Basecamp Free Alternative: 5 Best Free Project Management Software
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Before discussing any Basecamp free alternative, we have to give Basecamp its due share of the credit. Basecamp is one of the top-ranked project management software, and for the right reasons. Since its inception, it has been redefining workplaces all around the world.
But here is a question. Why are you using it? Is it just because everybody else is? Have you really given a thought about this issue? Yes, Basecamp works just fine, but is it really the best tool to handle your remote projects?
Why look for a Basecamp free alternative
Basecamp is a project management software and an internal collaboration tool. For simplicity, you can compare Basecamp to a virtual office. In 21 years, Basecamp has gained 3.3 million subscribers from all over the world.
Basecamp provides you with the following tools to manage a remote team. For example:
Group messaging tools
Individual messaging
Basic task management tools i.e. to-do-lists
A central file sharing room
Universal search button
Automatic check-ins
Task progression reporting platform
However, there is a catch. While Basecamp is a perfectly working platform, it is not enough. We are not here to malign Basecamp or its legacy. But we urge Basecamp to acknowledge that the market has evolved; so did the competitors.
Not really a ‘Project Management Software’
Basecamp did start off as a project management software. However, other software in this category evolved and started offering much more. Hence, Basecamp has become outdated in a sense. Here is just a glimpse of what a standard project management software offers, and Basecamp doesn’t.
Gantt chart
Long-term resource management tools
Time tracking tools
Recurring task option
Limited visualization options
Visualization is a key factor for project management. However, Basecamp offers little or no room for visualization of data. Moreover, project data is not displayed in a unified dashboard.
Besides, you won’t find standard project management features such as the starting date and ending date. Hence, you cannot visualize and pinpoint any setback you might be facing in the timeline.
Limited Analytics
Data analytics is the new gold standard for any industry. However, Basecamp has limited options for project analytics or future projections. As if to make matter worse, it also does not come with any budgeting tools.
Not suitable for large teams
Priced at flat $99/month, Basecamp only offers basic collaboration tools. Plus short-term project management tools. Moreover, it only offers 500 GB of storage.
These features are apt for small teams. But large enterprises have long-term needs. Modern teams have agile needs. We are sorry! but Basecamp isn't and shouldn't be the choice for such teams.
Finally, Do you really need to spend such a hefty sum on a basic collaboration tool? Well, think again! because other companies are now offering better solutions at a cheaper price. Some don't even charge at all.
So, let’s take you for a ride & help you with the right Basecamp free alternative. Shall we?
The Ideal Basecamp Free Alternative
Honestly speaking, there is no such thing as the perfect Basecamp free alternative. Instead, we will give you a list of similar software. We will further describe their features. Show you the pros and the cons. Finally, help you decide why you might need them.
So, here are some platforms that you might consider for your next project needs.
Capterra described Clickup as the “Best Value Resource Management Software of 2020”. G2g described Clickup as one of the leading software in the category. Users love Clickup. Critics love it as well. And you should too.
ClickUp is a cloud-based team collaboration tool and project management software. It is well-suited for any business regardless of the size and the category. Basically, every flaw we have identified in Basecamp is absent in Clickup. Let’s start at that.
Key Features of Clickup
Every basic feature Basecamp and other project management software have plus the following.
Event management
Reminders
Goal Tracking System
Time Tracking Tools
Screenshot and Recording
Gantt charts
Real-time chat
Comment assigning
Recurring task assignment
Agile Management Tools.
The number of features Clickup offers is truly overwhelming at times. You can check the rest at their official website.
Pros of Clickup
One-Stop Solution: Clickup positions itself as the one-stop solution to project management. It offers 1000+ third-party integrations. However, you don't have to. Because Clickup offers a rich array built-in features as well.
Modern & customizable interface: The interface is beautiful and modern. It’s no wonder Capterra recommended Clickup for the best ease-of-use. Moreover, it is extremely customizable. Therefore, you can rearrange Clickup as per your needs.
Better view: Clickup offers a bird’s eye view of literally everything that’s going on. It also offers different view options i.e. list view, board, and box.
App for every device: The software runs on any device irrespective of the operating system. There is an offline mode as well.
Proprietary Features: Clickup even has some proprietary features i.e. slash command, task tray, assigning comment, etc.
Limitations of Clickup
The Free Plan has some limitations. Most features can be used 100 times only. You are also limited to 100 MB of file storage. However, do remember that Clickup offers you the most value for money. So, you can actually try their paid plans.
Users complain that Clickup has too many features. Therefore, this can be overwhelming for people who never used similar tools.
Some even complain that the customization feature co. However, if you have a team with technical proficiency, such an issue shouldn't matter.
To sum up, Clickup is truly a great project management software. The nature and size of your business don’t matter. If you are a smart and efficient team, Clickup will click instantly with you.
