Basecamp vs Employment Hero
A head-to-head comparison to help you pick the right tool
Last updated: April 30, 2026
Basecamp
Basecamp is an opinionated project management and team communication tool that combines to-do lists, message boards, file storage, and scheduling in one place. It is known for its simplicity and flat pricing model. Basecamp is popular with agencies, remote teams, and small businesses that want to reduce tool sprawl.
Employment Hero
Employment Hero is an all-in-one HR, payroll, and benefits platform with a strong presence in Australia and New Zealand. It offers a free HR plan alongside paid payroll and benefits modules, making it accessible for businesses at any stage. Employment Hero also operates a job marketplace called Swag for employees.
Pros
- ✓Simple and opinionated — removes decision fatigue about how to set up projects
- ✓Flat per-user pricing with no feature tiers
- ✓Built-in client access makes it easy to collaborate externally
- ✓Strong async communication tools for remote teams
Cons
- ✗Lacks advanced features like Gantt charts and time tracking
- ✗No free plan available
- ✗Less flexible than tools like ClickUp or Monday.com
- ✗Can feel too simple for complex project portfolios
Pros
- ✓Free HR plan available with core employee management features
- ✓Strong compliance tools for Australian and NZ employment law
- ✓All-in-one platform covering HR, payroll, and benefits
- ✓Employee benefits marketplace with discounts and perks
Cons
- ✗Payroll module costs extra and is best suited for AU/NZ companies
- ✗Limited support and compliance coverage outside Australia and New Zealand
- ✗Some users report the platform can feel complex to navigate
Basecamp vs Employment Hero: Side by Side
| Factor | Basecamp | Employment Hero |
|---|---|---|
| User Rating | N/A | N/A |
| Category | Project Management | HR Software |
| Pricing Model | Paid | Freemium |
| Starting Price | $15/user/mo | Free |
| Best For | Remote teams and agencies wanting a simple all-in-one project and communication tool | Australian and NZ businesses needing full HR suite |
| Our Pick | — | — |
Basecamp Features
- ✓To-do lists
- ✓message boards
- ✓schedules
- ✓file storage
- ✓group chat
- ✓automatic check-ins
- ✓client access
- ✓Hill Charts progress tracking
Employment Hero Features
- ✓HR management
- ✓payroll
- ✓benefits
- ✓recruitment
- ✓learning
- ✓employee engagement
Pricing Comparison
Our Take
Choose Basecamp if remote teams and agencies wanting a simple all-in-one project and communication tool. Choose Employment Hero if australian and nz businesses needing full hr suite.
Best For
Remote teams and agencies wanting a simple all-in-one project and communication tool
Best For
Australian and NZ businesses needing full HR suite
Also Consider
If neither Basecamp nor Employment Hero is the right fit, Wrike is worth evaluating.
Wrike
Marketing and creative teams needing enterprise project management with approvals and proofing
From Free
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the difference between Basecamp and Employment Hero?
Basecamp is best for remote teams and agencies wanting a simple all-in-one project and communication tool. Employment Hero is best for australian and nz businesses needing full hr suite.
Which is better, Basecamp or Employment Hero?
Choose Basecamp if remote teams and agencies wanting a simple all-in-one project and communication tool. Choose Employment Hero if australian and nz businesses needing full hr suite.
How much does Basecamp cost?
Basecamp starts at $15/user/mo. Pricing model: Paid.
How much does Employment Hero cost?
Employment Hero starts at Free. Pricing model: Freemium.
Who should use Basecamp?
Remote teams and agencies wanting a simple all-in-one project and communication tool
Who should use Employment Hero?
Australian and NZ businesses needing full HR suite