Basecamp vs Things 3 — Which One Wins?
A detailed, side-by-side comparison of Basecamp and Things 3 to help you pick the right tool for your workflow.
Quick Verdict
Things 3 takes the lead with a 4.7 rating and is best for apple users who value beautiful design and want gtd-inspired personal task management.. Basecamp (4.1) is the better pick if you need agencies and teams of 20+ who want simple project management at a predictable flat price..
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Criteria | Basecamp | Things 3 |
|---|---|---|
| Rating | ★★★★ 4.1(234) | ★★★★★ 4.7(287) |
| Pricing Model | paid | paid |
| Starter Price | $15/user/mo (Basecamp, max 20 users) | $9.99 (iPhone), $19.99 (iPad) |
| Free Tier | Yes | No |
| Platforms | web, ios, android, mac, windows | ios, mac |
| Learning Curve | easy | easy |
| API Available | Yes | No |
| Best For | Agencies and teams of 20+ who want simple project management at a predictable flat price. | Apple users who value beautiful design and want GTD-inspired personal task management. |
| Verdict | situational | situational |
Feature Checklist
| Feature | Basecamp | Things 3 |
|---|---|---|
| [object Object] | ✓ | ✓ |
Basecamp
Pros
- ✓Flat pricing at $349/mo for unlimited users is unbeatable at scale
- ✓Opinionated simplicity eliminates configuration overhead
- ✓Hill Charts provide unique project progress visibility
Cons
- ✕Deliberately omits features like Gantt charts and time tracking
- ✕Too simple for complex projects with dependencies
- ✕No free tier and expensive per-user for small teams
Things 3
Pros
- ✓Most beautifully designed task manager available
- ✓One-time purchase — no subscription fees
- ✓GTD-inspired workflow is intuitive and effective
Cons
- ✕Apple-only — no Windows, Android, or web version
- ✕No collaboration features whatsoever
- ✕No API or third-party integrations beyond Apple ecosystem
The Bottom Line
Both Basecamp and Things 3 are solid tools in the Project Management space. Things 3 edges ahead with a stronger overall rating (4.7 vs 4.1) and is the better choice for apple users who value beautiful design and want gtd-inspired personal task management.. However, if you prioritize agencies and teams of 20+ who want simple project management at a predictable flat price., Basecamp is worth serious consideration. We recommend trying the free tier or trial of each before committing.