Basecamp vs Trello: Which Project Management Tool Is Better in 2026?

Basecamp

From $15

Trello

From $5

Quick verdict

Overall pick: Trello

Trello starts at $5 per seat versus Basecamp's $15 per seat, and it adds Kanban boards, a Gantt/timeline view, workflow automations, and an AI assistant that Basecamp lacks. Basecamp counters with built-in docs and a longer track record since 2004, and it is positioned for client work and remote teams. Buyers who need visual boards, automations, and lower per-seat cost should pick Trello; buyers who prioritize built-in documentation and client-facing project spaces may prefer Basecamp.

Trello's entry plan ($5) is 67% cheaper than Basecamp's ($15).
Both offer a free plan, so you can test them side by side at no cost.
Only Basecamp offers: built-in docs / wiki.
Only Trello offers: gantt / timeline view, workflow automations, ai assistant.

Try Basecamp →Try Trello →

Cost calculator

Team size: 5 users

Tool	Monthly	Yearly
Basecamp · per user	$75.00	$900
Trello · per user	$25.00	$300

Based on entry-level paid plans. Prices change, so check the vendor before you buy.

Which one should you choose?

If you need…	Pick	Why
Budget-conscious team comparing per-seat costs	Trello	Trello starts at $5 per seat versus Basecamp's $15 per seat, both billed per seat.
Team that needs workflow automations	Trello	Trello lists workflow automations as a feature; Basecamp does not.
Team that wants a Gantt or timeline view	Trello	Trello includes a Gantt/timeline view; Basecamp does not.
Team that needs built-in docs or a wiki	Basecamp	Basecamp includes built-in docs; Trello does not list a docs/wiki feature.
Agency managing client work	Basecamp	Basecamp lists client work among its best-for uses and supports guest/client access; both tools offer guest access.

Feature comparison: Basecamp vs Trello

Feature	Basecamp	Trello
Free plan	✅	✅
Starting price	$15 /user/mo	$5 /user/mo
Kanban boards	✅	✅
Gantt / timeline view	—	✅
Native time tracking	—	—
Built-in docs / wiki	✅	—
Workflow automations	—	✅
Guest / client access	✅	✅
AI assistant	—	✅
Public API	✅	✅

Highlighted rows are where the tools differ.

Pros and cons

Basecamp

Includes built-in docs, which Trello does not list
Supports guest/client access for external collaborators
Offers a free plan and a public API
Positioned for client work and remote teams, with a founding date of 2004

No Gantt/timeline view
No native time tracking
No workflow automations or AI assistant
Higher starting price at $15 per seat versus Trello's $5

Try Basecamp →

Trello

Lower starting price at $5 per seat
Includes Kanban boards, a Gantt/timeline view, and workflow automations
Offers an AI assistant, which Basecamp does not
Supports guest/client access and a public API, with a free plan

No built-in docs/wiki feature
No native time tracking
Not positioned for client work in its best-for list, which names small teams and personal task boards

Try Trello →