TL;DR — Brief overview of the main points
Here’s what you need to know:
- The main issue with Hive: complex interface and high price ($12 – 20/user per month) for full functionality
- The best budget alternative: Worksection — only $3/user per month with all features (when paid annually).
- For large teams: Monday.com and Wrike offer powerful automation capabilities.
Conclusion: there are many tools that work better and cost less. Next, we will look at them in more detail.
Why are teams looking for Hive alternatives?
If you’re reading this article, you’ve probably tried Hive and faced one of these challenges.
- Overloaded interface
Hive tries to be everything for everyone. And you know what? It creates confusion. Teams complain that boards update slowly and finding the desired feature among dozens of options is a quest.
- High cost
$5 – 12 per month per user sounds good. But here’s where it gets interesting — the basic plan is limited. Want Gantt charts? Add $5. Need advanced reports? Another $5. In total, for a team of 15, you could be paying $3,000+ a year.
Not the most pleasant discovery.
- Complex setup
Newcomers need weeks to sort out all Hive’s settings. This is not a tool that you can just open and start using. You will have to spend time training your team.
- Loss of productivity when scaling
When your project grows to thousands of tasks, Hive starts to lag. Teams notice delays in updating boards, searching becomes slower, and loading pages takes longer.
Sound familiar? Then you should consider these 10 alternatives.
Key criteria for choosing a Hive alternative
Before diving into specific tools, let’s define what to pay attention to.
- Quality of project visualization. You need different ways to view: kanban boards, Gantt charts, timelines, calendars. A tool that only offers one view limits your flexibility.
- Performance for large projects. Check how the tool handles hundreds of tasks and dozens of projects. A slow interface is not just annoying, it’s a waste of time.
- Reporting capabilities. If you cannot get data on team productivity, workload for each member, or project progress — the tool is not doing its job.
- Ease of learning. The ideal service doesn’t require weeks of training. Your team should start working within an hour, not a month.
- Cost. Ideally ≤ $10/user for full functionality. Additional paid features are fine, but the basic plan should include everything necessary.
- AI-based features. In 2026 AI is no longer exotic. Automatic task prioritization, report generation, smart suggestions — all of this saves time.
Top 10 Hive alternatives in 2026
Worksection — the best price-to-functionality ratio
Price: from $3/user per month when paid annually.
Main advantage: all features included without additional payments.
Perfect for: Ukrainian teams, agencies, small and medium businesses.
Why does Worksection win?
If you are looking for a simple, powerful, and budget-friendly tool — you’ve found it.
Worksection was created by a Ukrainian team specifically to avoid the main problems of other platforms: complexity and hidden costs. There are no “add $5 for this feature“ or “upgrade for Gantt charts.”
Main features:
- Kanban boards, Gantt charts, timelines — all in one place.
- Built-in timer for time tracking (without additional integrations).
- Flexible access rights — assign rights for each team member individually.
- Reports on workload, project progress, time spent.
- Ukrainian and Russian localization of the interface.
- Unlimited number of projects even on the basic plan.
Advantages:
- Truly affordable price — $3/user per month when paid annually.
- Simple interface — your team will start working within an hour, not a week.
- Speed — it works lightning-fast even with large projects.
- Support in Ukrainian from real people.
- Free plan for teams up to 10 members.
Disadvantages:
- Less known platform outside Ukraine.
- No built-in AI assistant (for now).
- Limited number of integrations compared to giants like ClickUp.
Who is it suitable for?
Perfect for Ukrainian agencies, startups, and small to medium-sized companies that want a powerful tool without excessive costs. If you don’t need dozens of integrations but need a reliable project management service — Worksection does the job 100%.
Conclusion: the best price-to-functionality ratio on the market. Period.

