10 Free Fact-Checking Websites Everyone Should Use
Fact-Checking Websites
In today’s digital world, misinformation spreads faster than ever. With AI-generated content, deepfakes, and viral clickbait dominating our feeds, it’s critical to double-check what we read, watch, and share. That’s where fact-checking websites come in—tools designed to help you separate truth from fiction in seconds.
Whether you’re a student, teacher, journalist, or just a responsible internet user, here are 10 free fact-checking websites that should be in your digital toolbox.
1. Snopes
Website: snopes.com
Snopes is one of the oldest and most trusted independent fact-checking sites. Originally focused on urban legends, it now verifies a wide range of viral rumors, political claims, and misleading headlines.
Best for: Social media myths, viral rumors, hoaxes
Bonus: Clear verdicts with detailed sources
2. PolitiFact
Website: politifact.com
Run by the Poynter Institute, PolitiFact specializes in checking statements made by politicians, public figures, and pundits. Its unique “Truth-O-Meter” ranks claims from True to Pants on Fire.
Best for: U.S. politics, elections, government statements
Bonus: Easy-to-read rating system
3. FactCheck.org
Website: factcheck.org
Maintained by the Annenberg Public Policy Center, this nonprofit provides in-depth analysis of political claims, misleading ads, and viral misinformation.
Best for: In-depth breakdowns of political or policy-related content
Bonus: Weekly email newsletter of top fact checks
4. AP Fact Check
Website: apnews.com/hub/ap-fact-check
The Associated Press runs a fact-checking portal that addresses misinformation spread through social media and public discourse. It’s direct, clear, and updated frequently.
Best for: News-related misinformation, breaking news rumors
Bonus: AP’s journalistic reputation lends credibility
5. Reuters Fact Check
Website: reuters.com/fact-check
Like AP, Reuters offers timely and neutral fact checks on viral stories, global news, and trending claims. It’s particularly useful for international topics and global hoaxes.
Best for: Global fact-checking and photo/video verification
Bonus: Clear debunking of manipulated media
6. Lead Stories
Website: leadstories.com
Lead Stories is a fast-moving, AI-supported fact-checking site that partners with Facebook to flag false content. Their red “Hoax Alert” is a signature feature.
Best for: Trending viral stories and fake news on social media
Bonus: Real-time social monitoring with “Trendolizer”
7. NewsGuard
Website: newsguardtech.com
NewsGuard doesn’t fact-check articles individually—it evaluates entire news websites for credibility using a nutrition-label-style rating system. It’s available as a browser extension.
Best for: Determining whether a source is trustworthy
Bonus: Great for teachers and researchers to teach source evaluation
8. Hoax-Slayer
Website: hoax-slayer.net
Although no longer updated regularly, Hoax-Slayer has a rich archive of old email hoaxes, Facebook scams, and internet chain letters. A helpful tool when fact-checking older claims.
Best for: Legacy hoaxes, old email chain letters
Bonus: Historical context for how misinformation evolved
9. Full Fact
Website: fullfact.org
A UK-based fact-checking nonprofit, Full Fact focuses on British media, political claims, and public policy. Its balanced tone and data-based rebuttals make it a solid pick.
Best for: UK users, global news, data-driven claims
Bonus: Also advocates for policy changes to reduce misinformation
10. Check Your Fact
Website: checkyourfact.com
Owned by the Daily Caller, this site focuses on political statements, viral videos, and misleading memes. It often covers claims ignored by other outlets, adding diversity to your toolkit.
Best for: Meme debunking, image/video fact checks
Bonus: Easy-to-scan format with verdict summaries
Bonus Tools to Enhance Your Fact-Checking Power
Aside from websites, here are a few tools to speed up your research:
| Tool | Function |
|---|---|
| Google Reverse Image Search | Check where an image first appeared |
| InVID Plugin | Analyze videos for tampering or re-use |
| Wayback Machine | View deleted or altered webpages |
| Grammarly’s Tone Detector | Spot emotionally charged writing that might be manipulative |
How to Use These Sites Effectively
- Cross-check across 2-3 sources
- Check publication dates to avoid old recycled misinformation
- Look at the intent behind the claim: Is it trying to inform—or inflame?
Download our Free Guide:
“The Everyday User’s Fact-Checking Toolkit”
Be Responsible with Information
Being informed isn’t about being cynical—it’s about being curious and cautious. You don’t need to be a journalist to be a responsible digital citizen. With these fact-checking tools in hand, you can slow the spread of misinformation and help build a healthier, smarter internet for everyone.
