We earn commissions from brands listed on this site, which influences how listings are presented.
Advertising Disclosure

Top 10 Best Reverse Phone Number Lookup Sites & Services in 2024 - Reveal Unknown Callers in Seconds

Phillip Richardson
Best Reverse Phone Number Lookup Sites
Reverse phone lookup allows you to quickly find out who's calling you. Expose unidentified numbers, telemarketers, and scammers in a matter of seconds.

Telephone numbers have become de facto forms of identification, used in everything from opening social media accounts to applying for financial products and services. Therefore, it stands to reason that a lot of personal details are linked to our phone numbers.

You can find a surprising amount about a person from their 10-digit phone number. At its most basic level, a reverse phone lookup can quickly reveal the identity of a scam or spam caller who has been harassing you. 

Going deeper, a fast phone number search is an effective way of running a background check on a potential business partner or employee.

We reviewed and compared more than 20 reverse phone lookup sites and background check services and compiled this list of the top 10 best options for you to choose from and use.

Our Top 10 Best Reverse Phone Number Lookup Sites in 2024:

Our 10 Best Reverse Phone Lookup Sites - Quick Reviews:

1. BeenVerified

Ran over 32 million confidential reverse phone search reports for its customers

BeenVerified - Best reverse phone lookup service for single report
  • Contains billions of phone data points
  • Search ANY phone # and find unknown callers
  • Highly-rated customer support

Reports offered: Reverse phone search, reverse email search, people search

Pricing: Starts at $14.86/month

Smartphone apps: Yes, Android and iOS

BeenVerified provides a multitude of services, like background checks and reverse phone lookups. You can cover all your bases with a few more features like self-monitoring and expertly monitored data services that are also available from BeenVerified. Additionally, it's a terrific way to cheaply obtain public records. The service takes care of all the work so you can receive a single, thorough report about the individual you're looking for.

BeenVerified’s phone lookup tool is easy to use. All you have to do is type in the number and enter your email address to register. The site scans cross-country, detecting carrier and number type to pinpoint the individual. 

Key features:

  • Extensive information retrieval: BeenVerified's vast database supports detailed searches across billions of data points, including reverse phone and email lookups.
  • Highly-rated customer support: Exceptional service ensures users receive prompt, helpful assistance as needed.
  • Competitive pricing: With plans starting at $14.86/month, BeenVerified offers affordable access to comprehensive data services.
  • Smartphone accessibility: Available on both Android and iOS, BeenVerified's apps enable on-the-go searches and report access.


Why we chose BeenVerified: Choosing BeenVerified comes down to its ability to provide detailed and reliable reports that cover everything from social media profiles to criminal records and beyond. Its budget-friendly subscription options and user-friendly design make it a great choice for all kinds of users.

Our experience: We found the service to be very user-friendly, making it easy to conduct searches and obtain extensive reports. The phone lookup tool stood out for its simplicity, requiring just a phone number and an email address to yield comprehensive results. The service streamlined the search process and delivered detailed reports.

Pros:

  • Affordable pricing plans
  • Set up alerts for profile changes
  • Mobile app available

Cons: 

  • Uses existing, public information
  • Limited hours for customer support

BeenVerified BeenVerified Visit Site

2. Intelius

Easy-to-use reverse phone lookup, background checks & criminal record database

Intelius - Best reverse phone lookup service for Social network results
  • Just enter phone number and search
  • Reverse phone lookup with confidential report

Reports offered: People search, background search, criminal records, social media network search, reverse phone, email and property lookup

Pricing: Starts at $39.95/mo

Smartphone apps: Yes, Android and iOS

Intelius is great for getting detailed background information from the whole internet. Despite its numerous functions, it never feels overwhelming or difficult to use. The search choices are properly labeled, making navigating simple and straightforward. 

Each search type is defined in plain terms. What additional information is discovered depends on the sort of search you conduct. Reverse lookups will reveal the carrier's name and even the types of phones (cell or landline), allowing you to contact the provider and report an irritating caller. Lookups on social networks will yield detailed information on your subject's online presence.

