Have you ever received a call from an unknown number and felt a twinge of anxiety? Or maybe you're trying to reconnect with an old flame and don't have their current contact information? Reverse phone number lookup services are here to be our trusty sidekick in these situations.

These online tools allow you to search for information about a certain phone number, including the caller's name, address and background information. With so many options to choose from, it can be tough to know which service is the best for you. 

That's why we've scoured the internet and put together a list of the 5 best reverse phone lookup services based on accuracy, user-friendliness and affordability.

So whether you're looking to reconnect with an old friend, protect yourself from potential scams, or just satisfy your curiosity, read on to find the best reverse phone lookup service for you!

What is Reverse Phone Lookup?

A reverse phone lookup service allows you to enter a phone number and receive a comprehensive report about the person connected to it.

The information you can obtain includes the owner's name, type of line, carrier, and possibly social media profiles, photos, and more. This service can provide additional details about relatives, partners, neighbors and potential fraudulent callers.

The data you receive depends on publicly available data, including information from federal, state, and county databases. Phone number lookup sites quickly scan public records to find the person or business associated with the phone number you’re inquiring about.

Some services may even purchase data from private networks to provide you with more in-depth information that would not be otherwise accessible via a simple online search.

3 Best Reverse Phone Lookup Sites

1. Best Overall: Instant Checkmate

2. Best Search Tools: Intelius

3. Best Price: PeopleFinders

1. Best Overall: Instant Checkmate

Instant Checkmate is at the top of our list of the best reverse phone lookup services, a highly-rated public records search service. We chose it as the best overall option due to its combination of affordability, user-friendliness and easy-to-read, detailed reports.

Pros:

• Accurate and timely information
• Affordable 5-day trial
• Excellent search tools
• Android app

Cons:

• No single-report option

About This Reverse Phone Lookup Service

Using Instant Checkmate is a breeze. Simply enter the landline or cell phone number you want to search for and hit the "search now" button. The service then accesses federal, state, and county databases to give you the most up-to-date information available about the number or person in question.

One of the things that set Instant Checkmate apart is the level of detail in its reports. Not only do you receive information about the owner of the phone number, but you can also learn about their family members, social media profiles, and more. This additional information can be incredibly useful when making decisions about whether you should trust that person.

Their website is easy to use. You can also connect to their app on your phone to search and access reports from anywhere. The customer service representatives at Instant Checkmate prioritize their customers' satisfaction, so you can count on getting the most from your subscription and search tools. 

It's also always good to know that a company has a solid reputation. With an A rating from the Better Business Bureau, you can rest assured that this reverse phone lookup service is both trustworthy and reliable.

What Instant Checkmate Users Say

Even at an affordable price, Instant Checkmate surprised its users with just how thorough their information is. People have used this service to track old coworkers and find out who keeps calling them. Customers also said Instant Checkmate offers helpful customer support for any membership issues.

Instant Checkmate Specs

• They offer an affordable 5-day trial to see if their services are right for you.
• When you sign up for a monthly membership, you’ll be able to search for an unlimited amount of phone numbers.
• Your report will identify the phone number owners and may even contain social media profiles, photos and addresses.

Learn more about Instant Checkmate

2. Best Search Tools: Intelius

Intelius offers a variety of people search services, from reverse phone lookup to criminal records search. With multiple membership options, trustworthy results, and extensive search tools, they are one of the best reverse phone lookup services you can count on to find out the information you need.

Pros:

• Comprehensive reverse phone lookup reports
• Unique search tools
• Customizable membership options
• IOS and Android app

Cons:

• Some users noted difficulty canceling memberships

About This Reverse Phone Lookup Service

Intelius can help you discover who is behind the number calling you, whether it’s a friend with a new number or a scam caller. Your search is confidential — Intelius will never notify the owners of the phone numbers you search. 

By performing a reverse cell phone lookup, you can access information such as the owner's full name, known aliases, possible photos, current and past owner names and addresses, additional contact details and associated social media profiles. The report may also include location history and addresses connected to the phone number.

You can start your search with a phone number, name or address. Intelius then scans millions of public records and social media profiles to provide detailed information about the person you’re curious about. 

You can purchase a single report or sign up for a membership where you can access unlimited searches.

Quick phone number searches are made even quicker and simpler with their convenient app. The Intelius customer care team is available on weekdays to help with any questions or concerns.

What Intelius Users Say

Users of Intelius agree that their services helped them discover new helpful information. With multiple membership options available, customers have the flexibility to choose a plan that best suits their needs and budget. In terms of customer support, those who have had issues with their accounts report positive experiences with the efficiency of the customer service team.

