Plutio vs Basecamp: Complete Comparison (2026)

Basecamp keeps teams organized, but running a client business requires separate tools. Message boards, to-dos, and file storage at one flat price. But Basecamp has no proposals, no contracts, no invoicing, no payment processing, and no time tracking. So billing clients and managing deliverables happens elsewhere.

Plutio handles team coordination and the client lifecycle that funds it: proposals, contracts, invoicing, time tracking, and branded client portals at your domain, all connected. Try Plutio free and see how much simpler client work gets when everything connects.

Last updated February 2026

4.6

Quick comparison (TLDR)

Basecamp is a team communication and project organization platform. Message boards, to-do lists, schedules, and file storage keep teams aligned. Basecamp offers an intentionally simple and opinionated design with one flat price for unlimited users. The platform focuses on internal team collaboration. Basecamp lacks proposals, contracts, invoicing, time tracking, and client portals. When a project involves a paying client, you open other apps for billing and client communication.

Plutio is an all-in-one platform built for client-facing freelancers and agencies. Project management includes Kanban boards, Gantt charts, subtasks, and dependencies. Plutio also handles proposals, contracts, invoicing, time tracking, and branded client portals where clients see their project progress at your domain.

Key differences at a glance

Client billing: Plutio includes proposals, contracts with e-signatures, invoices, and payment collection. Basecamp has no billing features, so you open a separate proposal tool to scope the work, then switch to an invoicing app and recreate the client details there every billing cycle.
Time tracking: Plutio tracks hours on tasks with one-click timers and generates invoices directly from time logs. Basecamp has no time tracking, so you run a separate timer app and manually copy hours into invoices, which is where billable time gets missed.
Project views: Plutio offers Kanban boards, Gantt charts, list, table, and calendar views for visual project planning. Basecamp uses simple to-do lists and message threads, which works for basic coordination but makes it hard to spot bottlenecks or see how delays cascade across tasks.
White-label branding: Plutio runs on your custom domain with your logo and colors throughout. Basecamp shows its own branding to clients, so clients see Basecamp's interface instead of your business.
Client portals: Plutio gives clients their own branded space to see tasks, files, and deadlines without emailing you. Basecamp invites clients to the same interface as your team, which means less control over what they see.
Pricing model: Basecamp offers one flat price ($299/month or $349/month for enterprise) for unlimited users, which benefits large internal teams. Plutio prices per-seat, which is more economical for solo freelancers and small agencies.

If you need simple internal team communication and project organization for a large team at flat pricing, Basecamp delivers that with intentional simplicity. If you run a client-facing business and need projects, billing, and client portals integrated, Plutio handles the full workflow.

Project and task management

A client approves a branding project with five milestones. Can you visualize the timeline, set dependencies, and see everything on a Gantt chart? Or are you working from a simple to-do list?

Basecamp

Simple to-do lists only. Basecamp to-dos are intentionally basic. No Gantt charts, no Kanban boards, no task dependencies. Each to-do can have a due date and assignee. The simplicity is by design, but complex project visualization requires external tools. When projects span months with dozens of tasks, you cannot see how delays cascade.

Simple to-do lists
Due dates and assignees
No Kanban or Gantt views
No task dependencies
No subtasks
No project templates

Plutio

See your work however makes sense to you. Some people think in Kanban boards, others need a Gantt chart to see the timeline. Plutio gives you five different views of the same project. Switch between them depending on what you are doing. When a project has dozens of tasks spanning months, you can nest subtasks under each milestone, link dependent tasks so deadlines shift together automatically, and build templates that recreate the whole structure every time you book a new client.

5 views: Kanban, Gantt, List, Table, Calendar
Subtasks with unlimited nesting levels
Task dependencies with visual links
Recurring tasks (daily, weekly, monthly, custom)
Project templates with auto-task creation
Custom fields, statuses, and priorities
Time estimates and actual time per task
File attachments on tasks

Time tracking and billing

You charge by the hour, but how do you track that time and connect it to invoices? With Basecamp, you need additional tools for both.

Basecamp

No time tracking. Basecamp does not include time tracking. You need a separate time tracking app like Toggl ($10/month) or Harvest and manually export hours to your invoicing tool. Time data lives in a separate system with no connection to billing because Basecamp also lacks invoicing.

No time tracking
Requires external integrations
No connection to billing
Time data lives elsewhere
Manual reconciliation required

Plutio

Time tracking that connects to everything. You click a button on any task and the timer starts. When you are done, that time is already attached to the task, the project, and the client. At the end of the week, you pull up your time logs and generate an invoice with one click. The hours are already there, broken down exactly how you tracked them. You can set different rates for different clients or even different types of work. Your team's time shows up in one place where you can approve it before billing.

One-click timer on any task
Manual entry and timer options
Task-level AND project-level tracking
Billable vs non-billable separation
Custom rates per task, project, or client
Time reports by client, project, team
One-click invoice from time logs
Team timesheet approval workflow

Client visibility and communication

'Hey, just checking in on the project status?' When clients can see progress in one place, they stop asking. When clients can see progress in their own portal, they stop emailing you for updates.

Basecamp

Clients see Basecamp's interface. You can add clients to projects, but they see Basecamp's design with Basecamp branding. Basecamp offers no custom domain, no white-labeling, and limited control over client visibility. Clients see the same interface as your team members.