Key features

  • Extensive database: Access to over 20 billion records for comprehensive background checks.

  • Intuitive navigation: Clearly labeled search options and simple explanations for ease of use.

  • Flexible search types: Wide variety of reports including people search, criminal records, and reverse phone checks.

  • Secure and private: Searches conducted over a 256-bit encrypted connection, ensuring confidentiality.

  • Reliable support: Live customer support available 7 days a week and accessible through mobile apps.


Why we chose Intelius: We included Intelius on our list due to its comprehensive search results, which are obtained from a vast database of public and private sources. Their user-friendly interface and top-notch mobile app provide convenient access to reverse phone lookups anytime, anywhere. 

Our experience: Intelius impresses with its ability to make complex data easy to understand, offering detailed and accessible search results, from quick people lookups to in-depth background checks. The use of encryption for searches adds a sense of security, while the availability of customer support enhances reliability.

Pros:

  • Simple to use
  • Tailored searches
  • Many different reports offered

Cons: 

  • On the pricier side
  • No free trial

Intelius Intelius Visit Site

3. Spokeo

Billions of records that enable you to search anyone

Spokeo - Best reverse phone lookup service for affordability
  • Access to public records and personal info
  • Identify unknown calls or texts

Reports offered: People search, background search, criminal records, reverse phone lookup, reverse email search, social media search

Pricing: Starts at $17.95/month

Smartphone apps: Yes, Android

Spokeo is one of the cheapest reverse phone search platforms around. You can try it for 7 days at the astoundingly cheap price of $0.95. It’s a quick service and the membership charge is just as reasonable as the trial. When it comes to search results, no matter which subscription you choose, Spokeo will provide you with the same amount of capability and customization. Basic information including name, address, city and state, phone number, age, marital status, and education level will be found in all reports. 

A reverse telephone lookup is your best bet if you want to learn more about an unknown number. It should yield information on the individual behind the number if the line is mobile, landline, or VoIP, and information about the network carrier. You can even search through an online directory with just zip codes. Spokeo also collects feedback from other people on numbers so you can figure out the trustworthiness of a caller from the comments. 

Key features:

  • Diverse search capabilities: Six tailored search options for comprehensive or specific background information.
  • Extensive data coverage: Access to billions of public records for detailed people and criminal records searches.
  • Real-time information: Advanced technology ensures up-to-date results by accessing data in real-time.
  • Affordable plans: A low-cost trial followed by competitive subscription rates offers great value.
  • Reliable customer support: Multiple support channels available daily for prompt assistance


Why we chose Spokeo: Spokeo's extensive database gathers information from various sources, enabling highly accurate and detailed reverse phone lookup results. The platform offers additional insights like social media accounts and public records, providing a well-rounded background check. Combining ease of use with affordability, Spokeo shines as an exceptional choice for finding the information you need.

Our experience: The platform's real-time search capability ensured that the information we received was up-to-date, a critical feature that sets it apart from competitors. The trial offer allowed us to test the service's capabilities at a minimal cost before committing to a subscription.

Pros:

  • Free reverse phone number lookup
  • Helpful advanced search filters
  • Notifies you of any profile changes

Cons: 

  • Only scans in the USA
  • Possibly auto-bills after free trial

Spokeo Spokeo Visit Site

4. TruthFinder

Get unlimited deep searches with phone number information

TruthFinder - Best for reverse phone lookup service on mobile
  • Simple mobile app
  • Instructional videos

Reports offered: People search, background search, criminal records, social network search, reverse phone lookup

Pricing: Starts at $23.28/month

Smartphone apps: Yes, Android and iOS

TruthFinder is ideal for deep web searches and conducting thorough social media searches. This is One of the cheapest background check websites available . There are also no search restrictions. The search engine was created by TruthFinder's developers work to bring you the information some people might not want you to know. 

