RefNow vs Xref:Which is more popular?
In September 2026, RefNow had more branded searches than Xref among reference checking software worldwide. RefNow had about 720 branded searches, while Xref had 480. RefNow made up 4.5% of all reference checking software searches we track, and Xref accounted for 3%. When we asked ChatGPT and Google AI Overviews about reference checking software, Xref appeared in all five answers and RefNow in three. Xref was mentioned before RefNow in every answer.
Follow RefNow vs Xref and get free monthly updates on what changed
By continuing you'll get index updates and occasional product news from Brandwave. Unsubscribe any time. Privacy
Top reference checking software in ChatGPT and Google AI Overviews
In three ChatGPT questions and two Google AI Overviews, Xref appeared in all five answers. RefNow was mentioned in three out of five: in one of the three ChatGPT answers and in both Google AI Overviews. Xref was listed before RefNow in every answer.
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 RefNow or Xref more popular in search?
This chart shows how often people search Google for RefNow and Xref 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 RefNow, Xref. 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 RefNow and Xref comparison changed over the last 12 months?
3 findings
- RefNow was ahead of Xref in every measured month of the 12 months ending September 2026.
- 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.
- Across the 12 months ending September 2026, Xref’s share of searches among reference checking software worldwide moved from 2.4% to 3%, and its estimated monthly branded searches moved from 390 to 480.
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, Xref gained share of searches among reference checking software worldwide, from 2.5% to 3%.
How are branded searches counted?
2 search terms
Brandwave collects information about searches that people make online using RefNow’s and Xref’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
Put your own brand in this comparison
Brandwave tracks your branded demand next to the rival you actually watch, with your campaigns, spend and outcomes on the same timeline.