Basecamp vs Trello, Which better suits your team’s project needs and workflow? In this article, I'll help you decide. 

Basecamp and Trello are two of the biggest names in the project management space. Solid and feature-rich, but which is better suited to your agency operations? Let's find out. 

We'll pit them against each other in several departments—task management, collaboration, communication, integration. We'll also look at their pros and cons as well as pricing. Then the jury will give its verdict.

You know what? Let's get straight to it. 

Basecamp vs Trello: Task Management

Effective task management is the heart of every creative agency. Without it, things fall apart—missed deadlines, forgotten feedback and confused team members. A strong system helps your team stay on track. 

So how do Basecamp and Trello help creative teams manage tasks? Let’s break it down.

Basecamp’s Approach to Task Management

Basecamp keeps things simple.

Each project in Basecamp comes with a To-do list. You can add tasks, assign them to people, set due dates and leave notes. These lists are basic but clear. You know what needs to be done, by who and when.

What works well? 

No clutter

You’re not bombarded with buttons or extra features. It’s easy to focus on the actual work.

Easy to track progress

You can see when tasks are done or still in progress. The layout makes it clear.

Linked tools

Each project also includes messages, docs and files and a schedule, all connected. So your tasks don’t float alone.

What’s missing? 

• No visual layout - You can’t switch to a board or timeline view. That can be limiting for design teams who like to visualize progress.
• No sub-tasks or task dependencies - If your projects are more complex, the task system might feel too simple.
• No automation - Tasks can’t move or update themselves based on triggers.

In short, Basecamp is great for teams which need clean, focused task lists. But it might fall short for teams working on layered creative workflows.

Trello’s Approach to Task Management

Trello is built around visual boards. Each board is like a digital wall filled with sticky notes. Each card is a task. You can move cards for example, from  “To-Do” to “Done”, or create your own steps.

What works well? 

Visual workflow

You can see how work flows across the board. It’s perfect for design projects, feedback cycles or campaigns.

Custom columns

Set up your process however you want—client review, revisions, final delivery, etc.

Labels, checklists and attachments

Add all the small details to each task. This helps reduce unnecessary delays.

Automation with Butler

You can automate small things such as moving a card when a due date is close, or assigning it when it hits a column. This is made possible by Butler, Trello’s automation tool. 

Multiple views (paid plans only)

You can switch from board to calendar, timeline or table views for more control.

What’s missing?

• Overhead with setup - You need to build your own system. And if you're not careful, your board can get messy fast.
• Limited hierarchy - Trello doesn’t handle sub-tasks well unless you use plugins or Power-Ups.
• Too flexible for some teams - If your team needs strict steps and structure, Trello can feel too flexible.

Trello is ideal for creative teams which work in stages and like to track progress visually. Teams such as design, video editing or content production. 

Which Tool Manages Creative Tasks Better?

So who wins this round? Well, that depends on your agency’s needs. If your projects are simple and repeatable, and you want your team to focus on doing the work, Basecamp is easier to use.

But if your projects go through many steps and involve a lot of creative feedback, Trello gives you more control.

Here’s a quick side-by-side on this…

Basecamp vs Trello Comparison: Task Management

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Basecamp vs Trello: Collaboration and Communication

Creative work is a team sport. Team members (designers, writers, project managers, etc.) and clients all need to work together. And that means your project tool must help stakeholders and team members communicate, share ideas, give feedback and keep each other updated.

In this section, we’ll look at how Basecamp and Trello support collaboration and communication, and which one makes it easier for creative teams to stay in sync.

Basecamp: Built-in Team Communication

One of the biggest selling points of Basecamp is that it tries to be an all-in-one workspace. It doesn’t just manage tasks, it also gives you built-in features so team members can communicate.