Client access to projects
Basecamp branding visible
No custom domain
No white-labeling
No granular visibility control

Plutio

Your clients get their own branded space. When your client logs in, they see yourcompany.com, not some third-party software. The portal shows their tasks, files, deadlines, and messages all in one place. They can check progress whenever they want instead of emailing you. When you finish a deliverable, they approve it right there. When they need to upload assets, they do it in the same place. You control what they see, so your internal workflow stays private.

Custom domain (yourcompany.com)
White-label branding (remove Plutio)
Custom CSS for full styling control
Tasks, files, deadlines visible to clients
In-app messaging tied to projects
Deliverable approval workflow
File uploads from clients
Invoice and payment history

Client communication and inbox

A client emails you a project change. Your associate asks about the deliverables. A partner sends updated timelines. Without a central place, you check three apps and still miss something urgent.

Basecamp

Message boards and Campfire chat. Basecamp has message boards for async discussion and Campfire for real-time chat. Pings for direct messages. The focus is internal team communication. However, communication does not connect to proposals or invoicing because those features do not exist in Basecamp.

Message boards for async discussions
Campfire real-time chat
Pings for direct messages
No email integration
No connection to billing workflow
No live chat for website

Plutio

All your client conversations in one place. When a client emails you, that message shows up in their thread alongside every other conversation you have had with them: project updates, file shares, payment confirmations. Your whole team sees the same inbox, so when you are away and a client sends an urgent message, your assistant can handle it. You can reply from your regular email and it syncs back. If you want to chat internally about a client, create a team channel. Need to capture leads from your website? Embed live chat.

Multi-email integration (connect all accounts)
Shared team inbox (everyone sees client emails)
Auto-sort emails into client 1:1 threads
Project conversations stay with the project
Team channels for internal discussions
Direct messages between teammates
@mentions pull people into conversations
Embeddable live chat for your website

Workflows and automation

A client signs a proposal. What happens next? Does someone manually create a project, or does automation handle the handoff?

Basecamp

Limited automation. Basecamp focuses on simplicity and has minimal automation. You can set up automatic check-ins that ask team members questions on a schedule. But Basecamp has no automation builder, no conditional logic, and no cross-module triggers. Basecamp cannot automate proposals or invoices because those features do not exist.

Automatic check-ins on schedule
No automation builder
No conditional logic
No cross-module triggers
Cannot automate billing

Plutio

Automation that responds to what happens. You build automations visually with drag and drop. When a project status changes, a task completes, a payment arrives, or a deadline passes, Plutio can do things automatically: create tasks, send emails, update statuses, assign work to your team, generate invoices. You can chain multiple actions with if-then logic. If a client pays their deposit, the welcome email goes out and the project moves to active. If a task is overdue, you get notified. Automation works across everything, not just intake.

Visual drag-and-drop builder
Start on project status change
Start on task completion
Start on payment received
Start on form submission
Start on date or deadline
Conditional logic branching
Webhook integrations

Team and agency scaling

You hire your first team member or contractor. Can they see their assignments without accessing client payments? When permissions work, growth does not mean chaos.

Basecamp

Unlimited users at flat pricing. Basecamp charges $299/month for unlimited users, which benefits large internal teams. Admin and member roles control access. But Basecamp lacks per-project financial controls because Basecamp has no billing. Agencies using Basecamp still need additional tools for client-facing work.

Unlimited users at flat price
Admin and member roles
Project-level access
No financial visibility controls
No timesheet features
Requires external billing tools

Plutio

Add people without losing control. When you hire your first associate, you create a role for them. Maybe they can see their tasks but not client payments. Maybe they can access some projects but not others. You decide exactly what each person sees and does. If you bring on a contractor for one project, they only see that project. Your other clients stay private. When you grow into an agency with multiple brands, you run separate workspaces under one account. You see everyone's workload in one dashboard and approve timesheets before they hit invoices.

Custom role creation with granular permissions
Per-project and per-task access control
Contractor access (assigned tasks only)
Client access (portal permissions)
Internal notes hidden from clients
Multi-workspace for agencies
Team workload and capacity views
Timesheet approval workflow

White-label branding and customization

Your clients should see YOUR brand everywhere. Not your software vendor's logo. When clients log in, book meetings, receive invoices, and check progress, every touchpoint should reinforce your brand.

Basecamp

Basecamp branding everywhere. Basecamp is designed as internal team software, not client-facing. When you add clients to projects, they see Basecamp branding, the Basecamp URL, and the standard Basecamp interface. Basecamp has no white-labeling, no custom domains, and no way to make it look like your own platform.

No white-labeling
Basecamp branding visible
No custom domain
No custom SMTP
No interface customization
Standard Basecamp URL

Plutio

Your clients see your brand everywhere. When a client logs in, they go to yourcompany.com, not some third-party URL. The login page has your logo and colors. The interface matches your brand. Emails come from you@yourcompany.com because you connect your own email server. If you want to embed the entire client workspace into your own website, you can. You can even write custom CSS if you need exact control. Your clients never see 'Powered by Plutio' anywhere. As far as they know, you built this yourself.

