Skip to main content

Choosing between monday and Basecamp as the best project management software for you and your team can be difficult. Both tools offer similar features and benefits. This comparison will examine the key differences between monday and Basecamp to help you decide which one is the better fit for your team's needs and workflow. The analysis will cover pricing, features, integrations, ease of use, and customer support.

Monday vs. Basecamp: Expert Summary

Both monday and Basecamp offer robust project management software features that include task management, file sharing, and team collaboration tools. They both support integrations with other popular software, enhancing their functionality. Additionally, both platforms provide mobile apps, allowing users to manage their projects on the go.

Monday is known for its highly customizable and visually appealing interface, which includes features like Kanban boards, Gantt charts, and advanced reporting capabilities. It also offers a wide range of automation options to streamline workflows. Monday’s pricing model is based on a per-user per-month basis, making it scalable for teams of different sizes.

Basecamp excels in its simplicity and ease of use, making it a favorite for teams that need a straightforward project management tool. It offers unique features like Hill Charts for visual project tracking and automatic check-ins to keep team members updated. Basecamp’s flat-rate pricing model is cost-effective for larger teams, as it charges a single fee regardless of the number of users.

Choosing between monday and Basecamp as a project management software depends on your specific needs. If you require advanced customization and automation, monday is the better choice. However, if you prefer a simpler, more straightforward tool with excellent communication features, Basecamp is the way to go.

Why Trust Our Software Analysis

We’ve been testing and reviewing project management software since 2012. As project managers ourselves, we know how critical and difficult it is to make the right decision when selecting software.

We invest in deep research to help our audience make better software purchasing decisions. We’ve tested more than 2,000 tools for different project management use cases and written over 1,000 comprehensive software reviews. Learn how we stay transparent & our software review methodology.

Side by Side Comparison Of monday and Basecamp

Monday vs. Basecamp at a glance.

monday – project planning – screnshot
monday is a versatile project management tool for team collaboration, tracking tasks, and automating workflows.
Price:

From $9/user/month

Trial:

Free plan available

Basecamp-Screenshot
Basecamp is a highly customizable project management software with simple workflows, team collaboration, and automations.
Price:

From $15/user/month

Trial:

30-day free trial

Monday is a highly visual and collaborative project management platform. It provides customizable building blocks like boards, views, dashboards, automations and integrations that teams can use to plan, track and execute projects. Standout features include Gantt charts, kanban boards, calendar views, workload management, and time tracking.

Monday is the ideal project management software for teams that value simplicity and visual organization over complex features, as its intuitive interface and customizable boards make it easy to track progress and collaborate in real-time without getting bogged down in unnecessary details.

Basecamp takes an all-in-one approach to project management and team communication. It provides a suite of tools including message boards, to-do lists, schedules, docs, file storage and real-time group chat aimed at making it easier for teams to work remotely. Standout features are automatic check-in questions, client access, and advanced privacy controls.

Basecamp is best suited for small to medium-sized businesses that prioritize streamlined communication and task management, as its all-in-one approach combines essential features like to-do lists, message boards, and file sharing into a single, user-friendly platform that keeps everyone on the same page without overwhelming them with bells and whistles.

Monday vs. Basecamp Feature Comparison

Here is a feature comparison chart that shows what key project management software features each tool has between monday.com and Basecamp.

FeaturemondayBasecamp
Task Management
Project Templates
File Sharing
Real-Time Collaboration
Custom Workflows
Automationsx
Time Tracking
Mobile Access
Reporting & Analyticsx
Integration with Other Tools

Differences Between monday and Basecamp

Here are the key differences between monday and Basecamp that users will need to know about before making a choice.

1. Approach to Project Management

  • monday: Offers a dynamic and visual approach with customizable workflows and views tailored to specific needs.
  • Basecamp: Focuses on simplicity and ease of use with a minimalistic design, making it straightforward and user-friendly.

2. Pricing Model

  • monday: Charges on a per-user, per-month basis with multiple pricing tiers.
  • Basecamp: Uses a flat pricing model, charging a single fee regardless of the number of users.

