Basecamp vs Linear: Which Is Better in 2026?

A detailed comparison to help you choose the right project management tool for your needs.

Our Pick: Linear

Linear has a significantly higher overall rating (8.5 vs 7.5)

Quick Comparison

Aspect
B
Basecamp
L
Linear(Winner)
Overall Rating
7.5/10
8.5/10
Starting Price
$15/mo
$8/mo
Free Plan
Free Trial
Best For
medium
small
Ease of Use
9/10
9/10
Features
6/10
8/10
Value for Money
8/10
9/10
Support
9/10
8/10

Overview

B

Basecamp

Basecamp is an opinionated project management tool focused on simplicity and async communication. Features flat pricing regardless of team size.

L

Linear

Linear is a modern, fast issue tracking tool designed for high-performance software teams. Known for its speed, keyboard shortcuts, and clean design.

Pricing Comparison

Better value: Linear
B

Basecamp

Pricing ModelPaid
Starting Price$15/mo
Free Trial
Free Tier
L

Linear

Better Value
Pricing ModelFreemium
Starting Price$8/mo
Free Trial
Free Tier

Features Comparison

Winner: Linear
FeatureBasecampLinear
Kanban Boards
Gantt Charts
Time Tracking
Resource Management
Custom Fields
Automation
Mobile App
Api Access
Guest Access
Max Users
Unlimited
Unlimited

0

features unique to Basecamp

3

features unique to Linear

Pros & Cons

B

Basecamp

Pros

  • Flat pricing - unlimited users
  • Simple, opinionated design
  • Great for async communication
  • Built-in chat and message boards
  • Excellent customer support

Cons

  • No Kanban or Gantt views
  • Limited customization
  • No time tracking
  • Can feel too simple for complex projects
L

Linear

Pros

  • Incredibly fast and responsive
  • Beautiful, modern interface
  • Great keyboard shortcuts
  • Excellent GitHub integration
  • Cycles and roadmap features

Cons

  • Primarily for software teams
  • Less customizable than alternatives
  • Limited third-party integrations
  • No time tracking

The Verdict: Linear Wins

After thorough evaluation, Linear emerges as the clear winner in this comparison. With an overall rating of 8.5/10 compared to 7.5/10, it offers a noticeably better experience across most evaluation criteria.

Linear particularly excels in Fast-moving dev teams and Startups building products, making it the go-to choice for most users looking for a project management solution.

Our recommendation: We confidently recommend Linear for most users. However, Basecamp remains a viable option if you specifically need remote teams valuing simplicity.

Choose Basecamp if you...

  • • Need remote teams valuing simplicity
  • • Need agencies with client collaboration
  • • Need teams tired of complex tools

Choose Linear if you...

  • • Need fast-moving dev teams
  • • Need startups building products
  • • Need teams valuing speed and design

Ready to Get Started?

Try BasecampTry Linear

Read our full reviews:

Basecamp Full ReviewLinear Full Review

* We may earn an affiliate commission when you visit these tools through our links. This doesn't affect our ratings or comparisons.

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Basecamp vs Linear FAQ

Based on our evaluation, Linear has a slight edge with an overall rating of 8.5/10. However, the best choice depends on your specific needs and use case.
Yes, Linear is more affordable with plans starting at $8/month, compared to $15/month for the other.
Both tools have similar ease of use ratings at 9/10.
Yes, migration between Basecamp and Linear is possible. Most tools offer data export features. Check each tool's documentation for specific migration guides and import capabilities.
For small teams, Linear is specifically designed for this use case. Consider your budget and specific feature needs when choosing.
For startups, consider your growth trajectory. Linear offers a free tier which is great for bootstrapped startups.
Yes, each tool has unique strengths. Basecamp excels at: Remote teams valuing simplicity, Agencies with client collaboration. Linear is better for: Fast-moving dev teams, Startups building products. Review our detailed feature comparison above.
Basecamp rates higher in customer support (9/10) compared to Linear (8/10).
Linear offers better value for money with a rating of 9/10 compared to Basecamp's 8/10.
Consider switching if Linear's strengths (Fast-moving dev teams) align better with your current needs. However, factor in migration effort and learning curve before making the switch.