Custom domain (clients see yourcompany.com)
Full white-label (remove all Plutio branding)
Custom interface theme (your brand colors everywhere)
Branded login and signup pages
Custom SMTP (emails from your domain)
Full workspace embedding into your site
Custom CSS for complete styling control
Custom logo throughout the platform

Invoicing, billing, and subscriptions

Getting paid is more than sending invoices. It's recurring subscriptions, payment plans, transaction tracking, and branded documents that look like they came from your business.

Basecamp

No invoicing. Basecamp has no invoicing features by design. The platform focuses on team communication, not client billing. You need a separate invoicing tool like QuickBooks ($30/month) or FreshBooks ($25/month) to bill clients. Each tool adds another login, another monthly cost, and another system to manage.

No invoicing
No payment processing
No subscription management
Requires external invoicing tool
Additional $25-30/month cost

Plutio

Billing that works like you are running a real business. You open the invoice builder and drag elements where you want them. Logo here, line items there, payment terms at the bottom. The result looks like something you designed, not a template you filled in. When you have retainer clients, you set up subscriptions that charge them automatically every month. When someone needs to pay in installments, you split the invoice and schedule the charges. All your payment processors connect: Stripe, Square, PayPal, bank transfers. At the end of the week, you pull up your time logs and turn them into invoices with one click.

Drag-and-drop invoice builder (visual design)
Subscription management (auto-billing)
Recurring invoices on schedule
Payment plans with installments
Multiple gateways: Stripe, Square, PayPal, ACH
Full transaction history and tracking
Fully branded invoice design
One-click invoice from time logs

Proposals and contracts

Your proposal is the first document a potential client sees. When they open it, do they see modern interactive pricing? Or do you send a PDF and hope for the best?

Basecamp

No proposals or contracts. Basecamp has no proposal builder, no contract features, and no e-signatures. Basecamp excludes billing by design and focuses on team communication. You need a separate proposal tool like PandaDoc ($35/month) or Bonsai ($25/month). The scope you write in the proposal has to be manually recreated as to-dos in Basecamp.

No proposal builder
No contracts
No e-signatures
Requires external proposal tool
Manual recreation of scope

Plutio

Proposals that close deals. You drag in sections, add interactive pricing tables where clients pick packages or add-ons, and send something that looks like you built a custom app for them. When they accept, the proposal converts into a project automatically with tasks from your template. Contracts attach to the same flow with e-signatures and full audit trails. You see exactly when someone opened your proposal, what they clicked, and how long they looked at each section.

Drag-and-drop proposal builder
Interactive pricing tables
Package and add-on selection
Auto-convert to project on approval
E-signatures with audit trail
Real-time view tracking
Proposal templates
Proposal-to-invoice automation

Running a client project: Basecamp vs Plutio

A client finds your website, likes your work, and fills out your inquiry form. What happens next?

With Basecamp, here is how it usually goes:

You open PandaDoc or Bonsai to create a proposal
Client signs the proposal in that separate tool
You create a project in Basecamp with message boards and to-dos
You add the client to see updates
They see the Basecamp interface with Basecamp branding
You open Toggl to track time on the project
Work gets done across message boards and simple to-do lists
You open QuickBooks to create and send the invoice
Client pays through QuickBooks

With Plutio, here is how it works:

Client fills out an inquiry form on your site
A project is created from the form submission
You send a proposal with interactive pricing
Client chooses their package and signs
The project populates with tasks from the scope
Time tracking is already connected
Client logs into a portal with your branding at your domain
They see their tasks, files, and timeline
Invoice is generated from tracked time and sent
Client pays directly from the same portal

Basecamp coordinates internal teams. Plutio runs the client-facing business.

Where Plutio wins (the proof)

These are verifiable differences, not opinions.

1. Client billing: Plutio has it, Basecamp doesn't

Basecamp: No proposals, no contracts, no invoicing, and no payment processing. Basecamp intentionally excludes billing features as part of its philosophy.

Plutio: Drag-and-drop proposals with e-signatures. Contracts attached to the same flow. Invoicing with Stripe, PayPal, Square, and ACH. Subscription management for retainer clients.

The proof: Check Basecamp's official features page. The features page has no billing section. Users need QuickBooks, FreshBooks, or similar for invoicing.

2. Time tracking: Plutio has it, Basecamp doesn't

Basecamp: No time tracking. You need Toggl, Harvest, or Clockify as additional tools. Time data lives in a completely separate system.

Plutio: One-click timer on any task. Task-level time tracking that generates invoices directly. Billable vs non-billable separation.

The proof: G2 reviewers consistently mention needing time tracking integrations because Basecamp has none built in.

3. Project visualization: Gantt and Kanban vs flat lists

Basecamp: Simple to-do lists only. Basecamp intentionally rejects Gantt charts and Kanban boards as unnecessary complexity.

Plutio: Five project views (Kanban, Gantt, List, Table, Calendar). Task dependencies that shift deadlines together. Subtasks with unlimited nesting.

The proof: Basecamp's founder has publicly stated they will never add Gantt charts because they believe they add complexity without value.