Both listed and unlisted phones can be used for reverse phone lookups. The report will include information about the network provider and even the phone's current latitude and longitude, allowing you to determine the precise position of the device.

Key features:

  • Deep web searches: Employs advanced technology to scour the deep web, offering comprehensive insights into subjects' online activities.
  • Flexible reports: Options for standard and premium reports, catering to varied user needs with detailed information including criminal records and more.
  • Unlimited searches: Subscription-based access allows unlimited searches, including people search, background checks, and reverse phone lookups.
  • High security: Prioritizes user privacy with top-level encryption and secure data storage.
  • 24/7 customer support: Round-the-clock assistance through live representatives and active social media engagement.


Why we chose TruthFinder: This lookup service goes beyond basic phone number searches by offering additional in-depth reports. Its user-friendly interface is perfect for every demographic, and the dark web monitoring feature offers added security by continually scanning for potential threats.

Our Experience: The platform makes it easy to find the information you need. Just enter the phone number you're searching for, and Truthfinder will give you a detailed and organized answer. You can also scroll through the online Phone Report to learn about the owner’s background and the phone number’s history.

Pros:

  • Unlimited lookups
  • Mobile apps available
  • Quality knowledge base

Cons: 

  • No free trial
  • Not FCRA compliant

TruthFinder TruthFinder Visit Site

5. Instant CheckMate

Browse local, state and federal public sources to find anyone

Instant CheckMate - Best reverse phone lookup service for big batch searches
  • Unlimited searches
  • Easy-to-read reports

Reports offered: People search, background search, criminal records, reverse phone lookup, reverse email search

Pricing: Starts at $27.82/mo

Smartphone apps: Yes, Android

One of the simplest public record searches and reverse phone lookup tools available is called Instant Checkmate. The website offers a variety of phone number trace possibilities, such as a people directory, a criminal record database, and a database of sexual offenders. It’s perfect if you need to conduct a lot of searches each month. 

Even though Instant Checkmate has a robust search engine, sometimes manually searching is just more convenient. Instant Checkmate offers a wide range of manual directories that you can use to find in-depth results. The service doesn’t just let you find more information behind phone numbers. The company runs two informational blogs: The Luminary and Crimewire.

Key features:

  • Unlimited searches: Conduct as many searches as needed, perfect for extensive research.
  • Variety of reports: Choose from email, standard, and premium reports to fit your information needs.
  • Secure searches: Searches are protected with a 256-bit encrypted connection.
  • 24/7 support: Access to customer support at any time via phone or email.
  • Extensive database access: Daily updated access to criminal records, sex offender databases, and more.


Why we chose Checkmate: Instant Checkmate stands out with its intuitive design and ease of use, offering extensive data through just a few clicks. The platform's ability to identify unknown numbers in real-time and access detailed background information makes it a top contender. Plus, the attractive trial offer allows users to experience its capabilities without any commitment.

Our experience: We appreciated Instant Checkmate for its simplicity and effectiveness. The additional cost for in-depth premium reports felt worthwhile, given their detailed content. We valued the secure search environment and the readily available 24/7 customer support. Although generating reports could sometimes be slow, this didn't overshadow the overall positive experience.

Pros:

  • A+ rating from BBB
  • Customizable reports
  • Databases updated every 24 hours

Cons: 

  • Slow report generation
  • Limited customer care hours

Instant Checkmate Instant Checkmate Visit Site

6. PeopleFinders

Massive phone database to find anyone's information

PeopleFinders - Best reverse phone lookup service for secure searching
  • Unlimited searches
  • State-of-the-art database

Reports offered: Background search, people search, criminal background search, reverse phone and email search

Pricing: Starts at $9.95/mo

Smartphone apps: Yes, Android and iOS

PeopleFinders provides online information obtained from a search of over 10 billion public data. They provide address history and phone number lookups in addition to background checks and simple persons searches. Phone searches include possible relatives, aliases, and past contact info. 