3. Advanced Features

  • monday: Includes advanced project management tools like Gantt charts, Kanban boards, and automation capabilities.
  • Basecamp: Lacks advanced features such as Gantt charts and native time tracking, focusing more on basic project management and communication.

4. Customization and Flexibility

  • monday: Highly customizable, allowing users to adapt the platform to various project needs with custom dashboards and detailed visualization options.
  • Basecamp: Offers limited customization, focusing on a straightforward, no-frills experience.

5. User Interface

  • monday: Known for its visual and colorful interface, which can be customized extensively.
  • Basecamp: Maintains a clean and simple layout, making it easy for new users to get started quickly.

6. Integration Options

  • monday: Provides extensive integration options with hundreds of third-party tools, including CRM, software development, and marketing integrations.
  • Basecamp: Offers integrations through its "Doors" feature and Zapier, but with fewer options compared to monday.

7. Reporting Capabilities

  • monday: Offers both basic and advanced reporting features, including dashboards, stacked charts, and workload views.
  • Basecamp: Provides more basic reporting features, focusing on task and deadline overviews.

8. Task Management

  • monday: Includes robust task management features with board views, time-tracking, and automation.
  • Basecamp: Provides basic task management with to-do lists and task assignments but lacks advanced features like dependencies.

9. Communication Tools

  • monday: Lacks built-in chat options but offers collaboration through shared docs and whiteboards.
  • Basecamp: Includes built-in communication features like Message Board, Campfire, and Pings for real-time chat.

10. File Storage and Document Management

  • monday: Offers scaled file storage based on subscription plans and a new Workdocs feature for document management.
  • Basecamp: Provides generous file storage with options to create and share documents within the platform.

Similarities Between monday and Basecamp

Here are the basic features and functionality that monday and Basecamp have in common; you'll be covered no matter what you choose.

1. Project Management Focus

Both tools are designed to help teams manage projects, organize tasks, and collaborate effectively.

2. Task Management

Both platforms offer features for creating and managing tasks, assigning them to team members, and setting due dates.

3. File Sharing

Both monday and Basecamp allow users to share files and documents within the platform, facilitating collaboration.

4. Team Collaboration

Both tools provide features that support team collaboration, such as shared workspaces and communication tools.

5. User-Friendly Interface

Both platforms are known for their user-friendly interfaces, making it easy for teams to adopt and use the software.

6. Mobile Versions

Both monday and Basecamp offer mobile apps for iOS and Android, allowing users to manage projects on the go.

7. Client Access

Both tools allow external users, such as clients, to access projects and tasks, improving transparency and communication.

8. Customer Support

Both platforms provide 24/7 customer support to all users, including those on free plans.

9. Knowledge Base and Learning Resources

Both monday and Basecamp offer extensive knowledge bases with tutorials, guides, and other resources to help users get the most out of the software.

10. Integration with Third-Party Tools

Both platforms support integrations with various third-party tools, enhancing their functionality and allowing users to connect with other software they use.

Best Use Cases for monday and Basecamp

Here are some recommended best use cases for monday and Basecamp to help you make your choice.

Best Use Cases for monday

  1. Marketing teams: Managing multiple campaigns and content calendars across channels
  2. Software development teams: Tracking sprints, tasks, bugs and product roadmaps
  3. Professional services firms: Managing client projects, resources and deliverables
  4. Operations teams: Monitoring key business processes, inventories and logistics
  5. HR teams: Onboarding new hires and conducting performance review cycles
  6. Agencies and studios: Managing creative projects and production pipelines
  7. Manufacturing operations: Coordinating supply chains, work orders and quality control
  8. IT teams: Handling help desk tickets, system upgrades and security protocols
  9. Sales teams: Tracking lead pipelines, account activities and forecasts
  10. Education institutions: Delivering online programs and student lifecycle management

