Hive vs ClickUp: Which is Better in 2026?
Choosing between Hive and ClickUp comes down to understanding what each tool does best. This comparison breaks down the key differences so you can make an informed decision based on your specific needs, not marketing claims.
Bottom line: ClickUp wins this matchup. Our overall Project Management pick is Jira. Our free Project Management pick is MantisBT. Pick Hive if you need a free tier to start with.
Short on time? Here's the quick answer
We've tested both tools. Here's who should pick what:
Hive
The #1 Project Management Software For Teams.
Best for you if:
- • You want project management
- • You want multiple views
ClickUp
Unify tasks, docs, chat, and goals in one workspace
Best for you if:
- • You want replaces multiple tools (Asana, Trello, Notion, Toggl) with one platform
- • You want generous free tier with unlimited tasks and members at no cost
| At a Glance | Hive | ClickUp |
|---|---|---|
Starts at | FreeFree tier available | FreeFree tier available |
Best For | Project Management | Project Management |
Rating | 4.5/5 | 4.3/5 |
Free plan | Yes | Yes |
Choose Hive or ClickUp?
Choose Hive if
The #1 Project Management Software For Teams.
- You want project management
- You want multiple views
Choose ClickUp if
Unify tasks, docs, chat, and goals in one workspace
- You want replaces multiple tools (Asana, Trello, Notion, Toggl) with one platform
- You want generous free tier with unlimited tasks and members at no cost
- Budget matters (Free vs Free)
| Feature | Hive | ClickUp |
|---|---|---|
| Pricing Model | Freemium | Freemium |
| User Rating | ★4.5/5 886 reviews | ★4.3/5 19,870 reviews |
| Categories | Project ManagementTask Management | Project ManagementProductivity |
In-Depth Analysis
Hive
The #1 Project Management Software For Teams.
Hive's pricing is fair, offering a generous Free tier for up to 10 users.
Strengths
- +Project management
- +Multiple views
- +Good integrations
- +Team collaboration
- +Fair pricing
Weaknesses
- -Learning curve
- -Can be overwhelming
- -Mobile app basic
- -Support varies
- -Feature bloat
Key features
ClickUp
Unify tasks, docs, chat, and goals in one workspace
ClickUp is the value leader among mainstream project management tools.
Watch out
AI Brain ($9/user/mo) is charged per ALL paid members in the workspace, not just AI users, a 10-person team pays $90/mo extra even if only 2 people use AI
Strengths
- +Replaces multiple tools (Asana, Trello, Notion, Toggl) with one platform
- +Generous free tier with unlimited tasks and members at no cost
- +Highly customizable with custom fields, statuses, views, and automations
- +Competitive pricing at $7-12/user/month vs. $10-25 for comparable tools
- +Rapid feature development with frequent product updates
Weaknesses
- -Feature density creates a steep learning curve for new users
- -Performance can lag in large workspaces with thousands of tasks
- -Mobile app is functional but less polished than the desktop experience
- -Frequent UI changes and feature additions can disrupt established workflows
- -AI features (Brain) require a separate add-on starting at $9/user/month
Key features
Pricing: Hive vs ClickUp
| Plan | Hive | ClickUp |
|---|---|---|
| Tier 1 | Free Free | Free Free Forever |
| Tier 2 | $12 /user/month Teams | $7 /member/month Unlimited |
| Tier 3 | custom Enterprise | $12 /member/month Business |
| Tier 4 | N/A | Custom Enterprise |
Pricing verified from each vendor's public pricing page. Compare in detail on Hive pricing and ClickUp pricing.
Who Should Use What?
On a budget?
Both are freemium. Compare plans on their websites.
Go with: Hive
Want the highest-rated option?
Hive: 4.5/5 (886 reviews). ClickUp: 4.3/5 (19,870 reviews).
Go with: Hive
Value user reviews?
Hive: 886 reviews (4.5/5). ClickUp: 19,870 reviews (4.3/5).
Go with: ClickUp
3 Questions to Help You Decide
What's your budget?
Both are freemium. Pricing won't help you decide here.
What's your use case?
Both are project management tools. Compare their specific features to decide.
How important are ratings?
Hive is rated higher: 4.5/5 vs 4.3/5.
Key Takeaways
ClickUp
- Larger review base (19,870 reviews)
- Free tier available
- Our pick for this comparison
Hive
- Higher user rating: 4.5/5 vs 4.3/5
The Bottom Line
ClickUp wins this matchup. Our overall Project Management pick is Jira. Our free Project Management pick is MantisBT.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Hive or ClickUp better?
ClickUp is rated in our evaluation. Both are freemium.
What are Hive and ClickUp used for?
Hive: The #1 Project Management Software For Teams.. ClickUp: Unify tasks, docs, chat, and goals in one workspace.
What does Hive cost vs ClickUp?
Hive is freemium (free tier + paid plans). ClickUp is freemium (free tier + paid plans). Visit their websites for detailed pricing.