ClickUp — extreme customization for those who love to tweak everything
Price: free or from $7 – 12/user per month.
Main advantage: customize absolutely everything — from fields to automations.
Perfect for: teams looking to create the ideal workflow tailored for themselves.
What makes ClickUp special?
ClickUp is the LEGO builder in the world of project management. You can create anything you want. The catch? It takes time.
Main features:
- Over 15 ways to view projects (kanban, Gantt, timeline, calendar, table, etc.).
- ClickUp Brain — an AI assistant that generates tasks, summarizes comments, and automates routine tasks.
- Unlimited storage on paid plans.
- Built-in documents, goals, time tracking, task boards.
- No-code automation — create rules like “when the task is completed, send a message in Slack.”
Advantages:
- Incredible flexibility — create a workflow that suits you.
- AI assistant is genuinely useful (unlike many competitors).
- Rich free plan with unlimited tasks.
- Regular updates and new features.
Disadvantages:
- High learning curve — newcomers get lost amid hundreds of settings.
- The interface can seem overloaded.
- Sometimes ClickUp tries to be everything for everyone — and that can be distracting.
Who is it suitable for?
For teams willing to spend time on customizing their perfect tool. If you need an out-of-the-box tool — look elsewhere. But if you want control over every aspect — ClickUp is for you.

Asana — tried-and-true classic with a vast template library
Price: free or from $10.99 – 24.99/user per month.
Main advantage: hundreds of ready-made templates and integrations.
Perfect for: marketing teams, creative agencies.
Why does Asana remain popular?
Asana has been around since 2008. Over that time, they have figured out what teams need. The result? A mature product with a ton of ready-made solutions.
Main features:
- Kanban, list, timeline, calendar, Gantt chart.
- Rules and automation (on paid plans).
- Template library — from product launch to content planning.
- Integrations with Google Drive, Slack, Microsoft Teams, Zoom, etc.
- Goals and milestones for tracking progress.
Advantages:
- Clean, clear interface without clutter.
- A huge library of templates — no need to reinvent the wheel.
- Strong integrations with popular tools.
- Great documentation and support.
Disadvantages:
- Cost rises quickly for large teams.
- Reporting is limited on basic plans.
- No built-in time tracking (integrations needed).
Who is it suitable for?
For marketing teams and creative agencies that want a tested solution with a plethora of ready-made templates. If you need stability and predictability — Asana performs excellently.

Trello — minimalism and simplicity in kanban format
Price: free or from $5 – 10/user per month.
Main advantage: so simple that even a child can figure it out in 5 minutes.
Perfect for: small teams, personal projects, quick start.
Why is Trello still alive?
In a world where everyone is trying to add maximum features, Trello goes in the opposite direction. And it works.
Trello is kanban boards. That’s it. No complicated setups, Gantt charts, or confusing menus. Create a board, add cards, drag them — ready.
Main features:
- Unlimited number of boards on all plans.
- Power-Ups for additional features.
- Butler automation for routine tasks.
- Calendar view, timeline, table (on paid plans).
- Mobile apps for iOS and Android.
Advantages:
- Incredibly easy to use — master it in 10 minutes.
- The free plan is very generous.
- Great mobile apps.
- Speed — works lightning fast.
Disadvantages:
- Limited functionality for complex projects.
- No built-in Gantt charts (available via Power-Ups, but that’s extra money).
- Minimum reporting.
- Not suitable for large teams with dozens of projects.
For small teams (up to 10 people), freelancers, personal projects. If your workflow is simply “To Do → Doing → Done,” Trello is perfect. But for complex projects, look for something more powerful.

Monday.com — powerful no-code automation
Price: from $12 – 19/user per month (minimum 3 users).
Main advantage: no-code automation of everything.
Perfect for: teams looking to automate repetitive tasks.
What makes Monday.com special?
Monday.com is about visualization and automation. Their approach is to make complex things simple through a bright interface and automatic rules.
Main features:
- Custom views — kanban, timeline, Gantt, calendar, diagrams.
- No-code automation — “when the status changes to X, send email Y.”
- Integrations with 200+ tools.
- Dashboards for real-time metric tracking.
- Templates for various industries (marketing, development, sales).
Advantages:
- Powerful automation that is easy to set up.
- Nice, colorful interface.
- A huge library of integrations.
- Great customer support.
Disadvantages:
- Expensive — from $12/user, but quickly rising to $19 for full functionality.
- Minimum 3 users even if you have two.
- Notifications can be excessive.
- Sometimes the interface feels too bright.
Who is it suitable for?
For medium-sized teams (10 – 50 people) looking to automate workflows without involving developers. If you are constantly doing the same actions — Monday.com will save you a lot of time.

