The Basecamp Insider’s Guide
Everything we know about Basecamp in one document: what it costs, its grades, getting a refund, getting help and what else to look at. Read it here, or keep a copy.
Basecamp
The Insider’s Guide
Flat-priced project management with chat, to-dos and files
Every plan, grade, refund rule and rival among project management tools, read from Basecamp’s own pages.
Made by 37signals LLC · checked Oct 4, 2026 · toolgpa.com
Contents
- 01WelcomeWhat it is, who it suits, its grades and the ten things to know first
- 02What it costsEvery plan, the free plan, ways to pay less and how prices have moved
- 03What it doesIts main features, where it runs, what it works with and who makes it
- 04Where it standsIts grades against its category, and whether to keep it or make your own
- 05The alternativesThe tools it is most often weighed against, side by side
- 06Quick answersThe questions people ask about it, each answered in a line or two
- 07About ToolGPAWho made this guide, what else is on the site, and how to cite it
ToolGPA put this guide together from Basecamp’s own pages, its app-store listings and our grades. Every fact in it is on Basecamp’s page too, where it is kept up to date. Checked Oct 4, 2026.
Part 01 · Overview
Welcome
What it is, who it suits, its grades and the ten things to know first
2.8
GPA, above 54 of the 79 other project management tools we grade
Basecamp is a project management and team communication tool from 37signals. Each project gets its own page with a message board, to-do lists, kanban-style Card Tables, group chat, a schedule and file storage. Paid plans charge a flat monthly fee tied to the number of active projects rather than a price per user.
To get you started, here are 9 things to know about Basecamp, taken from its own pages and our grades.
Every project gets the same page of tools, so once you've seen one you've seen the lot, and there's nothing to configure.
- 1
Best for flat-fee projects with clients in the room
Basecamp puts a project's messages, to-dos, chat, schedule and files on one page, and charges a flat monthly fee instead of a price per person, from $25 a month for up to 20 users.
- 2
Paid plans start at $25 a month
As its pricing page puts it: $25 per month, flat rate for up to 20 users (Freelancer).
- 3
There is a free plan
Free plan for personal use: 1 project, 1 GB of storage and up to 5 users. No credit card required.
- 4
It runs on 5 platforms
Web, macOS, Windows, iOS and Android.
- 5
Message Board
Announcements and discussions are kept as posts inside each project, intended as a replacement for internal email.
- 6
To-dos and Card Tables
To-do lists support assignees, due dates, attachments and subtasks. Card Tables are Basecamp's version of kanban boards.
- 7
Campfire chat
Group chat is built into Basecamp, so a team does not need a separate chat app alongside its projects.
- 8
A 2.8 GPA, above 54 of 79
That is against the other project management tools we grade, on value, the free plan, features, ease of use and platforms.
- 9
Keep it
The plain part of Basecamp you could make: tasks, kanban boards, calendar, time tracking and templates. What surrounds it you could not. The 2 things listed below take a company, not a weekend.
Basecamp at a glance
- Pricing
- Free plan, from $25 per month, flat rate for up to 20 users (Freelancer)
- Free plan
- Yes
- Free trial
- 30-day free trial on Freelancer, Studio and Pro; 45 days on Unlimited Edition. No credit card required.
- Runs on
- Web, macOS, Windows, iOS, Android
- Made by
- 37signals LLC
- Category
- Project Management
- Our grade
- 2.8 GPA, good
- Store rating
- 4.7 on the App Store, 20,895 ratings
The report card
Best for flat-fee projects with clients in the room
Basecamp puts a project's messages, to-dos, chat, schedule and files on one page, and charges a flat monthly fee instead of a price per person, from $25 a month for up to 20 users. Plans are capped by active projects, 3 on Freelancer and 10 on Studio, clients count as users, and there's no time tracking, dependencies or automations of its own. One person still pays the full $25.