Intelius Specs

• The reverse phone number lookup report includes owner details, owner history, additional contact details and social media profiles.
• You can see a sample report on their website before you actually subscribe
• This reverse phone lookup site also offers criminal records search, background check, public records search and reverse address lookup services.

Learn more about Intelius

3. Best Price: PeopleFinders

PeopleFinders offers a 6-day trial period at a cost-effective price, allowing potential customers to test the service before committing to a membership. They make it easy to search for information on anyone through their mobile app and website.

Pros:

• User-friendly website
• Affordable 6-day trial
• Simple reverse phone number lookup search tools 
• IOS and Android app

Cons:

• Some customers noted that they needed to contact customer service to cancel their membership

About This Reverse Phone Lookup Service

PeopleFinders offers personal background checks along with address, email and phone number lookup services. They have simple search tools that are easy to use for anyone.

Whether it’s about a landline or a cell phone number, you can expect accurate, comprehensive reports delivered quickly. PeopleFinders searches thousands of sources to provide information about an unknown call or text. Along with public records, they source information from publicly published sources, like online articles and phone directories.

You can also run a comprehensive report to discover any criminal, property, and other public records on your unknown callers.

PeopleFinders offers a single report for an affordable fee, as well as different monthly memberships, including a premium membership option that gives you access to more detailed results and unlimited searches. 

What PeopleFinders Users Say

Satisfied customers say that the information they find on PeopleFinders is up-to-date and very insightful. People find this service to be easy to use and their reports to be understandable. PeopleFinders has helped many users to discover scam callers and verify the identity of people they met on dating apps.

PeopleFinders Specs

• The reverse phone lookup report includes name, phone carrier, emails and addresses associated with the phone number you searched for.
• Other services offered on this reverse lookup site are address search, people search, criminal records and public records. 
• One-time single reverse phone lookup report option available.
• Two membership levels: Regular and Premium. The Premium membership includes more comprehensive background reports that may include arrest records, criminal records, registered sex offender checks, warrants and police records, court records, evictions and foreclosures, and more.

Learn more about PeopleFinders

How We Made This List

To compile our list of the best reverse phone lookup services, we took the time to check out several different websites. Our goal was simple — to find the services that offer the most accurate and reliable information.

After all the research and comparison, we're proud to share our top picks with you. These online phone lookup services will give you the answers you're looking for, hands down.

Accuracy

Accurate information is crucial when using reverse phone number lookup services. Whether it's to identify a mysterious call or ensure personal safety, people depend on these sites to provide them with trustworthy data.

The services on our list strive to deliver accurate reports by consistently updating their information. Customer reviews helped us verify the truthfulness of the data provided by these services.

Waiting Time

You can expect to receive a report within minutes from any of the top reverse phone number lookup sites. If an unknown number calls you, you might need to call them back quickly if you discover that it’s actually a friend, family member, or another important caller.

Detailed Reverse Phone Lookup Report

Reports from paid phone number lookup sites should provide comprehensive data. These sites gather information from thousands to millions of public databases, social media platforms, and more to provide in-depth details.

In addition to reverse phone number lookups, these companies offer various searches, including personal background checks, allowing you to uncover all relevant information about an individual.

Ease of Use

Reverse phone lookup sites can be a lifesaver for a lot of people. And the best thing is, you don't need to be a tech expert to use them. The top sites on our list have made sure to make the experience simple and easy for everyone, including those who may not be tech-savvy. 

Plus, for all you busy bees out there, these top sites also have mobile apps you can use on the go. You can search for a landline or cell phone number anywhere, anytime!

How to Use Reverse Lookup a Phone Number Lookup Sites

We've all been there — you do a quick Google search for a phone number and all you get are a few scattered and questionable results. Finding information on a personal number can feel like an impossible mission. It's just one of those things that can be really tough to get right.

Phone number lookup sites make the search much faster and less complicated. They compile all the information you need to know in a simple report.

All you need to do is type in the 10-digit phone number, including the area code, into the search bar on the website. Next, the service will quickly search thousands to millions of public records and other sources online.

You’ll receive a report full of useful information about the unknown caller through your email or as a downloadable file. You’ll also be able to access all your reports through your account on the reverse phone lookup site or app.

Benefits of Doing a Reverse Phone Lookup

Whether you’re checking an unknown number that calls or texts you or finding out more about a new friend that gave you their number, there are countless reasons why you might want to conduct a reverse phone lookup.

