Basecamp

Basecamp is a cloud-based project management and team communication platform built by 37signals that focuses on keeping projects organized and conversations in one place rather than providing traditional, feature-heavy PM tooling. Work is structured into projects that each bundle together to-do lists, Kanban-style Card Tables, message boards, group chat (Campfires), direct messages (Pings), schedules, and shared docs and files so teams can see everything related to a project in a single hub.

Task management in Basecamp centers on to-do lists where users can group tasks, assign them to people, set due dates, and track completion. Card Tables provide a column-based view of work for simple workflow tracking, and Hill Charts add a unique visual way to represent progress on problem-solving work by showing what is still uphill (figuring things out) versus downhill (execution). Reports and Automatic Check-ins help teams stay updated on activity and recurring status questions without having to schedule frequent status meetings.

Basecamp is intentionally simpler than many work management platforms: it does not include native Gantt charts, task dependencies, or complex resource planning, and it offers very limited configuration of custom fields. Instead, it emphasizes ease of use, fast onboarding, and replacing multiple tools at once by combining task lists, chat, announcements, file sharing, and basic reporting. More advanced needs like detailed time tracking, invoicing, or analytics are typically handled via integrations, though an optional first-party Timesheet upgrade adds built-in time tracking and timesheet reporting on Plus and Pro Unlimited plans.

The platform supports guest and client collaboration without extra per-seat charges, making it attractive for agencies, consultancies, and service firms. Clients can be invited into specific projects with limited access so they can see updates, discuss work, and share files without seeing internal-only projects. Admin Pro Pack (included in Pro Unlimited and optional on Plus) further extends control over permissions, security settings, and public link usage.

Basecamp runs in the browser and offers native apps for Mac, Windows, iOS, and Android, so teams can manage projects, chat, and respond to notifications from anywhere. A public REST API and an ecosystem of integrations connect Basecamp to time tracking tools, automation services, reporting and BI platforms, and AI-powered meeting or task assistants, allowing teams to extend its capabilities as needed.

Pricing is organized into three main tiers: Basecamp Free, Basecamp Plus, and Basecamp Pro Unlimited. The Free plan supports one project and 1 GB of storage with the same core features, suitable for individuals or small test projects. Basecamp Plus is a per-user subscription that unlocks unlimited projects and more storage for small teams, while Pro Unlimited offers a fixed-price, unlimited-user package that includes Timesheet and Admin Pro Pack upgrades, large storage, and priority support. Both paid plans include free trials, and organizations can move between packages as their needs change.

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