| Subject | Grade | Comment |
|---|---|---|
| Value for money | B | Freelancer is $25 a month flat for up to 20 people, about $5 a head for a team of five, which is inside this category's cheapest quarter of $5.10. The catch is what it buys: 3 active projects and 5 GB. One person pays the full $25, and unlimited projects mean Studio at $59. |
| Free plan and trial | C | Free needs no card but it's one project, 1 GB of storage and up to 5 users, and 37signals calls it personal use. Enough to see how Basecamp works, not enough to run anything on. Paid plans get a 30-day trial. |
| Features | C | Each project gets the same page: message board, to-do lists, kanban-style Card Tables, Campfire chat, a schedule and files, with Hill Charts showing where work stands and client mode controlling what clients see. It's deliberately plain, though. No time tracking of its own, no dependencies, no automations on record. |
| Ease of use | B | 4.68 from about 20,900 App Store ratings, just shy of the 4.7 an A asks. Every project gets the same page of tools, so once you've seen one you've seen the lot, and there's nothing to configure. |
| Platforms and integrations | A | Web, Mac, Windows, iPhone and Android, with a public API. It links up through Zapier, Unito and Zoho Flow, and to time trackers like Harvest, Toggl, Clockify and Everhour, which is how people fill the time-tracking gap. |
An A is worth 4 points, a B 3, a C 2, a D 1 and an F nothing. The GPA is the average of the five.
Who Basecamp is for
- Fits if you're an agency or studio that brings clients into projects and controls what they see
- Works for teams that would rather pay one flat fee than count seats
Who it is not for
- Pricey if it's just one or two of you, since the lowest paid plan is a flat $25 a month
- Tight if you juggle lots of work at once, with 3 active projects on Freelancer, 10 on Studio and 25 on Pro
- Not for you if you want to stay free with a team, as the Free plan is 1 project and 1 GB for personal use
- Watch out: every person added counts as a user, clients included, and Freelancer stops at 20
- Skip it if you need time tracking, dependencies or automations built in, as you'd add Harvest, Toggl or Zapier
Good to know
Good for
- Agencies and studios that bring clients into projects
- Teams that prefer a flat monthly fee to per-user pricing
- Companies replacing separate chat, file and task tools
Worth knowing
- Paid plans are limited by active projects: 3 on Freelancer, 10 on Studio and 25 on Pro.
- The Free plan covers a single project with 1 GB of storage and 5 users.
- Every person added counts as a user, clients included, and Freelancer is capped at 20 users.
- Unlimited Edition is billed annually only, and a paid plan cannot be downgraded to the Free plan.
Part 02 · Pricing
What it costs
Every plan, the free plan, ways to pay less and how prices have moved
$25
A month to start. There is a free plan too
Basecamp has a free plan. Paid plans start at $25 per month, flat rate for up to 20 users (Freelancer).
Enough to see how Basecamp works, not enough to run anything on.
Free
$0
One project for personal use, 1 GB of storage and up to 5 users.
Freelancer
$25
per month, flat rate
Up to 3 active projects, 5 GB of storage and up to 20 users, with no per-user fees.
Studio
$59
per month, flat rate
Up to 10 active projects, 25 GB of storage and unlimited users.
Pro
$99
per month, flat rate
Up to 25 active projects, 100 GB of storage and unlimited users.
Unlimited Edition
$299
per month, billed annually
Unlimited projects and users, 1,000 GB of storage, priority support and personalized onboarding.
The free plan
Free plan for personal use: 1 project, 1 GB of storage and up to 5 users. No credit card required.
Trying it first
30-day free trial on Freelancer, Studio and Pro; 45 days on Unlimited Edition. No credit card required.
Read from basecamp.com on Oct 4, 2026.
Ways to pay less
Nonprofit
10% off for registered nonprofits
Basecamp's pricing FAQ gives registered 501(c)(3) nonprofits 10% off after verification.
Stated on basecamp.comEducation
Free for classroom use
Basecamp is free for K-12 schools, homeschoolers and universities as long as it is used for class work only.
Stated on basecamp.com
How its prices have moved
- Sep 1, 2026Freelancer: new, $25 per month, flat rate, up to 20 usersThe archived copy of 1 September 2026 lists Freelancer at a fixed $25 a month; the copy before it that was read, of 2 August 2026, has a free account, a $15 per-user package and Pro Unlimited only. The plan was added between the two.
