Basecamp Alternatives: Basecamp Pros & Cons

Published

Share this Article:

Our content and product recommendations are editorially independent. We may make money when you click links to our partners. Learn more in our Editorial & Advertising Policy.

Basecamp is an online project management and collaboration software designed to help businesses get organized. It gathers tools, files, and messages in a central location, allowing users to collaborate easily and effectively. Features like built-in automation, to-do lists, shared calendars, and client access enables teams to boost productivity with increased transparency. However, every team is unique and Basecamp might not be the best solution for you. For teams looking for different capabilities or more affordability, there are many Basecamp alternatives available.

Top 3 Basecamp Alternative Software

Basecamp offers a single premium plan that includes unlimited users and projects. For a company searching for a tool to address a more specific use case or industry challenge, our top three Basecamp alternatives may be the right solution.

Basecamp Alternatives: What to Look For

Basecamp combines several essential elements that make it an effective project management solution, including a central dashboard, a chat function, scheduling, and to-do list tracking. Other features you might look for in a Basecamp alternative can be split into two categories. Technical features, such as:
  • A clean interface with intuitive navigation
  • Mobile apps and third-party tool integration
  • Automated notifications for recurring tasks, important dates, and milestones
  • Document management, file storage, and advanced search with filtering
  • Prebuilt and customizable templates, dashboards, and reports
  • Role-based permissions and configurable access for internal users and clients
And features that are more collaboration-oriented, like:
  • Multiple workspace views
  • Break down work into projects, tasks, and to-dos
  • Separate workspaces for different work files and discussions
  • Task delegation, management, and tracking
  • A built-in chat function that allows tagging, attachments, and links
  • Tools for sharing project plans, individual schedules, and team calendars

Best Basecamp Alternatives

Companies looking for a different level of flexibility or other functions than those offered by Basecamp can explore our recommended list of project management and collaboration solutions from top Basecamp competitors.

Trello

Trello logo. Trello is a web-based collaboration tool that uses boards, cards, and lists to track tasks and automate workflows. Project tracking and management become simpler when users can organize, plan, and share information easily. Trello has a free version that features unlimited storage and 10 boards per Workspace and is extendable through unlimited PowerUp integrations. Additional features include automation and more advanced capabilities in its card system, like due dates, comments, and checklists. Multiple work views are available in higher-tier plans, and it also has options to build dashboard views and export data to Excel.
Trello screenshot.
Image: Trello.

LiquidPlanner

LiquidPlanner logo. LiquidPlanner is a project management solution that features a forecasting engine, allowing project managers and team members to adapt to changes as they occur. With priority-driven views that center the most critical tasks and smart schedule bars to keep the project on track, it’s ideal for any team looking to manage risk and uncertainty in their projects. LiquidPlanner has three paid pricing tiers and no limit on the number of users at any level. Project access controls and roles as well as their application programming interface (API) are only available with the Ultimate plan. If your team is small, their free plan might be right for you, as it allows three users and up to 300 tasks.

ProofHub

ProofHub logo. ProofHub is project planning and management software that offers task management features, a variety of views, and custom workflows. Teams can collaborate using proofing tools and threaded comments, discussions, announcements, and a chat function. Users can also organize files and documents, share calendars, create forms, take notes, and use project templates. ProofHub is similar to Basecamp with a flat pricing plan rather than per-user pricing. Users can choose between two pricing plans. The higher-tier plan includes features like time tracking, visual proofing, Gantt charts, and customization that teams may find useful.
ProofHub screenshot.
Image: ProofHub.

Asana

Asana logo. Asana is a work management platform for teams. It provides a flexible solution that allows users to track workflows in the software for better organization and performance. Asana offers multiple work views including board, timeline, progress, and portfolio views for different perspectives. It also has milestone features, workload reports, work automation, and online feedback and approvals. Additionally, Asana offers per-user, per-month pricing, with the option to pay monthly or annually. With a free plan for up to 15 users also available, it’s a viable free alternative to Basecamp for individuals and small teams. If your company is at the other end of the spectrum, Asana’s enterprise option includes advanced administrative and security features that may make it a great fit for you. Asana offers multiple work views including board, timeline, progress, and portfolio views for different perspectives. It also has milestone features, workload reports, work automation, and online feedback and approvals. Also, it offers per-user, per-month pricing, with the option to pay on a monthly or annual basis.
Asana screenshot.
Image: Asana

Teamwork Teamwork logo.

Teamwork provides project management features ideal for creative firms, and service companies that frequently manage client-centric projects. It is a web-based tool that lets teams manage projects, clients, and partners in a single place. Teamwork allows users to track tasks and subtasks, use a built-in chat for instant collaboration, and change perspective with multiple work views that include table, board, list, and Gantt chart views. Whatever your budget, Teamwork has options that will allow you to deliver projects on time and within budget. The free plan includes basic project and task management features for up to five users, while time tracking and detailed workflows are available at higher tiers.
Teamwork screenshot.
Image: Teamwork

Scoro

Scoro logo. Scoro is an end-to-end work management software that, like Teamwork, is ideal for client-focused projects. Its time management features are comprehensive and include shared calendars, kanban boards, and a built-in time tracker, so you can monitor billable hours and stay on schedule. Additionally, Scoro offers sales and customer relationship management (CRM) tools for creating and improving client relationships, financial management tools for tracking purchases and revenue, and real-time data displayed on a clean and well-organized dashboard. Scoro offers multiple pricing tiers for a range of budgets and onboarding training if desired.
Scoro screenshot.
Image: Scoro

Podio

Podio logo. Podio is a web-based project management tool with a focus on automation and no-code solutions. It integrates well with both Google and Microsoft products as well as Dropbox. Moreover, Podio has a mobile app, so you can work from anywhere, unlimited free storage, different workspace options, and social activity streams that can help eliminate clunky email chains. For a team of five or fewer people, Podio is free. Three paid pricing tiers exist, ranging from just the basic task management and workspace features to a higher tier that includes advanced features like an interactive sales dashboard and advanced workflow automation.

Ready to Choose a Basecamp Alternative?

Whatever your organization’s needs, there is a dependable project management solution out there for you. If Basecamp isn’t the right fit, consider the alternatives on this list. Each of them offers either a free trial or an entire free tier for a limited number of users, meaning you can try it out before you subscribe. Seamless communication and improved organization are only a few clicks away.

Sign up for our emails and be the first to see helpful how-tos, insider tips & tricks, and a collection of templates & tools. Subscribe Now

Featured Partners

Subscribe to Project Management Insider for best practices, reviews and resources.

Emma Burlingame Avatar

Get the Newsletter

Subscribe to Project Management Insider for best practices, reviews and resources.