Detailed Comparison of Intelius Versus Spokeo for Background Checks

In the digital age, background check services have become increasingly popular for both personal and professional use. Whether it’s for vetting a potential tenant, reconnecting with old friends, verifying an online date’s identity, or conducting preliminary employment screening, platforms like Intelius and Spokeo have emerged as major players. Though they serve a similar purpose—offering access to public records and personal data—they differ significantly in terms of features, pricing, data accuracy, user experience, and intended use. This detailed comparison explores the key distinctions between Intelius and Spokeo to help users make an informed decision based on their specific needs. [size= 12pt; text-decoration-skip-ink: none; color: #1155cc]intelius spokeo[/size]

1. Overview of Each Platform

Intelius was founded in 2003 and is a long-established name in the background check industry. It provides a wide range of information including contact details, criminal records, property ownership, and employment history. Intelius aims to offer comprehensive, investigative-style reports suited for more serious vetting purposes.

Spokeo, launched in 2006, started as a social media aggregator but has since evolved into a people search engine that aggregates publicly available data from various sources. It specializes in providing basic information such as names, addresses, social media profiles, and known relatives. Its interface is designed with simplicity in mind, appealing to casual users looking for quick insights.

2. Types of Information Offered

Both Intelius and Spokeo pull data from public records, social networks, marketing surveys, and other online resources, but they differ in depth and focus.

Intelius typically provides:

<ul>
<li>
Full name and aliases

</li>
<li>
Phone numbers and email addresses

</li>
<li>
Criminal records (felony, misdemeanor)

</li>
<li>
Civil judgments and liens

</li>
<li>
Property ownership and history

</li>
<li>
Employment and education history

</li>
<li>
Marriage and divorce records

</li>
<li>
Relatives and known associates

</li>
</ul>
Spokeo typically provides:

<ul>
<li>
Full name and address history

</li>
<li>
Phone numbers and email addresses

</li>
<li>
Social media profiles

</li>
<li>
Estimated income and lifestyle data

</li>
<li>
Photos from public profiles

</li>
<li>
Relatives and household members

</li>
<li>
Location-based demographic info

</li>
</ul>
While Spokeo gives a good snapshot of a person&rsquo;s online presence and general background, Intelius goes deeper into legal and historical data, making it more suitable for formal investigations or detailed personal reviews.

3. Accuracy and Data Quality

Accuracy is a major consideration when using any background check service. Both platforms depend on publicly available data, which can be outdated or incomplete.

Intelius generally has higher accuracy when it comes to official records like court cases, criminal charges, and property deeds. Users often find that its reports include more verifiable and precise data, especially in legal or financial matters.

Spokeo, while quick and easy to use, can be less reliable in terms of depth. It excels in locating social media profiles and providing general contact information, but its records may lack detail or contain mismatches, especially when names are common or data is outdated.

Both services offer disclaimers noting that the data may not always be 100% up-to-date, and they should not be used for employment screening, tenant vetting, or other regulated purposes under the Fair Credit Reporting Act (FCRA).

4. Ease of Use and User Interface

In terms of user experience, Spokeo wins on simplicity and speed. Its interface is clean, easy to navigate, and geared toward users who want quick, visual summaries. It&rsquo;s ideal for casual users who are looking for general background info or trying to reconnect with someone online.

Intelius, in contrast, provides more in-depth reports but has a more traditional and data-heavy interface. It may take longer to generate a full report, and the platform often presents data in a dense, formal layout. While it can feel more cluttered, it's effective for users who need comprehensive information.

5. Pricing and Subscription Plans

Cost is a major differentiator between Intelius and Spokeo.

Intelius:

<ul>
<li>
Typically charges around $24.86/month for unlimited reports

</li>
<li>
Offers single-report purchases starting at around $1 for basic information (with auto-renewal to monthly plan)

</li>
<li>
Additional charges for specific reports like criminal records or reverse phone lookups

</li>
</ul>
Spokeo:

<ul>
<li>
Starts at about $13.95/month for a basic people search subscription

</li>
<li>
Discounted rates for longer-term subscriptions

</li>
<li>
Pay-per-use option available for one-time users

</li>
<li>
Offers fewer hidden fees compared to some competitors

</li>
</ul>
Spokeo is generally more affordable, especially for users who only need light information. Intelius, while more expensive, provides more detailed reports and better value for in-depth investigations.

6. Privacy and Data Usage

Both services emphasize the legal use of their platforms and comply with relevant privacy laws. They allow users to opt out of having their information listed in search results, though the process can vary in difficulty.

Intelius provides a clear opt-out procedure on its website, which can be completed relatively quickly. Spokeo also offers an opt-out method, though it may require ID verification and some persistence to fully remove data.

It&rsquo;s important to note that while both platforms collect and display publicly accessible data, they are not considered consumer reporting agencies and cannot legally be used for employment screening, credit evaluation, or tenant vetting.

7. Customer Support and Service

Intelius offers customer support via phone and email, and their help center includes FAQs and user guidance for troubleshooting and billing. Some users have reported difficulty in canceling subscriptions, which is a common issue with many background check services.

Spokeo also provides support through email and has an online help center. Its customer service is generally regarded as user-friendly and responsive, and subscription management is more transparent than some competitors.

8. Mobile Compatibility

Both platforms are mobile-friendly, though neither currently offers a dedicated mobile app. Their websites are responsive and function well on smartphones and tablets, allowing users to run searches and view reports on the go.

Conclusion

When choosing between Intelius and Spokeo for background checks, the right option depends on your specific goals:

<ul>
<li>
Choose Intelius if you need in-depth, investigative data such as criminal records, property ownership, and employment history. It&rsquo;s better suited for users conducting serious background research or looking for detailed personal history.

</li>
<li>
Choose Spokeo if you want quick, affordable access to basic background information, especially related to social media profiles, contact details, and online presence. It&rsquo;s ideal for casual searches or social reconnections.

</li>
</ul>


Both services offer valuable tools, but users should be clear about what type of information they need and ensure they use these tools responsibly and legally.