When Basecamp might still work

No tool fits every workflow. Basecamp might still work if:

You manage a large internal team with no client billing. Basecamp's flat $299/month for unlimited users is flat-rate value for companies with 50+ employees who need simple coordination.
You value deliberate simplicity. If you believe Gantt charts and complex automation create more problems than they solve, Basecamp's philosophy aligns with yours.
You already have separate tools you love. If you have FreshBooks for invoicing, Harvest for time tracking, and PandaDoc for proposals and want to keep them, Basecamp handles the team coordination piece.
You prefer async communication over real-time. Basecamp's message boards and check-ins are designed for thoughtful async work, not constant notifications.

But if you run a client-facing business and want proposals, invoicing, time tracking, and branded client portals connected in one place, Plutio fits better.

Why they switched: real outcomes

What happens when Basecamp users switch to Plutio?

West 7th Design Studio reduced client support requests by 90% after switching. Clients got one branded portal to see progress instead of emailing for every update. Their work stayed in one place instead of scattered across Basecamp and separate billing tools.

YazMarketing increased their sales pipeline by 80% after moving to Plutio. Connecting proposals directly to projects meant less manual handoff, faster client onboarding, and more capacity to take on new work.

These results come from eliminating tool switching. When proposals flow into projects automatically, when clients can check their own portal, and when time tracking feeds directly into invoices, the admin overhead drops and capacity for real work increases.

Final verdict

Basecamp and Plutio represent fundamentally different philosophies. Both are highly rated: Plutio holds a 4.4/5 on G2 while Basecamp has 4.1/5 on G2 with consistent loyalty from internal teams.

Basecamp has been around since 2004 and is beloved by teams who appreciate its intentional simplicity. The company publicly rejects feature bloat. If you want Gantt charts, invoicing, or time tracking, Basecamp will politely suggest you use other tools. The price is $299/month flat for unlimited users, which benefits large internal teams.

Plutio is built on the opposite philosophy: give freelancers and agencies everything they need in one place so they don't have to build a stack of separate tools.

Here is where the difference becomes clear: using Basecamp for client work means adding PandaDoc or Bonsai for proposals ($19-35/month), QuickBooks for invoicing ($30/month), and Toggl for time tracking ($10/month). The total is $59-75/month in additional subscriptions on top of Basecamp's $299/month.

Plutio Core starts at $19/month with proposals, invoicing, time tracking, and client portals included.

The bottom line: Basecamp covers internal teams that value deliberate simplicity with no client-facing billing needs. The trade-off: no proposals, invoicing, time tracking, or branded client portals. Plutio handles freelance and agency work where proposals, invoicing, time tracking, and a professional client experience all connect in one platform.

How to switch from Basecamp to Plutio

Switching from Basecamp to Plutio means gaining the client-facing features Basecamp intentionally lacks.

Step 1: Export your Basecamp data
Basecamp allows you to download project data including messages, to-dos, and files from your account settings.

Step 2: Set up projects in Plutio
Create projects in Plutio with proper task boards, milestones, and dependencies that Basecamp's simple to-dos could not support.

Step 3: Cancel your additional tools
Once your proposals, invoicing, and time tracking are set up in Plutio, cancel your QuickBooks, PandaDoc/Bonsai, and Toggl subscriptions.

Step 4: Invite clients to branded portals
Set up your custom domain, configure your branding, and give clients a workspace that looks like your business. No more Basecamp branding on client-facing interactions.

Research & Sources

Every comparison and price point on this page is backed by direct research conducted in January 2026. We verify data across official product pages, user reviews, and third-party analysis to ensure accuracy.

Pricing verification sources

Plutio: Official pricing, GetApp reviews
Basecamp: Official pricing, G2 reviews

Verification methodology

For each feature in the comparison table:

We consult official product documentation
We verify with multiple third-party sources (G2, GetApp, TrustRadius)
We cross-reference with video demonstrations and user reviews
We update pricing monthly based on current published rates

If you find any inaccuracies, please let us know so we can investigate and update immediately.

Plutio vs Basecamp: full feature comparison for 2026

Project management, time tracking, client portals, proposals, invoicing, and automation compared side by side

