Finding someone online shouldn’t be this hard, but here we are. You type a name into Google and get 50,000 results – half of them are the wrong person, and the other half want your credit card before showing you anything useful.
I’ve been doing this for twelve years now. Started when I was helping my mom track down relatives after my grandfather passed. These days, I test people search sites for a living, and I’ve probably burned through more trial subscriptions than anyone should admit to.
Whether you’re looking for an old college friend, checking out a new romantic interest, or trying to figure out if your contractor is legit, you need sites that actually work. Not the ones that promise “instant results” and give you a phone number that’s been disconnected since Obama was president.
So I tested all the major players. Spent my own money, dealt with their customer service (or lack thereof), and figured out which ones are worth your time. Here’s what I found.
What Actually Works: My Real Test Results
I spent six months testing these. Here’s what happened when I tried to find real people with real information.
1. BeenVerified
This one surprised me. I was looking up a potential business partner who seemed too good to be true. BeenVerified found three previous addresses I didn’t know about, two old phone numbers, and a bankruptcy from 2019 that wasn’t showing up anywhere else.
Their search options are solid – name, phone, email, address, even license plates. The interface doesn’t look like it was designed in 2003, which is more than I can say for some of these sites.
What it does well: Background reports that aren’t garbage, vehicle searches, property records, social media links, monitors the dark web
What you’ll pay: Monthly or quarterly plans, usually has a trial
Why I like it: Huge database, doesn’t hurt your eyes to use, works for different search types, actually finds current contact info
What’s annoying: Need to pay for anything useful, can’t use it for hiring or tenant screening (FCRA thing)
Rating: 4.8/5
2. Radaris
When I was tracking down a long-lost business partner who seemed to have vanished – complicated story involving money – Radaris delivered connections that blew my mind. Not just current contact info but historical addresses spanning decades, obscure business registrations, and social media accounts I’d never have found elsewhere. The kind of comprehensive data that usually requires paying a private investigator.
Their ability to link relatives and associates actually helped me find the person through a family member’s current address. That interconnected web of relationships was worth every penny.
What makes it different: Unmatched data depth from niche sources, finds obscure media accounts, comprehensive address history, strong business record integration
Cost reality: Tiered subscription model, premium features cost extra
The good: Deepest data coverage I’ve tested, excellent for finding hard-to-locate people, superior relative/associate connections
The bad: Pricing can be confusing, reports sometimes overwhelming with detail, need premium access for best features
Rating: 4.8/5
3. Intelius
The reverse phone lookup on this thing is ridiculous. I get spam calls constantly, and Intelius has identified every single one. Not just “this is spam” but who’s calling, where they’re calling from, and what other numbers they use.
Regular searches give you address history, emails, criminal stuff, and potential relatives. Everything’s laid out clearly without a bunch of marketing fluff.
Best features: Reverse phone that actually works, address history, criminal checks, shows related people
How much: Per-report or monthly subscriptions
What’s good: Fast results, great for contact info, reverse phone is amazing, clean reports
What’s not: Less detailed than TruthFinder for deep dives, not FCRA compliant, single reports get expensive
Rating: 4.5/5
4. Instant Checkmate
If you need criminal information, start here. I’ve used this to check out contractors, babysitters, and one memorable potential roommate who turned out to have three DUIs. The criminal data includes court dates and specific charges that other sites just summarize.
Beyond criminal stuff, you get contact info, where they’ve lived, social media profiles, and family connections. The whole process is pretty straightforward.
Main strengths: Criminal records with real details, inmate searches, sex offender registry, dark web monitoring
Pricing: Monthly subscription with different term options
Pros: Detailed criminal info, easy to use, security alerts for users
Cons: Expensive, not FCRA compliant, can be slow generating reports
Rating: 4.6/5
5. Spokeo
Spokeo found social media profiles I didn’t even know existed. When I was checking out someone I met online, it pulled up Instagram accounts, Twitter profiles, and LinkedIn pages that weren’t linked to their main profiles.
They claim to search 120+ social networks, and based on my testing, that’s not marketing BS. Plus they cover public records, contact info, and family details.
Special features: Social media detective work, online activity tracking, public records, contact details
Cost: Monthly plans that won’t break the bank
Why it’s useful: Finds hidden social profiles, discovers online activity, reasonably priced, quick results
Limitations: Public records aren’t as deep as criminal-focused sites, not FCRA compliant
Rating: 4.4/5
6. Whitepages
This is where everyone starts, and honestly, the free version handles basic searches pretty well. Phone numbers, addresses, sometimes email – it’s good for quick lookups when you don’t need a full investigation.
For deeper stuff like criminal records or financial information, you need Whitepages Premium. The paid version is solid, but the free tier is what most people actually use.
Basic features: Free contact info (phone, address), premium background checks, reverse phone lookups
Cost structure: Free basic searches; premium subscription for advanced stuff
Good points: Great free option for basic contact info, quick searches, everyone knows the name
Bad points: Limited detail without paying, some free data is ancient, not FCRA compliant
Rating: 4.0/5 (free); 4.3/5 (premium)
7. That’s Them
This site does one thing really well: reverse searches. Got a phone number but no name? Email address from someone sketchy? Street address and nothing else? That’s Them will connect the dots.
The reports aren’t novels like some sites, but they consistently match contact info to actual people. Perfect for figuring out who called you or verifying partial information.
What it does: Reverse phone, email, and address searches that actually work
Cost: Free basic results; paid for detailed reports
Works well for: Reverse searches, quick interface, some free info upfront
Doesn’t work for: Comprehensive background checks, limited compared to full services, not much historical data
Rating: 4.1/5
8. Social Catfish
If you think someone’s catfishing you, this is your weapon. Their reverse image search caught someone using stolen photos from a model’s Instagram account. Not similar photos – the exact same pictures.
