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Head-to-head · Reference Checking Software

RefAssured vs HiveRef

  • Updated Oct 2026
  • Both researched from official sources
  • 2 checks side by side
Higher score RefAssured #5 in Reference Checking Software 7.6/10 Pricing on request ✓ 1 of 4 features Visit RefAssured
HiveRef #8 in Reference Checking Software 7.2/10 Free plan + paid ✓ 0 of 4 features Visit HiveRef

RefAssured leads on 0 checks, HiveRef on 0, and 2 are even. Who comes out ahead on the 2 yes/no, price and count checks where we have data for both products. The editor score weighs everything else too.

Our verdict

  • Highest scoreRefAssured · 7.6/10
  • Most featuresRefAssured · 1 of 4

RefAssured scores higher on our rubric for reference checking software: 7.6 against 7.2 out of 10; our editors rank them #5 and #8.

RefAssured is the better fit for staffing agencies needing fraud controls and lead features. HiveRef is the better fit for mobile-first teams wanting AI-assisted references.

  • RefAssured fits best

    Staffing agencies needing fraud controls and lead features

  • HiveRef fits best

    Mobile-first teams wanting AI-assisted references

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Side by side

Feature RefAssured 7.6/10 Visit ↗ HiveRef 7.2/10 Visit ↗
At a glance
Editor score 7.6 7.2
Ranking #5 in Reference Checking Software #8 in Reference Checking Software
Best for Staffing agencies needing fraud controls and lead features Mobile-first teams wanting AI-assisted references
Pricing model Paid Free plan + paid
Starting price Pricing on request —
Free plan Not checked yet —
Free trial — —
Deployment Cloud, Browser extension Cloud, Mobile
Platforms Web, Chrome extension Web, iOS, Android
Compliance SOC 2, 2FA GDPR
Integrations 6 integrations 1 integrations
Built for Small business, Mid-market, Enterprise Small business, Mid-market, Enterprise
Features RefAssured 1/4 · HiveRef 0/4
Automated requests Not checked yet Not checked yet
Candidate consent Not checked yet Not checked yet
ATS integrations ✓ (best) Not checked yet
Report export Not checked yet Not checked yet
Specs
Reference formats Not checked yet Not checked yet
Our review
Pros
  • Collects references by SMS and email with automated reminders.
  • Adds candidate and reference-giver fraud detection and ID.me verification.
  • Packages scored feedback into reports with ATS write-back and lead generation.
  • AI-generated role-specific questions and customizable questionnaires
  • Automated referee reminders with live response-status tracking
  • Fraud signals, audit trails and PDF reports support review workflows
Cons
  • Quote-based pricing depends on forecasted annual placement volume.
  • Feature breadth may exceed the needs of teams seeking simple reference checks.
  • Email is the listed support channel.
  • Email is the only listed reference channel
  • Zapier is the only listed integration
  • Bulk candidate CSV export is excluded from the Scale plan
Our verdict

RefAssured is a cloud-based reference-checking and performance-intelligence platform for staffing agencies. It automates reference requests, reminders, mobile surveys, scoring and reporting, with outreach by SMS or email. Agencies can also…

Read the review →

HiveRef helps recruiters, hiring managers, HR teams and small businesses collect structured employment references. Candidates or referees receive secure links to mobile-friendly forms, while teams can track responses and produce reports.…

Read the review →
  1. RefAssuredReference Checking Software 7.6Pricing on request
  2. HiveRefReference Checking Software 7.2Free plan + paid

Strengths and trade-offs

  • RefAssured — where it wins

    • Collects references by SMS and email with automated reminders.
    • Adds candidate and reference-giver fraud detection and ID.me verification.
    • Packages scored feedback into reports with ATS write-back and lead generation.

    Where it doesn't

    • Quote-based pricing depends on forecasted annual placement volume.
    • Feature breadth may exceed the needs of teams seeking simple reference checks.
    • Email is the listed support channel.

  • HiveRef — where it wins

    • AI-generated role-specific questions and customizable questionnaires
    • Automated referee reminders with live response-status tracking
    • Fraud signals, audit trails and PDF reports support review workflows

    Where it doesn't

    • Email is the only listed reference channel
    • Zapier is the only listed integration
    • Bulk candidate CSV export is excluded from the Scale plan
  • RefAssured7.6/10 · Pricing on request

    Automates reference collection, fraud checks, reporting and ATS write-back for staffing teams.

    Visit RefAssuredFull verdict →
  • HiveRef7.2/10 · Free plan + paid

    Mobile-friendly reference checks with AI-assisted questions, summaries and fraud signals.

    Visit HiveRefFull verdict →

More comparisons

All reference checking software comparisons → · Full ranking →

Reviewed by iTechGuides Editors · Editorial team · Updated Oct 2026

Last updated · How we research and update