Checkster vs RefNow:Which is more popular?
In September 2026, Checkster had more branded searches than RefNow among reference checking software worldwide. Checkster had about 2,900 branded searches, while RefNow had 720. Checkster made up 18% of all reference checking software searches we track, and RefNow accounted for 4.5%. When we asked ChatGPT and Google AI Overviews about reference checking software, RefNow appeared in three of the five answers and Checkster in none.
Who do people search for more?
Checkster, about 4 searches for every 1 for RefNow
Who does AI mention more?
RefNow, mentioned in 3 of 5 answers, Checkster in 0
Who does AI recommend more?
RefNow, the only one of the two named
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Top reference checking software in ChatGPT and Google AI Overviews
In three ChatGPT questions and two Google AI Overviews, RefNow was mentioned in three out of five: in one of the three ChatGPT answers and in both Google AI Overviews. Checkster did not appear in any of the five answers.
Most recommended by AI
Brands get a higher ranking if they are mentioned earlier in the answers.
Mentioned by AI
Each dot is one answer, filled in when that answer mentions the brand.
HiPeople5 of 5Named in 3 of 3 ChatGPT answersNamed in 2 of 2 Google answers
Xref5 of 5Named in 3 of 3 ChatGPT answersNamed in 2 of 2 Google answers
Checkmate4 of 5Named in 2 of 3 ChatGPT answersNamed in 2 of 2 Google answers
Crosschq3 of 5Named in 3 of 3 ChatGPT answersNamed in 0 of 2 Google answers- RefNow3 of 5Named in 1 of 3 ChatGPT answersNamed in 2 of 2 Google answers
SkillSurvey2 of 5Named in 2 of 3 ChatGPT answersNamed in 0 of 2 Google answers
Zinc1 of 5Named in 1 of 3 ChatGPT answersNamed in 0 of 2 Google answers- Checkster0 of 5Named in 0 of 3 ChatGPT answersNamed in 0 of 2 Google answers
Referoo0 of 5Named in 0 of 3 ChatGPT answersNamed in 0 of 2 Google answers
See every answer about reference checking software
5 answers
Asked ChatGPT
“Which reference checking software should we use for hiring?”
Asked ChatGPT
“What are the best reference checking software platforms?”
Asked ChatGPT
“What's the best automated reference checking software for a growing company?”
Searched Google, AI Overview
“reference check software”
Searched Google, AI Overview
“reference checking software”
Brands are shown in the order each answer named them. The survey took place in the United States on October 22, 2026.
Is Checkster or RefNow more popular in search?
This chart shows how often people search Google for Checkster and RefNow by name. Each line represents a brand's share of searches for all nine reference checking software we track, month by month, from English-language searches worldwide.
Share of searches by month for Checkster, RefNow. The figures are in the table below the chart.
View monthly share of searches table
| Month | Zinc | Checkster | Referoo | Crosschq | HiPeople | SkillSurvey | RefNow | Xref | Checkmate |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Oct 2025 | 18.1% | 15% | 18.1% | 15% | 15% | 10% | 5.5% | 2.4% | 1.1% |
| Nov 2025 | 19.8% | 16.4% | 19.8% | 11% | 16.4% | 6.8% | 6% | 2.7% | 0.96% |
| Dec 2025 | 19.4% | 15.3% | 15.3% | 12.9% | 19.4% | 8.1% | 5.8% | 2.6% | 1.1% |
| Jan 2026 | 20.2% | 16.7% | 16.7% | 13.3% | 16.7% | 9.1% | 5% | 1.2% | 0.98% |
| Feb 2026 | 20.5% | 17% | 20.5% | 13.4% | 13.4% | 7.1% | 5.1% | 1.8% | 1.2% |
| Mar 2026 | 18.3% | 18.3% | 18.3% | 15.2% | 12% | 8.2% | 5.6% | 3% | 1.1% |
| Apr 2026 | 19.1% | 19.1% | 15.8% | 15.8% | 12.5% | 8.6% | 4.7% | 3.2% | 1.1% |
| May 2026 | 19.1% | 23.8% | 15.8% | 12.5% | 12.5% | 6.6% | 4.8% | 3.9% | 0.92% |
| Jun 2026 | 19.1% | 19.1% | 19.1% | 12.5% | 12.5% | 8.6% | 4.7% | 3.2% | 1.1% |
| Jul 2026 | 23.2% | 23.2% | 15.5% | 12.2% | 12.2% | 6.4% | 3.8% | 2.5% | 0.9% |
| Aug 2026 | 22.7% | 22.7% | 15.1% | 12% | 12% | 8.2% | 3.7% | 2.5% | 1.1% |
| Sep 2026 | 22.3% | 18% | 18% | 11.8% | 11.8% | 9.9% | 4.5% | 3% | 0.87% |
How has the Checkster and RefNow comparison changed over the last 12 months?
3 findings
- Checkster was ahead of RefNow in every measured month of the 12 months ending September 2026.
- Across the 12 months ending September 2026, Checkster’s share of searches among reference checking software worldwide moved from 15% to 18%, and its estimated monthly branded searches moved from 2.4K to 2.9K.
- Across the 12 months ending September 2026, RefNow’s share of searches among reference checking software worldwide moved from 5.5% to 4.5%, and its estimated monthly branded searches moved from 880 to 720.
How did search popularity change for reference checking software worldwide in September 2026?
2 changes
In September 2026, RefNow gained share of searches among reference checking software worldwide, from 3.7% to 4.5%.
In September 2026, Checkster lost share of searches among reference checking software worldwide, from 22.7% to 18%.
How are branded searches counted?
2 search terms
Brandwave collects information about searches that people make online using Checkster’s and RefNow’s names. When viewed over time, estimated search volumes for these branded terms can be used to understand whether interest in the brands is growing, holding steady, or fading.
Other head-to-heads among reference checking software
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