Why modern teams look for a Basecamp alternative
Missing critical features
Lack of fundamental functionality such as Timeline view, subtasks, time tracking, and macro-level project visibility
Dated Interface, User experience could be better
I just can’t get past how ugly, unintuitive, and clunky the UI is.. it lacks modernity and aesthetic appeal.
Expensive — Not Ideal for Everyone
Basecamp’s pricing can be costly for small and mid-sized teams. Its new per-user plan is $15 per user/month (with no free tier)
Steep learning curve due to its uniqueness
For new users, Basecamp’s interface can be a bit overwhelming because of its unique structure
No CRM
I wish that there was a CRM component so that client information or notes could be stored.
Sometimes slow, affects efficiency
_When we work on very large projects with many real-time updates, sometimes you notice that the platform slows down a bit.
Why Choose SmartTask?
SmartTask offers ease of use with powerful features specifically built for client work. Faster time to value
Feature Rich, yet Intuitive
Basecamp
Basic Tool, missing Advanced Features Basecamp is intentionally simple but because of this a lot of critical features like Timeline, Customizable Dashboards, Subtasks, Time tracking are missing
SmartTask
Feature Rich, yet Intuitive SmartTask is known for its user-friendly interface packed with powerful features → Timeline, subtasks, custom fields and more
Affordable Business plan – $11 per user/month
Basecamp
Expensive – $15 per user, given limitations Basecamp doesn’t have basic features and with this limitation in mind, $15 per user is expensive
SmartTask
Affordable Business plan – $11 per user/month SmartTask provides all features at a reasonable price.
Robust Time Tracking & Billing
Basecamp
No Built-in Time Tracking or Billing Basecamp does not include native time tracking. There’s no concept of budgeting, rate per hr, etc
SmartTask
Robust Time Tracking & Billing SmartTask has integrated time tracking and budgeting features. Gives insights into profitability at project and team level.
Customizable Dashboards
Basecamp
Limited Dashboard Customization Basecamp provides very minimal reporting. There’s no way to create custom charts or a dashboard of KPIs
SmartTask
Customizable Dashboards SmartTask lets you slice and dice your data however you need. Create fully customizable dashboard reports with flexible filters, grouping, and chart types (pie, bar, line, etc.)
Robust Agile & Timeline Support
Basecamp
Limited Agile Features It has to-do lists and a basic board, but there’s no support for Sprints or reporting
SmartTask
Robust Agile & Timeline Support Use Boards with a sprint mode alongside Gantt/Timeline view in the same project. This flexibility supports both agile and traditional workflows in one tool.
Built for SMBs and Agencies
Basecamp
Built for General Use, Not Client Work Lacks features that client-serving teams specifically need. There’s no built-in CRM for managing client leads or sales pipelines. Project budgeting is not provided.
SmartTask
Built for SMBs and Agencies SmartTask is built for client work—combining CRM, project delivery, and profitability tracking in one place
Compare Basecamp and SmartTask
| Features | Basecamp | SmartTask |
|---|---|---|
| Work Management and Essentials | ||
| Subtasks | ||
| Milestones | ||
| Recurring Tasks | ||
| Task Reminders | ||
| Share tasks across projects | ||
| Timesheets | ||
| Billable Tasks | ||
| Contacts | ||
| Profitability Reporting | ||
| Custom Branding | ||
| Views | ||
| Project Overview | Yes (Basic) | |
| List / Table | ||
| Board | ||
| Calendar | ||
| Timeline | ||
| Dashboards | ||
| Portfolio | ||
| Chat | ||
| Discussions | ||
| Embed Views | ||
| Workflows | ||
| Sprints | ||
| Templates (Project/Task) | Limited (No date automation) | |
| Task Dependencies | ||
| Baseline | ||
| Filtered Views | Limited (basic search only) | |
| Proofing | ||
| Forms | ||
| Time and Billing | ||
| Time Tracking | No (requires addon/integration) | |
| Timesheets | No (only via addon) | |
| Billable Tasks | ||
| Cost and Billable rates | ||
| Utilization Rates | ||
| Project Budgeting and Job-roles | ||
| Time-offs | ||
| Profitability Report | ||
| Invoicing | ||
| CRM | ||
| Contacts | ||
| Deal Pipeline | ||
| 2-way Email Sync | ||
| Call Recordings |
Don’t just take our word for it
| Platform | Basecamp | SmartTask |
|---|---|---|
| Capterra | 4.2/5 | 4.5/5 |
| G2 | 4.2/5 | 4.5/5 |
| Trust Radius | 4.2/5 | 4.5/5 |
Make managing projects a breeze with SmartTask
Streamline processes with the best client delivery solution - SmartTask!
Pricing
Basecamp
Plan: Plus
$150/ month for 10 users
What's included:
- Missing critical features
- No CRM
- Dated UI and not intuitive
- Pricing doesn’t match the value provided
SmartTask
Plan: Business
$110/ month for 10 users
What's included:
- Simple Yet Powerful
- Powerful features without the complexity
- Customizable Dashboards
- Top-notch Onboarding and Support
Only one of these options was custom-built for client work
Basecamp was built as a general tool for internal projects – with a focus on basic features. SmartTask, on the other hand, was designed from the ground up for client work. It combines project management, time tracking, billing, and collaboration in a way that’s seamless and intuitive for agencies and service teams.