Finding the right project management tool is no easy task. You need to look at a whole catalogue of different features and tools to see which one might be the best fit for your team. To top it off there are countless project management tools on the market.
That is why we have put together an entire comparison series to help you make the most informed decision when it comes to your project management tools. Today, we will be looking at Wrike vs Basecamp and comparing their features in five different categories.
What is Wrike?
Wrike is a cloud-based project management software that helps teams collaborate and manage their projects through an all-in-one service. It aims to facilitate start-to-end project management activities – from task management, resource management, scheduling and more – on a single platform. Wrike is also a popular tool for teams that use Agile methodologies because of its inbuilt Kanban boards, custom workflows and story mapping tools.
What is Basecamp?
Originally known as 37signals, Basecamp is a web-based project management tool that primarily uses to-do lists, milestones, message boards, schedule managers and file management features to help teams manage their projects effectively. Like the name would suggest, Basecamp aims to be the ‘base’ for all of your team’s activities.
Wrike vs Basecamp: Project Management Features
Wrike is one of the most popular project management tools out there for a reason. Boasting over 2.3 million customers around the world, Wrike is able to satisfy many customers because of its holistic project management tools features that cater to most project types and methodologies. From Kanban boards to Gantt charts, resource management to time-tracking with real-time dashboards and more, Wrike is definitely a powerful project management software. Additionally, its premium subscriptions also include enterprise-level tools like portfolio management and prioritisation features.
Basecamp is much more of a task management and communication tool than a full-fledged project management tool. Each project is arranged into its own set of to-do lists that allows you to checkbox your progress, edit task descriptions, make comments and change deadlines. However, it critically lacks any proper time-tracking, task dependencies and workflow customisation features that truly elevate a project management tool.
Wrike vs Basecamp: Interface and Accessibility
Basecamp takes the win in terms of interface. Mainly due to its simple features and tools, users can easily navigate and use the platform with no experience. While Wrike may not have the most colourful interface, it is still simple and clean. However, users have mentioned that Wrike does incur a steep learning curve as users have to find and learn how to utilize the many tools hidden within the software.
In terms of accessibility, both tools are available in mobile and desktop versions. However, Basecamp is currently only available in English while Wrike is available in eight different languages – English, French, German, Italian, Japanese, Portuguese, Russian, and Spanish.
Wrike vs Basecamp: Collaboration
Collaboration is the backbone of any successful project. In terms of collaboration, Wrike uses a newsfeed-style message board that updates team members on project activities and progress. This limits the need for summarised report emails and communications. Users can then flag specific users through the mention and comment features throughout the app. However, it is important to note that Wrike does not have an in-built messaging service and will require users to use third party applications the facilitate all their communication needs.
Basecamp has a centralised messaging feature called Campfire and uses an interesting format to facilitate organisational-wide communication and collaboration. It divides communication into three levels – HQ, organisation-wide and chat – that allows users to control who and what is being communicated to prevent overcommunication. Basecamp also allows users to easily set viewing controls to ensure privacy is maintained and managed throughout the project.
Wrike vs Basecamp: Integrations
Integration is one of the most critical features of an effective project management tool. Wrike is particularly strong in the integrations category as it has a significant amount of inbuilt integrations with major enterprise services like Microsoft Teams, Google Drive and Dropbox. Additionally, it has its own API development space to further encourage third-party add-ons and integrations.
Basecamp is largely dependent on third party connectors and add-ons like Zoho Flow, Zapier and Unito.io to get the majority of the in-built features available in Wrike. Critically, Basecamp does not have an in-built connector with any email applications which can make communication and updates challenging.
Have a look at both Wrike and Basecamp‘s full integration list to make sure your pre-existing tools and software can be connected.
Wrike vs Basecamp: Pricing
Basecamp and Wrike’s pricing strategies differ significantly. While both are available in both free and paid versions, Wrike is available in a tiered subscription system that is charger per user while Basecamp applies a flat rate that is charged by the team. Wrike’s cheapest package starts at $9.80/month per user while Basecamp charges $99/month per team. While the jump in Basecamp’s price may look significant, it can be a more cost-effective option for larger teams.
Is there one solution to rule them all?
Can there be one solution that brings the best of both tools into one? Well lucky for you, you are in the good hands of pmo365!
With the help of our team of PPM experts and developers, pmo365 makes bespoke custom project portfolio management solutions that adapt to your organisation’s specific needs. Rather than changing your team for the tool, we change the tool for the team!
If you want to find out more about why pmo365 is one of the most highly rated solutions, make sure to click here or chat with our PPM experts directly!
