Hive is a user-friendly platform that teams using a variety of project management methodologies will appreciate. It has a colorful interface and most of the tools and views needed to create efficient workflows. The free plan is ideal for small teams, and when billed monthly, the paid plans start at $7 per user. I found Hive easy to use and enjoyed my time with the software’s Kanban boards and Gantt charts.
A simple “if this, then that” system lets you build automated workflows rapidly.
However, there’s a big downside. Hive forces teams with more than 10 members into the $18 per user per month (billed monthly) Teams plans and then nickels and dimes you for some important tools such as timesheets, approval workflows, analytics, resource management tools and proofing features. If you can swallow that bitter pill, you’ll enjoy using Hive. However, those sensitive to their bottom line being attacked should consider another platform.
Features
Hive offers many workflow creation tools, including an intuitive automation builder, Kanban boards, Gantt charts, lists, fantastic dashboards, calendars that support dependencies and a time-tracking tool. While Hive doesn’t offer many native integrations, the platform can integrate with Zapier.
Hive offers many first-party apps but few native integrations. However, Hive can connect to Zapier.
I like that when Google Drive, Dropbox, Box or OneDrive is connected, you can access files directly in Hive, and when you connect your email account, you can access emails in Hive and turn actionable emails into tasks. In addition, you’ll find proofing tools, collaborative notes, file sharing and storage, templates, forms, dashboards and instant messaging.
Pricing
Hive’s free plan is for a team of 10 that doesn’t need many automation runs (200 monthly) or active workflows (100 monthly). The Starter plan, which costs $7 per user per month when billed monthly, supports 10 members, 1,000 active workflows and 2,000 automation runs.
The Teams plan leaps to $18 per user per month (billed monthly) and includes unlimited workflows and 20,000 automation runs monthly. It’s worth noting that if you have the funds, you can save 33% by signing up for yearly plans. Also, keep in mind that some tools cost extra.
Customer Service
Hive gets customer service right. Every plan, including the free option, gets access to the knowledge base, YouTube videos, weekly webinars, email support and live chat between 3 a.m. and 6 p.m. ET, Monday through Friday. In true Hive fashion, you can add additional professional services if needed. I tested Hive’s support by sending an email and using live chat.
With live chat, you submit a message to an AI bot. If you don’t get the help you need, you can request to chat with an agent. Replies to chats aren’t instant. Still, I received a response from a friendly agent in 10 minutes and a helpful answer to an email in under three hours. If you need help, you’ll get it quickly.
Reputation
Hive has a squeaky-clean security history and receives praise on popular review sites such as G2 and Capterra. Users appreciate the instant messaging feature, work organization tools and ease of use. On the other end of the spectrum, users dislike that there are few integrations, poor mobile applications and, at times, late notifications.