PeopleFinders' data is entirely derived from public records. Though you may use PeopleFinders to search for others, you can choose not to have your information shared for your own protection.

Key features:

  • Extensive database: Access to over 120 billion public records for a variety of search options including social profiles and genealogy.
  • Accuracy and reliability: Highly accurate searches with an “a” rating, thanks to an advanced algorithm and filtering system.
  • Diverse search options: Offers background, criminal background, reverse phone, and email searches among others.
  • Security: Utilizes SSL software for secure and confidential searches.
  • Flexible pricing: Introductory offer at $9.95/month, with discounted rates for longer memberships and affordable report options.


Why we chose PopleFinders: Their exceptional speed in delivering results and the user-friendly platform allow for a hassle-free navigation experience. Additionally, PeopleFinders distinguishes itself with a comprehensive suite of services, including background checks and criminal records searches.

Our experience: We were impressed by the platform's ease of use and the depth of information available. Initiating a search was straightforward, and the results were in depth and accurate. The precision of the results, guided by PeopleFinders' advanced filtering system, made the process surprisingly manageable. 

Pros:

  • Unique search features
  • Secure searching
  • One-time report available

Cons: 

  • No social media search results
  • No free trial available

PeopleFinders PeopleFinders Visit Site

7. US Search

Best reverse phone lookup service for diverse reporting

US Search - Best reverse phone lookup service for diverse reporting

Reports offered: People search, background search, criminal records, social network search, reverse phone lookup, reverse email lookup, reverse property search

Pricing: Starts at $14.95/mo

Smartphone apps: No

US Search is exceptionally fast and simple to use for background and reverse phone directory searches, giving a first-rate user experience at every step of the process. The company may have the most options on the market when it comes to searches, with over 7 different types available. You can customize your reports to your needs and even refine them using aliases. 

Just enter the phone number to the reverse phone lookup, US Search will scan carefully chosen data points and include the most updated information possible. What makes US Search stand out is that they scan not only public records, but also obtain information from private data sources (like phone books, magazine subscriptions, marketing data, and more). 

Key features:

  • Versatile search options: Offers seven types of searches for comprehensive background checks.
  • Advanced technology: Utilizes pioneering technology for accurate and detailed preliminary results.
  • Ease of use: Fast and user-friendly interface with quick access to detailed reports.
  • Money-back guarantee: Confidence in service quality backed by a refund policy.
  • Rich data sources: Access to billions of records from public and private databases.


Why we chose US Search: We chose US Search for its affordability and the range of available search options, catering to the diverse needs of users. The platform digs deep into an extensive database for accurate results in reverse phone lookups. Plus, US Search's responsive customer support ensures a smooth experience, making it an exemplary addition to our list.

Our Experience: It was quick and easy to find exactly who we were looking for, thanks to its smart search that lets you filter by things like age or even an alias. We were impressed by how much info we could dig up - from social media profiles to legal records. It might not be the cheapest option out there, but considering how fast and accurate it was, as well as it’s money-back guarantee, it felt worth it.

Pros:

  • Over 25 years in the business
  • Access private & public records
  • 256-bit encrypted connection

Cons: 

  • Slow report loading
  • Register to view results

US Search US Search Visit Site

8. CheckPeople

Best for fast reverse phone lookups

CheckPeople - Best reverse phone lookup website overall

Reports offered: Background checks, instant “deep web” search, reverse phone lookup, social media search

Pricing: From $17.16/month

Smartphone apps: No

CheckPeople quickly conducts deep web searches on a wide range of public records, including directories, marriage and divorce records, criminal records, and sexual offender databases. CheckPeople also searches for hidden social media accounts, websites, and online posts you may have assumed were lost in cyberspace. All of this information is presented in one thorough report. With the low monthly charge you’ll receive limitless searches that simply require the person's name, followed by a quick scroll through the returned results.