They pull data from social media, dating sites, and public records. If you’re dealing with online dating or have any concerns about fake profiles, this tool will save you time and heartbreak.
Specialized tools: Reverse image search that works, email lookup, phone verification, identity checking, social media deep dives
Pricing: Trial period, then monthly subscription
Strong points: Catches online scams, powerful image search, solid identity verification
Weak points: More specialized than comprehensive, can be pricey
Rating: 4.5/5
9. PeekYou
PeekYou excels at building someone’s complete online profile. When I needed to research a potential client, it found LinkedIn profiles, Twitter accounts, news mentions, and professional websites I wouldn’t have discovered otherwise.
Everything gets organized into one profile that shows their entire digital footprint. Great for getting a complete picture of someone’s online presence.
Focus areas: Social media profiles, web presence, public records, username searches
Cost: Free to search; some premium features
Benefits: Strong online profile building, good social media discovery, user-friendly
Limitations: Less criminal/financial focus, data sometimes outdated
Rating: 4.0/5
10. Searqle
One of the newer players trying to compete with the big guys. They pull from public and private databases to build comprehensive reports. My testing showed decent results for criminal records, work history, education, and relationship status.
Still building their reputation, but the initial results are promising. The interface is modern and the search process is straightforward.
Data sources: Public and private databases, criminal records, employment/education history
Pricing: Free preview, paid reports/subscriptions for details
Positives: Good data compilation, broad sources, easy initial checks
Negatives: Still establishing themselves, report quality varies, less proven than established competitors
Rating: 3.9/5
11. PeopleFinders
Been around forever and has the database to prove it. When I need reliable address verification or property records, PeopleFinders consistently delivers accurate information. Their address data is particularly solid.
Good value for the price, and their property record searches have helped me verify ownership information that other sites missed.
Core capabilities: Public records, criminal records, property records, contact information
Pricing: Monthly subscriptions with per-report options
Advantages: Established and reliable, accurate address/phone data, good for basic background checks
Disadvantages: Interface looks dated, sometimes need multiple searches
Rating: 4.2/5
12. TruePeopleSearch
Completely free, which immediately makes you suspicious, but it actually works. Current and past addresses, phone numbers, emails, and relatives – all without paying anything.
Perfect for basic searches when you just need to verify contact information. The data isn’t as fresh or comprehensive as paid services, but for free, it’s impressive.
Service model: Free searches, contact info, address history, relatives
Cost: Zero
Benefits: Actually free, surprisingly good data, simple to use
Drawbacks: Less comprehensive than paid services, no support, limited privacy
Rating: 3.8/5 (considering it’s free)
13. Pipl
This is the professional-grade tool. Not really designed for casual use, but when I needed to verify professional credentials or track down comprehensive digital footprints, Pipl delivered results that consumer sites couldn’t match.
They focus on identity verification and fraud detection, primarily through emails and social media. The intelligence gathering from deep web sources provides unique insights you won’t find elsewhere.
Professional features: Advanced identity verification, professional profile cross-referencing, social media analysis, email/phone lookups
Business pricing: Enterprise-level, custom quotes
Professional advantages: Highly accurate for business use, excellent fraud detection, unique data sources
Consumer limitations: Not for casual use, expensive, business-focused reports
Rating: 4.3/5 (for professional use)
14. LinkedIn
Not technically a people search site, but essential for professional background verification. When I need to verify someone’s work history or educational claims, LinkedIn is the starting point.
Self-reported information with peer endorsements and connections. Combined with other tools, it gives you a complete picture of someone’s professional background.
Professional focus: Work profiles, employment history, education, endorsements, networking
Subscription options: Free basic; Premium accounts with enhanced features
Professional strengths: Best for work verification, huge user base, peer validation, excellent networking
Professional limitations: Self-reported data (can be wrong), no criminal records, limited for non-professional searches
Rating: 4.0/5 (for professional verification)
15. CocoFinder
Tries to be a one-stop shop for reverse phone, address lookup, and criminal records. Quick results, especially for phone and address verification, but reports can be hit-or-miss in terms of detail.
Decent option when you need fast results and aren’t looking for comprehensive background information.
Multi-purpose features: Reverse phone, address lookup, criminal records, public records
Pricing: Usually subscription-based with trials
Positive aspects: Quick results, easy interface, decent search variety
Negative aspects: Variable report quality, customer service issues reported, not FCRA compliant
Rating: 3.7/5
Legal Stuff You Actually Need to Know
Here’s the deal: these tools are powerful, but you can’t just use them however you want. The Fair Credit Reporting Act (FCRA) has strict rules about how consumer information can be used.
Most of these sites are NOT FCRA compliant. That means you legally cannot use them for employment screening, tenant background checks, credit decisions, or insurance purposes. Personal research only. I’ve seen people get sued for misusing this information.
Protecting Your Own Information
Your information is probably on these sites right now. Most offer opt-out processes to remove your data. Look for “opt-out” links in their privacy policies or site footers.
You’ll usually need to verify your identity and submit removal requests. Be prepared to do this for multiple sites since they share data. Services like OneRep can automate opt-outs across multiple platforms.
Getting Better Results: What I’ve Learned
Don’t rely on one search. If a name search gives too many results, try reverse phone or address lookup. Cross-reference information between sites to verify accuracy.
If one site shows an old address, search that address on another site to see who else lived there. Use different data points you already have.
When to Get Professional Help
These sites handle public information well, but they have limits. For legal matters, missing persons, or sealed records, hire a licensed private investigator. They have tools and legal authority beyond what consumer sites provide.