Comparison
A Free HiveTracks Alternative
HiveTracks is a solid app, and if it fits your operation you should use it. But if you want unlimited hives without a subscription, records that work offline in the bee yard, or you just prefer free tools, Apiary Tools was built for you.
| Apiary Tools | HiveTracks | |
|---|---|---|
| Price | Free, donation supported | Free up to 5 hives, then ~$50/year |
| Hive limit | Unlimited | 5 hives on the free plan |
| Works offline | offline-first, syncs later | limited offline support |
| Hive & inspection tracking | Yes | Yes |
| Varroa mite log | Yes | Yes |
| Free calculators & timelines | 16 tools, no account needed | No |
| Share with a helper | viewer / contributor / co-owner roles | Yes |
| Task reminders & calendar | with .ics import | Partial |
| Print records for inspectors | Yes | Partial |
| iOS app | Yes | Yes |
| Android app | coming soon, web app meanwhile | Yes |
HiveTracks details checked July 2026 from hivetracks.com; their pricing and features may change. I make Apiary Tools, so keep that in mind.
Where Apiary Tools is the better fit
- You have more than 5 hives and don't want a subscription. Apiary Tools has no hive limit and no paid tier. It's donation supported.
- Your bee yard has no signal. The app is offline-first: inspections, photos and mite counts save on your phone and sync later.
- You want the calculators too. Syrup mixing, mite wash percentages, oxalic dosing, queen rearing timelines. 16 free tools that don't even need an account.
- A spouse or helper works the hives with you. Share your apiary with viewer, contributor or co-owner roles, free.
Where HiveTracks may be the better fit
- You need a native Android app today. Ours is in testing and coming soon. Until it ships, Apiary Tools runs in the Android browser and installs to the home screen, while HiveTracks has a native app on both platforms now.
- You're part of their biodiversity or sponsorship programs. HiveTracks partners with organizations on pollinator data projects that may matter to your operation.
Switching is low-risk
Export your records from HiveTracks, import the CSV into Apiary Tools, and both apps keep working while you decide. Nothing locks you in either direction: your data exports from Apiary Tools any time as CSV or printable records.
Try it with your next inspection
Free forever, no card, no hive limits. Built by a beekeeper, supported by beekeepers.
More comparisons: best free beekeeping apps · ApiManager alternative
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Apiary Tools really free?
Yes. Every feature is free: unlimited hives, inspections, calculators, sharing and the iOS app. The project is supported by donations from beekeepers who find it useful, not by subscriptions or ads.
Is HiveTracks free?
HiveTracks has a free tier for up to 5 hives. Beyond that it costs about $50 per year as of July 2026. Check hivetracks.com for current pricing.
Can I import my records from HiveTracks?
Apiary Tools imports hives and records from CSV files, and HiveTracks can export your data. If you get stuck moving your records over, use the contact page and I will help you personally.
Does Apiary Tools work offline in the bee yard?
Yes. The app is built offline-first: open hives, record inspections and add photos with no signal, and everything syncs when you are back online.
Is there an Android app?
It is on the way and in testing now. Until it ships, Android users run Apiary Tools in the browser, which works offline and can be added to the home screen like an app. The iOS app is already on the App Store.
Apiary Tools is free and runs on donations. Buy me a jar of honey 17