Basecamp vs Smartsheet
A side-by-side look at 2 Productivity tools for 2026 — the verdict, pricing, ratings, features, and what readers think.
basecamp.com
Best for Small teams and agencies that want flat pricing and a calm, all-in-one project space.
All-in-one project management and team communication tool.
Visit Basecamp
smartsheet.com
Best for Teams and PMOs that want spreadsheet-style familiarity with project views, automation and portfolio visibility.
A spreadsheet-style work management platform for running projects, portfolios and automated workflows.
Visit SmartsheetPricing compared
Basecamp
$29/mo (flat)
Smartsheet
$9/member/mo
Head to head
| Basecamp | Smartsheet | |
|---|---|---|
| Starting price | $29/mo (flat) | $9/member/mo |
| Free tier | Yes | — |
| Free trial | 30-day free trial of Basecamp Business | Free trial available |
| Platforms | — | Web · iOS · Android |
| HQ | — | Bellevue, WA, USA |
Pros & cons
Basecamp
Pros
- Flat monthly packages with no per-user fees keep costs predictable as a team grows.
- Free Personal plan covers one project and up to three people.
- To-dos, message boards, chat, schedules and files live together in each project.
- Every business package starts with a 30-day free trial.
- Official ChatGPT and Claude connectors and CLI access for AI agents.
Cons
- Active-project caps apply: 3 on Freelancer, 8 on Pro and 12 on Pro Plus.
- Templates and multiple tools per project only arrive from the Pro package.
- Time tracking is only included from Pro Plus.
- Unlimited users and enhanced admin controls need the $199 Pro Unlimited package, billed annually.
Smartsheet
Pros
- Familiar grid interface lowers the learning curve for spreadsheet users.
- Gantt, table, board and calendar views sit on the same data.
- Unlimited free Contributors on paid plans keeps collaboration costs down.
- Automations, forms and reports are built in rather than add-ons.
- Enterprise tier adds portfolios, scenario planning and SAML-based SSO.
Cons
- Per-Member pricing and plan minimums (Business needs 3+ Members) can add up for larger teams.
- Pro plan is capped at 250 automations per month and 1-10 Members.
- Enterprise and Advanced Work Management pricing is custom and not published.
- Can feel heavier than lightweight task tools for small teams.
Features compared
| Basecamp | Smartsheet | |
|---|---|---|
| Plans & pricing | ||
| Free trial | — | ✓ Yes |
| Pricing model | — | Per Member per month |
| Platforms & access | ||
| Web app | — | ✓ Yes |
| Mobile apps | — | ✓ Yes |
| Security & compliance | ||
| SSO / SAML | — | ✓ Yes |
| Collaboration | ||
| Guest access | — | ✓ Yes |