Alexander SumnerFinding yourself in a situation that requires a private investigator (PI) can feel incredibly daunting. Are you dealing with a complex family issue, trying to gather evidence, or handling a business concern that needs discreet proof?
Well, I know how stressful it is to navigate this space when privacy matters and the stakes feel high.
To make the search easier, I reviewed local agencies with strong experience, clear reporting, and professional discretion. If you’re looking for the best private investigators in Philadelphia, these are the teams worth considering first!
How much does hiring private investigators cost in Philadelphia?
Private investigators in Philadelphia typically charge an average hourly rate of $100 to $150, though total case costs can vary significantly depending on the complexity of the investigation.
| Service Type | Estimated Cost |
| Hourly Rates | $50 – $200+ |
| Standard Hourly Work | $50 – $150 |
| Complex Surveillance (Hourly) | $125 – $200 |
| Retainers | $500 – $5,000 |
| Typical Case Total | $750 – $3,500 |
| Daily Surveillance | $1,500 – $3,000+ |
| Flat Fees (Background checks, etc.) | $100 – $1,500 |
1. Tri State Detective Agency
Website: https://tristatedetectiveagency.com/
Address: 325 Chestnut Street, Suite 800
Contact: (267) 733-6166
Hours: Available 24/7
Handling a sensitive issue like a missing person or suspected infidelity requires an investigator who truly puts your goals first. Tri State Detective Agency stands out for its client-first approach, as the team ties its work closely to the desired outcome.
Their staff brings over 30 years of combined experience from law enforcement and military backgrounds, which gives the work a disciplined feel.
I also like that they use only in-house investigators rather than subcontractors, which helps with quality control and confidentiality.
One thing to keep in mind, however, is that some initial phone inquiries can feel a bit rocky. A few potential clients have said the phone handling could be smoother, and the owner’s public replies to feedback have occasionally sounded defensive.
Even so, their digital forensics and secure online portal make them a capable choice for complex local cases.
Customer Reviews
Best decision I’ve ever made
Working with this company was the best decision I’ve ever made. I will always recommend Thomas Nixon as the best detective agency in the whole tri state area. If you’re in any need of detective work use Mr. Nixon. Highly recommend!!!
- Yatta Moss | Google Review
Handled my case with care and precision
PAs best private detective, i recently had a situation that called for the help of Mr. Nixon and he handled my case with care and precision. From now on this is the only agency i will work with and the one i will recommend to anyone seeking detective services.
- Arie Ella | Google Review
2. M. Goldman Investigations
Website: https://www.mgoldmaninvestigations.com/
Address: 107 W Ridley Ave, Ridley Park
Contact: (800) 505-5423
Hours: Available 24/7
When you need answers right away, an agency with 24/7 availability and free consultations can be a huge relief. M. Goldman Investigations is especially accessible for urgent, time-sensitive matters, and that’s helpful when you’re already stressed.
A close friend of mine consulted with them recently for a complex domestic issue, and their focus on courtroom-ready results felt reassuring, especially when paired with divorce lawyers.
Their team is also known for obtaining hard-to-obtain information through computer and cell phone forensics.
The downside is that the initial phone consultation can sometimes feel rushed, leaving some callers feeling interrupted.
Despite that abrupt first impression, their ability to deliver clear, documented video evidence across Philadelphia and surrounding counties makes them a dependable option.
Customer Reviews
His work is very thorough
Mr. Goldman is an outstanding private investigator. His pre-investigation questions are spot on, his work is very thorough and he’s easy to work with. Overall very professional. If you have need of a private investigation M. Goldman Investigations is a great value.
- Charlie Pittman | Google Review
Best private investigator I have ever worked with
M. Goldman Investigations is the best private investigator I have ever worked with. They are highly skilled and have a vast amount of experience in matrimonial cases. They were able to quickly gather evidence and sort through complex information to help me win my case. I would recommend them to anyone who needs a private investigator.
- Leola Lawson | Google Review
3. Warstone Detective Agency
Website: https://www.warstone-investigative-ss.com/
Address: 550 Selmi Street
Contact: (267) 800-9118
Hours: Available 24/7
Navigating a criminal defense case requires a team that understands the strict rules governing evidence collection.