To that end, Basecamp offers… 

• Message Board: For long updates, team announcements, or shared ideas
• Campfire Chat: A simple group chat inside each project
• To-Do Comments: Leave notes or feedback right inside task items
• Pings: Private messages between two or more people
• Automatic Check-ins: Basecamp can ask questions (eg. “What did you work on today?”) and collect team responses

This setup works well for small to mid-sized creative teams. You don’t need to switch tools to have a conversation. Everything happens inside the project space.

But there’s a downside…

Basecamp expects you to use its system fully. And if, for example, your team is already using Slack or other chat tools, Basecamp may feel like extra work. Also, its chat and comment features feel basic compared to modern tools.

So what about Trello? 

Trello: Flexible But Not Full-Featured

Trello doesn’t have a chat feature. However, it does support team communication in the following ways…

• Card Comments: Team members can leave notes, tag each other and give feedback
• Activity Feed: Shows who changed what and when
• Slack Integration: You can turn Slack messages into Trello cards or get updates inside Slack
• Power-Ups: Add tools such as Loom for video comments or Google Meet for quick calls

So, while Trello doesn’t have its own built-in chat or message board like Basecamp, it pairs well with the tools you already use. For example, if your team works inside Slack, Trello fits right in.

The downside?

If your team doesn’t already have a chat tool, Trello alone won’t be enough for real-time conversations. You’ll need to plug in other apps.

Giving Feedback and Sharing Updates

Feedback is a big part of creative work. Your team will need to share mockups, write comments and track who approved what.

Basecamp lets you attach files to tasks, messages and chats. You can also comment on almost anything. But it doesn’t offer file previews or visual feedback tools.

So if you upload a design, people will have to open it in another app to view or comment.

Trello does better here, especially with Power-Ups

You can…

• Preview Figma, Adobe and image files inside cards
• Use @mentions to tag people quickly
• Add checklists for reviews, approvals or edits
• Use tools such as Loom for more visual feedback

For creative teams who deal with lots of visual work, Trello is more flexible.

Handling Client Communication

Your software should make it easy to share updates and get feedback from clients without confusion.

Basecamp is built with client access in mind. You can invite clients to a project and choose what they can or cannot see.

Trello also allows client invites, but it’s not as polished. You’ll need to manage visibility by hand, and it can get messy if you have many cards or lists you don’t want the client to see.

If client collaboration is a key part of your workflow, Basecamp wins here with its simpler and safer setup.

Team Visibility and Staying on the Same Page

A good tool keeps everyone updated on what’s done, what’s next and what needs attention.

While Basecamp gives you…

• A simple home screen showing all your projects
• To-do lists with clear owners and due dates
• Daily check-ins so team members can post updates
• A project timeline with recent activity

Trello provides…

• Boards that show all tasks visually
• Labels, checklists and due dates for tracking
• Calendar view and timeline view (on paid plans)
• Power-Ups such as Dashcards or reports to get a bigger picture

Trello’s board system is very clear and easy to scan, especially for creative projects. You can customize it for each team or client.

Regarding collaboration and communication, in a nutshell…

If you want everything in one place and you work with clients often, Basecamp offers more built-in tools for team talk and updates.

But if your team already uses Slack or other tools and you want more freedom to work the way you like, Trello gives you more options, especially for design-heavy teams.

Basecamp vs Trello Comparison: Collaboration and Communication

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Basecamp vs Trello: Client Portals for Managing Client Access

We've established and emphasized the importance of clients as a part of the creative process. Whether you're designing a logo, editing a video, or building a website, you need to share updates, get feedback and ask for approvals. And you want to do this without causing confusion or delays.

Client access is not just another shiny feature just to make up the numbers, it’s part of the client experience. If your clients can’t find what they need, or if they feel confused, your business will suffer.

That’s where client portals come in.

A client portal is a space where your clients can...

• View project updates
• Share feedback
• Download files
• Ask questions
• Approve work

It keeps everything organized and makes your agency look more professional.

