Comparing Intelius and Spokeo for Comprehensive People Search and Background Checks

In today’s interconnected world, access to reliable information about individuals has become increasingly important for personal safety, reconnecting with old friends, verifying potential employees, or screening dates. Online people search and background check services have stepped in to meet this demand, with platforms like Intelius and Spokeo emerging as popular choices. Both offer extensive databases and various tools designed to provide detailed insights into people’s backgrounds. However, they differ in their features, pricing, accuracy, and overall user experience. This article offers a comprehensive comparison of Intelius and Spokeo to help you determine which service best fits your needs. intelius spokeo

Overview of Intelius and Spokeo

Intelius has been a well-established player in the people search and background check industry for over two decades. It markets itself as a one-stop solution for accessing public records, including criminal histories, address histories, phone numbers, and more. Its extensive database pulls from various public records, social networks, and other online sources.

Spokeo, on the other hand, started primarily as a social media aggregator but has since expanded into a broader people search service. Spokeo aggregates data from social networks, public records, court documents, and other online sources to build comprehensive profiles. It is often praised for its user-friendly interface and detailed social media insights.

Data Coverage and Accuracy

One of the most critical factors in choosing a people search service is the accuracy and breadth of data it provides.

• Intelius focuses heavily on public records and offers comprehensive background reports that include criminal records, marriage and divorce records, property ownership, and contact information. Its strength lies in deep public records coverage, making it particularly useful for thorough background checks.

• Spokeo emphasizes social media data alongside public records, offering a richer view of a person’s online presence. While it provides basic background information, Spokeo excels in aggregating social profiles, email addresses, and relatives, making it a great tool for social recon or reconnecting with people.

In terms of accuracy, both platforms are fairly reliable, but because of the dynamic nature of public records and social data, occasional outdated or incomplete information can appear on either service. Intelius’s focus on official records may provide more verified data, while Spokeo’s social data can sometimes be less formal but more current in terms of online activity.

Features and Functionality

Both platforms offer several features aimed at simplifying the search and background check process, but there are differences worth noting:

• Intelius Features:

  • Background Checks: Includes criminal records, court records, and driving records.

  • People Search: Provides phone numbers, addresses, and email addresses.

  • Reverse Phone Lookup: Identify unknown callers.

  • Property Records: Information about real estate ownership.

  • Identity Verification: Useful for screening employees or verifying identities.

• Spokeo Features:

  • People Search: Aggregates social media profiles, emails, phone numbers, and addresses.

  • Reverse Email Lookup: Identify owners of email addresses.

  • Family and Relatives: Displays possible relatives and associates.

  • Social Media Insights: Deep dives into social activity and online presence.

  • Contact Information: Includes cell phone and landline numbers.

Spokeo’s social media-centric approach offers a more modern way to explore a person’s digital footprint, which can be especially useful for personal searches, while Intelius tends to focus more on official documentation and legal records, making it a better fit for formal background checks.

Pricing and Subscription Models

Pricing is a vital consideration, especially if you intend to use these services regularly.

• Intelius offers subscription plans as well as single report purchases. Subscriptions often provide unlimited reports for a monthly fee, typically starting around $30-$40 per month. Single reports can cost more but allow one-time checks without a commitment.

• Spokeo offers flexible pricing with both monthly subscriptions and pay-per-report options. Monthly plans usually range between $15-$25, making it slightly more affordable for casual users. Spokeo also offers more trial periods or introductory offers compared to Intelius.

It’s important to review the fine print of each service’s billing practices, as some users have reported difficulty canceling subscriptions or unexpected charges.

User Experience and Interface

Ease of use can greatly affect how effectively you can extract meaningful information.

• Intelius has a straightforward website and mobile app but focuses more on providing detailed reports than flashy visuals. Some users find the process of searching and interpreting reports a bit technical but appreciate the thoroughness.

• Spokeo features a sleek and intuitive interface, making it easy to search and navigate results. Its focus on social profiles is visually engaging, and it allows users to quickly understand relationships and social connections through its design.

Both platforms support mobile browsing, but Spokeo’s modern design may appeal more to casual users looking for quick social insights, while Intelius may be preferred by those who want detailed legal or formal background data.

Privacy and Legal Considerations

Both Intelius and Spokeo operate within the legal frameworks governing the use of public records and data. They are compliant with the Fair Credit Reporting Act (FCRA) when it comes to background checks but explicitly state that their reports should not be used for employment screening, tenant screening, or other FCRA-regulated purposes unless explicitly stated.

Users should be cautious about the ethical and legal use of the information provided. Misusing data for harassment, stalking, or discrimination is illegal and punishable by law.

Customer Support and Reputation

Customer support is essential for troubleshooting and understanding report details.

• Intelius offers phone and email support, with mixed reviews regarding responsiveness and issue resolution.

• Spokeo provides online FAQs, email support, and live chat options, with generally positive feedback on customer service.

Both companies have faced criticism in the past related to subscription management and billing practices, so it’s wise to read reviews and approach subscription commitments carefully.

Which One Should You Choose?

The choice between Intelius and Spokeo largely depends on your specific needs:

• Choose Intelius if you need comprehensive background checks focused on official public records, legal documents, and detailed history. It’s well-suited for more formal or investigative purposes.

• Choose Spokeo if you want to explore social media presence, reconnect with people, or gather information related to digital footprints and social networks. It’s ideal for casual users looking for broad social data.

Conclusion

Intelius and Spokeo both provide valuable tools for people search and background checks, but they serve slightly different purposes. Intelius is robust in legal and public records, making it a reliable choice for thorough investigations, while Spokeo shines in uncovering social connections and online activities.

By understanding their strengths, limitations, pricing, and user experience, you can select the service that best aligns with your objectives. Whether you’re verifying identities, reconnecting with loved ones, or conducting due diligence, these platforms can be powerful allies when used responsibly and ethically.