Wrike — deep analytics and BI dashboards for data-driven teams
Price: from $10 – 25/user per month.
Main advantage: professional analytics and reporting.
Perfect for: large teams, agencies, consulting.
Why is Wrike for serious business?
Wrike is not a toy. It’s a tool for teams working on dozens of projects simultaneously needing deep analytics.
Main features:
- Gantt charts with automatic recalculation of dependencies.
- Custom dashboards with metrics and graphs.
- Workflow with approval stages (for agencies).
- Resource management — see the workload of each team member.
- Integrations with Adobe Creative Cloud, Salesforce, Microsoft Project.
Advantages:
- Best analytics among competitors.
- Powerful Gantt charts for planning.
- Flexible workflows.
- Suitable for teams of 50+ people.
Disadvantages:
- High price — $25/user for the business plan.
- Complicated for beginners.
- Interface looks outdated compared to competitors.
- Minimum 5 users for the Business plan.
Who is it suitable for?
For medium and large teams that need serious analytics. If you manage dozens of projects and want to see all metrics in one place — Wrike does it perfectly.

Notion — knowledge and project management in one place
Price: free or from $10 – 15/user per month
Main advantage: a combination of wiki, databases, and task management.
Perfect for: teams working with large amounts of documentation
Why is Notion more than project management?
Notion is not just about tasks. It’s your second knowledge base, documentation, wiki, and kanban boards in one tool.
Main features:
- Databases with custom fields.
- Kanban, table, calendar, timeline, gallery.
- Documents with nested pages.
- Templates for any purpose.
- AI assistant for text generation and summaries.
Advantages:
- Versatility — replaces several tools at once.
- Flexible databases.
- Great templates from the community.
- Free plan for personal use.
Disadvantages:
- High learning curve — many features = lots of time to master.
- Not specifically built for project management.
- Slower than competitors with large databases.
- AI assistant costs extra ($10/month).
Who is it suitable for?
For teams that need not only task management but also a centralized place for documentation. If you want to replace Confluence, Google Docs, and Trello with one tool — Notion is worth a try.

Basecamp — fixed price and simplicity for the whole team
Price: $15/user or $299/month for unlimited users.
Main advantage: fixed price regardless of the number of users (on Pro Unlimited).
Perfect for: teams wanting predictable costs.
Why is Basecamp still relevant?
Basecamp has been around since 2004. They have never tried to add every conceivable feature. Instead, they focused on simplicity and predictability.
Main features:
- Message boards for discussions.
- To-do lists with tasks.
- Event schedule and deadlines.
- Group chat Campfire.
- Document storage.
Advantages:
- Simple fixed price — $299/month for unlimited users.
- Incredibly easy to use.
- No endless setups — just works.
- Great customer support.
Disadvantages:
- Limited functionality compared to competitors.
- No Gantt charts, automation, custom fields.
- Not suitable for complex projects.
- Outdated interface design.
Who is it suitable for?
For teams of 10 – 30 people who want simplicity and predictable costs. If you don’t need complex features but want a simple place to coordinate work — Basecamp does it excellently.

Microsoft Planner — integration with the Microsoft 365 ecosystem
Price: $10 – 55/user per month (within Microsoft 365).
Main advantage: integration with Teams, SharePoint, Outlook.
Perfect for: companies already using Microsoft 365.
Why Microsoft Planner if you are already in the Microsoft ecosystem?
If your company is already paying for Microsoft 365, you get Planner for free. And for basic task management, that’s quite sufficient.
Main features:
- Kanban boards with task cards.
- Integration with Microsoft Teams and Outlook.
- Progress charts.
- Task grouping by projects.
- Synchronization with the Outlook calendar.
Advantages:
- Already included in the price of Microsoft 365.
- Seamless integration with Teams and Outlook.
- Simple and understandable interface.
- Suitable for basic projects.
Disadvantages:
- Very limited functionality.
- No Gantt charts, timelines, automation.
- Poor reporting.
- Works only in the Microsoft ecosystem.
Who is it suitable for?
For companies already using Microsoft 365 and in need of a basic task management tool. Don’t expect powerful features from Planner — it’s a minimalist tool for simple projects.

