The All-in-One Tool Basecamp Forgot to Build
Looking for a modern Basecamp alternative? SmartTask combines CRM, project management, time tracking, budgeting, and dashboards in one powerful tool built for Agencies, Services and Hi-Tech teams
Try it Live - It's FREE
Why modern teams look for a Basecamp alternative
Missing critical features
Lack of fundamental functionality such as Timeline view, subtasks, time tracking, and macro-level project visibility
Dated Interface, User experience could be better
I just can’t get past how ugly, unintuitive, and clunky the UI is.. it lacks modernity and aesthetic appeal.
Expensive — Not Ideal for Everyone
Basecamp’s pricing can be costly for small and mid-sized teams. Its new per-user plan is $15 per user/month (with no free tier)
Steep learning curve due to its uniqueness
For new users, Basecamp’s interface can be a bit overwhelming because of its unique structure
No CRM
I wish that there was a CRM component so that client information or notes could be stored.
Sometimes slow, affects efficiency
When we work on very large projects with many real-time updates, sometimes you notice that the platform slows down a bit.
Why Choose SmartTask?
SmartTask offers ease of use with powerful features specifically built for client work. Faster time to value
Feature Rich, yet Intuitive
Basic Tool, missing Advanced Features
Basecamp is intentionally simple but because of this a lot of critical features like Timeline, Customizable Dashboards, Subtasks, Time tracking are missing
Feature Rich, yet Intuitive
SmartTask is known for its user-friendly interface packed with powerful features → Timeline, subtasks, custom fields and more
Affordable Business plan – $11 per user/month
Expensive – $15 per user, given limitations
Basecamp doesn’t have basic features and with this limitation in mind, $15 per user is expensive
Affordable Business plan – $11 per user/month
SmartTask provides all features at a reasonable price.
Robust Time Tracking & Billing
No Built-in Time Tracking or Billing
Basecamp does not include native time tracking. There’s no concept of budgeting, rate per hr, etc
Robust Time Tracking & Billing
SmartTask has integrated time tracking and budgeting features. Gives insights into profitability at project and team level.
Customizable Dashboards
Limited Dashboard Customization
Basecamp provides very minimal reporting. There’s no way to create custom charts or a dashboard of KPIs
Customizable Dashboards
SmartTask lets you slice and dice your data however you need. Create fully customizable dashboard reports with flexible filters, grouping, and chart types (pie, bar, line, etc.)
You can even embed external tools (e.g. Google Sheets, BI charts) for a single view of all metrics.
Robust Agile & Timeline Support
Limited Agile Features
It has to-do lists and a basic board, but there’s no support for Sprints or reporting
Robust Agile & Timeline Support
Use Boards with a sprint mode alongside Gantt/Timeline view in the same project. This flexibility supports both agile and traditional workflows in one tool.
Built for SMBs and Agencies
Built for General Use, Not Client Work
Lacks features that client-serving teams specifically need.
There’s no built-in CRM for managing client leads or sales pipelines.
Project budgeting is not provided.
Permissions are also quite basic.
Built for SMBs and Agencies
SmartTask is built for client work—combining CRM, project delivery, and profitability tracking in one place
FEATURE BY FEATURE
Compare Basecamp and SmartTask
Features |  Basecamp | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Work Management and Essentials | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Views | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Workflows | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Time and Billing | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
CRM | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Don’t just take our word for it | | |
|---|---|---|
Platform | Basecamp | SmartTask |
Capterra | 4.2/5 | 4.5/5 |
G2 | 4.2/5 | 4.5/5 |
Trust Radius | 4.2/5 | 4.5/5 |
Make managing projects a breeze with SmartTask
Streamline processes with the best client delivery solution - SmartTask!
Try it Live - It's FREEPricing
Basecamp -
Missing critical features
-
No CRM
-
Dated UI and not intuitive
-
Pricing doesn’t match the value provided
-
Simple Yet Powerful
-
Powerful features without the complexity
-
Customizable Dashboards
-
Top-notch Onboarding and Support
Only one of these options was custom-built for client work
Basecamp, was built as a general tool for internal projects – with a focus on basic features. SmartTask, on the other hand, was designed from the ground up for client work. It combines project management, time tracking, billing, and collaboration in a way that’s seamless and intuitive for agencies and service teams
Wait, can I really manage ALL my client work in SmartTask?
That’s exactly what SmartTask is designed for. You can manage projects, tasks, communications, time tracking, and billing all in one app. For example, track a project’s tasks on a board, log hours directly on each task, have discussions or proof files with your client without ever leaving SmartTask. It also includes advanced features like workload charts and budget reports, so you can handle everything from day-to-day task management to high-level portfolio oversight. No more juggling multiple tools to get the full picture.
I like the fact that SmartTask is intuitive and offers various views and reporting functionality. I tried Trello before and felt too limited. SmartTask has changed that!
Does SmartTask offer a plan tailored for marketing and creative teams?
Yes! Unlike other tools that offer generic plans, SmartTask is built with client service and creative teams in mind. Our features are designed to support fast-paced collaboration, and campaign tracking—without the complexity or hidden pricing.
SmartTask is by far the best project management system I’ve used. It brings my entire team together, ensuring everyone stays in the loop. The connectivity is a game-changer.
I’m interested, but have more questions
