Hive vs Linear
Updated June 2026 · A structured head-to-head comparison.
The verdict
Both Hive and Linear are credible project management tools, and the right pick comes down to your priorities.
Hive — Project management with built-in messaging.
Choose Linear if you'd rather have a higher overall rating (4.7/5). The issue tracker built for speed.
Hive vs Linear: side by side
| Dimension | Hive | Linear |
|---|---|---|
| Starting price | Free – $7/user/mo | Free – $8/user/mo |
| Free plan | Yes | Yes |
| Pricing model | Freemium | Freemium |
| Best for | Smb, Agencies | Engineering Teams, Startups |
| Platforms | Web, Mac, Windows, Ios, Android | Web, Mac, Windows, Api |
| Rating | 4.4/5 | 4.7/5Winner |
Hive key facts
- Vendor
- Hive
- Pricing
- Freemium — Free – $7/user/mo
- Free tier
- Yes
- Platforms
- Web, Mac, Windows, Ios, Android
- Best for
- Smb, Agencies
- Editor rating
- 4.4 / 5
- Founded
- 2015
- Headquarters
- New York, NY, USA
Linear key facts
- Vendor
- Linear
- Pricing
- Freemium — Free – $8/user/mo
- Free tier
- Yes
- Platforms
- Web, Mac, Windows, Api
- Best for
- Engineering Teams, Startups
- Editor rating
- 4.7 / 5
- Founded
- 2019
- Headquarters
- San Francisco, CA, USA
Frequently asked questions
Is Hive better than Linear?
Neither is universally better — Linear edges ahead on overall rating, but the best choice depends on price, platforms, and your use case. See the side-by-side table above.
Is Hive or Linear cheaper?
Hive is the more affordable of the two to get started, at free – $7/user/mo. Hive starts at free – $7/user/mo; Linear starts at free – $8/user/mo.
Can Hive replace Linear?
Yes for most teams — both are project management tools with heavily overlapping features. The main trade-offs are pricing and platform support, covered in the comparison above.