Basecamp vs Smartsheet
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.
Smartsheet
Smartsheet is a work management platform that combines the familiarity of spreadsheets with powerful project management and collaboration features. It is widely used by enterprise teams for project tracking, resource management, and automated workflows. Smartsheet is particularly popular with teams comfortable with Excel who need more collaboration and automation capabilities.
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
- ✓Familiar spreadsheet interface reduces learning curve for Excel users
- ✓Powerful automation and workflow capabilities
- ✓Strong enterprise security and compliance features
- ✓Excellent for managing large portfolios of projects
Cons
- ✗Pricing is higher than many competitors
- ✗Interface feels dated compared to modern tools
- ✗No free plan — 30-day trial only
- ✗Less intuitive for teams unfamiliar with spreadsheet-style tools
Basecamp vs Smartsheet: Side by Side
| Factor | Basecamp | Smartsheet |
|---|---|---|
| User Rating | N/A | N/A |
| Category | Project Management | Project Management |
| Pricing Model | Paid | Paid |
| Starting Price | $15/user/mo | $9/user/mo |
| Best For | Remote teams and agencies wanting a simple all-in-one project and communication tool | Enterprise teams wanting spreadsheet-familiar project management with powerful automation |
| Our Pick | — | — |
Basecamp Features
- ✓To-do lists
- ✓message boards
- ✓schedules
- ✓file storage
- ✓group chat
- ✓automatic check-ins
- ✓client access
- ✓Hill Charts progress tracking
Smartsheet Features
- ✓Spreadsheet-style project management
- ✓Gantt charts
- ✓automation
- ✓dashboards
- ✓resource management
- ✓forms
- ✓integrations
- ✓reporting
- ✓enterprise security
Pricing Comparison
Our Take
Choose Basecamp if remote teams and agencies wanting a simple all-in-one project and communication tool. Choose Smartsheet if enterprise teams wanting spreadsheet-familiar project management with powerful automation.
Best For
Remote teams and agencies wanting a simple all-in-one project and communication tool
Best For
Enterprise teams wanting spreadsheet-familiar project management with powerful automation
How Basecamp and Smartsheet Are Similar
- •Both are Project Management platforms designed for business teams
- •Both offer web-based access with no software installation required
- •Both provide customer support and onboarding resources
- •Both integrate with popular third-party business tools
- •Both offer a trial or demo to evaluate before purchasing
Also Consider
If neither Basecamp nor Smartsheet 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 Smartsheet?
Basecamp is best for remote teams and agencies wanting a simple all-in-one project and communication tool. Smartsheet is best for enterprise teams wanting spreadsheet-familiar project management with powerful automation.
Which is better, Basecamp or Smartsheet?
Choose Basecamp if remote teams and agencies wanting a simple all-in-one project and communication tool. Choose Smartsheet if enterprise teams wanting spreadsheet-familiar project management with powerful automation.
How much does Basecamp cost?
Basecamp starts at $15/user/mo. Pricing model: Paid.
How much does Smartsheet cost?
Smartsheet starts at $9/user/mo. Pricing model: Paid.
Who should use Basecamp?
Remote teams and agencies wanting a simple all-in-one project and communication tool
Who should use Smartsheet?
Enterprise teams wanting spreadsheet-familiar project management with powerful automation