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Introduction

Hive and Mavenlink are two prevalent names that come to mind when people talk about modern project management tools. Both share some similar features, but they also have distinct differences that set them apart. In this article, I will walk you through the similarities and differences between Hive and Mavenlink software products to help you pick between them.

My goal is to provide you with everything you need to know to gauge which, between Hive and Mavenlink, will work best for your unique use case.

Hive Vs Mavenlink Intro Graphic
Hive vs Mavenlink Comparison In An Honest Review Featured Image

Expert Summary: Hive vs Mavenlink

Hive and Mavenlink are resource management and project management software with task management, workflow automation, file-sharing, and portfolio management tools that can benefit companies of all sizes. Both work management systems allow the integration of third-party programs so users can install apps and programs such as Basecamp, Dropbox, Trello, Jira, Microsoft Teams, Asana, Slack, and HubSpot CRM. Users can access both work management systems on computers and iOS and Android mobile devices.

Hive would be best for communication-heavy lean teams who want to be able to access messaging systems, email inboxes, and freestyle reminders without leaving the app.

Mavenlink would be best for enterprises who value out-of-the-box functionality, including budgeting and financial forecasting without the need for third-party integrations.

Side by Side Comparison Of Hive and Mavenlink

Hive Analytics Suite Screenshot
Track productivity, resources, and budgets using the analytics suite—compile reports and download them as a PDF file or print them.

Hive is a project management software that enables the efficient planning, delegation, and execution of tasks and projects. It utilizes Gantt charts to provide users with a visual guide on their progress to prioritize tasks that need immediate attention. Through Hive API, users can create custom programs to address their company’s unique needs. They have Slack-like built-in messaging and easy email integration, making them a star when it comes to collaboration and communication resources.

Although Hive doesn’t have a free plan, users can try Hive through a 14-day free trial.

Price:

From $1/user/month (billed annually)

Trial:

14-day free trial

Mavenlink Custom Project Templates Screenshot
Use the template function to create custom templates to make it easier to build out workflows in future projects. You can also use the Mavenlink API to define a common structure for your high-frequency projects so you can pull information like budgets and timelines from previous projects to quicken up the planning process.

Mavenlink is resource management software with collaboration tools, portfolio management, and project management capabilities. This SaaS solution is accessible through desktop computers and mobile devices for teams to use the program wherever they are. Mavenlink also has strong business intelligence and analytics functionality to generate reports around time, budget, and resource allocation. They have an easy-to-use time clock that is accessible right on the homepage. Plus, stakeholders will love their in-app document markup capabilities for fast proofing and approvals.

Mavenlink offers a freemium plan with unlimited users and 500MB of storage space.

Price:

Pricing upon request

Trial:

Free demo

Hive Vs Mavenlink Feature Comparison

Hive vs Mavenlink Comparison Criteria

Coming up with an informative article comparing Hive and Mavenlink requires looking at the strengths and weaknesses of each tool. Below are the criteria that I used when comparing the two software.

  • Feature list

    What do you get, and what do you not get?
  • Use cases

    What are the most effective use cases for this feature set?
  • Ease of use

    Is it easy to learn and master?
  • Integrations

    Is it easy to connect with other tools?
  • Customer support

    Can you get help easily and quickly?
  • Price

    How appropriate is the price for the tool?

Differences Between Hive and Mavenlink

Hive has Hive Notes that you can use to take meeting notes to convert into action cards ready to get attached to a project. Mavenlink doesn’t have this feature.

Hive has a Focus Mode that mutes the notifications and messaging features so you can concentrate on completing a project or beating a deadline. This functionality is not available in Mavenlink.

Hive allows users to create recurring tasks for regular activities to streamline workload, while Mavenlink doesn’t have this functionality.

Hive lets you create a custom reminder/notification about anything, even if it’s not related to a specific task or deadline; Mavenlink (and most PM tools) does not.

Hive has a built-in private or group messaging window, which means you won’t have to tab-hop into a dedicated messaging application like Slack or Google Hangouts; Mavenlink has weak communication features comparatively.

Hive enables project managers to edit task descriptions to reflect changes or additions, while this is not possible with Mavenlink.

Go to HiveOpens new window

Price:

From $1/user/month (billed annually)

Trial:

14-day free trial

Mavenlink has a free subscription plan that allows users to add an unlimited number of members, while Hive doesn’t have a free plan.

