Basecamp vs. Notion: Comparison & Expert Reviews For 2025
Basecamp takes a straightforward approach to organizing teamwork, while Notion offers a flexible platform for managing different aspects of a project. Both are project management tools; Basecamp emphasizes simplicity, and Notion focuses on customization and adaptability.
I’ve tested and compared each tool and their key features, pros and cons, pricing, and more. Read my detailed comparison to find out which project management software is best for your team.
Basecamp vs. Notion: An Overview
Basecamp
Notion
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Basecamp vs. Notion Pricing Comparison
| Basecamp | Notion | |
|---|---|---|
| Free Trial | 30-day free trial | 14-day free trial + free plan available |
| Pricing | From $15/user/month | From $10/user/month (billed annually) |
Get free help from our project management software advisors to find your match.
Get Expert AdviceOpens new windowBasecamp vs. Notion Pricing & Hidden Costs
Basecamp’s pricing includes a free plan, a plan billed by user, and a flat-rate fee for your whole organization. On the other hand, Notion’s pricing has tiers that scale as you add more features and users. More advanced features are locked to higher tiers.
To select the right tool for your team, consider your project's scale and the specific functionality you need, and evaluate each vendor's offerings against your anticipated usage and potential growth.
Basecamp vs. Notion Feature Comparison
Basecamp’s to-do lists make it easy to track tasks and action items that arise during team meetings, so you can make sure nothing is missed. Notion’s customizable databases are ideal for design teams that manage project assets and collaborate in real time.
| Basecamp | Notion | |
|---|---|---|
| API | ||
| Budgeting | ||
| Calendar Management | ||
| Contact Management | ||
| Dashboards | ||
| Dependency Tracking | ||
| Document Sharing | ||
| Expense Tracking | ||
| External Integrations | ||
| File Sharing | ||
| Gantt Charts | ||
| Inventory Tracking | ||
| Kanban Boards | ||
| Project Management | ||
| Resource Management | ||
| Supplier Management | ||
| Task Scheduling/Tracking | ||
| Time Management | ||
| Workflow Management |
Get free help from our project management software advisors to find your match.
Get Expert AdviceOpens new windowBasecamp vs. Notion Integrations
| Integration | Basecamp | Notion |
|---|---|---|
| Miro | ✅ | ✅ |
| HubSpot | ✅ | ❌ |
| Adobe Creative Cloud | ✅ | ❌ |
| InVision | ✅ | ❌ |
| Slack | ✅ | ✅ |
| Salesforce | ✅ | ❌ |
| Zoom | ✅ | ✅ |
| Zendesk | ✅ | ✅ |
| API | ✅ | ✅ |
| Zapier | ✅ | ✅ |
Basecamp integrates with Miro to let you access your boards conveniently alongside project tasks and documentation. Basecamp also offers an API and additional integrations via Zapier. Notion’s integration with Zoom supports collaboration and lets you meet and work on shared documents at the same time.
Basecamp vs. Notion Security, Compliance & Reliability
| Factor | Basecamp | Notion |
|---|---|---|
| Data Encryption | Basecamp encrypts and protects data in transit and at rest. | Notion uses AES-256 encryption for data at rest and TLS for data in transit. |
| Regulatory Compliance | Basecamp complies with GDPR and provides data processing agreements. | Notion also complies with GDPR and offers other enterprise-grade compliance options. |
| Backup & Recovery | Basecamp offers daily backups and a robust recovery plan. | Notion provides regular backups and has a reliable disaster recovery process. |
Basecamp and Notion both prioritize data security with strong encryption and compliance measures. To choose the right tool, evaluate your team’s specific security requirements and review each platform’s documentation and support.
Basecamp vs. Notion Ease of Use
| Factor | Basecamp | Notion |
|---|---|---|
| User Interface | Basecamp offers a clean, straightforward interface that’s easy to navigate for any team member. | Notion provides a flexible, user-friendly interface with customizable dashboards, which can be overwhelming at first. |
| Onboarding Experience | Basecamp’s onboarding is straightforward, with minimal setup required to get started. | Notion’s onboarding involves a learning curve due to its extensive customization options. |
| Customer Support Resources | Basecamp provides helpful guides and responsive support for quick assistance. | Notion offers a comprehensive knowledge base and community forums for self-guided learning. |
Basecamp has a simple interface that is easy to navigate, and it’s suitable for teams that need quick setup and minimal onboarding. Notion offers greater flexibility and customization, but its advanced features can present a steeper learning curve at the start.