Find Friends and Family

One of the greatest benefits of using these services is that you can reconnect with friends and family with whom you have lost touch over the years. It can be difficult to keep up with everyone's phone numbers, especially if you move around a lot. People also change their numbers frequently.

With phone number lookup sites, all you need is a phone number, and you're on your way to finding those who matter to you but haven't talked to in a while.

You may find that they've moved to a new city, started a family, or changed their careers. Whatever the case, you can finally catch up and these phone number lookup services will help you get your contacts back in order.

Identify Scam Callers

Many of us experience unwanted calls on a regular basis, whether they're from telemarketers or individuals attempting to scam us.

Memberships at any of the best reverse phone lookup services get you unlimited searches. That way, you can look up any number and quickly find out who they are.

After you identify a scam caller, you can reduce your risk of scams or block the number to ensure they can’t call again. 

Verify Your Date's Identity

Dating can be exciting, but it can also be a little nerve-wracking, especially when it comes to giving out your phone number. You never know who you're really dealing with, especially on a first date, and it's always a little scary not knowing their true identity. That's where phone number lookup sites come in handy.

Imagine being able to do a quick search on a person's phone number before giving them access to your own. With just a few clicks, you can find out who they really are, where they live, and even if they have any red flags in their background.

This information can help you make an informed decision about whether you want to continue the relationship or not.

If you get someone’s phone number before meeting them, you can also check if they gave you a fake number. If you happen to write down a phone number without their name, a quick search can help you identify them. You can also look up someone before a blind or first date.

Learn More About Buyers and Sellers

Meeting up with a stranger from an online marketplace to buy or sell an item can be nerve-wracking. With a simple reverse phone search, you can get all the information you need to feel more confident in your transaction.

With just a phone number, you'll find out the person's full name and address, and even take a look at their social media profiles. That way, you'll get a better feel for who you're dealing with and determine if they're trustworthy and reliable. 

And if you're a buyer, you can even see feedback from previous transactions, giving you an even better understanding of their credibility.

Update Your Contact List

We all have those old contacts in our address book or phone that we just can't seem to get rid of. Whether it's an old friend from high school, a family member you've lost touch with, or just a number that you can't seem to remember who it belongs to, keeping your contact list up-to-date can be a real challenge.

And let's face it, with so many people getting rid of their landlines and changing their phone numbers over the years.

A reverse phone lookup service will help you keep your contact list up-to-date and clutter-free. With just a quick search, you can easily verify the phone numbers in your list and get rid of any outdated or invalid numbers taking up space on your phone.

Are Free Reverse Phone Lookup Services Worth It?

While free reverse phone lookup services may be available, they are not as reliable or comprehensive as paid services. The free reverse phone lookup sites can only provide basic information since they don’t access the same sources as paid searches. 

Paid reverse phone lookup services focus on accuracy, detailed data and fast delivery. The services also need to be paid to employ a customer service team that can provide a seamless online experience to all users.

Some of the best reverse phone lookup services may also buy data from private networks and other companies to identify phone numbers. Trying to use a free reverse phone lookup service is rarely worth your time as it usually provides inaccurate or limited information.

FAQs

What can you find from a reverse phone lookup? 

Here’s the most common information you can find just from a simple search on a phone number:

• Potential owner of the phone number
• Past owners
• Phone carrier details
• General location
• Addresses
• Known relatives
• Email addresses
• Social media profiles
• Photos

Some reverse phone lookup sites offer more in-depth searches including background checks, address history, criminal records, and more.

How do I know if a phone number is fake?

Here are some signs that a phone number might be fake:

• Inconsistent or inconsistent area code: If a phone number's area code doesn't match the region it claims to be from, it could be a sign that the number is fake.
• Unrecognizable or unfamiliar caller ID: If the name that appears on the caller ID is unfamiliar or doesn't match the person you think it should, it could be a fake number.
• Voicemail or answering machine: A voicemail or answering machine recording can indicate that the number is fake or being used for malicious purposes.
• No or limited search results: If a phone number doesn't show up in a search or the information available is limited, it could be a fake or unregistered number.
• Suspicious or spammy behavior: If the phone number is constantly calling you with unsolicited offers or spam messages, it's likely a fake or spam number.

If you're unsure whether a phone number is fake or not, you can use a reverse phone lookup service to check the information associated with the number. The service can tell you if it’s valid and provide additional information about the person or business behind it.

Will the person know I searched for them?

The person or business that you search for will not be notified in any way. The reverse phone lookup sites also do not keep any record of the numbers that their users search.

