Basecamp vs Trello: Which Is Better in 2026?

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

Too Close to Call

Both tools are closely matched with similar overall ratings

Quick Comparison

Aspect
B
Basecamp
T
Trello
Overall Rating
7.5/10
7.5/10
Starting Price
$15/mo
$5/mo
Free Plan
Free Trial
Best For
medium
small
Ease of Use
9/10
10/10
Features
6/10
6/10
Value for Money
8/10
8/10
Support
9/10
7/10

Overview

B

Basecamp

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

T

Trello

Trello is the original visual Kanban tool, known for its simplicity and ease of use. Perfect for teams wanting straightforward task management without complexity.

Pricing Comparison

Better value: Trello
B

Basecamp

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

Trello

Better Value
Pricing ModelFreemium
Starting Price$5/mo
Free Trial
Free Tier

Features Comparison

Winner: Trello
FeatureBasecampTrello
Kanban Boards
Gantt Charts
Time Tracking
Via Power-Up
Resource Management
Custom Fields
Automation
Mobile App
Api Access
Guest Access
Max Users
Unlimited
Unlimited

0

features unique to Basecamp

3

features unique to Trello

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
T

Trello

Pros

  • Extremely easy to learn and use
  • Great free tier for basic needs
  • Clean, visual Kanban interface
  • Power-ups extend functionality
  • Fast and reliable

Cons

  • Limited features compared to competitors
  • No native Gantt charts or timelines
  • Reporting is basic
  • Power-ups can get expensive

The Verdict: It's a Tie

Both Basecamp and Trello are excellent project management tools that deliver strong value. With nearly identical overall ratings, the choice between them comes down to your specific requirements rather than one being objectively better.

Basecamp shines in remote teams valuing simplicity, while Trello excels at simple project tracking. Consider trying both with their free trials to see which fits your workflow better.

Our recommendation: We recommend Basecamp if you prioritize flat pricing - unlimited users, and Trello if extremely easy to learn and use matter more to you.

Choose Basecamp if you...

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

Choose Trello if you...

  • • Need simple project tracking
  • • Need personal task management
  • • Need small teams with basic needs

Ready to Get Started?

Try BasecampTry Trello

Read our full reviews:

Basecamp Full ReviewTrello 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 Trello FAQ

Both Basecamp and Trello are excellent choices with similar ratings. The better option depends on your specific requirements and preferences.
Yes, Trello is more affordable with plans starting at $5/month, compared to $15/month for the other.
Trello scores higher in ease of use (10/10) compared to Basecamp (9/10).
Yes, migration between Basecamp and Trello is possible. Most tools offer data export features. Check each tool's documentation for specific migration guides and import capabilities.
For small teams, Trello is specifically designed for this use case. Consider your budget and specific feature needs when choosing.
For startups, consider your growth trajectory. Trello 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. Trello is better for: Simple project tracking, Personal task management. Review our detailed feature comparison above.
Basecamp rates higher in customer support (9/10) compared to Trello (7/10).
Both tools offer similar value for money, each rated 8/10.
Consider switching if Trello's strengths (Simple project tracking) align better with your current needs. However, factor in migration effort and learning curve before making the switch.