Head-to-head
Basecamp vs Smartsheet
An honest, feature-by-feature look at Basecamp and Smartsheet for creative teams — where each is stronger, what they cost, and what neither includes.
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Where Basecamp and Smartsheet differ
Of the 8 capabilities creative teams typically stitch together, Basecamp fully includes 5 and Smartsheet fully includes 5.
Video & Image Review
Smartsheet includes video & image review; Basecamp doesn't include it.
Built-in Chat
Basecamp includes built-in chat; Smartsheet doesn't include it.
AI Assistant (kloudie)
Smartsheet partially covers ai assistant (kloudie); Basecamp doesn't include it.
What neither includes
Whichever you pick, you'll still be stitching tools around it for the rest of the workflow. kloudboard includes all of the below in the same workspace:
- Freelancer Payments
- AI Assistant (kloudie)
Frequently asked questions
Is Basecamp or Smartsheet better for creative teams?
Basecamp and Smartsheet cover a similar amount of the workflow — of the 8 capabilities creative teams typically stitch together, each fully includes 5. The comparison table above shows exactly where they differ.
How much do Basecamp and Smartsheet cost?
basecamp's entry plan is Plus at $15/user/month (500GB storage, unlimited projects, free guests/clients); there's a permanent Free plan capped at 20 users, 1GB storage, and a single active project, and a flat Pro Unlimited tier at $299/month billed annually ($349 month-to-month) with 5TB. Smartsheet retired its free plan in 2025 — it now offers only a 30-day trial, with paid plans starting at Pro $9/user/mo ($108/yr, capped at 1-10 users, 250 automations/mo, 20GB storage, 30MB attachment limit) and Business at $19/user/mo ($228/yr, 3-user minimum, 1TB); AI tools are gated to the custom-priced Enterprise plan (10+ seats).
What do both Basecamp and Smartsheet lack?
Neither fully includes freelancer payments and ai assistant (kloudie). kloudboard includes all of these in one workspace, with a free plan for up to 5 members.
Is there one tool that replaces both Basecamp and Smartsheet?
kloudboard combines kanban boards, frame-accurate video and image review, built-in chat (with Slack, Discord, and WhatsApp bridging), freelancer payments, file storage, calendar, and a free AI assistant in one workspace — free forever for up to 5 members, with Pro at a flat $20/member/mo.
Skip the trade-off
Instead of choosing between Basecamp and Smartsheet, get boards, review, chat, and payments in one workspace. Free forever for up to 5 members — no credit card required.
Get started for free