KnowEm is one of the oldest username checkers and sells paid sign-up services. handle.tools is a free, fast checker focused on getting the big platforms right. Here's how they compare.
Try it now: free, no account. Results stream in as each platform answers.
Based on KnowEm's own description of its service in November 2026.
| Feature | handle.tools | KnowEm |
|---|---|---|
| Social platforms checked | 44 platforms, incl. Instagram, TikTok, X, YouTube, Snapchat, Discord, Twitch, Kick, Roblox and Xbox | Describes itself as covering 500+ social networks |
| Domain extensions | 15 extensions with every search, 150+ on domain search | Domain check included |
| Trademark search | Not offered | Describes a US trademark lookup |
| Done-for-you sign-ups | You claim accounts yourself (each row links to the platform) | Paid packages |
| Compare several names | Bulk username checker (ranks a shortlist) + bulk domain checker | No bulk checker listed |
| When the name is taken | 0–100 identity score + variations to try next | Not listed |
| Taken domain expiry | Expiry date and drop stage on taken domains | Not listed |
| Name ideas | 60-style generator, .com checked on every idea, swipe + shortlist | No generator listed |
| Beyond the check | Rarity score, rules tester, bio generator, QR codes for 28 platforms | Paid profile set-up |
| Price | Free | Free search, paid registration packages |
KnowEm's strength is the size of its list: it describes itself as checking more than 500 social networks. Many of those are small or dormant, and few people will ever sign up for them.
handle.tools checks 44 platforms, chosen because people actively claim names there: Instagram, TikTok, X, YouTube, Snapchat, Discord, Twitch, Kick, Roblox, Xbox, Bluesky, GitHub, Substack, Patreon and more. Every check is built for that platform and tested with a real and a made-up name before it ships.
KnowEm's business includes paid packages where it registers your profiles for you. That can save time if you want dozens of accounts, but most people only need a handful, and claiming them takes a few minutes each.
Every row on handle.tools links to that platform, so you can claim your name the moment you see it's free. Nothing is sold to you in between, and you keep full control of the login for every account.
Each search covers 15 domain extensions, and taken domains show their expiry date and how close they are to being released. Domain search covers 150+ extensions and the domain expiration checker gives the full timeline for any domain.
We don't offer a trademark search. For a business name, check the trademark register in each country you'll trade in, then use the brand name checker to see the domain and socials together. Our best username checker guide lists everything to check for a brand name.
If your name is taken, each result suggests variations and scores the name out of 100. The username generator offers 60 styles with the .com checked on every idea, and the bulk username checker ranks a shortlist so you can pick the strongest.
Once it's yours, the bio generator writes bios that fit each platform and the social QR code generator makes profile QR codes for 28 platforms. All free.
Every tool on handle.tools is free, with no account.
Type the brand or username you'd search on KnowEm into the box above. You'll see the platforms and domains together, with a link to claim each one yourself.
Checking a business name? Start with the brand name checker, then the app name checker if you're building an app.
Quick answers to the most common questions.
If you want a fast, free and accurate answer on the platforms people use most, yes. handle.tools checks 44 platforms and 15 domain extensions in one search. If you need hundreds of niche sites or a done-for-you sign-up service, KnowEm covers more ground.
No. Each result links to the platform so you can claim the name yourself, for free, and keep control of the login. We don't sell sign-up packages.
No. Use your country's official trademark register for that. The brand name checker covers the domain and social side of a brand name.
These are the hardest platforms to check, because they block automated lookups. Instagram answers get an extra confirmation step, and any TikTok or X answer that can't be confirmed is labelled instead of shown as free. The How we check page explains the limits.
Yes, with the bulk username checker, which ranks a shortlist by how many platforms are free and whether the .com is available.
No. handle.tools is independent. KnowEm is a trademark of its owner, and the details on this page come from KnowEm's own description of its service as of November 2026.
KnowEm is a trademark of its owner. handle.tools is independent and not affiliated with, endorsed by or sponsored by KnowEm. Details about KnowEm reflect its public website as of November 2026 and may have changed since. Spotted something out of date? Email hello@handle.tools and we'll correct it.