Zinc vs RefNow Comparison
Zinc
Starting at $55.60 /Month
- Medium Business
- Small Business
Zinc is a reference check software that makes it easy for managers and employees to: 1. Capture information during a reference check, while it is fresh 2. Automatically organize the content and send it to anyone in the c…
RefNow
Starting at Contact for pricing
- Individuals
- Freelancers / Consultants
RefNow is an automated recruitment tool which helps HR managers when it comes to the referencing process. Employers can create a reference request for potential candidates and then request their most recent referee detai…
RefNow leads on user satisfaction with a 4.6-star rating across 418 reviews.
SpotSaaS Analysis
ZincRefNow
The core difference between Zinc and RefNow lies in Zinc's focus on Slack integration for automated notifications, while RefNow emphasizes a user-friendly interface for quick reference completion. Both products are ideal for small to mid-sized businesses, but Zinc is better suited for teams that prioritize communication tools, whereas RefNow appeals to those who value speed and simplicity in the referencing process.
- Best for simple, automated reference checks - Ideal for small to mid-sized teams - Offers Slack integration for notifications - Straightforward, low-training tool - Priced at $55.60 - Focused on ease of use
- Best for fast and secure automated reference checks - Designed for small to medium-sized businesses - Emphasizes a user-friendly interface - Streamlined referencing process - Price not listed - Ideal for frequent hiring needs
Zinc vs RefNow — at a glance
| Feature | Zinc | RefNow |
|---|---|---|
| Rating | 2.9 / 5 | 4.6 / 5 |
| Reviews | 111 | 418 |
| Starting price | $55.60 /Month | Contact for pricing |
| Free trial | No | No |
| Free version | No | No |
| Best for | Medium Business, Small Business | Individuals, Freelancers / Consultants, Medium Business |
| Category | Reference Check Software | Reference Check Software |
| Platforms | SaaS/Web/Cloud | SaaS/Web/Cloud, Mobile - Android |
| API | — | — |
| Support modes | Online | Online |
| Certifications | — | — |
| Data residency | — | US |
Key differences between Zinc and RefNow
- Pricing: Zinc starts at $55.60 /Month. RefNow pricing is not publicly listed.
- Target audience: Zinc is built for Medium Business and Small Business, while RefNow targets Individuals and Freelancers / Consultants.
- User satisfaction: RefNow scores higher with a 4.6-star average.
- Deployment: Zinc supports SaaS/Web/Cloud; RefNow supports SaaS/Web/Cloud, Mobile - Android.
Zinc vs RefNow — find the better fit before you commit.
Which tool fits your team best
Which is actually cheaper for your team size
Where each product wins, per real buyers
Most Reference Check Software tools look identical on paper. This comparison cuts to the differences that matter — pricing structure, team fit, and what real buyers found after signing up.
Biggest differences
Features
Pricing
Buying details
Security
Buyer feedback
Integrations
Product tour
Other options
Biggest differences
Start here before you go deeper into features.
Best for simple, automated reference checks in small to mid-sized teams.
- You need a straightforward, low-training reference check tool for SMBs.
- You want Slack integration to automatically notify hiring teams of updates.
- You value quick setup with customizable templates and branded check requests.
- Your organization requires complex, highly customizable background check workflows.
- You need extensive integrations beyond Slack and basic HR systems.
Best for SMBs needing simple, fast, and secure automated reference checks.
- You are a small to medium-sized business hiring frequently and want streamlined referencing.
- Your HR team values an easy-to-use interface with quick reference completion.
- You require role-based access controls with strong SSL encryption for data security.
- You are a large enterprise needing complex, multi-stage reference workflows.
- You want a fully integrated ATS and reference checking platform in one solution.
Zinc: Best for simple, automated reference checks in small to mid-sized teams. RefNow: Best for SMBs needing simple, fast, and secure automated reference checks.
Description | Zinc is a reference check software that makes it easy for managers and employees to: 1. Capture information during a reference check, while it is fresh 2. Automatically organize the content ... Read More about Zinc | RefNow is an automated recruitment tool which helps HR managers when it comes to the referencing process. Employers can create a reference request for potential candidates and then request ... Read More about RefNow |
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User RatingsBased on verified Spotsaas reviews | ||
Best Company Size | 1-50 employees51-500 employees | 1-50 employees51-500 employees |
Get pricing help | Get pricing help |
Software Demo
Demo |
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Compare Zinc and RefNow on pricing
Review starting price, plan structure, and free-trial access side by side so you can see which option fits your budget and buying process.
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Other Details
Organization Types supported |
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Get help choosing | Get help choosing |
Security & Compliance
Certifications, data handling, and security controls for IT and compliance evaluators.
HIPAA | — | ✗ No |
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Data Residency | — | 🇺🇸 US |
Zinc User Reviews & Rating Comparison
User Ratings | ||
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Rating Distribution | ||
Spotsaas Editor’s POV generated by AI | Buyer sentiment Buyers generally appreciate Zinc's ease of use and automation but note limitations in advanced features and some negative reviews. What buyers like
Common complaints
| Buyer sentiment Users generally praise RefNow for its ease of use, efficiency, and clear interface, though some experience challenges with verification and editing processes. What buyers like
Common complaints
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Pros and Cons |
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Positive Reviews | No reviews available for the product | No reviews available for the product |
List of Customers
Customers | No Customers information available. |  NHS  Hasbro  River Island |
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Media and Screenshots
Screenshots |  1 Screenshots |  3 Screenshots |
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Videos |  2 Videos |  3 Videos |
Top Alternatives to Zinc and RefNow in 2026
Alternatives |
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Disclaimer: This research has been collated from a variety of authoritative sources. We welcome your feedback at [email protected].
Frequently asked questions
- Which is better, Zinc or RefNow?
- RefNow edges out the other on user ratings (4.6 vs 2.9). That said, the best pick depends on your use case — use the comparison tables above to evaluate each dimension.
- Do Zinc and RefNow offer a free trial?
- Neither Zinc nor RefNow currently lists a free trial.
- What is the starting price of Zinc vs RefNow?
- Zinc starts at $55.60 /Month. RefNow starts at Contact for pricing.
- What are the top alternatives to Zinc?
- Top alternatives to Zinc include WebHR, Checkmate, SkillSurvey Reference, Refty, Crosschq.
- What are the top alternatives to RefNow?
- Top alternatives to RefNow include AutoRefs, SkillSurvey Reference, Refty, Xref, Referoo.