If you’re reading this, you already know that emails can reveal a lot about their owners. They leave clues behind, and you want to be able to search through them quickly to find accurate information about the person. But which lookup tool gives the best results?
We’ve done the evaluations and are here to take you through our top-rated online background check sites. We’ll show you which are best suited to your email search, how they work, and whether or not your information will be secure while using them.
How We Reviewed the Best Sites for Free and Paid Reverse Email Search
Our review team consisted of data analysis professionals and consumer advocates. They evaluated various reverse email search sites using direct testing and comprehensive research. This included feedback from actual users, scholarly research, customer reviews, and industry insights.Evaluation Criteria
- Accuracy of Search Results: We checked how precisely each site linked information to an email address. We also ensured the data was current and relevant.
- Depth of Information: We assessed the range of information provided. This varied from basic details to extensive public records.
- Privacy and Anonymity: We reviewed each site’s measures to protect user privacy, including its ability to allow anonymous searching.
- Ease of Use: We evaluated the usability of each platform. We focused on an intuitive design suitable for users of all skill levels.
- Speed of Results: We measured how quickly each service delivered search results.
- Cost and Value for Money: We compared pricing structures to assess value. This included looking at subscription options and the availability of free searches.
- Customer Support: We tested the effectiveness of customer support and reviewed the availability of resources like FAQs and direct contact options.
- Security Measures: We examined each site’s security protocols. This included data encryption and compliance with privacy laws.
A Closer Look at Our Best Sites for Free and Paid Reverse Email Search – Reviews:
1. Been Verified
Saves past reports for easy referral and retrieval
- Best for – On-the-go lookups
- Reports offered: Reverse phone search, reverse email search, people search
- Pricing: Starts at $14.86/month
- Smartphone apps: Yes, Android and iOS
BeenVerified conducts comprehensive searches that extend beyond basic email inquiries. It explores public records, social media, and the dark web to uncover details about an individual’s online connections and affiliations. The reports generated can feature educational and employment backgrounds, addresses, and contact details.
Why we chose BeenVerified: The company notifies you of any new information about the individual or business you’re looking for. Whether it’s a change in address or legal records, you have the added benefit of up-to-date data. Plus, you can get a seven-day trial for $1, which includes 100 reports.
Our experience: The extensive database of public records made our searches easy, putting a wide range of information, from bankruptcies to interviews, at our fingertips. We liked that we could access additional contact details with just an email address.Pros
- Affordable plans
- User-friendly interface for simple searches
- Full refunds for unsatisfied customers
Cons
- No recovery service
- Doesn’t offer identity theft reports
2. Intelius
Offers access to an extensive database of public records like real estate deeds
- Best for – In-depth and comprehensive identity reports
- Reports offered: People search, background search, reverse phone, email search
- Pricing: Starts at $24.86/month
- Smartphone apps: Yes, Android and iOS
Intelius offers access to over 20 billion public records. This allows you to discover business relationships, companies, and professional networks associated with any email address you search. Additionally, Intelius Connections goes beyond an individual’s direct contacts. It helps you evaluate their credibility and assists in making informed hiring decisions.
Why we chose Intelius: Intelius sources its data primarily from public US legal and government records, ensuring the information is legitimate and ethically obtained. Plus, it has an A+ rating from the Better Business Bureau and is seen as a trusted company by the Internet Society Online Trust Alliance.
Our experience: Intelius’ extensive reports helped us gather accurate, reliable info to validate our data. Though direct email searches weren’t included in the lower plans, getting a higher-tier option for the added, in-depth details, like lawsuits and legal actions, was worth it.Pros
- Mobile apps are available for Android and iOS
- Identity protection services for $9.95/month
- Almost two decades of experience in background checks
Cons
- Automatic subscription renewals can cause refund difficulty
- Additional fees for complete background reports
3. PeopleLooker
Provides intriguing search types, such as wealth data or personal interests
- Best for – Finding additional info linked to emails with social circle analysis
- Reports offered: Email search, people search, background checks, phone search
- Pricing: Starts at $19.99/month
- Smartphone apps: Yes, Android and iOS
PeopleLooker can pull in-depth reports on almost anyone. Simply input a name, email, or any other available data to access aliases, social media profiles, criminal records, and work history. This tool is ideal for assessing neighborhood safety, vetting business partners, or reconnecting with old friends.
Why we chose PeopleLooker: Its reverse email lookup searches are completely private. So, your search subject won’t know that you’ve investigated their digital footprint. The company also has an information removal tool that retracts unwanted personal data from directories and Google searches.
Our experience: Its user-friendly interface, basic lookup process, and downloadable PDFs make it a convenient platform regardless of your tech skills. Plus, live support is available seven days a week should you need assistance.Pros
- No long-term commitments or hidden costs
- Seven-day trial for $1
- The site is Norton privacy-secured
Cons
- Limited information access with the free plan
- No property search on mobile app
4. Spokeo
Allows you to remove your information from the database
- Best for – Getting good value searches at a reasonable price
- Reports offered: People search, background search, reverse phone lookup, reverse email search
- Pricing: Starts at $17.95/month
- Smartphone apps: Yes, Android
Spokeo’s reverse email lookup tool efficiently collects detailed personal information, including property ownership, case histories, secondary emails, and estimated income. It delivers potential matches within two minutes and allows for precise refinement of search results by relevance or age. The service is enhanced by its accessibility through a user-friendly interface and leverages extensive data sources.
Why we chose Spokeo: Its reports show info on relatives and can shed light on familial connections, potential associations, and shared networks. It can also help you determine if the sender is trustworthy or a fraudster attempting cyber theft, phishing, or catfishing.
Our experience: Spokeo’s ability to match social media accounts with public records was a helpful feature. This enhanced search filter allowed us to confirm our search subject’s marital status and showed us other details, such as divorce proceedings. Plus, we were very impressed with the quick customer support service.Pros
- Searches 120+ social media platforms
- Helpful advanced search filters
- Uses deep web technology to find records
Cons
- Information may be incomplete
- No full-text tool to scan third-party links
5. PeopleFinders
Notifies you of any new information related to your searched email address
- Best for – Various background lookup functions beyond email search
- Reports offered: People search, reverse phone and email search
- Pricing: Starts at $9.95/month
- Smartphone apps: Yes, Android and iOS
PeopleFinders is one of the more budget-friendly options for reverse email lookups. It offers the flexibility to purchase a single report or unlock unlimited searches with a monthly membership. And with access to approximately 6,000 databases, it can help you get reliable information on anyone you know—or don’t know.
Why we chose PeopleFinders: Its reports include lawsuits and liens, which can reveal a person’s ongoing or past legal disputes and outstanding debts. Plus, the service gives you a preview of available info before you pay. This is great because it lets you check the data you need before committing to buy.
Our experience: PeopleFinder’s joint network of sources lets you access a wide range of information, like civil litigation and tax records, all in one place. We could even see international travel and immigration records.Pros
- Spam alert option on mobile phone
- User-friendly interface for easy searching
- Quick and efficient customer support
Cons
- No free trial available
- No social media search results