PRICING Collapse	Plutio 198/199	Basecamp 39/199
Starting price	$19/month (Core plan)	$15/user/month (Plus plan)
Free plan	No free plan (14-day trial available)	Free plan (1 project, 1GB storage)
Trial period	14-day free trial	Free trial available
PROJECT MANAGEMENT Collapse	Plutio 198/199	Basecamp 39/199
Manage projects and tasks	Fully flexible project and task setup you can shape to your workflow	Simple project organization only
Project roles and permissions	Control exactly who can view or edit each part of a project	You can control who has access to each project
Multiple task boards	Unlimited boards to run parallel workflows in the same project	Basecamp does not use task boards
Embeddable project boards	Live project boards embedded into client portals or websites	Project views cannot be embedded
Sharable project boards	Read-only public links for sharing progress without risk	Projects can be shared read-only via links
Project stages and milestones	Define custom project lifecycles for different types of work	You cannot define custom stages or milestones
Connected proposals, contracts, and invoices	Everything related stays connected to the project automatically	Proposals, contracts, and invoices are not supported
Custom project data fields	Track, sort, filter, and report on custom project data	Custom fields not supported
Kanban boards	Drag-and-drop tasks across customizable columns	Not supported
Table view	Bulk-edit tasks like a spreadsheet	Tasks cannot be viewed in tables
List view	Clean task lists with clear hierarchy	Tasks are managed as simple to-do lists
Calendar view	See tasks and deadlines on a calendar	You can see due dates on a project calendar
Gantt view	Plan work visually with task order and dependencies	Gantt charts are not supported
Subtasks	Break work down into multiple nested levels	No subtasks (single-level to-dos only, sections for organization)
Email to task	Turn emails into tasks without manual copying	Included
Task comments	Keep discussions tied directly to each task	You can comment on to-dos
Task attachments	Store files directly on the task they belong to	You can attach files to to-dos
Task priorities	Define priority levels that fit your workflow	Tasks cannot be prioritized natively
Task labels & color coding	Use unlimited labels to visually organize tasks	Not supported
Multiple task assignees	Assign tasks to one or multiple teammates	Multiple assignees are not supported
Task templates	Reuse task-level structures across projects	Task templates are not supported
Task permissions	Control access at the individual task level	Permissions are project-level only
Task dependencies	Prevent work from starting out of order	Tasks cannot be linked together
Recurring tasks	Automate repeating work with flexible schedules	Recurring tasks exist with limited options
Custom task data fields	Add task-level fields for tracking custom details	Custom fields not supported
TIME TRACKING Collapse	Plutio 198/199	Basecamp 39/199
Time tracking system	Easily track time using timers or manual entries	Built-in Timesheet with start/stop timer and manual entry
Task-level tracking	Log time directly against tasks and subtasks	Track time on individual to-dos and events
Project-level tracking	See time spent per project and per client	Track total time per project with CSV export
Billable time tracking	Clearly separate billable and non-billable time	Billable time is not supported
Billable time invoicing	Turn tracked time into invoices without extra steps	Invoicing is not supported
Timesheet reports	View detailed time reports by task, project, or client	Timesheet reports with filters and CSV export
Team timesheets	See how each team member tracks their time	View time logged by each team member
PROPOSALS Collapse	Plutio 198/199	Basecamp 39/199
Create and send proposals	Create proposals clients can review, approve, and sign in one flow	Basecamp is for team collaboration only
Drag-and-drop proposal builder	Create custom, branded proposals without layout limits or code	Not supported
Reusable proposal templates	Reuse proven proposal layouts across clients	Not supported
Real-time proposal analytics	See exactly when proposals are opened and reviewed	Not supported
Live messenger on proposals	Answer questions directly while clients review proposals	Not supported
Proposal flow automation	Move from proposal to contract, invoice, or booking automatically	Not supported
Convert proposal to invoice	Create invoices directly from approved proposals	Proposals and invoices are not supported
Packages and add-ons	Offer upsells and add-ons directly inside proposals	Pricing packages are not supported
Interactive pricing tables	Let clients choose options before approving	Not supported
Dynamic data and variables	Auto-fill proposal content with client and project data	Dynamic variables are not supported
Expiration dates	Automatically expire proposals after a set date	Not supported
PDF Export	Download as branded PDFs	You can export discussions, not proposals
Reusable content blocks	Create reusable proposal sections you can reuse on demand	Not supported
Legally binding e-signatures	Collect secure electronic signatures on proposals	E-signatures are not supported
Custom proposal data fields	Create custom proposal data you can sort, filter, and report on	Proposals are not supported
CONTRACTS Collapse	Plutio 198/199	Basecamp 39/199
Create and sign contracts	Create, send, and sign contracts in one continuous flow	Basecamp does not handle contracts
Drag-and-drop contract builder	Create fully custom contracts with flexible layouts, no code or formatting limits	Contracts are not supported
Legally binding e-signatures	Collect secure signatures with audit trails and signer verification	E-signatures are not supported
Multi-signature / signees	Collect signatures from multiple people on the same contract	Not supported
Reusable contract templates	Reuse contract structures to create new agreements faster	Not supported
Auto-reminders automation	Automatically follow up until contracts are signed	Not supported
Dynamic data/variables	Auto-fill contract content with client and project data	Not supported
Contract automation triggers	Trigger automated workflows the moment a contract is signed	Contracts cannot trigger actions
View notifications	See when contracts are opened and reviewed	Not supported
PDF download with signature certificate	Download signed contracts with official proof of signature	Not supported
Custom signer data fields	Collect structured signer information during signing	Not supported
Custom contract data fields	Create custom contract data you can sort, filter, and report on	Contracts are not supported
INVOICES & PAYMENTS Collapse	Plutio 198/199	Basecamp 39/199
Create invoices and get paid	Send invoices and collect payments in one connected flow	Basecamp does not handle billing
Fully branded invoices	Match invoices to your brand with custom logos, colors, and layout	Invoices are not supported