- Sep 1, 2026Studio: new, $59 per month, flat rate, unlimited usersThe archived copy of 1 September 2026 lists Studio at a fixed $59 a month; the copy before it that was read, of 2 August 2026, has a free account, a $15 per-user package and Pro Unlimited only. The plan was added between the two.
- Sep 1, 2026Pro: new, $99 per month, flat rate, unlimited usersThe archived copy of 1 September 2026 lists Pro at a fixed $99 a month with no per-user fees; the copy before it that was read, of 2 August 2026, uses the name Pro for its $15 per-user package. The fixed-price plan came in between the two.
- Sep 1, 2026Per-user plan (Plus, then Pro): withdrawn (was $15 per user / month, billed monthly)The archived copy of 1 September 2026 has fixed prices only, with no per-user fees; the copy before it that was read, of 2 August 2026, still sells a package at $15 per user a month. Per-user pricing was withdrawn between the two.
- Sep 1, 2026Unlimited Edition: Pro Unlimited, $299 per month, billed annually → Unlimited Edition, $299 per month, billed annuallyThe archived copy of 1 September 2026 names the top package Unlimited Edition; the copy before it that was read, of 2 August 2026, names it Pro Unlimited. The price stayed at $299 a month billed annually.
- Sep 1, 2026Free plan: 1 project, 1 GB of storage, up to 20 users → 1 project, 1 GB of storage, up to 5 usersThe archived copy of 1 September 2026 caps the free plan at 5 users; the copy before it that was read, of 2 August 2026, allows up to 20. The limit was cut between the two.
Part 03 · Features
What it does
Its main features, where it runs, what it works with and who makes it
5
Places it runs: Web, macOS, Windows, iOS and Android
Flat-priced project management with chat, to-dos and files. Here is what it does, as its own site describes it, and what it covers: public API, templates, tasks, calendar, kanban boards, time tracking.
No time tracking of its own, no dependencies, no automations on record.
- Message Board
- Announcements and discussions are kept as posts inside each project, intended as a replacement for internal email.
- To-dos and Card Tables
- To-do lists support assignees, due dates, attachments and subtasks. Card Tables are Basecamp's version of kanban boards.
- Campfire chat
- Group chat is built into Basecamp, so a team does not need a separate chat app alongside its projects.
- Schedule and Lineup
- A per-project calendar holds deadlines, milestones and events, and the Lineup plots every project on a timeline by start and end date.
- Hill Charts and Automatic Check-ins
- Hill Charts show where a piece of work stands, and Automatic Check-ins ask the team recurring questions on a set schedule.
- Client mode
- Clients can be brought into a project, with control over what they can and cannot see, project by project.
Where it runs
- Web
- macOS
- Windows
- iOS
- Android
What it works with
- Zapier
- Unito
- Zoho Flow
- Harvest
- Toggl
- Clockify
- Everhour
- Retool
Basecamp is made by 37signals LLC.
Part 04 · Standing
Where it stands
Its grades against its category, and whether to keep it or make your own
54/79
Other project management tools it is graded above
Basecamp's GPA of 2.8 is higher than 54 of the 79 other project management tools we grade, and level with 9.
It stands best on platforms and integrations (A, above 54 of 79) and worst on features (C, above 1).
Its paid plans start at $25 a month, against a middle price of $8 for the category: 68 of the 74 others that charge start lower.
On features, ease of use and platforms it scores 3.0 out of 4. 9 tools score higher and cost less.
Each grade against the category
Every bar is all 80 project management tools we grade, cut by the letter each got. Basecamp’s own letter is outlined.
- BValue for moneyAbove 57 of 79
- CFree plan and trialAbove 4 of 79
- CFeaturesAbove 1 of 79
- BEase of useAbove 65 of 79
- APlatforms and integrationsAbove 54 of 79
Price against what you get
Each dot is one of 78 project management tools. Further left costs less; higher up scores better on features, ease of use and platforms. Basecamp is the marked dot.