Mavenlink has overtime calculation capabilities so that managers can factor in work done outside of regular business hours. This is not a native feature in Hive.

Mavenlink allows automatic archiving of notifications to get back to them if you need to prioritize one over the other. With Hive, all notifications disappear once you’ve seen them.

Mavenlink allows you to specify the role for a new user before sending an invite to have proper permissions immediately. Hive allows you to edit permissions only after the new member is inside the system.

Price:

Pricing upon request

Trial:

Free demo

Similarities Between Hive vs Mavenlink

  • Hive and Mavenlink both work on mobile devices; Hive has a dedicated iOS and Android app whereas Mavenlink boasts a mobile-optimized website.
  • Hive and Mavenlink both work on mobile devices; Hive has a dedicated iOS and Android app whereas Mavenlink boasts a mobile-optimized website.
  • Hive and Mavenlink allow users to sync their work and personal calendars for better schedule management.
  • Hive and Mavenlink enable users to create workspaces where team members can communicate and share documents and ideas as they work on a particular project.
  • Hive and Mavenlink allow the integration of third-party programs and applications so users can add tools depending on their requirements.
  • Hive and Mavenlink both have team collaboration tools so users can centralize and prioritize proofing, file sharing, and task deligation in one location.
  • Hive and Mavenlink have resource management functionality for better resource planning and allocation.
  • Hive and Mavenlink enable the automation of business processes enabling users to automate simple tasks to concentrate on more urgent requirements.
  • Hive and Mavenlink allow users to customize templates so they can create custom forms for specific business needs.
  • Hive and Mavenlink both have time-tracking abilities for more efficient billing and invoicing. It also allows users to track in real-time how much team members spend on tasks.

Best Use Cases for Hive vs Mavenlink

  • Remote work

    Use Hive to stay productive and collaborate with your team no matter where you are.
  • Creative agencies

    Use Hive to prep project pitches, approve assets and make it easier to communicate with clients.
  • Marketing

    Use Hive to manage projects and assign tasks associated with creative and technical marketing campaigns.
  • Operations management

    Use Hive to collect information, build resource management templates, and automate workflow processes.
  • Startup companies

    Use Hive to organize new projects, navigate your backlog, and easily scale once the company starts growing.
  • Nonprofits

    Nonprofits and NGOs can contact Hive for pricing discounts that better suit limited budgets.
  • Tech/IT

    Use Mavenlink to increase productivity in environments that are scaling.
  • Creative agencies

    Use Mavenlink to improve project planning capabilities and multi-project pipelines.
  • Consulting

    Use Mavenlink to cut down administration time by logging timesheets and data automatically.
  • Team collaboration

    Use Mavenlink to work on simultaneous projects easily within one dashboard.
  • Project accounting

    Use Mavenlink to combine professional services management needs with internal accounting tools.
  • Business intelligence

    Use Mavenlink’s automation tools to build reports and access real-time data.

Hive vs Mavenlink Pricing Comparison

This side-by-side price comparison shows Hive’s price compared to Mavenlink.

Hive Pricing

Hive Pricing Screenshot
Screenshot of Hive pricing from their landing page.
Mavenlink Pricing Screenshot
Mavenlink offers customized pricing upon request and interested parties should contact them directly for details.

Alternatives to Hive and Mavenlink

Other Hive and Mavenlink Software Comparisons

If you’re still looking at the options for professional services automation software, check out our comparison with other tools.

Conclusion

What do you think about this comparison between Hive and Mavenlink? They are vastly different tools with different capabilities, use cases, and features. Hive excels in collaboration and communication with their unique built-in messaging system. Mavenlink is hugely scalable and flexible, making it a perfect fit for enterprises with niche needs. Let me know your thoughts in the comments.

By Ben Aston

I’m Ben Aston, a digital project manager and founder of thedpm.com. I've been in the industry for more than 20 years working in the UK at London’s top digital agencies including Dare, Wunderman, Lowe and DDB. I’ve delivered everything from film to CMS', games to advertising and eCRM to eCommerce sites. I’ve been fortunate enough to work across a wide range of great clients; automotive brands including Land Rover, Volkswagen and Honda; Utility brands including BT, British Gas and Exxon, FMCG brands such as Unilever, and consumer electronics brands including Sony. I'm a Certified Scrum Master, PRINCE2 Practitioner and productivity nut!