The only history of who was searched will be on your account. You can typically access the reports of all the numbers you searched by checking your account online. 

Also, know that the best reverse phone lookup services listed here make it a priority to keep their customers' information safe and use 256-bit encryption for searches and secure billing.

Where does the reverse phone lookup data come from?

A reverse phone lookup site searches government databases that are not accessible to normal search engines. All of the sources used by these services are safe and legal. Any records maintained by the government and its agencies are considered public records.

Access to public records may be different in each state. Over time, federal, state, and county agencies collect information on people that is mostly available to the public. This data is collected by phone number lookup sites and presented in a simple report.

A reverse phone lookup company may also collect data from social media websites.

How accurate are reverse phone lookup searches?

The best reverse phone lookup services have reliable, timely information. Reverse phone lookup sites use automated tools to search through vast amounts of data, and while they aim to provide accurate results, there may sometimes be errors.

This could be because online records sometimes contain outdated or incorrect information. Not all phone numbers have current ownership information or associated public records. 

If the phone number has recently changed ownership, you can find information about the previous owner.

What can I do if I find incorrect information?

Reverse cell phone lookup websites do not have the ability to change incorrect information themselves if the data comes from a public record source. To correct your own or another's public records, you must contact the official source of the data, such as a county courthouse or professional license agency.

Some services will allow you to flag information as false. In addition, if you reverse lookup a phone number and discover it to be a scam or fraud, you may have the option to report it so other people can become aware of it.

Can I look up my own phone number?

You can search for any phone number, including your own cell phone number. Looking up your own number is a good way to see what others may find if they search for your number. 

Some search services have the option to manage your information, enabling you to remove your records from their websites. This way, when others search for you on that site, your information will not be available to view.

You can opt out anytime through the phone lookup site. While not all services offer this feature, it's worth checking out if it's something you're interested in.

What are reverse phone lookup sites allowed to be used for?

Websites that provide reverse phone lookup searches often provide other people search services such as personal background checks, address lookups, and email lookups. They are designed to help you find information about people and their connections in a safe and responsible manner.

These search services are not typically considered Consumer Reporting Agencies (CRA). They are not legally allowed to be used for any purpose covered by the Fair Credit Reporting Act (FCRA).

Phone number lookup sites can not be used as screening tools for:

• Employment
• Credit or insurance eligibility
• Education qualification
• Household workers
• Tenants
• Professional service providers

What is the Fair Credit Reporting Act?

The Fair Credit Reporting Act is a federal law that helps ensure the fairness, accuracy and privacy of information consumer reports.

A consumer report is anything that includes information about a consumer, including credit standing, character, personal characteristics, and reputation. The Fair Credit Reporting Act helps individuals dispute inaccuracies, review financial information, provide consent for background checks, and more.

Only services considered Consumer Reporting Agencies and compliant with the FCRA can be used for employment, education, credit, or tenant screening purposes. Companies or businesses that do not comply with the FCRA can face lawsuits or financial consequences.

How much does a reverse phone lookup service cost?

Each service has different prices depending on their report options and the depth of their searches. Free reverse phone lookup services exist, but they can only provide limited information.

Some reverse phone lookup sites will have the option to sign up for a short trial to test out their services before committing to a membership. These typically range from free to one U.S. dollar.

If you just need to look up one caller and receive a single report, some phone number lookup sites offer an affordable single-report option. Single reports can range from $0.95 to $1.95.

Monthly memberships provide you with unlimited searches and detailed reports. Subscriptions can sometimes be customized to your needs depending on the specific information you’re seeking.

These monthly memberships can range from $4.99 to $34.99. They are recurring charges until you cancel them. Keep in mind that while most reverse phone lookup services can be canceled for free, some will require a fee.

How long does a reverse phone lookup take?

Reverse phone lookup sites use an automated tool that quickly searches through many online sources. During the reverse phone search, the website will likely tell you more about the process and what you may find.

The process only takes seconds to a few minutes. Customer reviews of each service helped us determine their delivery speed. Any sites on our list of the best reverse phone lookup services provide reports fast so you can quickly find out who was on the other end of that mysterious call or text message.

Conclusion

Gone are the days of googling for hours, trying to piece together information about a mysterious caller. With just a few clicks, reverse phone number lookup services can give us all the details we need — from the caller's name and address to their background information.

And let's not forget, these services are user-friendly and accessible to everyone, regardless of your tech skills. So, why not take control of your privacy and put your mind at ease? Give reverse phone number lookup services a try and discover something new about the people in your life.