Drag and drop invoice builder	Create custom invoice layouts visually without formatting limits	Invoices are not supported
Customizable line items	Edit pricing, quantities, descriptions, and structure freely	Invoices are not supported
Item or invoice discounts	Apply discounts at the item or full invoice level	Invoices are not supported
Customizable taxes	Create tax rules that match your location and use case	Invoices are not supported
ACH payments	Accept bank transfers for lower-fee payments	Payments are not supported
Stripe integration	Accept credit and debit cards instantly	Payments are not supported
Square integration	Collect in-person payments when needed	Payments are not supported
PayPal integration	Let clients pay using PayPal	Payments are not supported
Flexible partial payments	Collect deposits and split payments across milestones	Payments are not supported
Payment plans	Break invoices into scheduled installments	Invoices are not supported
Automated recurring invoices	Automatically send invoices on a recurring schedule	Invoices are not supported
Subscription management	Manage ongoing client subscriptions and billing	Subscriptions are not supported
Automated payment reminders	Follow up automatically until invoices are paid	Payments are not supported
Reusable invoice templates	Reuse invoice layouts without rebuilding each time	Invoices are not supported
Multiple currency support	Bill clients globally in their local currency	Payments are not supported
Invoice automation triggers	Trigger automated workflows when invoices are sent or paid	Contracts cannot trigger actions
View notifications	See when invoices are opened and paid	Not supported
Built-in expense tracking	Track project-related costs alongside invoices	Not supported
Invoice deposits	Collect upfront payments before work starts	Not supported
Auto-invoice billable time	Turn tracked time into invoices automatically	Basecamp has no invoicing
Custom invoice data fields	Create custom invoice data you can sort, filter, and report on	Invoices are not supported
INBOX Collapse	Plutio 198/199	Basecamp 39/199
Centralized unified inbox	Manage email, chat, and messages from one shared inbox	Each project has a central message board
Full email integration	Connect and manage all your email accounts in one place	You can post to Basecamp via email
Embeddable live chat	Add real-time chat to your website and client portals	Live chat is not supported
Instant direct messages	Message teammates privately without leaving your workspace	Direct messages are supported
Contextual project conversations	Keep conversations tied directly to the project they belong to	Messages stay tied to projects
Team channels	Create shared spaces for team-wide discussions	Channel-based chat does not exist
Customized channels	Organize channels by team, topic, or workflow	Channels are not supported
@mentions	Notify teammates instantly inside conversations	You can mention people in messages
Message read receipts	See when messages are read	You can see who has read messages
File sharing in chat	Share files directly inside conversations	Files can be shared in messages
Shared email inbox	Collaborate on incoming emails as a team	Not supported
Inbox mobile app	Access and respond to messages on mobile	Mobile app includes messages
Email reply to inbox	Reply from your email client and keep conversations synced	Email replies post to projects
FILES Collapse	Plutio 198/199	Basecamp 39/199
Store and manage files	Keep all client and project files in one organized place	Files are stored per project
Advanced folder organization	Organize files by project, client, or structure you choose	Color-coded folders in Docs section
Folder permissions	Control who can view or edit folders	Project-level permissions only
People folders	Group files by person when needed	Files are project-attached only
Project folders	Keep files scoped to each project	Docs & Files section per project
In-app previews	Preview files instantly without downloading	In-app previews supported
Custom file data fields	Capture file metadata you can sort and filter	Custom fields are not supported
Built-in documents	Create and edit documents directly inside Plutio	No built-in document editor
Comments on files and docs	Leave comments directly on files and documents	Comments in Docs section
Bulk file actions	Move, tag, or manage many files at once	No bulk file operations
Files search & filter	Find files quickly using search and filters	Search in Docs & Files
External cloud sync	Sync files with Google Drive or Dropbox	Google Drive, Dropbox, OneDrive
Secure sharing controls	Restrict access with permissions or passwords	Project-level access control
File sharing links	Share files externally with controlled access	Public folder links supported
SCHEDULING Collapse	Plutio 198/199	Basecamp 39/199
Schedule meetings	Let clients book meetings directly without back-and-forth emails	Basecamp does not have scheduling
Branded booking page	Build a fully branded, customizable booking system using a drag-and-drop editor	Not supported
Advanced availability management	Define flexible availability rules applied automatically to bookings	Scheduling is not supported
Automatic buffer times	Add buffer time automatically between meetings	Scheduling is not supported
Multiple meeting types	Create unlimited booking types with different rules and setups	Scheduling is not supported
Calendar sync (Google/Outlook)	Two-way calendar sync that stays up to date automatically	Google/iCloud integration
Customizable booking confirmations	Fully customizable confirmation pages with no layout or branding limits	Scheduling is not supported
Redirect after booking	Send bookers anywhere after scheduling, not just a fixed thank-you page	Scheduling is not supported
Booking automation triggers	Trigger automated workflows the moment a meeting is booked	Contracts cannot trigger actions
Smart meeting reminders	Send automatic reminders without manual follow-ups	Reminder pings exist, not bookings
Automatic timezone detection	Handle timezones automatically without manual adjustments	Handled by external calendars
Paid appointments (Stripe/PayPal)	Collect payments during booking without extra steps	Basecamp has no scheduling
Custom booking forms	Build booking forms with full control over questions and layout	Not supported
Minimum notice / daily booking limits	Set booking limits to control lead time and daily volume	Scheduling is not supported
Rescheduling and cancellation controls	Define flexible rules for rescheduling and cancellations	Scheduling is not supported
AUTOMATION Collapse	Plutio 198/199	Basecamp 39/199
Automated workflows builder	Build advanced workflows visually without code or rigid templates	Basecamp has no automation builder
Trigger-based workflows	Start workflows from real events across projects, clients, and payments	Workflow automation does not exist
Schedule-based workflows	Run workflows on schedules you control, not fixed intervals	Automation does not exist