Anyone can search; all that is required to read the report is registration. When it comes to reliable reverse phone lookup, CheckPeople uses their technology to help you uncover the names behind cell phone numbers and landlines and which are the social media accounts connected to them. 

Key features:

  • Unlimited searches: Monthly unlimited background checks without per-report fees.
  • Single report: Consolidated, easy-to-read report from various data sources.
  • Deep web insights: Proprietary searches for hidden online profiles and posts.
  • Reverse phone lookup: Identifies callers, enhancing call management and security.
  • Extensive public records: Access to criminal records, property listings, and more for comprehensive checks.


Why we chose Checkpeople: checkpeople offers an easy-to-navigate interface, allowing users to perform lightning-fast reverse phone lookups. Their comprehensive database consistently delivers accurate results, including names, addresses, and social media profiles. With a focus on user privacy and a money-back guarantee, checkpeople stands out as a reliable and trustworthy choice.

Our experience: Checkpeople struck a fine balance between efficiency and thoroughness, offering exceptional value through its unlimited search option. We especially appreciated the depth of its search capabilities, as it managed to find information that is typically hard to find. The reports were also well-organized and straightforward. Although the absence of 24/7 customer support and clear data protection policies were slight drawbacks, they did not distract from the service's overall effectiveness.

Pros:

  • Unlimited checks per month
  • Both text and images can be searched
  • Single, easy-to-read report

Cons: 

  • Unclear data security measures
  • No 24/7 support chat

CheckPeople CheckPeople Visit Site

9. Whitepages 

Best reverse phone lookup service for easy access

White Pages - Best reverse phone lookup service for easy access

Reports offered: Reverse phone search, reverse lookup businesses, background check, tenant screening

Pricing: Starts at $4.99/mo

Smartphone apps: Yes, Android and iOS

Whitepages is known for providing a simple phone book directory for many. What many don’t know is that you can use Whitepages' free reverse phone lookup tool to instantly find out who phoned you by entering a phone number.  Discover the phone owner's full name, address, and other information. No sign up's needed to get simple results back on the profile you’re looking for. 

Your search results will differ based on the type of phone you’re looking up (cell phones, home, or business). Landlines usually have more information available in free public records. You’ll need to sign up for paid services like Whitepages Premium to access more difficult-to-reach data like mobile users. 

Key features: 

  • User-Friendly Interface: Whitepages offers an easy-to-navigate website and mobile app.
  • Extensive Data and Reports: Provides access to a wide range of information, including reverse phone lookups, people searches, and background checks.
  • Mobile App for iOS and Android: The service is accessible on the go, although limited to US users.
  • Variety of Search Options: Supports searches for different types of phone numbers with varying levels of free information.
  • Premium Subscription Options: Multiple pricing tiers offer detailed contact info, background reports, and enhanced search capabilities.


Why we chose Whitepages: With a massive database of over 600 million phone numbers, Whitepages stands out for its reliability and comprehensive results. Its unique integration of public records information, such as property details and addresses, adds valuable context when tracing phone data. Moreover, the advanced caller identification feature helps users effectively screen unwanted spam and fraudulent calls. 

Our experience: We were pleasantly surprised by how straightforward and intuitive the interface was, both on the website and the mobile app. It's great that the app is available for both Android and iOS users, though the limitation to the US is a bit of a drawback. Whitepages efficiently provided basic details at no cost, but unlocking more comprehensive data would require a move to their premium offerings. 

Pros:

  • FCRA-compliant background reports
  • Free reverse phone lookup
  • Money-back guarantee

Cons: 

  • Expensive one-time report download
  • Only available in the US

Visit Site

10. Truecaller

Best reverse phone lookup with free services

Truecaller - Best reverse phone lookup with free services

Reports offered: Reverse phone search

Pricing: Free

Smartphone apps: Yes, Android and iOS

Truecaller is one of the most used reverse phone lookup services out there, with over 320 million people worldwide searching on the site or app. This absolutely free reverse phone lookup service allows you to simply search for the number and find out who contacted you in seconds. The site may ask you to sign up with your email, but otherwise you can easily access tons of information without paying. 