Best Use Cases for Basecamp

  1. Remote teams: Needing a centralized hub for communication and collaboration
  2. Startups and small businesses: Preferring a simple, all-in-one tool
  3. Agencies: Managing client interactions and gathering feedback in message boards
  4. Design and creative teams: Iterating on visual assets and gathering input
  5. Consulting and professional services firms: Engaging with external clients, organizing projects, deadlines, and KPIs
  6. Nonprofits: Coordinating initiatives, events and volunteer activities
  7. Educational institutions: Managing group class projects and assignments
  8. Marketing teams: Executing product launches and go-to-market plans
  9. Cross-functional teams: Needing organized conversation threads on key topics
  10. Executive leadership teams: Making strategic decisions and policy changes

Monday vs. Basecamp Pricing Comparison

This side-by-side price comparison shows monday's price compared to Basecamp.

Monday Pricing Rundown

Monday offers 4 main pricing plans.

Basic Plan - $8/user/month (billed annually) 

  • Unlimited boards 
  • Over 200 templates 
  • 20 column types 
  • iOS and Android apps 
  • Unlimited free viewers 

Standard Plan - $10/user/month (billed annually) 

  • Everything in Basic, plus: 
  • Timeline & Gantt views 
  • Calendar view 
  • Guest access 
  • Automations (250 actions/month) 
  • Integrations (250 actions/month) 

Pro Plan - $16/user/month (billed annually) 

  • Everything in Standard, plus: 
  • Private boards and docs 
  • Chart view 
  • Formula column 
  • Time tracking 
  • Automations (25,000 actions/month) 
  • Integrations (25,000 actions/month) 

Enterprise Plan - Contact monday for custom pricing 

  • Everything in Pro, plus: 
  • Enterprise-scale automations & integrations 
  • Advanced reporting & analytics 
  • Multi-level permissions 
  • Premium customer support 
  • Single sign-on (SSO)

Basecamp Pricing Rundown

Basecamp Per User - $15/user/month

  • All basic project management features
  • 500 GB storage for files and documents
  • Month-to-month payment
  • Free guest invitations

Basecamp Pro Unlimited - $299/month (billed annually)

  • Every feature offered by Basecamp
  • 1:1 onboarding tour
  • 5 TB file and document storage
  • Annual billing option
  • 24/7/365 priority support
  • Admin Pro Pack for greater control over access and permissions
  • Unlimited users for one fixed price

Note: Basecamp Personal used to be their free plan but it has now been discontinued.

When comparing the pricing plans of monday and Basecamp, monday offers a free plan for up to 2 users, making it more accessible for small teams or startups. Basecamp’s cheapest plan starts at $15 per user per month, which can be more cost-effective for larger teams due to its flat-rate pricing at higher levels ($299/month billed annually for unlimited users).

Monday’s various pricing tiers cater to different needs with advanced customizations, whereas Basecamp provides comprehensive features at a predictable cost. Ultimately, Basecamp tends to be cheaper for larger teams, but monday may offer more value for its customization and scalability.

How We Review & Compare Software

Comparing different project management software requires a detailed analysis of each one's functionality and how well they meet specific use cases. My approach is rooted in extensive personal experience, having tried and researched numerous project management tools. Here’s how I evaluate these solutions to compare them fairly and accurately. 

Core Functionality - 25% of total weighting score

  • Task Management: Ability to track, assign, and collaborate on tasks and subtasks and monitor dependencies.
  • Project Planning and Scheduling: Ability to set deadlines and milestones, plus visualize them as a calendar, Gantt, Kanban, or timeline.
  • Collaboration Tools: Ability to communicate between team members and departments on the same project or task.
  • Time Tracking: Ability to track how long tasks and projects take to travel between ideation through completion and iteration.
  • Reporting and Analytics: Ability to access customizable dashboards and reports to track important project KPIs and forecast future needs.

Additional Standout Features - 25% of total weighting score

  • Software functionality that goes above and beyond generic project management software.
  • Any unique features and functionality not offered by the competition.
  • Examples of tools that leverage new and innovative features and functionality.

