Rise vs Basecamp: Which is Better in 2026?
Choosing between Rise and Basecamp comes down to understanding what each tool does best. This comparison breaks down the key differences so you can make an informed decision based on your specific needs, not marketing claims.
Bottom line: Basecamp wins this matchup. Google Calendar is our overall Task Management pick. Google Calendar is our free Task Management pick. Pick Rise if you need productivity.
Short on time? Here's the quick answer
We've tested both tools. Here's who should pick what:
Rise
Manage projects, tasks, and time collaboratively for optimized team schedules.
Best for you if:
- • You want a free tier before you commit
- • You want focused on optimizing team schedules for better productivity
- • You want utilized the calendar as a central, finite planning tool
Basecamp
Opinionated project management that keeps teams focused on what matters
Best for you if:
- • You want simple project management
- • You want flat pricing per company
| At a Glance | Basecamp | |
|---|---|---|
Starts at | FreeFree tier available | $15/moPlus |
Best For | Productivity | Project Management |
Rating | 4.1/5 | 4.3/5 |
Free plan | Yes | No |
Choose Rise or Basecamp?
Choose Rise if
Manage projects, tasks, and time collaboratively for optimized team schedules.
- You want a free tier before you commit
- You want focused on optimizing team schedules for better productivity
- You want utilized the calendar as a central, finite planning tool
- Your work is productivity-shaped, not project management-shaped
Choose Basecamp if
Opinionated project management that keeps teams focused on what matters
- You want simple project management
- You want flat pricing per company
- Your work is project management-shaped, not productivity-shaped
| Feature | Rise | Basecamp |
|---|---|---|
| Pricing Model | Freemium | Paid |
| User Rating | ★4.1/5 76 reviews | ★4.3/5 19,932 reviews |
| Categories | ProductivityTask Management | Project ManagementTeam Chat |
In-Depth Analysis
Rise
Manage projects, tasks, and time collaboratively for optimized team schedules.
Rise's pricing is very generous with a robust free 'Solo' tier offering unlimited tasks and projects.
Strengths
- +Focused on optimizing team schedules for better productivity.
- +Utilized the calendar as a central, finite planning tool.
- +Provided insights into how teams spend their time.
Weaknesses
- -The product has been sunsetted and is no longer available.
- -Did not gain enough traction to be sustainable.
- -All data will be erased after March 31st, 2025.
Key features
Basecamp
Opinionated project management that keeps teams focused on what matters
Basecamp's pricing is quite generous, especially for smaller teams with the Free and Plus tiers.
Strengths
- +Simple project management
- +Flat pricing per company
- +Good for small teams
- +Opinionated workflow
- +All-in-one
Weaknesses
- -Limited customization
- -No time tracking
- -Basic reporting
- -Not for complex projects
- -Controversial leadership
Key features
Pricing: Rise vs Basecamp
| Plan | Rise | Basecamp |
|---|---|---|
| Tier 1 | Free Solo | $0 Free |
| Tier 2 | $10 per seat/month Teams | $15 Plus |
| Tier 3 | N/A | $299 Pro Unlimited |
Pricing verified from each vendor's public pricing page. Compare in detail on Rise pricing and Basecamp pricing.
Who Should Use What?
On a budget?
Rise has a free tier. Basecamp is paid only.
Go with: Rise
Want the highest-rated option?
Rise: 4.1/5 (76 reviews). Basecamp: 4.3/5 (19,932 reviews).
Go with: Basecamp
Value user reviews?
Rise: 76 reviews (4.1/5). Basecamp: 19,932 reviews (4.3/5).
Go with: Basecamp
3 Questions to Help You Decide
What's your budget?
Rise is freemium. Basecamp is paid. Rise lets you start free.
What's your use case?
Rise is a productivity tool. Basecamp is in project management. Pick the category that matches your needs.
How important are ratings?
Basecamp is rated higher: 4.3/5 vs 4.1/5.
Key Takeaways
Basecamp
- Higher user rating: 4.3/5 vs 4.1/5
- Larger review base (19,932 reviews)
- Our pick for this comparison
Rise
- Has a free tier
- Better fit for productivity
The Bottom Line
Basecamp wins this matchup. Google Calendar is our overall Task Management pick. Google Calendar is our free Task Management pick. Rise has a free tier if you want to test without paying.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Rise or Basecamp better?
Basecamp is rated in our evaluation. Rise is freemium and Basecamp is paid.
What are Rise and Basecamp used for?
Rise: Manage projects, tasks, and time collaboratively for optimized team schedules.. Basecamp: Opinionated project management that keeps teams focused on what matters.
What does Rise cost vs Basecamp?
Rise is freemium (free tier + paid plans). Basecamp is a paid tool. Visit their websites for detailed pricing.