Let’s see how Basecamp and Trello handle this vital part of the creative process…

Basecamp: Built-In Client Access

Basecamp takes client communication seriously. You can invite your client to any project but only show them what you want them to see.

Basecamp makes it easy to work with clients in one space. It’s simple, clean and built for teams who want to keep clients in the loop without giving them full access. 

Here’s how it works...

• You add the client to the project
• You mark certain messages, to-dos, or files as visible to clients
• Everything else stays hidden from their view

This means your internal team can plan, discuss and revise without the client seeing it. But when it’s time to loop the client in (for feedback, approval or updates), it’s easy-peasy.

But how does this benefit your business? 

• You get to manage one project space for both team and client
• You save time as there's no need to copy tasks or send long emails
• Clients know what they should know without being overwhelmed with too much information
• Everything is tracked and organized in one place

That said, Basecamp’s client area is far from perfect...

• No full white-label options (the client still sees the Basecamp brand)
• No custom login page or agency-branded portal
• Not ideal if you want to create a premium client experience

So how does Trello fare in this arena? 

Trello: Complex Workaround

Trello doesn't have a built-in client portal but you can still use it to manage client communication.

How? 

You can create a board and share it with clients. Then use lists or labels to show what’s in store for them — deliverables and updates.

You must be careful, though, so that you don't mistakenly divulge critical internal info.

This workaround clearly isn't the best and will likely add another layer of stress to your team. It's better you get a tool such as ManyRequests with a robust built-in client portal. 

Basecamp vs Trello Comparison: Client Access and Customization

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Basecamp vs Trello: Custom Branding and White Labeling

Branding isn’t just about looks. It’s also about trust. When a client logs into your system, the design, logo and colors should match your brand. It should feel like your brand, not a tool made by someone else.

That’s what white labeling is all about.

• You stand out from other agencies
• Clients feel more confident in your process
• You look more professional, especially when working with bigger clients

Let’s look at how Basecamp and Trello handle white labeling and branding.

Basecamp: Clean But Not Custom

Basecamp’s layout is clean, simple and easy for clients and team members to use. But when it comes to white labeling, Basecamp has clear limits.

Here’s what you can and can’t do. 

First, what you can do...

• Use your agency’s name inside projects
• Add project avatars (small icons)
• Use clear names for projects, clients and files

Then what you can’t do...

• Remove the Basecamp logo
• Add your own logo
• Change the color scheme or design
• Use your own web domain (e.g., app.youragency.com)
• Customize client emails with your branding

So while Basecamp is polished and feels professional, it doesn’t look or feel like your own branded platform. Clients will know they’re using Basecamp and not your agency’s software.

For some teams, this isn’t a big problem. If you prioritize speed, simplicity and function, Basecamp still delivers. But if your agency values design and brand experience, the lack of branding options might be a dealbreaker.

Trello: More Flexible, But Still Limited

Trello is flexible. You can use it for almost anything, from content calendars to design reviews. And when it comes to branding, it gives you a few more options than Basecamp.

Here’s what you can do with Trello...

• Add your logo to the workspace (in paid plans)
• Change board backgrounds (images or colors)
• Use branded covers for cards (with Power-Ups)
• Set your agency name and use clear client-facing language
• Customize email invites and notifications (to a small extent)

But Trello still has limits...

• You can’t fully remove the Trello brand
• You can’t change the Trello domain (no custom URLs)
• You can’t customize the login page

Yes, Trello feels more “brandable” than Basecamp, especially if you take time to design your boards carefully. Then again, it’s not a full white label setup. You still can’t fully white-label it. 

What If You Want Full White Labeling?

If branding is a top priority for your agency and you want clients to feel as though they’re logging into your own platform, neither Basecamp nor Trello fully delivers.

Instead, many creative agency owners and studio leads use tools with built-in white-label client access. These tools often let you... 

• Use your own logo and brand colors
• Set a custom domain (eg. portal.youragency.com)
• Customize emails, notifications and login pages
• Hide all third-party branding

Many creative businesses use ManyRequests for this purpose. 