What paid plans start at, a month (each step along is roughly double) →
Keep it, or make your own?
Whether this is something you could build for yourself with an AI app builder, and what you would give up.
Keep it
The plain part of Basecamp you could make: tasks, kanban boards, calendar, time tracking and templates. What surrounds it you could not. The 2 things listed below take a company, not a weekend.
It is one of the better ones too: its GPA of 2.8 is higher than 54 of the 79 other project management tools we grade. It costs $300 a year.
What you could make
- Tasks, kanban boards, calendar, time tracking and templates: an app builder makes these well.
What you could not
- Apps for macOS, Windows, iOS and Android that stay in step with each other.
- It plugs into other products, Zapier, Unito and Zoho Flow among them, and has an API.
What this rests on. Basecamp’s listing: what it does, where it runs, what it plugs into and what it costs. It is a judgement about the kind of software this is. We have not built a replacement for it, and making your own means looking after it too. How we decide, and every tool’s verdict.
Part 05 · Alternatives
The alternatives
The tools it is most often weighed against, side by side
Asana, Trello, ClickUp, monday.com and Notion
The 5 tools Basecamp is most often weighed against, with where each one differs from it.
- 3.0GPA
Asana
Free plan · from $10.99/mo
Work management for projects, goals and cross-team workflows.
- Basecamp also covers templates, calendar and time tracking.
- Asana also covers Gantt & timelines, workflow automation and goals.
- 2.8GPA
Trello
Free plan · from $5/mo
Kanban boards with an inbox, planner and built-in automation.
- Basecamp also covers templates and time tracking.
- Trello also covers Gantt & timelines and workflow automation.
- 3.0GPA
ClickUp
Free plan · from $7/mo
Work platform combining tasks, docs, chat and dashboards.
- Only ClickUp lists a Linux app.
- Only ClickUp lists a browser extension.
- Basecamp also covers templates and calendar.
- 2.8GPA
monday.com
Free plan · from $9/mo
Board-based work management with automations and dashboards.
- Basecamp also covers templates and calendar.
- monday.com also covers Gantt & timelines and workflow automation.
- 3.2GPA
Notion
Free plan · from $10/mo
Workspace for docs, wikis, databases and projects with built-in AI.
- Only Notion lists a browser extension.
- Basecamp also covers tasks, calendar, kanban boards and time tracking.
- Notion also covers notes, databases and wiki.
Part 06 · Questions
Quick answers
The questions people ask about it, each answered in a line or two
16
Questions, each answered in a line or two
The short version of everything above, for when you only need the answer. Each one is told in full in its part of the guide.
Is Basecamp free?
Basecamp has a free plan. Free plan for personal use: 1 project, 1 GB of storage and up to 5 users.
How much does Basecamp cost?
Basecamp lists 5 plans. Free: $0.
What platforms does Basecamp work on?
Basecamp is available on Web, macOS, Windows, iOS and Android.
Does Basecamp offer any discounts?
Basecamp publicly lists the following: 10% off for registered nonprofits; Free for classroom use.
How is Basecamp rated?
Basecamp's iPhone and iPad app averages 4.7 out of 5 from 20,895 ratings on the App Store in the United States, as read on Oct 5, 2026.
Does Basecamp have a Linux app?
No Linux app was listed when its pages were read on Oct 4, 2026. Basecamp is listed for Web, macOS, Windows, iOS and Android.
Is Basecamp open source?
Basecamp is not described as open source on its own site, as read on Oct 4, 2026.
Does Basecamp have an API?
Yes. Basecamp offers a public API, according to its own site.
What does Basecamp integrate with?
Basecamp's listing names Zapier, Unito, Zoho Flow, Harvest, Toggl, Clockify, Everhour and Retool.
Does Basecamp have a student discount?
Free for classroom use. Basecamp is free for K-12 schools, homeschoolers and universities as long as it is used for class work only.
Does Basecamp have a free trial?
Yes. 30-day free trial on Freelancer, Studio and Pro; 45 days on Unlimited Edition.
Who makes Basecamp?
