12+ Top Background Check Sites With Free Trials to Search Criminal Records

There was a time when it was necessary to hire a professional investigator to perform a proper background check, but those days are long over. Nowadays, all you need to do is utilize one of the many online background check companies available to you from the comfort of your home in the UK.

These sites could not be easier to use. Typically, all you need to get started is a name, email address, or phone number to begin your search through billions of public data points.

If you're in need of a reliable background screening service that doesn't cost a fortune, we've got you covered. Take a look at our list to find the best background check service for your specific needs.

1. Truthfinder - Best for Fast Background Checks

Truthfinder is a powerful option for searching public records. Before you can use the service, you'll have to agree to the terms of service. Essentially, the information you find on this website is intended for personal use and curiosity.

If you're using this background service to make professional employment decisions in the UK, you must ensure you are following UK GDPR and employment laws. For personal searches, however, Truthfinder provides a deep dive into available data.

What can you search for? Truthfinder provides access to criminal records, family tree checks, dark web scans, and reverse phone lookups. UK Pricing: After a trial period, you'll typically pay a monthly subscription fee starting at approximately £24.95, which grants you unlimited background checks.

2. InstantCheckmate - Best Traditional Background Check Service

Instant Checkmate is a straightforward service that provides streamlined access to public records. With just a name and city, you can view available criminal records, court documents, and social media accounts. Having processed well over a billion searches, this platform is a veteran in the industry.

While the name suggests "instant" results, the deep-search algorithm can take around five minutes to compile a comprehensive report. It is well worth the wait for the level of detail provided.

UK Pricing: A full monthly membership for unlimited reports is priced at roughly £28.00.

3. Intelius - Best for Anonymous Searching

When performing a background check, privacy is paramount. Intelius ensures that all searches are completely confidential, meaning the person you are researching will never be notified. Intelius provides access to over 20 billion public records, making it a top-tier choice for discreet lookups.

What can you search for? Beyond criminal checks, you can use Intelius for reverse lookups to see what information about you exists in the public sphere. Their property search feature is also excellent for researching the history of a home before you buy.

UK Pricing: Monthly plans start at approximately £21.00.

4. Victig - Best for Background Check & Lookup

Victig provides quick and convenient background checks. This platform is ideal if you want to start a search without necessarily committing to a long-term account immediately. They offer a basic free search for new users to get a feel for the database.

UK Pricing: While a basic result is free, full detailed reports usually require a one-off payment or subscription starting at £15.99.

5. Hireright - Best for Social Media Background Checks

Hireright is an intuitive platform that focuses on the digital footprint. As soon as you land on the site, you can initiate a search using just a first and last name. It is particularly effective at locating social media profiles attached to an individual.

In a dating context, many users in the UK use this to verify the identity of someone they’ve met online. UK Pricing: Professional-grade reports can be tailored, with basic individual checks starting at around £35.00.

6. PeopleFinders - Best for Finding Contact Information

PeopleFinders specializes in locating accurate contact details. With access to over 43 billion records and 6,000 data sources, it is one of the most comprehensive "people search" tools available in 2026.

What can you search for? This service is primarily used to find addresses, phone numbers, and co-residents. UK Pricing: A monthly membership is available for approximately £19.95, with individual reports starting at £1.50 during promotional periods.

7. UniCourt - Best for Legal Data

UniCourt is the premier choice for court records and legal analytics. It compiles both state-level and federal-style records into a single, searchable database, which is a massive time-saver for anyone researching litigation history.

UK Pricing: Individual "pro" plans for tracking legal cases start at roughly £39.00 per month.

8. USSearch - Best for Property Searches

Despite the name, USSearch remains a highly effective tool for those researching international property or individuals with transatlantic ties. It provides an extremely simple interface for criminal and property searches.

UK Pricing: Monthly unlimited search subscriptions are priced at approximately £15.99.

9. BeenVerified - Best for Unlimited Background Checks

BeenVerified is designed for "everyday information." It offers a clean, user-friendly way to search for vehicle records, property details, and contact info. A unique feature of this site in 2026 is its "Unclaimed Money" tool, which helps users find lost assets.

UK Pricing: Subscriptions typically start at £22.00 per month for a 3-month commitment.

10. PeopleLooker - Best for Genealogy Searches

PeopleLooker provides a database that often uncovers information not found via standard search engines. It is a fantastic tool for those trying to reconnect with long-lost relatives or build a family tree.

UK Pricing: Access to their full database starts at approximately £18.50 per month.

11. InfoTracer - Best for Marriage and Divorce Records

InfoTracer is known for its versatility. In 2026, it offers unique search powers, including facial recognition search and IP address lookups. It is the go-to site for verifying marital status or finding past divorce records.

UK Pricing: They often offer a 5-day trial for £2.95, followed by a monthly fee of £19.95.

12. SpyFly - Best for Criminal Background Checks

SpyFly pulls information directly from municipal and federal databases to provide a clear picture of an individual’s legal history. This includes warrants, arrests, and bankruptcies that may not be easily visible elsewhere.

UK Pricing: Full access memberships start at roughly £23.00 per month.

Conclusion

The best background check service for you depends entirely on your specific needs—whether it is a property check on USSearch or a deep dive into records with Truthfinder. In 2026, these tools provide UK users with an unprecedented level of information at an affordable price, often for less than £25.00 a month.