Basecamp vs Trello Comparison: white-labeling

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Basecamp vs Trello: Integration with Design Tools

Design tools such as Figma and Adobe Creative Cloud are at the heart of creative workflows. Team members use them all the time. 

A good project management tool should pair and work well with these tools. If it doesn’t, your team will waste time switching between apps, copying links or downloading and uploading the same files again and again.

When your tools talk to each other, your team moves faster and with less stress.

Let’s look at how Basecamp and Trello connect with these beautiful tools creative teams use regularly. 

Figma

Figma has become the go-to tool for many designers. It’s fast, cloud-based and great for teamwork. So, a good project management tool should let you…

• Preview Figma files inside tasks or comments
• Share links easily without breaking the layout
• Get updates when a Figma file changes

Basecamp and Figma

Basecamp does not have a built-in Figma integration. You can still copy and paste Figma links into messages, tasks or comments, and they’ll work. But that’s about it. No previews, no file syncing and no real connection between the two tools.

Trello and Figma

Trello offers a better experience here. With the Figma Power-Up…

• You can attach Figma files directly to a card
• You get a preview inside the Trello board
• Team members can click to view or comment in Figma
• It helps designers and non-designers stay in sync

For creative teams which use Figma daily, Trello makes it easier to stay organized.

What about Adobe Creative Cloud? 

Adobe Creative Cloud

Many agencies still use Adobe apps such as Photoshop, Illustrator and InDesign. These tools are powerful but not always easy to connect with project tools.

Basecamp and Adobe Creative Cloud

Basecamp doesn’t connect directly to Creative Cloud. You’ll need to download your files, then upload them to a Basecamp message, document or task. This works but it’s manual and things can go bad if you’re sharing large or updated files often.

Trello and Adobe Creative Cloud

Trello also doesn’t offer deep integration with Creative Cloud out of the box. But there are workarounds. You can… 

• Use Trello’s file attachment feature to add .PSD or .AI files
• Link to shared files in Adobe Cloud storage
• Use third-party tools like Zapier to automate file sharing

Again, it’s not perfect, but Trello gives you more ways to organize design files within your workflow.

If seamless integration with Figma and Adobe Creative Cloud is important to you, check out ManyRequests. It does this effortlessly. 

Okay, how do they fare with Slack? 

Slack

I've included this here because many creative teams use Slack to communicate quickly.

Basecamp and Slack

Basecamp does not have a direct Slack integration. Instead, it expects you to use its own message board and group chat feature. While it works for small teams, many agencies still prefer Slack.

To connect Basecamp to Slack, you’ll need to use a tool such as Zapier, but this takes time. And even then, the connection is limited.

Trello and Slack

Trello offers a strong Slack integration. With the Trello-Slack connection, you can… 

• Create Trello cards from Slack messages
• Get Trello updates directly in Slack channels
• Add comments or due dates without leaving Slack
• Stay in the loop without switching tools constantly

This is a big plus for busy teams who live in Slack all day.

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Wow, we've covered quite a lot but we aren't done yet. Grab a glass of water or your favorite drink, let's hit the home straight now, discussing their pros, cons, price and giving the much anticipated verdict. 

Basecamp vs Trello Comparison: Tool Integration Comparison

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Basecamp vs Trello: Pros and Cons

We’ve looked at how both Basecamp and Trello work for creative agencies. Each tool has its strengths. Each has some weaknesses too. This section crystalizes those. 

Basecamp Pros

All-in-One Setup

Basecamp gives you task lists, chats, message boards, file sharing and scheduling, all in one place.

Great for Client Work

You can invite clients to projects and choose what they see. This keeps your internal work private while still keeping clients updated.

Simple and Clear Layout

Everything is easy to find. You don’t have to dig around to figure out where a file or message went.