More of a productivity tool, Asana is also a top-ranked project management software. You don’t have to waste your time shuffling between tabs. Because Asana organizes everything you need in one place. Also, bid farewell to last-minute hustles. Asana is here to help your team get more efficient.
Key Features of Asana
Multiple workspaces so that you have more control over the projects
A one-stop notification channel is there for all your needs
Real-time collaboration tools built-in across every management team
Beautiful Gantt charts for better visualization
Portfolio management
Workload monitoring
Automation of routine tasks
Board view for Agile project management
Moreover, Asana has every basic feature you would expect in a Basecamp free alternative.
Pros of Asana
Flexibility: Asana really stands out in its flexibility. You can assign tasks and track them. Moreover, you can also coordinate and distribute workloads in a better fashion.
Design: The user interface is modern and fast. The UX designers have really ensured that you need the least clicks to get any job done.
Robust Free Version: The free version is as capable as the paid ones.
Integration: Let’s just say that Asana integrates with practically everything. Asana’s wide range of third-party integrations makes up for what it lacks in built-in features.
Limitations of Asana
Asana interface is said to be unfriendly to new users. Seasoned project managers have little or no difficulty in navigating through the interface. However, newbies struggle a lot.
Like Clickup, Asana also has overwhelming features. Hence, the learning curve is too steep.
The free version is limited to only 15 users.
In a nutshell, Asana has two sides to the coin. As a productivity and collaboration tool, it is as excellent as it gets. However, it scores low in the project management category. The choice is yours.
The security is robust with 2 factor-authentication support.
Drag and drop tasks to maintain the to-do list
Checklists show progression levels and can be tracked.
Boards are synced in real-time.
Pros of Trello
Mobile-friendly app: The Trello mobile app is extremely handy. You can do almost everything on the go.
Good value for money: The paid plans of Trello come at low prices but with a wide range of features.
Kanban Style: You can arrange your workflow with boards and lists. Such a feature is attractive to management all over the world.
Real-time sync: Trello works well in real-time. So, you don’t have to refresh every time someone moves any board.
Limitations of Trello
Every file attachment has a limit of 10 MBin the free plan.
The free plan has limited storage facilities.
Trello does not work well with larger teams.
Compared to other contenders, Trello has limited features.
Our verdict is that Trello is a lightweight collaboration and management tool. See if you find this scenario relatable. You are in a small team with small projects. Your team fancies Kanban-style management. Your members are always on run. So, you need a good mobile app too.
If you ticked every point, Trello should be your ideal Basecamp free alternative.
Teamwork is our #4 Basecamp free alternative. It is a cloud-based project management software. Teamwork provides a lot of integration options. Hence, it allows teams to ensure a smooth workflow. Besides, Teamwork is also ideal for maintaining seamless collaboration.
Teamwork Free Features
The free plan of Teamwork certainly offers a wide array of features for small teams. For example:
With vast integration features, rich features, and great UX, Teamwork provides excellent project management support. If you are not bothered about the limited number of users and projects, do give the free version a try.
The Wrike Free Plan isn't as robust as that of Asana. However, it provides enough for small teams of 5 users. The free version includes:
Task management made easy with Board View
Simple drag-and-drop option to change the status of tasks
Sharing Files in one place
Real-time Activity Stream
Added Spreadsheet View along with the board view
Third-party integrations
Desktop & mobile apps to ensure collaboration on the go
Third-party Cloud Storage
Pros of Wrike
Enterprise-level solutions: Some of the solutions offered by Wrike are truly enterprise-grade. For example, the reporting tools are extremely sophisticated. It also offers powerful proofing and task management tools.
Analytics: The analytics and infographics of Wrike are mention-worthy. Firstly, the Gantt chart is as smooth and interactive as it gets. Then, the reporting features are also thoroughly detailed. Finally, the charts get updated within minutes.
Security: Wrike is well-known for its security. It even provides two-factor authentication support for the users.
Limitations of Wrike
The free version comes with only 2 GB of storage space for 5 users.
Most of the advanced features are limited to Business-grade solutions.
Many users complain about its lengthy setup process.
Wrike paid plans aren’t exactly good value for money.
The bottom line? Wrike is a strong and holistic project management tool. It uses a combination of many tools to offer what your team needs. However, considering its price, we think that it is more suitable for enterprises.
Our Conclusion
We acknowledge that Basecamp was the pioneer in unique project management software. However, the competitive landscape has changed. A lot. Some of the free versions we discussed are even offering more features than Basecamp.
You may not be looking for a Basecamp free alternative. Nevertheless, you can try the free versions. Therefore, you can have an idea of what you are missing.
So, did you find your desired project management software? Do let us know in the comments what you chose and why.
Here’s to better project management. We have raised our glasses. Have you?
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