Truecaller also tells you whether or not the phone number belongs to a spammer using tips from other users. You can even search foreign numbers and see who they belong to, taking reverse searches to another level. 

Key features:

  • Extensive Spam Database: Truecaller's reverse lookup is powered by a large, crowd-sourced database, improving the accuracy of spam identification.
  • Social Media Integration: Enhances reverse lookup results by linking with social networks, offering additional caller information like photos and statuses.
  • User Contribution System: Users can mark numbers as spam or safe, enriching the database and supporting the service's reverse lookup accuracy.
  • Crowdsourced Database: A broad, user-generated number database aids in successfully identifying a wider range of unknown callers.
  • Premium Lookup Options: Offers more reverse lookup queries per month in its premium version, catering to users with higher identification needs.


Why we chose Truecaller: Truecaller's extensive phone number database guarantees precise reverse lookup outcomes, earning its place on our list. The cutting-edge spam detection feature distinguishes it from competitors, empowering users to dodge unwanted and scam calls.

Our experience: Truecaller's reverse phone lookup works well because it uses a huge database and connects with social media. This helps you identify who's calling with more background info. Even though it doesn't always find every caller, the fact that users can add their own info makes the service better over time. Regular updates from user feedback keep the tool up-to-date and effective at figuring out who unknown numbers belong to.

Pros: 

  • Premium features available
  • Effortless service
  • Spam blocking available

Cons: 

  • No other searches available
  • Possible privacy issues

Visit Site

What Are Reverse Phone Lookup Apps?

Reverse phone lookup apps allow you to search phone number details and see information about the organization or individual who owns the number.

Some people use these apps if they have missed a call from an unknown number and would like to check who the person or company is before calling back. Alternatively, you may use one of these apps if you receive a phone bill that includes calls to a number you don’t recognize. 

As a general rule of thumb, it is typically easier and less expensive to find information about landlines than cell numbers, although it is still possible to find details about the latter.

Depending on the service you choose, you can normally access reverse phone lookups either through a web browser or mobile app.

Note that even an accurate phone number lookup service may be of little use if you’re having difficulty with nuisance or spam calls from automated numbers. These callers often use techniques known as spoofing to disguise their identity. This involves the spammer manipulating the caller ID to give the impression the call is originating from a local or safe number.

Finding the Best Reverse Phone Lookup of 2024

Discovering a missed call on your phone from an unknown number can be a frustrating experience. While you’ll naturally be curious about the caller’s identity, you could also worry that it may be someone you don’t want to speak to or a sales call you’d rather avoid. As a result, you may be reluctant to return the call and could miss out on speaking to someone who had a legitimate reason to contact you.

With a reverse phone lookup, you can discover the mystery caller’s identity within seconds by putting the number into an app and then seeing the details of its registered owner. But with many apps providing different levels of detail on the person you’re looking up, choosing the right solution isn’t always easy. 

How Do Reverse Phone Lookup Sites Work?

Caller identification through a reverse number lookup site is quicker and easier than you might expect. Simply type in any phone number and information about the owner will pop up on your screen. 

Reverse phone lookup sites work by trawling through databases to find the number you’re searching for. These paid-for databases may contain public record information or be provided by third parties such as marketing companies. The search results are then filtered and all matching information is compiled into a report. 

We tried some of the best reverse phone lookup services, assessing the breadth and depth of their records and reports, reputation, and price. Take a look at our recommendations below.

What Information Can You Find by Using Reverse Phone Lookup?

Paid phone number lookup sites can provide reliable, useful information about the landline or cell phone you’re interested in. This information comes from a combination of public records, data from third-party providers, web searches, and the dark web. 