Smartsheet — a spreadsheet ecosystem for Excel lovers
Price: $9 – 32/user per month.
Main advantage: the power of spreadsheets with project management features.
Perfect for: teams accustomed to Excel and wanting more capabilities.
Why Smartsheet for spreadsheet lovers?
If you can never give up Excel but want to add kanban boards, Gantt charts, and automation — Smartsheet is made for you.
Main features:
- Spreadsheets with formulas, just like in Excel.
- Kanban, Gantt, calendar.
- Automation and rules.
- Reports and dashboards.
- Integrations with Google Drive, Slack, Salesforce.
Advantages:
- Ideal for those who are used to spreadsheets.
- Powerful formulas and calculations.
- Flexible reporting.
- Suitable for complex projects.
Disadvantages:
The learning curve is high.
Expensive for large teams.
The interface may seem outdated.
Not as intuitive as competitors.
Who is it suitable for?
For teams that are used to working with spreadsheets and want to add project management features. If you constantly use Excel and want something more powerful — Smartsheet is worth a try.

Comparison table of the best Hive alternatives in 2026
| Platform | Main Advantages | Interface (UI/UX) | Speed | Reporting | Base Price (USD/user/month) |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Worksection | All functions included in all plans, flexible rights, built-in timer | Clean, RU/UA | High | Detailed graphs | from $3 |
| ClickUp | Extreme customization, AI assistant | Flexible | Average | Expandable | $10 (Unlimited) |
| Asana | Templates, rules, powerful integrations | Elegant | High | Portfolios (Business) | $10.99 (Basic) / $24.99 |
| Trello | Simplicity, Power-Ups, free boards | Minimalistic | High | Limited | $0 / $5 (Standard) |
| Monday.com | Custom views, no-code automation | Colorful | High | Pro-level analytics | $12 – 19 (Pro) |
| Wrike | Deep analytics, security, portfolios | Professional | Medium-high | BI dashboards | $9.80 / $24.80 (Business) |
| Notion | Knowledge management + tasks | Flexible | Average | Limited | $10 |
| Basecamp | Fixed price, focus on communication | Simple | High | Minimal | $15 |
| Microsoft Planner | Tight integration with Office 365 | Familiar | High | Basic | $10 (within M365) |
| Smartsheet | Spreadsheet ecosystem, powerful analytics | Excel-like | Average | Advanced | $9 / $32 (Business) |
Worksection vs Hive — detailed comparison
| Function | Hive | Worksection |
| Kanban boards | Yes | Yes |
| Gantt charts | Yes (extra charge) | Yes (included) |
| Time tracking | Yes (extra charge) | Yes (included) |
| Reports | Yes (extra charge) | Yes (included) |
| Unlimited projects | No | Yes |
| Ukrainian localization | No | Yes |
Recommendations by team type
For creative agencies
Best: Worksection, Asana, Notion
Why? Creative teams need flexibility, templates, and a place to keep all materials. Worksection provides everything necessary at a minimal cost, Asana offers a plethora of templates, and Notion — a centralized place for documentation.
For IT companies and developers
Best: ClickUp, Wrike, Monday.com
Why? Developers need automation, integrations with GitHub/GitLab, and powerful reports. ClickUp offers maximum flexibility, Wrike — deep analytics, and Monday.com — no-code automation.
For small teams and startups (up to 10 people)
Best: Trello, Worksection, ClickUp Free
Why? Small teams need simplicity and low cost. Trello is incredibly simple, Worksection offers all functionalities at $3/user, and the free ClickUp plan is very generous.
For large corporations (50+ people)
Best: Wrike, Monday.com, Microsoft Planner
Why? Large teams need complex analytics, resource management, and integrations with corporate systems. Wrike handles this best, Monday.com offers powerful automation, and Microsoft Planner integrates perfectly with the Microsoft ecosystem.
For freelancers and personal projects
Best: Trello, Notion, Asana Free
Why? Freelancers don’t need complex features. Trello is incredibly simple, Notion combines tasks and documentation, and the free Asana plan covers basic needs.
How to choose the ideal Hive alternative for your team?
Here’s a step-by-step process for selection:
Step 1: Define the budget