Notably, Warstone Detective Agency is built around former law enforcement and military professionals, so its process feels structured from the start.
Their use of pre-mission planning brings real investigative discipline to legal and corporate cases. I also like that they position themselves as a partner to legal teams, actively seeking leads others might miss.
They even provide a strong written reporting system, which matters when findings need to hold up in corporate or legal settings.
However, they place less emphasis on personal or domestic cases and focus more heavily on security and fraud. If you need a standard family investigation, they may not be the most tailored fit.
Customer Reviews
Exactly what we needed!
This team is a group of Army Vets and federal investigators that I served with. Seeing their capabilities is one thing, being on the other side of the table and having to need and use a private investigator is another. Detective G and the boys came through! Gave me and my lawyer exactly what we needed!!! I will recommend Warstone without a thought.
- King Vee | Google Review
Providing us with the crucial information
We hired warstone to conduct a detailed background check for a sensitive matter, and the service was outstanding. The team was responsive, efficient, and discreet. The final report was comprehensive and delivered promptly, providing us with the crucial information we needed to make an informed decision. It was a far more thorough and reliable result than any online search could have provided.
4. Felder & Associates Investigations Inc.
Website: https://www.felderinvestigations.com/
Address: 1700 Market Street, Suite 1005
Contact: (267) 507-5448
Hours: Monday-Friday, 8:00 AM – 6:00 PM
Building a strong legal defense often hinges on uncovering evidence that has been buried or overlooked.
Felder & Associates Investigations Inc. specializes in criminal defense and litigation support, making them a practical partner for attorneys.
I recently spoke with a colleague who used their services, and they were impressed by how smoothly the investigators collaborated with civil litigation lawyers to prepare trial-ready reports.
Their high-success locate investigation service is another draw, especially because it comes with an accuracy guarantee.
Just be aware that highly complex cases can extend standard turnaround times, and expedited results cost extra.
They also follow strict rules on releasing sensitive contact details without proper legal authorization, which supports ethical handling but can slow direct access.
Customer Reviews
Professional, honest, and provided ample information
I highly recommended hiring Felder & Associates for your investigative needs. Cold calling various companies, I found this gem of a company. The owner Ron went above and beyond explaining to me the logistics of the services I was looking for. Ron was professional, honest, and provided ample information during our consultation session. If you are looking for a company that is upfront and will go the extra mile for their clients look no further!!!
- Aliyah Abraham | Google Review
Was handled immediately and very professionally
I had the privilege of using Felder & Associates for a very important situation. With the help of Mr Felder the matter was handled immediately and very professionally. I would recommend using his services for all of your needs that require private investigations, process servers or other needs. I give him 5 stars!
- georgene parks | Google Review
5. Gray Security Investigations
Website: https://graysecurityinvestigations.com/
Address: 443 West Girard Avenue 2A
Contact: (484) 387-5649
Hours: Monday-Friday, 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM
Approaching an investigation with a cookie-cutter mindset rarely gives you the detailed, actionable results you need. Gray Security Investigations (GSI) avoids that by taking a highly personalized, client-focused approach to each case.
With over a decade of experience, their team takes time to understand the situation before building a strategy. They also handle high-demand areas such as fraud and missing persons, making them useful for both personal and business needs.
Because the service is so customized, the scope and timelines can be less predictable than those of agencies with standardized packages.
Their focus also stays on core investigative services, so they don’t offer the same advanced digital forensics as some competitors.
Still, their discretion and steady communication make them a reliable local choice.
Customer Reviews
Extremely knowledgeable and professional
My very first time ever using a PI but my investigator was extremely knowledgeable and professional. He provided timely updates and answered any questions I had along the way. During the investigation he was very thorough. Overall, I highly recommend Gray security investigations for any surveillance you may need. I can not attest to any other services. Thanks again your awesome.
- Rafeeka Hall | Google Review
Reliable security or investigative services
Gray Security Investigations delivered exceptional service from start to finish. Their communication was clear, timely, and professional. The investigator was thorough, discreet, and went above and beyond to get accurate results. I felt informed throughout the entire process and confident that everything was handled with integrity. Highly recommend GSI for anyone who needs reliable security or investigative services.
- keyanna Burney | Google Review
