Referee comparison · 2026
We build PeakKR, so we're not selling either tool — which makes us a decent referee. Here's how Basecamp and Trello compare on the features agencies actually bill for, and where both leave a gap.
The calm, opinionated classic
Best for: Small teams that want simple message boards, to-dos and check-ins without the bloat.
Per-user Plus plan, or a flat $299/mo Pro Unlimited tier.
Simple Kanban boards
Best for: Individuals and small teams who want quick, visual card-and-list boards.
Free tier; Standard/Premium billed per user/month.
Basecamp and Trello on the ten things agency teams end up paying for.
| Feature | Basecamp | Trello |
|---|---|---|
| Flat pricing — no per-seat fees | Flat only on the $299/mo Pro Unlimited tier | Per-seat pricing |
| Unlimited users included | Unlimited on Pro Unlimited only | Priced per user |
| Built-in time tracking & timesheets | No native time tracking — needs an add-on | Only via paid Power-Ups |
| Agency retainer / monthly hours tracking | No retainer/hours tracking | No retainer tracking |
| Client-ready project overviews | Clients can be looped into projects | No client overviews |
| Phased to-dos & task dependencies | To-dos don't unlock in order; no dependencies | No native dependencies |
| Hill Charts (progress, not %) | Basecamp invented Hill Charts | No Hill Charts |
| SEO connectors (SEMrush & Moz) | No SEO data integrations | No SEO connectors |
| Built-in AI (recaps, briefs, analysis) | No built-in AI | No built-in AI |
| Purpose-built for SEO & marketing agencies | General-purpose, not agency-specific | General-purpose |
Reflects typical plans as we understand them. Tools change often — please verify current pricing and features on each vendor's website.
No rows where Trello clearly beats Basecamp in this matchup.
On the features agencies bill for, Basecamp edges it. Small teams that want simple message boards, to-dos and check-ins without the bloat. But neither includes retainer tracking, client-ready overviews and SEO data in one flat-priced plan — which is the gap PeakKR was built for.
Both bill per seat. PeakKR is $100/mo flat for unlimited people, clients and projects.
Timesheets and monthly retainer budgets with alerts — no add-on tool to reconcile.
Every client gets a read-only progress link — no more "is it done yet?" emails.
SEMrush & Moz connectors, AI briefs and recaps — native, not bolted on.
PeakKR: the agency workspace both of these tools aren't. 14-day free trial, one flat price.
Basecamp comes out ahead on the features agencies rely on day to day. That said, both bill per seat and neither covers retainers, client overviews and SEO reporting natively. PeakKR bundles all of that at a flat $100/month for unlimited users.
Yes — PeakKR is a flat $100/month for unlimited people, clients and projects, with timesheets, retainer tracking, client hubs and built-in SEO/AI. Both Basecamp and Trello price per user.
Yes. PeakKR has a 14-day free trial — spin up a workspace, import your projects and run it alongside your current tool before deciding.
Summit
Hi, I'm Summit — your AI guide inside PeakKR. I help agencies plan the day, draft client updates and keep every project on track. Come climb with me.
