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Head-to-head · Museum Software

CollectionSpace vs eHive

  • Updated Sep 2026
  • Both researched from official sources
  • 6 checks side by side
Higher score CollectionSpace #2 in Museum Software 8.2/10 Free plan · pricing on request Free plan✓ 5 of 5 features Try CollectionSpace
eHive #5 in Museum Software 7.7/10 Free plan Free plan✓ 5 of 5 features Visit eHive

CollectionSpace leads on 0 checks, eHive on 0, and 6 are even. Who comes out ahead on the 6 yes/no, price and count checks where we have data for both products. The editor score weighs everything else too.

Our verdict

  • Highest scoreCollectionSpace · 8.2/10
  • Free planboth

CollectionSpace scores higher on our rubric for museum software: 8.2 against 7.7 out of 10; our editors rank them #2 and #5.

On deployment, CollectionSpace gives you Both where eHive offers Cloud.

CollectionSpace is the better fit for museums seeking open-source, standards-based software. eHive is the better fit for small museums publishing collections on a free plan.

  • CollectionSpace fits best

    Museums seeking open-source, standards-based software

  • eHive fits best

    Small museums publishing collections on a free plan

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Side by side

Feature CollectionSpace 8.2/10 Visit ↗ eHive 7.7/10 Visit ↗
At a glance
Editor score 8.2 7.7
Ranking #2 in Museum Software #5 in Museum Software
Best for Museums seeking open-source, standards-based software Small museums publishing collections on a free plan
Pricing model Free plan + paid Free plan + paid
Starting price Not published Not published
Free plan ✓ ✓
Free trial — —
Deployment Cloud, Self-hosted Cloud
Platforms Web Web
Support Email, Tickets, Community, Docs Docs
Integrations 2 integrations 3 integrations
Built for Small business, Mid-market, Enterprise Solo, Small business, Mid-market
Features CollectionSpace 5/5 · eHive 5/5
Collection cataloging ✓ ✓
Loan management ✓ ✓
Exhibition management ✓ ✓
Rights tracking ✓ ✓
Public collections access ✓ ✓
Specs
Deployment Both Cloud
Our review
Pros
  • SPECTRUM-based records support cataloging and collection procedures.
  • Workflows cover loans, exhibitions, accession and deaccession.
  • Choose Lyrasis-managed cloud hosting or install it on your own infrastructure.
  • Catalogues varied object types with configurable field sets and media attachments
  • Tracks acquisitions, conservation, rights, loans, and exhibition history
  • Publishes searchable public profiles and offers REST API and OAI-PMH access
Cons
  • Lyrasis-hosted pricing is quote-based and depends on object-record count.
  • Self-hosting requires institutions to install the software on their infrastructure.
  • Optional contributor tiers and hosting fees apply.
  • Cloud-only deployment may not suit museums needing another hosting model
  • Support is documentation-based rather than through other listed channels
  • Visitor analytics are listed only on Silver, Gold, and Platinum plans
Our verdict

CollectionSpace is a web-based, open-source collections information management system for museums and other collecting organizations. It suits teams that need structured collection records alongside workflows for cataloging, loans,…

Read the review →

eHive is a web-based collection cataloguing and management system for museums and collections, including archaeology, archives, art, history, libraries, natural science, and photography and multimedia. It suits small institutions that want…

Read the review →
  1. CollectionSpaceMuseum Software 8.2Free plan · pricing on request
  2. eHiveMuseum Software 7.7Free plan

Strengths and trade-offs

  • CollectionSpace — where it wins

    • SPECTRUM-based records support cataloging and collection procedures.
    • Workflows cover loans, exhibitions, accession and deaccession.
    • Choose Lyrasis-managed cloud hosting or install it on your own infrastructure.

    Where it doesn't

    • Lyrasis-hosted pricing is quote-based and depends on object-record count.
    • Self-hosting requires institutions to install the software on their infrastructure.
    • Optional contributor tiers and hosting fees apply.

  • eHive — where it wins

    • Catalogues varied object types with configurable field sets and media attachments
    • Tracks acquisitions, conservation, rights, loans, and exhibition history
    • Publishes searchable public profiles and offers REST API and OAI-PMH access

    Where it doesn't

    • Cloud-only deployment may not suit museums needing another hosting model
    • Support is documentation-based rather than through other listed channels
    • Visitor analytics are listed only on Silver, Gold, and Platinum plans
  • CollectionSpace8.2/10 · Free plan · pricing on request

    A standards-based system for collection records, workflows and public browsing.

    Try CollectionSpaceFull verdict →
  • eHive7.7/10 · Free plan

    A cloud collection system with a free plan, public profiles, and collection-data APIs.

    Visit eHiveFull verdict →

More comparisons

All museum software comparisons → · Full ranking →

Reviewed by iTechGuides Editors · Editorial team · Updated Sep 2026

Last updated · How we research and update