Basecamp
Simple project management with message boards, schedules, and file storage....
Trello
Visual kanban boards for organizing projects and tasks with cards and lists....
Basecamp vs Trello: Which Is Better in 2026?
Comprehensive comparison of Basecamp and Trello 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
Trello
- Best for: Small teams, Personal projects
- Starting price: Free
- Category: project management
- Founded: 2011
Feature Comparison
Side-by-side feature comparison to help you understand the key differences between Basecamp and Trello.
| Feature | B Basecamp | T Trello |
|---|---|---|
| Task Management | ||
| Kanban Boards | ||
| Gantt Charts | Timeline view | |
| Time Tracking | ||
| File Sharing | ||
| Mobile App | ||
| Integrations | ||
| Message Boards | ||
| Automation |
Our Verdict
After extensive testing and analysis, Trello edges out as the winner in this comparison. While both tools excel in their respective areas, Trello 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
Trello Pros & Cons
Pros
- Very intuitive
- Great free tier
- Flexible
- Good mobile apps
- Power-Ups ecosystem
Cons
- Limited for complex projects
- Gets messy at scale
- Basic reporting
- Power-Ups cost extra
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
Trello
freemium- Unlimited cards
- 10 boards/workspace
- Basic automation
- Unlimited boards
- Advanced checklists
- Custom fields
- Views
- Admin controls
- Unlimited automation
- Unlimited workspaces
- Organization-wide permissions
- Public board management
Which Tool Is Best For You?
Choose Basecamp if you need:
- Agencies
- Consultants
- Small teams
- Simple projects
- Very simple
- Flat pricing option
Choose Trello if you need:
- Small teams
- Personal projects
- Kanban workflows
- Visual thinkers
- Very intuitive
- Great free tier
Basecamp vs Trello FAQ
What are the main differences between Basecamp and Trello?
Basecamp focuses on agencies with very simple, while Trello excels at small teams with very intuitive. Key differences include pricing structure, feature depth, and target user base.
Is Basecamp or Trello better for small businesses?
Trello 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 Trello's lower starting price of $0/month.
What is the pricing difference between Basecamp and Trello?
Basecamp starts at $15/month, while Trello starts at $0/month with a free tier available. Both offer multiple pricing tiers with different feature sets.
Can Basecamp integrate with Trello?
While direct integration may vary, both Basecamp and Trello support third-party integrations through platforms like Zapier. Basecamp integrates with Zapier, Google Drive, Dropbox, while Trello works with Slack, Google Drive, Jira.
Which tool is easier to use, Basecamp or Trello?
Based on user reviews, Trello generally receives higher marks for ease of use with a 4.5 rating. However, ease of use can depend on your specific needs and technical background. Basecamp is known for flat pricing option.
Does Basecamp or Trello offer better customer support?
Both Basecamp and Trello 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 Trello?
Basecamp's main advantages include: Very simple, Flat pricing option, Good for agencies. Compared to Trello, it's particularly strong for agencies.
What are the cons of Basecamp compared to Trello?
Basecamp's potential drawbacks include: No advanced features, Limited reporting. Trello may be a better choice if these limitations affect your use case.
Should I switch from Basecamp to Trello 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, Trello leads in this comparison with a 4.5 rating. However, the best choice depends on your specific requirements. Basecamp excels for agencies, while Trello is ideal for small teams.