Hive Review 2024: Expert Opinion + Demo Video
Hive is a cloud-based project management software that any size of business can use to manage teams, collaborate, plan projects, assign tasks, and automate workflow processes.
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In this in-depth review of Hive, I'm sharing the results of dozens of hours spent training myself to use the tool, talking to project managers who use it, and having conversations with experts so that you have an easier time figuring out if this software is for you.
But before I dive in, if this is the start of your tool search journey and you are trying to decide which tool to choose, I recommend starting with this list of the best project management software. Once you narrow down your options, come back for more in-depth coverage of the tool.
As we go through the different sections, expect to see lots of commentary, personal opinions, screenshots, and videos that will help you get to know Hive beyond what they display on their website.
Hive Summary
Hive is a project management and collaboration tool that centralizes all work in a single platform. Key features for project managers include flexible project views (Gantt, Kanban, calendar), automated workflows, and an integrated email inbox. Hive also offers robust analytics and reporting tools that provide insights into team productivity and project status. It supports real-time collaboration with chat and file sharing capabilities, making it easier for teams to communicate and stay on the same page. Additionally, Hive integrates with popular tools like Salesforce, Slack, and Dropbox, enhancing its utility in diverse work environments. This makes it a comprehensive solution for project managers looking to streamline operations and enhance team efficiency.
Expert Opinion
I believe that Hive remains one of the easiest project management tools in the market. Its onboarding is simple, engaging, and effective. Additionally, it provides easy access to Hive University which makes it easy to learn the tool. And even though a couple of project views need a bit more work, the Gantt is great for building projects from scratch and handling projects with dependencies and milestones.
Its plans make the tool accessible to teams of all sizes. However, you will have to keep in mind that some features like automations, timesheets, proofing, and resourcing come at an extra cost per month on top of your plan (unless you get the Enterprise version).
Why You Can Trust The Digital Project Manager
We’ve been testing and reviewing project management software since 2012. As project managers ourselves, we know how critical and difficult it is to make the right decision when selecting software.
We invest in deep research to help our audience make better software purchasing decisions. We’ve tested more than 2,000 tools for different project management use cases and written over 1,000 comprehensive software reviews. Learn how we stay transparent & our project management review methodology.
Hive Overview
Pros and Cons
Pros
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Useful and friendly Gantt chart view that can help you build projects quickly
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You can control which features to enable using Hive Apps
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Allows you to create placeholder resources to aid resource planning
Cons
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File manager does not display thumbnails, making it harder to find attachments
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Two out of the five core features are add-ons that you’ll have to pay extra for
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Custom fields only live within action cards, not as table columns
Is Hive Right For Your Needs?
Who would be a good fit for Hive?
Because of its many tiers and pricing, Hive is a good fit for a wide range of companies.
- The free plan is good for small teams that mainly require a tool to communicate among themselves using an internal chat and manage task lists (nothing too fancy).
- Startups and small businesses that need access to Gantt charts and want to connect their project management tool to other services like cloud storage. These organizations should consider the Starter plan.
- Medium-sized businesses that manage project portfolios and are involved in projects that are charged to the client according to an hourly rate. The Team plan is perfect as it unlocks both portfolios and time tracking capabilities.
- Large enterprises that need a tool with proofing and approval features.
Who would be a bad fit for Hive?
Hive would be a bad fit for companies with limited licensing budgets and a need for a tool that helps address project, resource, and time management.
Hive has made several of their features available as add-ons only. This way, there are costs per feature that could be added to the cost of your plan should your company need them.
When selecting this tool, keep a list of the features you need next to you so you can quickly compare it against Hive's feature list and decide if it meets your needs.
Our Review Methodology
Reviewing the best project management tool requires a detailed analysis of its features and how well it meets specific use cases. My approach is rooted in extensive personal experience, having tried and researched numerous project management tools. Here’s how I evaluate these solutions, broken down into specific criteria, each with its own set of weightings to reflect their importance in the overall selection process.
Core Features (20% of final scoring)
We test core features to see how well the software can perform the core functions and jobs to be done, required for a tool of its type. This allows us to discount and discard tools that advertise for a specific use case but don't have the functionality to back it up.