Multi-step workflows	Chain multiple actions into one continuous automation	Automation does not exist
True/False branching	Create conditional paths instead of one-size-fits-all flows	Automation does not exist
Delay-based actions	Add precise timing between steps, down to minutes or days	Automation does not exist
Create & update records	Create, update, or move records automatically across the system	Automation does not exist
Move & duplicate records	Reorganize work automatically without manual cleanup	Projects can be duplicated manually
Delete & archive records	Automatically archive or remove records based on rules	Deletion is manual
API calls (webhooks)	Trigger or receive real-time events from external systems	Limited API access exists
Send emails	Send automated emails tied to real workflow events	Emails cannot be automated
Post comments	Add notes or comments automatically where work happens	Automation does not exist
Complete automation logs	See exactly what ran, when, and why	Automation does not exist
Auto-fill data/variables	Pass data between steps dynamically without manual mapping	Automation does not exist
Cross-entity connections	Run workflows that span projects, tasks, proposals, invoices, and more	Automation does not exist
FORMS Collapse	Plutio 198/199	Basecamp 39/199
Create branded forms	Build fully branded forms that match your workflow and client experience	Basecamp has no form builder
Drag-and-drop form builder	Design forms visually with full layout control, no code required	Contracts are not supported
Reusable form templates	Reuse form structures without rebuilding from scratch	Forms are not supported
Custom form data fields	Collect structured data you can sort, filter, and report on	Custom fields are not supported
Smart conditional logic	Show or hide fields based on responses, not static forms	Forms are not supported
Instant email notifications	Get notified immediately when forms are submitted	Forms are not supported
Form automation triggers	Trigger automated workflows when a form is submitted	Contracts cannot trigger actions
Embed forms	Embed forms anywhere without layout restrictions	Forms are not supported
Advanced field preferences	Control required, hidden, and default field behavior	Forms are not supported
Comprehensive field types	Collect text, files, dates, selections, and more	Forms are not supported
Form signature field	Collect legally binding signatures directly inside forms	Signatures are not supported
File upload fields	Accept file uploads as part of form submissions	Files can be uploaded
Redirect after submission	Send submitters to a custom next step, not a fixed thank-you page	Forms are not supported
CRM Collapse	Plutio 198/199	Basecamp 39/199
Manage clients and leads	Manage contacts and companies in one connected system	Basecamp is not a CRM
Full company management	Track organizations, not just individual contacts	Companies are not modeled
Custom contact data fields	Collect and manage structured contact data you define	CRM structure does not exist
Complete activity timeline	See every interaction with a client in one place	Activity is message-based only
Contacts labeling and grouping	Organize contacts flexibly without rigid pipelines	Tags are not supported
WIKI Collapse	Plutio 198/199	Basecamp 39/199
Comprehensive knowledge base	Create an internal wiki for processes, docs, and guides	Each project includes a document space
Beautiful rich text pages	Write structured, formatted content without complexity	Not supported
Unlimited nested pages	Build deep knowledge hierarchies without limits	Not supported
Granular page permissions	Control exactly who can view or edit each page	Not supported
DASHBOARDS Collapse	Plutio 198/199	Basecamp 39/199
Custom dashboards and pages	Build dashboards around what matters to you, not fixed metrics	Basecamp has no custom dashboards
Drag-and-drop dashboard builder	Design dashboards visually with full layout control	No dashboard builder in Basecamp
Charts widget	Visualize data with customizable charts	Included
Metrics widget	Track key numbers without manual reporting	Included
Goals widget	Monitor progress toward defined goals	No goals widget in Basecamp
Notes widget	Add contextual notes directly to dashboards	Campfire sticky notes
Calendar widget	View upcoming events alongside work and metrics	Included
Financial widgets	Track revenue and expenses in the same view	Not supported
BRANDING Collapse	Plutio 198/199	Basecamp 39/199
White-label and branding	Run the entire platform under your brand	Basecamp branding always visible
Custom interface theme	Apply your brand colors across the system	UI cannot be customized
Stylesheet customization	Fine-tune styling beyond basic theming	Custom CSS is not supported
Custom login/signup pages	Use branded authentication pages instead of generic screens	Login pages cannot be customized
Email branding	Send all system emails with your branding	Emails cannot be branded
Custom brand fonts	Use your own fonts throughout the platform	Fonts cannot be customized
Custom brand logos	Replace all platform logos with your own	Logos cannot be customized
Custom domain name	Run everything on your own domain	Not supported
Custom email SMTP	Send emails from your own email infrastructure	Not supported
Full workspace embedding	Embed Plutio directly into your website or product	Not supported
CUSTOMIZATION Collapse	Plutio 198/199	Basecamp 39/199
Flexible workspace setup	Shape the platform to match how your business works	Basecamp has fixed structure
Main menu editor	Add, remove, or reorder navigation items freely	Navigation cannot be customized
User-based menus	Show different navigation for different roles	Menus are the same for all users
Custom user roles	Create role types beyond preset permissions	Custom roles are not supported
Advanced user permissions	Control access at a granular level	Permissions are project-level only
SSO / OAuth	Support enterprise-grade single sign-on	SSO is supported on higher plans
INTEGRATIONS Collapse	Plutio 198/199	Basecamp 39/199
Connect with other tools	Integrate with external systems without lock-in	Basic integrations via Doors
Zapier integration	Connect to thousands of apps without custom code	Zapier integration exists
Make.com integration	Build advanced automation scenarios visually	Possible via Zapier or API
Pabbly Connect	Connect services without usage-based limits	Possible via API
Full REST API access	Build custom integrations with full system access	API access is limited
Incoming & outgoing webhooks	Send and receive real-time events	Webhooks are limited
PLATFORM Collapse	Plutio 198/199	Basecamp 39/199
Mobile apps	Access your business from native mobile apps	Mobile companion apps
iOS app	Full-featured iPhone app	iOS app is available
Android app	Full-featured Android app	Android app is available
Mac desktop app	Native macOS app for desktop workflows	Desktop app wraps the web version
Windows desktop app	Native Windows app for desktop workflows	Desktop app wraps the web version