Usability - 10% of total weighting score

  • Evaluate the software's power and complexity vs the ease of use.
  • Interface design aesthetic.

Onboarding - 10% of total weighting score

  • Evaluate quick, simple, and easy onboarding to the software.
  • Availability of training videos, templates, interactive product tours, chatbots, webinars.

Customer Support - 10% of total weighting score

  • Evaluate the product's customer support against the competition.

Value For Money - 10% of total weighting score

  • Evaluate the product's pricing against the competition.

Customer Reviews - 10% of total weighting score

  • Evaluate the product's customer reviews against the competition.

Understanding Our Scoring

We rate our reviews on a scale of one to five stars. The more stars a software scores in any given criteria, the better its performance is going to be. The scores are absolute, rather than relative to other software in the category.

  • ⭐⭐⭐⭐ - An exceptional score, it doesn’t get better than this
  • ⭐⭐⭐ - A very good score, while some room for improvement
  • ⭐⭐ - A fair score, potential issues reported but still functional
  • - A poor score, there are significant issues reported
  • ⭐ - A failing score, they are missing something or it is broken

Alternatives to monday and Basecamp

Here are some additional alternatives to monday and Basecamp. 

Monday vs Basecamp FAQ

Here are some frequently asked questions about comparing monday vs Basecamp.

Is monday or Basecamp Easier to Use?

Monday is known for its intuitive and visually appealing interface, making it easy for users to navigate and manage projects. Basecamp, on the other hand, offers a straightforward and simple design that focuses on essential project management app features. While both tools are user-friendly, monday's customizable dashboards and visual workflows may provide a slight edge in ease of use for some users. However, Basecamp's simplicity can be advantageous for teams looking for a no-frills approach.

Does monday or Basecamp Have a Better Mobile Experience?

Monday offers a robust mobile app that mirrors much of the functionality available on its desktop version, allowing users to manage tasks and collaborate on the go. Basecamp also provides a mobile app, but it is generally considered to be more basic in comparison. Users often find monday's mobile app to be more responsive and feature-rich. Therefore, for those who rely heavily on mobile project management, monday might be the better choice.

Does monday or Basecamp Have Better Customer Support?

Monday is praised for its comprehensive customer support, including 24/7 availability, live chat, and a rich library of tutorials and resources. Basecamp offers customer support through email and has a variety of help articles and guides, but it does not provide 24/7 support. Users often report quicker response times and more personalized assistance from monday's support team. As a result, monday tends to have a better reputation for customer support.

Does monday or Basecamp Have More Integrations?

Monday boasts a wide range of integrations with popular tools such as Slack, Google Drive, and Microsoft Teams, making it highly versatile for various workflows. Basecamp also offers integrations, but its selection is more limited compared to monday. For teams that rely on multiple software tools, monday's extensive integration options can be a significant advantage. Therefore, monday generally has more integrations available.

Does monday or Basecamp Have Better User Reviews?

Monday often receives high praise from users for its flexibility, visual appeal, and robust feature set. Basecamp is also well-regarded, particularly for its simplicity and ease of use. However, monday tends to have higher overall user ratings, especially in areas like customer support and mobile experience. Users looking for a more feature-rich and customizable tool may prefer monday based on reviews.

Which is Cheaper Between monday or Basecamp?

Basecamp offers a flat-rate pricing model, which can be cost-effective for larger teams as it charges a single fee regardless of the number of users. Monday, on the other hand, uses a tiered pricing structure based on the number of users and features required. For small to medium-sized teams, Basecamp's flat rate can be more economical. However, for teams needing advanced features and customization, monday's pricing may be justified.

What Next?

If you still need help picking the best project management software, I would recommend taking a look at these helpful articles:

Hermann Fink
By Hermann Fink

Hermann Fink is a technology enthusiast and the co-founder of Rünna Advertising, a multinational digital agency that has been active for over a decade and served clients like Ford, AstraZeneca, Disney, and Didi. In addition to being a business owner, Hermann gathered corporate experience in project management during his time at Hewlett Packard in the mid-2010s.