For project managing software, the core functionalities we test and evaluate are:
- Task Management (4%)- The ease with which you can create tasks, subtasks, dependencies, and milestones. Also, the ability to track tasks, adjust assignees and due dates, and create custom fields.
- Collaboration (4%)- The ways in which the tool has added features to bring teams closer. This can include interactions and mentions in comment sections, collaborative docs, in-app chats, proofing modules, and forms to gather stakeholder information.
- Time Tracking (4%)- I analyze how the tool has deployed time tracking within its tool. This includes the availability of time tracking throughout the app, where the information is stored, if there are timesheets associated to it, and other forms of tracking work spent on tasks.
- Resource Management (4%)- The tool's capacity to show you the people in your team, the tasks they are assigned to, and if they are overallocated or not. Therefore, this part of the evaluation looks at a combination of effort setup, time tracking, and reporting through workload views.
- Document Management (4%)- This section includes the tool's ability to handle attachments, filter through them, and create documents for your projects.
Standout Features (20% of final scoring)
We evaluate uncommon, standout features that go above and beyond the core features defined, and typically found in the category. A high score reflects standout features that will make work faster, more efficient, or offer additional value.
Ease of Use (10% of final scoring)
We consider how quick and easy it is for the primary user to execute the tasks defined in the core features. High-scoring software will be well designed, intuitive to use, offer mobile apps, provide templates and make relatively complex tasks seem simple. A low score means the PM software is difficult to use.
Onboarding (10% of final scoring)
We know how important rapid team adoption is for a new platform, so we evaluate how easy it is to learn and use the software with minimal training. We evaluate how quickly a team member can get set up and start using the software with no experience. High scoring software indicates little or no support is required.
Customer Support (10% of final scoring)
We review how quick and easy it is to get unstuck and find help by phone, live chat, or knowledge base. Software that provides real-time support scores best, while chatbots score worst.
Integrations (10% of final scoring)
We evaluate how easy it is to integrate with other tools typically found in the tech stack to expand the functionality and utility of the software. Software offering plentiful native integrations, and API access to build custom integrations, score best, those with no integrations score worst.
Customer Reviews (10% of final scoring)
Beyond our own testing and evaluation, we consider the net promotor score from current and past customers. We review their likelihood, given the option, to choose the software again for the core functionality. A high scoring software reflects a high net promotor score from current or past customers.
Value for Money (10% of final scoring)
Lastly, in consideration of all the other criteria, we review the average price of entry level plans against the core features and consider the value of the other evaluation criteria. Software that delivers more, for less, will score higher.
Through this comprehensive approach, focusing on core functionalities, standout features, usability, onboarding, customer support, value, and customer reviews, I aim to identify project management solutions that not only meet but exceed expectations, ensuring teams have the tools they need to succeed.
Core Features
Task Management ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Creating tasks within Hive is easy once you know what each view is good for. The best view for creating tasks is the Gantt view. Here, you can create tasks, and subtasks a couple of different ways, and assign resources and duration to tasks via the timeline.
Tracking tasks can be done through the status field in the table view, by looking at the progress percentage in the Gantt chart (you have to enable this in the Gantt view settings) or by using the overview tab where you can access a dashboard.
Additionally, you can use the Pages feature to create a personalized dashboard where you can include charts that track tasks, collaborative documents, and even add a file repository if you want people to have access to certain files at all times. Maybe the presentation that the client just approved or the project scope.
Collaboration ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
There are infinite ways in which you can collaborate using Hive. As expected, you have comments sections per task where you can attach files, @ mention colleagues, and react to messages using emojis (needs to be enabled from the Apps menu). Additional collaboration is available through Hive’s built-in chat. This feature will let you have private conversations with different members in your workspace, create group conversations, and a feature to let conversations bleed into your project (more details in the standout features). Finally, proofing and approvals are available but you need to get it as an add-on, unless you are in an Enterprise plan.