The results will depend on factors like what the number has been used for. The reverse phone lookup search will produce a report including details such as:

  • Names and addresses

  • Phone carrier information

  • How long the number has been in use

  • Email addresses

  • Social media profiles

  • Names of relatives and co-residents

  • Employment history

  • Education

  • Credit details and financial information

  • Criminal records

  • Sex offender status

  • Court documents

  • Professional licenses and gun ownership

It’s worth considering the information you’re after before choosing a service. For example, if you’re specifically trying to find someone’s social media information, then you might choose Intelius. If you’re looking up international numbers, then you may want an option like Truecaller over a dedicated US service.

Who Can Benefit from Using Reverse Phone Lookup Services?

Anyone can use reverse phone number lookup services, but phone number searches can

only be used for personal use. That means you can use the service to find out who’s calling from an unknown number, but not to inform hiring, leasing, or credit decisions. 

There are some exceptions. White Pages offers an FCRA-compliant TenantCheck service for screening tenants but states this check can’t be used for other purposes governed by the FCRA, such as employment references. If you need to perform a background check for purposes covered by the FCRA, make sure you use an FCRA-compliant service. 

When you sign up for a reverse phone lookup service, you’ll need to agree to only use the service for appropriate, legal purposes. There are also usually terms preventing use for marketing purposes, including telemarketing calls and unsolicited advertisements. This aims to prevent anyone from using the service maliciously, such as for phishing attempts.

Choosing the Right Reverse Phone Lookup Service

Like most online services, phone number lookup services have a wide range of features and come in a range of price points—from free to premium. If you only need to look up one cell phone number, it doesn’t make sense to pick up a costly subscription. If you need specific in-depth background checks such as criminal records or gun ownership details, check your solution provides this feature. 

Free services usually cap the number of searches you can make and offer only basic information about a person. They’re useful for occasionally looking up the identity of spam callers but that’s about it. Some free services let you conduct your first search without registering, which is useful if you just need to find the name of one particular caller.

Paid reverse phone lookup services let you make unlimited searches and reveal everything they can find about the owner of a number. Of course, some services are better at digging up information than others, so it pays to shop around before choosing your preferred service. 

The best phone number lookup services cost around $15-$30 per month, and in most cases that gets you unlimited searches.

As an example of what a paid phone number lookup service can do for you, here’s what CheckPeople promises:

  • Unlimited searches with one monthly fee

  • All your searches are private, confidential, and secure—nobody will know you’ve conducted a background check on them

  • Information is drawn from the most recent records available from governments, corporations, social networks, and more

Exploring the Availability of Free Reverse Lookup Services

While there are many reverse number lookup sites and apps that claim to be free, not all are. Sometimes you may find that you need to pay after completing your search. The genuinely free tools we recommend are White Pages, Truecaller, TruthFinder, and Intelius. 

The “free” aspect of reverse phone lookup really varies. Sometimes, all you have to do is type in the phone number and get free-of-charge, detailed information instantly. In most cases, after putting in the phone number you’ll need to register. Most of these services take a small fee (about $1) for downloading more detailed reports. 

Is Reverse Phone Lookup Safe?

Yes, reverse phone searches are safe to use. All background check sites reviewed here follow clear rules defined by the Fair Credit Reporting Act (FCRA). Many are also transparent when it comes to your data privacy and security and provide tips on how to protect your data. 

A trustworthy reverse phone lookup service, like the ones on our list, will provide you with the information you need safely, so you don’t need to worry about getting into dangerous parts of the web to find out who called.

Top Reasons to Use Phone Number Lookup

The most common reason people use reverse phone lookup services is to find out the identity of someone who called. There are actually a lot of other good reasons to use a phone number search. The best phone number lookup service for you depends on how much information you need and how often you need to use the service.

