automation Reminders Reporting/Analytics [4.8 (18)](https://www.capterra.com/p/181402/Checkmate/reviews/) Checkmate is an easy to use background screening tool. Simply pop in the candidate's details and we'll do the rest. [Learn more about Checkmate](https://www.capterra.com/p/181402/Checkmate/) Reference Check features reviewers most value Alerts/Notifications Applicant Tracking Bulk Reference Request Email/Online Mobile Access Reference Checking Reference Request Automation Reminders Reporting/Analytics [4.7 (19)](https://www.capterra.com/p/172253/Verified-First/reviews/) We provide streamlined background screening along with exceptional client support, and we establish the easiest, quickest connections. [Learn more about Verified First](https://www.capterra.com/p/172253/Verified-First/) Reference Check features reviewers most value Alerts/Notifications Applicant Tracking Bulk Reference Request Email/Online Mobile Access Reference Checking Reference Request Automation Reminders Reporting/Analytics [4.6 (125)](https://www.capterra.com/p/127883/VidCruiter/reviews/) Trusted by over 150,000 recruiters, VidCruiter's automated reference checking software does the hard work for you. [Learn more about VidCruiter](https://www.capterra.com/p/127883/VidCruiter/) Reference Check features reviewers most value Alerts/Notifications Applicant Tracking Bulk Reference Request Email/Online Mobile Access Reference Checking Reference Request Automation Reminders Reporting/Analytics 89% recommend this product [4.5 (305)](https://www.capterra.com/p/177814/Checkr/reviews/) Automate reference checks with faster collection, structured insights, and a seamless experience for candidates and references. [Learn more about Checkr](https://www.capterra.com/p/177814/Checkr/) Reference Check features reviewers most value Alerts/Notifications Applicant Tracking Bulk Reference Request Email/Online Mobile Access Reference Checking Reference Request Automation Reminders Reporting/Analytics 84% recommend this product [## HiPeople](https://www.capterra.com/p/211940/HiPeople/) [4.8 (1563)](https://www.capterra.com/p/211940/HiPeople/reviews/) Do reference checks the right way! Hire top talents faster than your peers with HiPeople's AI-powered, compliant Reference Checks. [Learn more about HiPeople](https://www.capterra.com/p/211940/HiPeople/) Reference Check features reviewers most value Alerts/Notifications Applicant Tracking Bulk Reference Request Email/Online Mobile Access Reference Checking Reference Request Automation Reminders Reporting/Analytics 81% recommend this product [## Zinc](https://www.capterra.com/p/179293/Zinc/) [4.8 (221)](https://www.capterra.com/p/179293/Zinc/reviews/) ⚡Zinc is an award-winning all-in-one background and reference-checking software ⚡ [Learn more about Zinc](https://www.capterra.com/p/179293/Zinc/) Reference Check features reviewers most value Alerts/Notifications Applicant Tracking Bulk Reference Request Email/Online Mobile Access Reference Checking Reference Request Automation Reminders Reporting/Analytics 82% recommend this product [## HR Avatar](https://www.capterra.com/p/141052/HR-Avatar-Pre-Employment-Tests/) [4.5 (130)](https://www.capterra.com/p/141052/HR-Avatar-Pre-Employment-Tests/reviews/) HR Avatar's Automated Reference Checks provide meaningful reviews and a detailed report from a candidate's past supervisors and peers. [Learn more about HR Avatar](https://www.capterra.com/p/141052/HR-Avatar-Pre-Employment-Tests/) Reference Check features reviewers most value Alerts/Notifications Applicant Tracking Bulk Reference Request Email/Online Mobile Access Reference Checking Reference Request Automation Reminders Reporting/Analytics [## Discovered](https://www.capterra.com/p/139913/Discovered/) [4.6 (127)](https://www.capterra.com/p/139913/Discovered/reviews/) Your Hardest Hiring Challenges SOLVED! The easiest tool to start hiring better quality people today. Never make a bad hire again.  [Learn more about Discovered](https://www.capterra.com/p/139913/Discovered/) Reference Check features reviewers most value Alerts/Notifications Applicant Tracking Bulk Reference Request Email/Online Mobile Access Reference Checking Reference Request Automation Reminders Reporting/Analytics 85% recommend this product ## Top-rated software of 2026 ### Fill out the form and we'll send a list of the top-rated software based on real user reviews directly to your inbox. Filter (46) Products: Sort By: Featured Partners * * * Plan Type Free Trial Popular 85% of professionals opt for a 30-day trial before the software purchase Other subsciption plans: Free Version Monthly Subscription Annual Subscription One-Time License Key Features All key features Popular We have selected the most important and critical features as defined by Capterra user reviews Activity Dashboard AI Copilot Alerts/Notifications Applicant Tracking Bulk Reference Request Candidate Scoring Email/Online Generative AI Mobile Access Reference Checking Reference Request Automation Reminders Reporting/Analytics Status Tracking Survey Builder Survey Library Deployment Cloud, SaaS, Web-Based Desktop Mac Desktop Windows Desktop Linux On-Premise Windows On-Premise Linux Desktop Chromebook Mobile Android Mobile iPhone Mobile iPad Related Software Category: [Recruiting Agency Software](https://www.capterra.com/recruiting-agency-software/)[Pre-employment Testing Software](https://www.capterra.com/pre-employment-testing-software/)[Applicant Tracking Software](https://www.capterra.com/applicant-tracking-software/)[Background Check Software](https://www.capterra.com/background-check-software/)[Video Interviewing Software](https://www.capterra.com/video-interviewing-software/)[Job Board Software](https://www.capterra.com/job-board-software/)[Recruiting Software](https://www.capterra.com/recruiting-software/)[Recruitment Marketing Platforms Software](https://www.capterra.com/recruitment-marketing-platforms-software/)[Relocation Software](https://www.capterra.com/relocation-software/)[Onboarding Software](https://www.capterra.com/onboarding-software/) I'm looking for Reference Check Software that is: [Free](https://www.capterra.com/reference-check-software/s/free/) How to choose the right Reference Check Software? [Read our Buyer's Guide](https://www.capterra.com/reference-check-software/#buyers-guide-content)