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Head-to-head · Reference Checking Software

Referoo vs HiveRef

  • Updated Oct 2026
  • Both researched from official sources
  • 2 checks side by side
Higher score Referoo #1 in Reference Checking Software 8.9/10 Pricing on request · 14-day trial Free trial✓ 1 of 4 features Visit Referoo
HiveRef #8 in Reference Checking Software 7.2/10 Free plan + paid ✓ 0 of 4 features Visit HiveRef

Referoo 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 scoreReferoo · 8.9/10
  • Free trialonly Referoo
  • Most featuresReferoo · 1 of 4

Referoo scores higher on our rubric for reference checking software: 8.9 against 7.2 out of 10; our editors rank them #1 and #8.

Referoo is the better fit for teams connecting reference checks to HR and ATS systems. HiveRef is the better fit for mobile-first teams wanting AI-assisted references.

  • Referoo fits best

    Teams connecting reference checks to HR and ATS systems

  • HiveRef fits best

    Mobile-first teams wanting AI-assisted references

Advertiser disclosure: iTechGuides is reader-supported. Vendors can pay for top positions in our rankings and for a place on other products' pages, and we may earn a commission when you click some links. Bought places stand at the number bought; this page and our disclosure say so. Paying vendors may get a fuller, more detailed review from our editors, and that review can change their score. How we rank.

Side by side

Feature Referoo 8.9/10 Visit ↗ HiveRef 7.2/10 Visit ↗
At a glance
Editor score 8.9 7.2
Ranking #1 in Reference Checking Software #8 in Reference Checking Software
Best for Teams connecting reference checks to HR and ATS systems Mobile-first teams wanting AI-assisted references
Pricing model Paid Free plan + paid
Starting price Pricing on request · 14-day trial —
Free plan — —
Free trial 14 days —
Deployment Cloud Cloud, Mobile
Platforms Web Web, iOS, Android
Compliance ISO 27001, GDPR, 2FA GDPR
Integrations 40+ integrations 1 integrations
Built for Small business, Mid-market, Enterprise Small business, Mid-market, Enterprise
Features Referoo 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 email, SMS, or phone with automated reminders
  • Offers custom questionnaires, reporting, fraud detection, and IP tracking
  • Connects to 40 integrations and provides an OAuth 2.0 API
  • 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
  • No free plan is available
  • A 14-day trial is the only stated trial option
  • Prospective customers must contact sales for pricing
  • 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

Referoo gives HR teams, recruiters, and talent acquisition teams an online way to collect and review employment references. Candidates can nominate referees, who can respond through email, SMS, or phone workflows. Automated email and SMS…

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. ReferooReference Checking Software 8.9Pricing on request · 14-day trial
  2. HiveRefReference Checking Software 7.2Free plan + paid

Strengths and trade-offs

  • Referoo — where it wins

    • Collects references by email, SMS, or phone with automated reminders
    • Offers custom questionnaires, reporting, fraud detection, and IP tracking
    • Connects to 40 integrations and provides an OAuth 2.0 API

    Where it doesn't

    • No free plan is available
    • A 14-day trial is the only stated trial option
    • Prospective customers must contact sales for pricing

  • 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
  • Referoo8.9/10 · Pricing on request · 14-day trial

    Reference collection, reminders, fraud detection, and ATS connectivity for hiring teams.

    Visit ReferooFull 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