| Basecamp | Trello | |
|---|---|---|
| Category | Project Management | Project Management |
| Best for | Remote teams that want one simple hub instead of a configurable PM system | Small teams, freelancers, and individuals who want a lightweight visual board without setup |
| Free plan | Yes | Yes |
| Paid plans from | $25 per month (Freelancer) | $5 per user / month (Standard) |
| Platform | ||
| Deployment | Cloud | Cloud |
| Team size | Small team, Mid-size | Solo / Freelancer, Small team |
| Approach | To-do lists, message boards, and schedules — no Gantt | Kanban boards with cards and columns |
| Learning curve | Low | Low |
| AI features | No | Yes |
| Integrations | Slack, Zapier, GitHub, GitLab, Google Workspace | Slack, Google Workspace, Zapier |
| Strengths |
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|
Basecamp vs Trello pricing
Basecamp
- Free$0
- Freelancer$25 per monthFlat price, no per-user fees
- Studio$59 per monthFlat price, no per-user fees
- Pro$99 per monthFlat price, no per-user fees
- Unlimited$299 per monthBilled annually only
Prices in USD, checked October 2026. Prices exclude VAT and local taxes unless stated. See current Basecamp pricing →
Trello
- Free$0
- Standard$5 per user / monthBilled annually, or $6 billed monthly
- Premium$10 per user / monthBilled annually, or $12.50 billed monthly
- Enterprise$17.50 per user / monthBilled annually ($210 per user per year)
Prices in USD, checked October 2026. Prices exclude VAT and local taxes unless stated. See current Trello pricing →
Strengths and trade-offs
Basecamp
Where it stands out
Its simplicity and flat monthly fee make it attractive for teams that want to budget for software without per-seat surprises.
Trade-off to know
Customization is limited, and there's no Gantt chart or advanced reporting for more complex planning needs.
Trello
Where it stands out
Its simplicity makes it attractive for people who want to start organizing work in minutes, with Power-Ups available when they need a bit more.
Trade-off to know
That same simplicity means advanced views like Timeline are reserved for the Premium plan, and it can start to feel limited once projects get more complex.
Which one fits your team?
Choose Basecamp if…
- You want team communication (message boards, schedules) alongside to-dos
- Flat-rate pricing matters more to you than a free tier
Choose Trello if…
- Your work is naturally visual and fits a card-and-column workflow
- You want the option to start completely free
FAQ
What is the main difference between Basecamp and Trello?
Both are simple, easy-to-adopt tools, but they organize work differently. Basecamp centers on to-do lists, message boards, and schedules in one hub; Trello centers entirely on Kanban-style cards and boards.
Do Basecamp and Trello have a free plan?
Yes, both offer a free plan.
How much do Basecamp and Trello cost?
Basecamp's paid plans start at $25 per month (Freelancer), while Trello's start at $5 per user / month (Standard). Billing period, team size, and taxes affect the final price, so check each vendor's pricing page before deciding.
Who is each tool best suited for?
Basecamp fits remote teams that want one simple hub instead of a configurable PM system. Trello fits small teams, freelancers, and individuals who want a lightweight visual board without setup.