Resource Management ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Team resourcing is an add-on that you will have to pay for unless you have the Enterprise plan. Once you enable the app, you will find the resourcing view on the sidebar menu. The view will allow you to see the assignments across your team, filter out certain team members, and adjust task assignments if needed using drag and drop functionality. My favorite part about this feature is that you can create placeholders for resources you will need in a project without delaying planning. Great for resource planning. Just keep in mind that placeholders won’t show on the view if you have set a filter for the people field.
One thing I found really useful is the capacity finder where you can look for available resources based on their current allocation. This way, the view filters out people who do not comply with your search and ensures you only look at people who can take on more work.
What I don’t like about this feature is that the only way to reassign a task is through the task card. It would be better if you could just drag the task onto another person’s calendar. If you want to reassign by dragging elements you are better off using the Team view inside your project.
Time tracking ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
If you want to record time spent on tasks within Hive, you’ll have to activate it from the Apps menu first. Once enabled, time tracking will be available inside each action (task) card. You can either start a timer or submit a manual entry. All information submitted here is reflected in the time management section.
Keep in mind that accessing timesheets is an add on you must pay for unless you have the Enterprise plan.
Document Management ⭐️⭐️⭐️
Files in Hive live within your action cards as attachments. However, unlike some of its competitors, it does not have a fancy view where you can see thumbnails of all your files. What it has is a section within the overview tab of your project that will display all files belonging to the project. Unfortunately, this list won’t show you thumbnails. However, you can search through it and quickly find the file you are looking for if you know the name. Therefore, the best way to use this feature is to have a clear naming convention for your project files so they are easier to discover.
Another way you can handle documents is by creating wiki-style collaborative docs, called Notes.
Standout Features
Message to task ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
As you already know, Hive has a built-in chat that you can use if you don’t want to leave the platform. However, using this chat has an additional advantage. Any message exchanged in this internal chat can be easily converted into a task by dragging and dropping it into a status view.
Hive Mind ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
This feature takes full advantage of AI to make every team’s workday run more efficiently and streamline workflows by automatically creating a project plan in a matter of seconds. HiveMind has the ability to:
- Create project tasks based on simple suggestions
- Set next steps from received emails
- Reply to emails based on the inbound message’s content
HiveMind can speed up market research by providing facts, statistics, competitive intelligence and new ideas for brainstorms without having to reference internet searches. It is also capable of creating any type of content and designing unique images and illustrations that can be used royalty-free.
Ease Of Use ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
I’ve previously used Hive and labeled it as one of the easiest project management tools. I stand by it. The UI is free of clutter and it is simple to understand what each view does. Just clicking around for 30 minutes will give you a sense of how to navigate.
Keyboard shortcuts allow you to navigate quickly through different projects and tasks. Clicking ‘H’ on your keyboard will display a sidebar with the history of actions you recently took. Clicking ‘F’ opens up the filters
The only thing I wish they had was more labeling as you hover over items so you know what they are before clicking.
Onboarding ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
The onboarding checklist is thorough. However, some of the elements are a little frustrating to complete as the hint provided does not give enough context for you to quickly get it done.
There is a nice animation that pops up every time you complete a task in the checklist.
A link to Hive University is present in the project sidebar and is enabled by default in all accounts (you can disable this from the apps menu). I find this extremely helpful as you do not have to waste time trying to find help and can quickly access tutorials and other useful videos that will help you get started.
Customer Support ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Hive's customer support starts with their knowledge base. This database is very thorough and covers many of the questions that the everyday user will have. However, if you need assistance with the tool, you can reach the team by email or chat.
Sending an email to help@hive.com lets you reach technical support. This is a good way to request support for non-urgent matters. However, for inquiries that require immediate attention, you can use the in-app chat from the help menu (?). This will connect you to a human that can solve your issue.
The scoring for this category is based on the availability of services rather than the quality as I have not personally tested the service.
Integrations ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
You can find all integrations in the Apps menu. Once you find an app that you want to connect to Hive, triggering the integration process is as simple as toggling a switch. The system automatically directs you to the sign-in page for that tool and guides you through it all.
One of the available integrations is with Zapier, which gives you access to over a thousand additional integrations if you subscribe to Zapier’s service.