Built-in Team Communication

You get a built-in chat, Pings (for direct messages) and Check-ins to keep your team talking without using an external tool such as Slack.

Basecamp Cons

Very Structured

You have to work the way Basecamp wants you to. It doesn’t let you tweak or change the system much to fit your style.

Not Visual

Creative teams often like working with boards or visual layouts. Basecamp mostly uses lists and messages. There’s no board view like Trello.

No Robust Design Tool Integrations

You can upload files but there’s no deep link to Figma or Adobe Creative Cloud.

Basic Custom Branding

You can’t really change how Basecamp looks. If you need a branded experience for clients, you'd better look elsewhere. ManyRequests offers you a complete branded experience with your logo, brand colors and custom domain.

Now to Trello…

Trello Pros

Highly Visual and Flexible

Trello uses boards, cards and lists. This makes it easy to track creative work. You can shape each board to fit your team’s flow.

Works Well With Other Tools

Trello connects with Figma, Slack, Loom and Google Drive. These add-ons (called Power-Ups) help you do more without switching apps.

Great for Design Feedback

You can preview files inside cards, tag teammates and add comments right where the work is. That’s perfect for design and content reviews.

Easy for Small Projects and Quick Startups

If you’re bootstrapping or just starting out, you can use Trello’s free plan for a start and upgrade later.

Trello Cons 

No Built-In Messaging or Chat

Trello doesn’t come with its own team chat or message board. You’ll need to use Slack or another tool to fill that gap.

Client Access Is Tricky

It’s not easy to hide internal work from clients unless you set up a separate board.

Can Get Messy Without Good Setup

Trello is flexible but that means it’s easy to lose control. Without rules or structure, boards can become cluttered.

Branding Is Limited

Like Basecamp, Trello doesn’t offer deep white-labeling. You can change the background, but you can’t fully match it to your brand the way ManyRequests does.

Basecamp vs Trello: Pricing

How much do these tools cost? 

Basecamp Pricing

Basecamp offers three price plans. 

Basecamp Free – Free but very limited.

Basecamp Plus – $15 per user/month.

Basecamp Pro Unlimited – $299/month billed annually 

Trello Pricing

Trello uses a tiered model. You pay more as you need more features.

Free Plan 

Standard – $5/user/month

Premium – $10/user/month

Enterprise – Custom pricing for large teams

Basecamp vs Trello: Quick Comparison Table

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Thank you for coming this far. I really do appreciate it. The jury will have the floor now. 

Basecamp vs Trello: Final Verdict (Which Should You Choose?) 

Choosing between Basecamp and Trello comes down to one key—how your creative team works.

Do you need to invite clients into your project space?

If yes, Basecamp is better.

Does your team mostly work on visual projects or designs?

If yes, Trello fits better.

Do you want to keep everything in one app (tasks, files, chat, calendar)?

Choose Basecamp.

Do you want to customize your workflow with different views, rules, or tools?

Go with Trello.

Is cost a big concern as you grow?

If you have a big team, Basecamp’s flat  fee (Unlimited Pro plan) might save money.

If you’re a smaller team, Trello’s free or mid-tier plans might be enough.

In summary…

Basecamp is best for…

• Agencies that deal with clients daily
• Teams that want fewer tools and more structure
• Project managers who like clean timelines and simple task lists
• Groups that prefer written updates over visual boards
• Agencies with many users (thanks to the flat monthly rate)

Trello is best for…

• Teams that manage visual tasks and like to see workflow through stages
• Designers and creatives who need tool integrations
• Teams that want to shape their own process
• Agencies that start small and grow over time
• Groups that want automations to save time

Trello vs Basecamp: When to Choose Each

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No doubt, these two tools are solid. However, they're not for everyone. If you are on the lookout for a platform which does all that we've discussed, including a branded portal and integration with Figma and Adobe Creative Cloud, give ManyRequests a try.

Thank you once again and see you on the next one.

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Originally Published: February 18, 2022

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