Here are a few reasons to use a phone number lookup:

  • Find out a caller’s identity. As mentioned, if you receive a call or message from a number you’re not familiar with, you can run a reverse phone lookup to find out the caller’s identity.
  • Run a background check on someone. There are many people you might reasonably want to run a background check on, such as a new business partner, employee, or neighbor. A phone number search is the simplest way of scanning through a person’s financial and criminal records to verify they are clean.
  • Discover an affair. If you’re suspicious about calls and messages your partner has been receiving or if someone keeps calling your home and disconnecting when you pick up, this could be a sign your partner is cheating (or getting up to some other kind of trouble). A quick phone number lookup will tell you if it’s anything you should be worried about. 
  • Locate relatives of a person. There are countless reasons you might need to reach out to someone’s relatives. You might be looking for a next of kin to deliver bad news, want to organize a surprise party without tipping off the person, or perhaps a person you urgently need to speak with isn’t available so you want to try their partner or kids. Whatever your reason, the best reverse phone lookup services reveal phone numbers and other contact information for close relatives.
  • Find the address of a business. Sometimes you know a business or person only by their phone number. If you need to visit or send mail to that business/person, then a phone number search may be the quickest way of finding their physical address.

Our Review Methodology: Selecting the Best Reverse Phone Lookup Sites

Top10.com reviews are based on research by our team of experts, who try out the service and check against third-party sites and customer reviews. We test out the signup process and check the functions and features on offer to ensure we choose the best options. 

Some of the key features we look at when comparing reverse phone lookup sites include:

  • Types of reports offered: reverse phone lookups, reverse email searches, social media, and criminal searches

  • Ease of use

  • Price

  • Free and trial versions

  • Smartphone options

  • Customer support

Final Thoughts

Our picks for the top 10 best reverse phone number lookup sites are BeenVerified, Intelius, Spokeo,TruthFinder, Instant CheckMate, PeopleFinders, US Search, CheckPeople, White Pages and Truecaller.

The internet contains so much information about each and every one of us. While this might cause privacy concerns where our own information is concerned, it also means you can find out anything about anybody with just a few clicks. 

Our phone numbers have become extensions of ourselves, and as a result knowing someone’s phone number gives you the power to know a whole lot more about that person. 
If you need to find out someone’s identity or run a quick background check on a person, then a phone number lookup is undoubtedly the best course of action.

Frequently Asked Questions
How can I find out who this phone number belongs to?+-

Reverse phone lookups easily allow you to identify who a phone number belongs to in just a few minutes. Simply copy the phone number into the lookup site, click search, and the report will be generated.

Can I find my own phone number on a reverse lookup site?+-

Yes. You aren’t limited to only searching for unknown phone numbers. You can use the service to view the information other people can see when they search for your number.

Can people conduct reverse cell phone lookups with my information?+-

Yes. For example, scammers and fraudsters perform phone number lookups to gain information about their targets. Some services allow you to remove your details from their database—however, unfortunately, much of the information is freely available elsewhere.

How accurate is a reverse phone lookup service?+-

It depends on the service. Free services don’t have access to the breadth of up-to-date records used by paid-for options, such as the ones we’ve listed. As with any automated tool that scans through large volumes of data, occasionally there will be mistakes in the information provided.

Phillip Richardson
Phillip Richardson writes for Top10.com as a tech writer. Phillip has worked in the IT sector for 13+ years. He holds a BSc (Hons) in Audio and Music Technology and a PhD. in Acoustics from Anglia Ruskin University, Cambridge. Phillip has amassed a wealth of technical skills throughout his varied career, with highlights including roles as Laboratory IT Manager at the University of Cambridge, Linux Engineer on a British Atlantic Survey expedition, and IT Officer at Newnham College.

Note: Some or all background search services featured on this site are not subject to the Fair Credit Reporting Act, 15 USC 1681 et seq., ("FCRA") In order to make decisions about consumer credit, employment, insurance, tenant screening, or any other purpose that would require FCRA compliance, make sure you choose the appropriate service for you. Be advised that only consumer reporting agencies may provide consumer reports. This is applicable, but not limited to, a background search, credit background check, criminal background check, and/or driving record.