Hive Customer Reviews
Lindsey S. on Capterra
“This software has helped us streamline our operations – allowing our team of designers and project managers to communicate and work on projects collaboratively and seamlessly. It helps us all be on the same page and ensures that we get our projects done on time.”
Nicole R. on G2
“I like the task function the most. It allows me to keep track of all the things I need to do (write proposals, quotes, follow ups, etc.) and keeps me on top of my workload. There are also tons of ways to keep track like setting due dates and assigning to other people on the same project. I also really like the chats because I’m able to communicate with my coworkers about specific projects in an organized space or about any other topic in another space. It’s just a simple and easy way to communicate.”
Tera Ogorzalek on TrustRadius
“Manage your team’s workload at a glance!
We use it to track various projects within the marketing department. Currently, only about half of our department is using it, and we are intending to implement with the other half by the end of this year.”
Chris G. on G2
“My team manages 20+ marketing projects at any given time, each with their own unique shapes and sizes. Hive enabled us to cleanly build and track projects, visualize project status and bottlenecks, and also (from a manager view) use analytics to identify which projects were taking us disproportionately more time than others. Hive is very intuitive and visually pleasing—better than any other tool like this that I’ve used (LeanKit, Trello, Asana, Smartsheets, Microsoft Planner).”
Robert F. on GetApp
Hive is the only project management software that is cloud collaborative, has infinite sub tasks, and Gantt charts so it was an easy choice. Also it is not Microsoft Project so I don’t have to deal with their insane billing methods. Chatting inside tasks or letting task owners turn sub tasks into their own projects is great. Everyone can keep up with who is working on what and who needs help or what is holding up the project. Sign in and billing is super easy. Support is extremely reactive when I have questions. There are a bunch of stats on task completion that I don’t use, but look useful.
Value For Money ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Although Hive’s plans seem competitive, the fact that basic features like resourcing are available as add-ons can quickly make it pricier than other tools.
Hive’s plans are priced per user per month and there are specific features that are available as add-ons that you can add to your plan at $5 a piece. Also, Hive has a calculator on their pricing page so you can get the final quote of what it would cost for your team, including add-ons.
Free Plan
Ideal for small teams or individuals seeking a basic project management solution. This plan is suitable for freelancers, startups, and small businesses, and offers basic features like 200MB of storage, unlimited tasks, and native chat messaging.
However, it lacks advanced functionalities like Gantt view and cloud storage integrations. It’s also limited to 10 workspace members.
Starter Plan
This plan is designed for small to medium-sized teams that require some more advanced features like unlimited storage, up to 10 projects, multiple project views, and cloud storage integrations. It’s well-suited to growing businesses and departments within larger organizations.
Starter plan users aren’t able to opt in to paid add-ons, and the plan lacks time-tracking capabilities. Starter teams are limited to 10 workspace members and 10 projects.
Teams Plan
Best for larger teams and organizations, the Teams plan is suitable for enterprises, agencies, and cross-functional teams. This plan offers unlimited workspace members, flexible add-ons, shareable forms, time tracking, project templates, and custom fields.
One drawback to consider is that this plan lacks advanced permission controls and the custom analytics and reporting capabilities that come with an Enterprise plan.
Enterprise Plan
This plan is tailored for large enterprises that need advanced support, security, and customization and is ideal for organizations with complex project management needs.
The Enterprise plan includes everything in the Teams plan plus enhanced security, custom analytics, unlimited onboarding, and a dedicated Customer Success Manager. It offers the highest level of flexibility and support but requires direct contact with sales for pricing.
Workspace Add Ons
I mentioned that some (quite necessary) features are missing from the Hive professional plan earlier, and you’ll have to pay extra for them. These workspace add ons are:
- Proofing & Approvals: $5/user/month + base price
- Resourcing: $5/user/month + base price
- Timesheets: $5/user/per month + base price
- Enterprise Hive Security: $5/user/month + base price
- External users: $5/user/per month + base price
- Hive Analytics: $6/user/per month + base price
Please remember to take these add ons into account when you are deciding whether Hive is the right tool for you as the additional costs can add up.
Hive Customers
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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.
