Basecamp

Overview

Basecamp is a project management and team communication platform trusted by millions that puts everything needed to get work done in one place. It emphasizes simplicity and calm organization over complex planning tools, making it ideal for teams that prefer straightforward coordination.

Time Tracking Features

• Built-in time tracking - Native time tracking with simple timer input
• Task-centric entries - Associate time directly with specific to-dos or tasks within projects
• Notes with entries - Add context to time entries explaining work completed
• Project-level tracking - Capture work done outside Basecamp at the project level
• Timesheet view - Lightweight reporting and review of logged hours
• Mobile support - Track time from mobile devices
• Roll-up reporting - Hours aggregate at project level for easy overview

Project Management

• Message boards - Centralized discussions and announcements
• To-do lists - Task creation and assignment with checkboxes
• Schedules - Calendar view of deadlines and milestones
• Document & file storage - Centralized repository for project files
• Group chat (Campfires) - Real-time team communication
• Automatic check-ins - Recurring questions to keep team aligned
• Client access - Give clients visibility into their projects

Third-Party Time Tracking Integrations

For teams needing advanced time tracking, Basecamp integrates with:

• Harvest - Track time without leaving Basecamp and convert to insights and invoices
• Tick - Time tracking and budget feedback integrated into workflow
• TrackingTime - Automatic timesheets with in-depth analytics
• Clockify - Free unlimited time tracking for teams
• Timely - Automatic time tracking with AI-powered insights
• Everhour - Time tracking with budgeting and billing

Team Communication

• Company-wide announcements - HQ for organization-level communication
• Pings - Direct messages between team members
• Notifications - Customizable alerts for important updates
• Email integration - Forward emails into Basecamp as messages

Philosophy

Basecamp focuses on being the calm, organized antidote to chaotic work environments. It prioritizes simplicity and ease of use over feature complexity.

Pricing

Basecamp offers simple, flat-rate pricing:

• Basecamp: Flat rate for unlimited users and projects
• Basecamp Pro Unlimited: Enhanced features for larger organizations

Free trial available to test before committing.

Best For

• Small to mid-sized teams (under 50 people)
• Creative teams and marketing departments
• Design agencies coordinating client work
• Teams preferring simple tools over complex project management
• Organizations wanting team communication and project management combined

Basecamp fits teams that want straightforward project coordination without the complexity of enterprise project management tools. Its native time tracking covers basic needs, while integrations provide advanced capabilities for teams requiring detailed time and billing features.