Patchstack or Hive: patching known flaws or stopping the attacker
Patchstack knows which plugin versions have published security flaws and blocks exploits with virtual patches. ReportedIP Hive blocks attacking IP addresses, runs an OWASP firewall and adds two-factor sign-in, free for every user. Many sites run both.
Why do people look for a Patchstack alternative?
Patchstack is a vulnerability database with a plugin on top. It knows which versions of WordPress plugins and themes have published security flaws, warns you by e-mail and, on paid plans, blocks exploit attempts with a virtual patch until an update is out. The company, Patchstack OÜ, is registered in Estonia, so like ReportedIP it is an EU provider. People who look for an alternative usually want something Patchstack does not focus on: blocking attackers who do not need a known flaw, such as password guessing, spam and scanners, and two-factor sign-in without a paid plan.
ReportedIP Hive covers exactly that ground. Sixteen sensors, the firewall engine with the OWASP baseline ruleset and two-factor sign-in with authenticator apps, e-mail codes and passkeys are part of the free open-source core. Paid plans add our managed servers in Germany: SMS and e-mail delivery for two-factor codes, deeper firewall rulesets synced daily and one dashboard for every site.
How does Hive compare with Patchstack?
Structural differences only. Patchstack sets its own prices and feature scope and may change them, check its site for current details.
| Criterion | ReportedIP Hive | Patchstack |
|---|---|---|
| Main job | Blocks attacking IP addresses and secures sign-ins | Detects and virtually patches known vulnerabilities |
| Free plan | Every sensor, firewall baseline and two-factor, no site limit | Vulnerability alerts for up to 3 sites |
| Paid entry price | 149 euro a year for three domains | 5 US dollars a month per site for virtual patching |
| Agency plan | 389 euro a year for fifteen domains | Developer, 69 US dollars a month billed yearly |
| Virtual patches for known plugin flaws | Not included | Core feature |
| Brute force and password spray | Free, with progressive blocking | Community IP blocklist on paid plans |
| Two-factor sign-in | Free, with passkeys | On paid plans |
| Malware file scanning | Not included | Not included |
| Company location | Germany | Estonia |
When is Patchstack the better choice?
If your worry is a plugin with a known security flaw that you cannot update yet, Patchstack is the right tool. Its database and virtual patches target exactly that gap, and Hive has no data on which plugin version is vulnerable. Hive's firewall stops common exploit patterns, but that is general protection, not a patch for one specific flaw.
The two hardly overlap. Patchstack closes known holes in your plugins, Hive stops the people knocking on the door. For agencies with many client sites, running both is a sensible setup.
How do I use Hive next to Patchstack?
Setup takes about five minutes. Install Hive from the plugin directory and run the quickstart. It asks for the operating mode and, if you have one, your key, and it protects a single site without an account.
Keep virtual patching on in Patchstack. If you also use its login protection or two-factor, turn those off in one of the two plugins so users only see one prompt. Hive's report-only mode lets you watch what it would block for a week before it blocks anything.
Frequently asked questions
Is Hive an alternative to Patchstack?
Only partly. Hive does not know which plugin versions are vulnerable and does not ship virtual patches, which is what Patchstack is built for. Where Hive replaces Patchstack is login protection, two-factor sign-in and IP blocking, which Patchstack offers on paid plans and Hive in its free core.
Can I run Hive and Patchstack together?
Yes, and it is a good combination. Patchstack covers known flaws in your plugins, Hive covers attackers, spam and sign-ins. Let only one of them handle two-factor and login lockouts so users do not get two prompts.
What does Hive cost compared with Patchstack?
Hive Professional is 149 euro a year including VAT for three domains, Business is 389 euro a year for fifteen. Patchstack's free plan covers vulnerability alerts for up to three sites, virtual patching on a single site is 5 US dollars a month, and the Developer plan is 69 dollars a month billed yearly. Every paid Hive plan has a 14-day money-back guarantee.
Are both providers based in the EU?
Yes. ReportedIP is a German company with servers in Germany, and Patchstack OÜ is registered in Estonia. Patchstack says it may use providers outside the EEA under standard contractual clauses, so check its data-processing agreement if that matters to you. Hive can also run fully local in Local Shield mode, where no data leaves your site.