Basecamp
Simple project management with message boards, schedules, and file storage....
Linear
Fast and beautiful issue tracking for software teams building great products....
Basecamp vs Linear: Which Is Better in 2026?
Comprehensive comparison of Basecamp and Linear covering features, pricing, pros & cons, and our expert verdict to help you make the right choice for your business.
Quick Overview
Basecamp
- Best for: Agencies, Consultants
- Starting price: $15/mo
- Category: project management
- Founded: 2004
Linear
- Best for: Product teams, Startups
- Starting price: Free
- Category: project management
- Founded: 2019
Feature Comparison
Side-by-side feature comparison to help you understand the key differences between Basecamp and Linear.
| Feature | B Basecamp | L Linear |
|---|---|---|
| Task Management | ||
| Kanban Boards | ||
| Gantt Charts | ||
| Time Tracking | ||
| File Sharing | ||
| Mobile App | ||
| Integrations | ||
| Message Boards | ||
| Roadmaps |
Our Verdict
After extensive testing and analysis, Linear edges out as the winner in this comparison. While both tools excel in their respective areas, Linear offers better overall user satisfaction. Basecamp remains a strong alternative, especially for users who prioritize agencies.
Pros & Cons
Basecamp Pros & Cons
Pros
- Very simple
- Flat pricing option
- Good for agencies
- Client portals
- Opinionated workflow
Cons
- No advanced features
- Limited reporting
- No time tracking
- No Gantt charts
Linear Pros & Cons
Pros
- Beautiful design
- Lightning fast
- Keyboard shortcuts
- Great for devs
- Cycles feature
Cons
- Software-focused only
- Less flexible
- Limited customization
- No time tracking on free
Pricing Comparison
Compare the pricing plans and see which tool offers better value for your budget.
Basecamp
subscription- Per user
- All features
- 500GB storage
- Unlimited users
- Priority support
- 5TB storage
Linear
freemium- Unlimited issues
- 250 members
- Basic features
- Unlimited members
- Roadmaps
- Guest access
- Time tracking
- Linear Asks
- Custom workflows
- SSO
- Audit logs
- Advanced security
Which Tool Is Best For You?
Choose Basecamp if you need:
- Agencies
- Consultants
- Small teams
- Simple projects
- Very simple
- Flat pricing option
Choose Linear if you need:
- Product teams
- Startups
- Engineering teams
- Modern software companies
- Beautiful design
- Lightning fast
Basecamp vs Linear FAQ
What are the main differences between Basecamp and Linear?
Basecamp focuses on agencies with very simple, while Linear excels at product teams with beautiful design. Key differences include pricing structure, feature depth, and target user base.
Is Basecamp or Linear better for small businesses?
Linear offers a free tier which is great for small businesses starting out. For small businesses with limited budgets, consider starting with the tool that offers Linear's lower starting price of $0/month.
What is the pricing difference between Basecamp and Linear?
Basecamp starts at $15/month, while Linear starts at $0/month with a free tier available. Both offer multiple pricing tiers with different feature sets.
Can Basecamp integrate with Linear?
While direct integration may vary, both Basecamp and Linear support third-party integrations through platforms like Zapier. Basecamp integrates with Zapier, Google Drive, Dropbox, while Linear works with GitHub, GitLab, Slack.
Which tool is easier to use, Basecamp or Linear?
Based on user reviews, Linear generally receives higher marks for ease of use with a 4.8 rating. However, ease of use can depend on your specific needs and technical background. Basecamp is known for flat pricing option.
Does Basecamp or Linear offer better customer support?
Both Basecamp and Linear provide customer support, with options varying by plan tier. Basecamp offers support through standard support channels. Check each tool's specific plan for support details.
What are the pros of Basecamp compared to Linear?
Basecamp's main advantages include: Very simple, Flat pricing option, Good for agencies. Compared to Linear, it's particularly strong for agencies.
What are the cons of Basecamp compared to Linear?
Basecamp's potential drawbacks include: No advanced features, Limited reporting. Linear may be a better choice if these limitations affect your use case.
Should I switch from Basecamp to Linear or vice versa?
Consider switching if your current tool doesn't meet your needs. Key factors include: current pain points, migration complexity, team training, and total cost of ownership. Use our ROI calculator to estimate the potential impact of switching.
Which tool is best for project management in 2026?
In 2026, Linear leads in this comparison with a 4.8 rating. However, the best choice depends on your specific requirements. Basecamp excels for agencies, while Linear is ideal for product teams.