Basecamp vs Linear
Basecamp
LinearWe may earn a commission from links on this page, at no extra cost to you. It never changes our picks. How we make money.
Quick verdict
Linear edges it overall, winning 2 of 4 rating categories. Linear is cheaper to start ($10 vs $25).
Choose Basecamp if…
You’re agencies and teams working with clients who want simple, flat pricing. Calm, all-in-one project communication: to-dos, message boards, docs, chat and schedules per project, at flat prices with no per-user fees.
Visit BasecampChoose Linear if…
You’re startup product and engineering teams that find Jira heavy. A fast, opinionated issue tracker for product and engineering teams, with cycles, roadmaps and AI agents: the modern alternative to Jira.
Visit LinearSide by side
| Basecamp | Linear | |
|---|---|---|
| Our rating | 4.4/5 | 4.6/5 |
| Value | 4.5/5 | 4.4/5 |
| Features | 3.9/5 | 4.5/5 |
| Ease of use | 4.8/5 | 4.8/5 |
| Output quality | 4.2/5 | 4.7/5 |
| Category | Project management | Project management |
| Free plan | Yes: free for personal use | Yes: 250 issues, 2 teams |
| Cheapest paid plan (monthly) | $25/mo | $10/mo |
| Same plan billed yearly | - | $10/mo |
| Top plan | Unlimited: $299/mo | Business: $16/mo |
| Seats | Flat price, no per-user fees | Per user |
| Trial / refund | 30-day free trial (45 on Unlimited) | Free plan |
| Platforms | Web, Windows, Mac, iOS, Android | Web, Mac, Windows, iOS, Android |
| Best for | Agencies and teams working with clients who want simple, flat pricing | Startup product and engineering teams that find Jira heavy |
Basecamp: pros & cons
- Flat pricing with unlimited users on Studio and up
- Very easy for clients to use
- Combines chat, docs and tasks
- Few views (no true Gantt)
- Limited reporting and custom fields
Linear: pros & cons
- Extremely fast and well designed
- Opinionated workflows reduce setup
- Free plan for small projects
- Less customizable than Jira
- Free plan capped at 250 issues
Questions from readers
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