How much are you willing to pay per month per user? If less than $5 — look at Worksection and Trello. If $10 – 15 — almost all options fit. If more — consider Wrike or enterprise plans.
Step 2: Make a list of necessary features
You need:
— Gantt charts?
— Time tracking?
— Automation?
— Integrations with specific tools?
— AI assistant?
Write everything down and check which platforms cover your needs.
Step 3: Consider team size
— Small team (up to 10) suits Trello, Worksection, free plans of ClickUp and Asana.
— Medium-sized (10−50) — Worksection, Monday.com, ClickUp, Asana.
— Large (50+) — Wrike, Monday.com Enterprise, Microsoft Planner.
Step 4: Try for free
Almost all platforms offer free trials or plans. Sign up for 2 – 3 options and test them for a week with real projects.
Step 5: Ask for team opinions
Your team will be working with the tool daily. Ask for their feedback after testing. Which interface is more convenient? What do they like and what annoys them?
Step 6: Check long-term cost
Don’t forget about hidden costs. Some platforms add fees for:
— Extra storage
— Integrations
— Automation
— Advanced reports
Calculate the total cost per year, not just the base plan.
Frequently asked questions (FAQ)
Should you switch from Hive to another platform?
Yes, if you are facing one of these issues: high cost, slow interface, complexity in setup, or limited functionality in basic plans. Most alternatives offer better pricing and simpler workflows.
What is the cheapest alternative to Hive with full functionality?
Worksection — $3/user per month with all features included (Gantt, time tracking, reports, unlimited projects). For a team of 15, that’s $45/month compared to $180 – 360/month in Hive.
Can you migrate data from Hive to another platform?
Yes. Most platforms support import via CSV files or have ready integrations. ClickUp, Asana, and Worksection offer assistance with data migration.
Which alternative is the easiest to use?
Trello — master it in 10 minutes. Worksection — in an hour. Basecamp is also very simple but with limited functionality. If you need a balance between simplicity and functionality — Worksection is the best choice.
Are there free alternatives to Hive?
Yes. Trello, ClickUp, Asana, Notion, and Microsoft Planner (if you have Microsoft 365) offer free plans. Trello and ClickUp Free are the most generous among free options.
Which platform is best for large teams (50+ people)?
Wrike or Monday.com Enterprise. Wrike offers the best analytics and resource management. Monday.com provides powerful automation. Both handle hundreds of projects simultaneously.
Are there alternatives with AI assistants?
Yes. ClickUp Brain, Notion AI, Monday.com AI. ClickUp Brain is the most useful — it automatically generates tasks, summarizes discussions, and offers optimizations.
How long does it take to switch to a new platform?
It depends on the size of the team and the number of projects. Small teams (up to 10 people) switch in a week. Medium (10−50 people) — in 2 – 3 weeks. Large (50+) — in a month. Larger teams with dozens of projects may need additional time for setup.
Conclusions and recommendations
Hive remains a popular tool for project management, but high cost, complex interface, and limited basic functionality drive teams to seek alternatives.
- The best budget alternative is Worksection. It offers full functionality for $3/user per month, a simple interface, fast performance, and support in Ukrainian.
- For those who value customization and AI features, consider ClickUp and Notion.
- For large teams and corporations, Wrike and Monday.com Enterprise will be optimal — powerful analytics, automation, and integrations with corporate systems.
- For small teams, startups, and freelancers, Trello and the free plans of Worksection or ClickUp, where simplicity and low cost meet sufficient functionality, will be the most convenient.
A step-by-step approach to choosing a Hive alternative:
- Define the budget per user.
- Create a list of necessary features.
- Consider team size.
- Try free plans or trials.
- Get team feedback after testing.
- Calculate long-term costs, including additional expenses.
Thus, every team can find the optimal Hive alternative that meets their needs and budget.