Basecamp is made by 37signals LLC.
What are the alternatives to Basecamp?
The closest alternatives to Basecamp in our directory are Asana, Trello, ClickUp, monday.com and Notion.
How does Basecamp compare with other project management tools?
Basecamp's GPA of 2.8 is higher than 54 of the 79 other project management tools we grade, and level with 9.
Is Basecamp good value for money?
ToolGPA grades Basecamp B for value for money. Its paid plans start at $25 a month, against a middle price of $8 for the category: 68 of the 74 others that charge start lower.
Could I make my own version of Basecamp?
The plain part of Basecamp you could make: tasks, kanban boards, calendar, time tracking and templates.
Where this guide comes from
The prices, plans, platforms and features were read from Basecamp’s own pages on Oct 4, 2026, and the grades were given on Oct 10, 2026. Graded from this listing, whose facts were read from Basecamp's own pages on 4 October 2026, and its App Store rating. Also tested with a demo account on 2026-09-14.
Every tool we list gets five grades, A to F, each with its reason, and a GPA that averages them. How each is decided is at toolgpa.com/grades. This guide is ToolGPA’s own work; it is not made, paid for or approved by 37signals LLC. Prices change, so check basecamp.com before you buy.
Part 07 · About
About ToolGPA
Who made this guide, what else is on the site, and how to cite it
3,189
Tools graded, in 94 categories
ToolGPA grades software the way a school report grades a pupil: five subjects, a letter for each with the reason written beside it, and a GPA that averages them. Prices, plans and platforms are read from each maker’s own pages and dated, so you always know how fresh a figure is.
Every grade, review and ranking on ToolGPA is our own judgement. No company can pay for a grade or change one. Every tool on the site has a guide like this one, free to download and pass on. It all lives at toolgpa.com.
3,189
tools graded
94
categories
426
price changes on record
579
apps priced in 12 countries
What else is on toolgpa.com
- Basecamp, kept up to dateEverything in this guide, with prices and grades as they are todaytoolgpa.com/tools/basecamp
- How grades are givenThe rules behind every letter and every GPAtoolgpa.com/grades
- Value chartsWhat each tool costs against what it scores, for every categorytoolgpa.com/charts
- CompareAny two tools side by side, plan by plantoolgpa.com/compare
- Price changesEvery price rise and cut on record, each with its sourcetoolgpa.com/price-changes
- Prices by countryWhat apps cost on the App Store in 12 countriestoolgpa.com/prices-by-country
- Pay lessEvery public discount: yearly billing, students, nonprofitstoolgpa.com/save
- Keep or makeWhich tools are worth paying for, and which you could build yourselftoolgpa.com/keep-or-make
Scan for the live page
Prices and grades as they are today
Quoting this guide?
Please name ToolGPA and link to the live page, so readers can check the figures for themselves:
ToolGPA, "Basecamp: The Insider's Guide", checked Oct 4, 2026. https://toolgpa.com/tools/basecamp
Know someone choosing between project management tools?
Send them this guide: toolgpa.com/tools/basecamp/guide
ToolGPA elsewhere: youtube.com/@toolgpa
See our other guides
The best-graded project management tools after Basecamp, each with an Insider's Guide of its own.
- Project Management Insider's GuideEvery one of the 80 project management tools we grade, compared
- GitHub Issues Insider's GuideIssue tracking and project planning built into GitHub3.4 GPA
- Freedcamp Insider's GuideProject management suite with a free plan for unlimited users3.2 GPA
- Huly Insider's GuideOpen-source project management with chat, docs and video calls3.2 GPA
Choosing software? Every tool graded, every price dated.
Compare tools at toolgpa.com ›Everything in this guide is ToolGPA’s own summary of what Basecamp’s pages, its app-store listings and public reviews said on the dates shown. Grades are our judgement under the rules at toolgpa.com/grades. Every grade, review and ranking on ToolGPA is our own judgement. No company can pay for a grade or change one. Basecamp is a trademark of its owner, and this guide is not made, paid for or approved by 37signals LLC. Prices and plans change: check basecamp.com before you buy.