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Plutio vs Basecamp FAQ: common questions answered

Is Plutio better than Basecamp?

Plutio is better for freelancers and agencies who manage paying clients and need proposals, invoicing, and client portals. Basecamp is better for internal teams who value deliberate simplicity and have no client billing needs.

Does Basecamp have invoicing?

No. Basecamp has no invoicing features. You need QuickBooks, FreshBooks, or a similar tool for billing. Plutio includes invoicing with Stripe, PayPal, and ACH on all plans.

Does Basecamp have time tracking?

No. Basecamp does not include time tracking. You need Toggl, Harvest, or Clockify as additional tools. Plutio includes time tracking on all plans.

Does Basecamp have Gantt charts?

No. Basecamp intentionally excludes Gantt charts as part of its simplicity philosophy. Plutio includes Gantt charts, Kanban boards, and multiple project views.

How much does Basecamp cost?

Basecamp 4 costs $299/month flat for unlimited users. Add PandaDoc ($35), QuickBooks ($30), and Toggl ($10) for client-facing features. Plutio Core is $19/month with all features included.

Can clients use Basecamp?

Clients can be added to Basecamp projects but see Basecamp branding. Basecamp has no custom domain or white-labeling. Plutio has fully branded client portals with custom domain support.

Does Basecamp have proposals?

No. Basecamp has no proposal features. You need PandaDoc, Bonsai, or a similar tool. Plutio includes a drag-and-drop proposal builder with e-signatures.

Which is better for agencies?

Plutio is better for agencies that work with clients. Plutio has proposals, invoicing, time tracking, and client portals. Basecamp is better for internal agency coordination without client billing needs.

Can I import Basecamp to Plutio?

Yes. Export your Basecamp project data and recreate projects in Plutio with proper task boards and dependencies.

Is Basecamp free?

Basecamp offers a limited free plan for personal use. The full product is $299/month. Plutio has a free trial and starts at $19/month.

What integrations does Plutio support?

Plutio connects to 5,000+ apps through Zapier, including Google Calendar, Stripe, PayPal, QuickBooks, Slack, and more. Plutio also has a REST API for custom integrations. Native integrations include calendar sync, payment processors, and email services.

Does Plutio have a mobile app?

Yes. Plutio has native iOS and Android apps that let you manage projects, communicate with clients, track time, and send invoices from your phone. The mobile apps sync in real-time with the web platform.

Does Plutio offer a free trial?

Yes. Plutio offers a 14-day free trial with full access to all features. No credit card required to start. You can explore proposals, contracts, invoicing, project management, and client portals before choosing a plan.

Is my data safe with Plutio?

Yes. Your data is private, encrypted, and never used to train AI models. Plutio uses industry-standard security practices including SSL encryption, regular backups, and GDPR compliance. You can export your data at any time.

Can I white-label Plutio with my own branding?

Yes. Plutio offers complete white-labeling including custom domains, branded login pages, your logo and colors throughout, custom email templates with your SMTP, and CSS customization. Clients see your brand, not Plutio.

How long has Plutio been around?

Plutio has been built and refined for over 10 years based on real freelancer and agency feedback. The platform is actively developed with regular updates and new features added based on user needs.

Can I import data from other tools into Plutio?

Yes. Plutio supports CSV imports for clients, projects, and invoices. You can migrate from most business tools including HoneyBook, Dubsado, 17hats, and others. Our support team can help with complex migrations.

Does Plutio have a unified inbox?

Yes. Plutio has a unified inbox where you connect multiple email accounts and manage all client communication in one place. Client emails automatically sort into their conversation threads. Your team shares one inbox so no one misses urgent requests. Basecamp has team messaging but no email integration.

Can I use Plutio for team collaboration?

Yes. Plutio includes team features on all plans: shared inboxes, team channels, @mentions, task assignments, and workload views. You can create custom roles with granular permissions so team members see only what they need.

Which has better automation?

Plutio automation extends across the entire workflow. When a proposal is signed, Plutio can create a project, assign tasks, set deadlines, and send emails automatically. Basecamp has no workflow automation, so every project is set up manually.

Does Basecamp have proposals or contracts?

No. Basecamp is project management only. To send proposals and contracts, you need a separate tool. Plutio includes proposals, contracts, and e-signatures connected to your projects and invoicing.

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