Basecamp vs Notion: Pros & Cons
Basecamp
- With automatic check-ins, you can keep everyone updated without lengthy meetings.
- Basecamp's message board keeps your team communication clear and organized.
- You can easily get your team onboard with its intuitive interface.
- Basecamp's simplicity might not meet the needs of complex project workflows.
- You might find the lack of advanced reporting tools limiting.
- The tool is missing a built-in time tracking feature for tasks.
Notion
- You can take notes, manage projects, and maintain your databases in one place.
- The intuitive design makes it easy for users to navigate and organize their projects.
- You can tailor your workspace to fit your needs with flexible layouts and templates.
- The mobile app is less intuitive than the desktop version.
- You might experience slow performance if you have large databases or complex setups.
- It can be challenging for new users to master without spending time on tutorials.
Best Use Cases for Basecamp and Notion
Basecamp
- Small businesses You'll benefit from Basecamp's straightforward design and ease of use, which are ideal for managing projects without the complexity of more robust software.
- Creative agencies Its visual communication tools and message boards support creative brainstorming and project discussions.
- Remote teams Basecamp's centralized platform keeps remote team members connected and aligned on tasks and goals.
- Startups Quick onboarding and straightforward features help startups get organized fast without a learning curve.
- Non-profits Basecamp allows non-profit teams to focus on their mission by simplifying project tracking and communication.
- Freelancers Freelancers can manage their client projects efficiently with Basecamp’s task management and client communication tools.
Notion
- Creative agencies You can use customizable templates within a flexible workspace to manage creative projects and collaborate with the team.
- Freelancers You can manage multiple projects and clients in a single, organized platform.
- Startups You can tailor your workspace to your needs in order to manage rapid growth and changing project requirements.
- Remote teams Notion supports constant communication and project tracking across different locations.
- Education departments You can use Notion's database capabilities to organize curricula, schedules, and educational materials.
- Content writers You can use the note-taking and organization features to manage research, drafts, and editorial calendars efficiently.
Get free help from our project management software advisors to find your match.
Get Expert AdviceOpens new windowWho Should Use Basecamp, and Who Should Use Notion?
In my opinion, Basecamp is best for small to medium-sized teams that need a straightforward project management tool to stay aligned and focused. It’s a solid choice for industries where simplicity and quick setup are essential.
Notion, on the other hand, is ideal for creative teams or individuals whose use cases require customization and flexibility. Its dynamic workspace and wide range of features make it well-suited for those who want to build a tailored solution with various integrations.
Differences Between Basecamp and Notion
| Basecamp | Notion | |
|---|---|---|
| Automation | Basecamp has limited automation with basic task management and tracking. | Notion supports advanced automation with integrations and customizable workflows. |
| Integrations | Basecamp doesn’t offer many integrations, but they do offer an API and can connect with Zapier. | Notion offers integrations with visual tools like Zoom, Miro, and more. |
| Onboarding | Basecamp has a quick and simple onboarding process. | Notion requires more time to learn due to its extensive customization. |
| User Interface | Basecamp features a straightforward and simple interface | Notion provides a flexible and customizable interface. |
| Visit BasecampOpens new window | Visit NotionOpens new window |
Similarities Between Basecamp and Notion
| Cloud-Based Access | Both Basecamp and Notion are accessible online and let your team work remotely. |
|---|---|
| Collaboration | Both platforms allow team collaboration via document sharing and editing. |
| Communication Tools | Basecamp helps streamline discussions, while Notion incorporates team communication within its collaborative workspace. |
| Project Tracking | Both tools allow for project tracking through task lists and timelines. |
| User Support | Both offer support resources like guides and help centers. |
| Visit BasecampOpens new window Visit NotionOpens new window | |