Basecamp vs Element

Basecamp9.2Visit Element8.9Visit

Higher score Basecamp #3 in Team Collaboration Software 9.2/10 Free plan Free plan✓ 1 of 2 features Visit Basecamp

vs

Element #6 in Team Collaboration Software 8.9/10 Free plan Free plan✓ 1 of 2 features Visit Element

• Basecamp fits best

  Teams coordinating projects and client work

• Element fits best

  Organizations prioritizing encrypted, self-hosted messaging

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Side by side

Feature	Basecamp 9.2/10 Visit ↗	Element 8.9/10 Visit ↗
At a glance
Editor score	9.2	8.9
Ranking	#3 in Team Collaboration Software	#6 in Team Collaboration Software
Best for	Teams coordinating projects and client work	Organizations prioritizing encrypted, self-hosted messaging
Pricing model	Free plan + paid	Free plan + paid
Starting price	$25/mo	—
Free plan	✓	✓
Free trial	—	—
Deployment	Cloud, Desktop, Mobile	Cloud, Self-hosted, Desktop, Mobile
Platforms	Web, Windows, macOS, iOS, Android	Web, Windows, macOS, Linux, iOS, Android
Support	Tickets, Email, Docs · 24/7	Email, Community, Docs
Compliance	PCI DSS	ISO 27001
Integrations	8 integrations	13 integrations
Built for	Solo, Small business, Mid-market, Enterprise	Small business, Mid-market, Enterprise
Features Basecamp 1/2 · Element 1/2
Guest access	✓	✓
Mobile apps	Not checked yet	Not checked yet
Specs
Message history	Not checked yet	Unlimited
File storage	Not checked yet	Not checked yet
App integrations	Not checked yet	Not checked yet
Admin controls	Not checked yet	Not checked yet
Our review
Pros	Combines tasks, boards, chat, calendars, files, reports, and time tracking Client mode lets teams configure what clients can see Free plan includes one project, time tracking, and project templates	End-to-end encrypted chat with rooms, spaces, calls, and unlimited history Deployment options include self-hosted, private cloud, and air-gapped Web, desktop, and mobile clients, with integrations and bridges
Cons	Free plan is limited to one project Paid plans start at $25 per month with annual billing Automation rules are not included	Uses rooms and spaces rather than conventional channels Enterprise and Sovereign tiers require contacting sales for pricing Advanced deployment and control options may be more than small teams need
Our verdict	Basecamp brings project work into shared workspaces, combining to-do lists, Card Tables, message boards, chat, calendars, Docs & Files, reports, recurring check-ins, and time tracking. Its client mode lets teams configure client… Read the review →	Element combines end-to-end encrypted messaging with group discussions, voice and video calls, and collaboration features built on the Matrix open standard. Organizations can use rooms and spaces to organize conversations, while direct… Read the review →

Strengths and trade-offs

• Basecamp — where it wins

  • Combines tasks, boards, chat, calendars, files, reports, and time tracking
  • Client mode lets teams configure what clients can see
  • Free plan includes one project, time tracking, and project templates

  Where it doesn't

  • Free plan is limited to one project
  • Paid plans start at $25 per month with annual billing
  • Automation rules are not included

• Element — where it wins

  • End-to-end encrypted chat with rooms, spaces, calls, and unlimited history
  • Deployment options include self-hosted, private cloud, and air-gapped
  • Web, desktop, and mobile clients, with integrations and bridges

  Where it doesn't

  • Uses rooms and spaces rather than conventional channels
  • Enterprise and Sovereign tiers require contacting sales for pricing
  • Advanced deployment and control options may be more than small teams need

• Basecamp9.2/10 · Free plan

  A shared workspace for coordinating projects, client work, and team communication.

  Visit BasecampFull verdict →
• Element8.9/10 · Free plan

  A self-hostable collaboration app for organizations that prioritize encrypted messaging and control.

  Visit ElementFull verdict →