Essential vs HiveSuite
Essential
withessential.comHiveSuite
hivesuite.co.ukSide by side
| Figure | Essential | HiveSuite |
|---|---|---|
| Price from | — | £34.99/mo |
| Free plan | — | — |
| Free trial | — | Yes |
| Open source | — | — |
| Web | Yes | Yes |
| Windows | — | Yes |
| macOS | — | Yes |
| iOS | Yes | Yes |
| Android | Yes | Yes |
| Plans published | 1 | 5 |
| Spec score · Fire Protection Software | 7.5 (#23) | 8.9 (#4) |
| AI data handling | The privacy policy says relevant content may be sent to AI model providers, including Google, Anthropic, OpenAI, Groq, Cerebras, and Baseten, to provide AI features. | HiveSuite says data submitted to HiveIntel or HiveAssist may be sent to third-party AI providers, and advises against submitting unnecessary sensitive personal data. |
| Integrations | Listed integrations include Outlook Calendar, Google Calendar, The Compliance Engine, NetSuite, Zoho Books, Dynamics 365 Business Central, Sage Intacct, QuickBooks Online and Desktop, and Xero. | HiveSuite lists Stripe for payments and QuickBooks Online and Xero for accounting synchronization. |
| Intended customers | Essential is built for fire protection and life safety businesses and says other asset-based service contractors, including commercial plumbing and HVAC businesses, can use it. | HiveSuite says it is designed for UK service businesses, including party hire companies such as bouncy castle, photo booth, hot tub, soft play, and decoration hire. |
| Purpose | Essential is an AI-powered platform for fire protection businesses that covers inspections, scheduling, invoicing, and related operations. | HiveSuite provides party hire businesses with booking, equipment availability, delivery and collection scheduling, deposits, and invoicing tools. |
| Support | The privacy policy lists Intercom for customer support and in-app messaging, and provides [email protected] for privacy requests. | Support is offered by UK staff through email, telephone and how-to guides with video walkthroughs. |
Plans
HiveSuite
- Solo£34.99 a month
- Small Team£89.99 a month
- Growing Team£149.99 a month
- Professional£249.99 a month
- Enterprise£499.99 a month
In their own words
Essential
Essential has no write-up on Specifiction yet; its figures are above.
HiveSuite
HiveSuite is software for party hire businesses to manage bookings, equipment availability, deposits, invoices, and delivery and collection schedules. Website enquiry forms can record party details, create customer records, and generate draft quotes. Inventory is tracked against bookings to show item availability and help avoid double bookings. HivePlanner provides a drag-and-drop calendar for scheduling deliveries and collections and assigning jobs. Customers can view booking details, approve quotes, and pay invoices through a branded portal. Stripe is included on every plan, and businesses may use their own payment methods; QuickBooks and Xero are also included and can sync accounting data. HiveCrew is available as an Android app or an installable iOS Progressive Web App with push notifications. HiveIntel answers plain-English questions about business data and presents results as charts, tables, or dashboards. Monthly plans include VAT and start at £34.99/mo for Solo, with 1 admin and 2 crew; higher tiers cost £89.99, £149.99, £249.99, or £499.99 monthly. The maker describes the service as designed for UK service businesses, including party hire companies. HiveSuite says AI submissions may go to third-party providers and advises against sharing unnecessary sensitive personal data.