Software · head to head
WhatsApp vs Basecamp
The short version
- Each has a real cost: WhatsApp consumer app messaging and calling is free, but the vendor notes carrier data charges may apply; Basecamp the free tier allows one project and 1 GB of storage
- They diverge on capability: WhatsApp covers Text messaging, Basecamp covers Message boards.
Where they differ
Only the attributes on which WhatsApp and Basecamp actually diverge.
Identical on both: starting price (Free), free tier (Yes), user rating (Not yet rated), category (Unknown).
What each one covers
Drawn from each product's published feature list. An absence here means we hold no record of it - not that the product lacks it.
Only in WhatsApp
- Text messaging
- Voice calls
- Video calls
- Group chats
- Status updates
- File sharing
- Voice messages
- Location sharing
Only in Basecamp
- Message boards
- To-do lists
- Schedules
- Documents & files
- Group chat
- Check-in questions
- Hill Charts
- Email forwards
What people use each for
The jobs each tool is most often brought in to do.
- Personal messagingnot Basecamp
- Family communicationnot Basecamp
- Business communicationnot Basecamp
- Group coordinationnot Basecamp
- International callingnot Basecamp
Basecamp
- Project management for a small team in one placenot WhatsApp
- Message boards and chat alongside to-dosnot WhatsApp
- Client collaboration, since guests are not chargednot WhatsApp
- Flat-rate project management for a larger team on Pro Unlimitednot WhatsApp
Where each one falls short
Documented limitations, not opinions. Every one is a constraint you would hit in normal use.
- Consumer app messaging and calling is free, but the vendor notes carrier data charges may apply
Basecamp
- The free tier allows one project and 1 GB of storage
- Pro is $15 per user per month, so cost scales with headcount unlike the flat Pro Unlimited at $299 a month billed annually
- Storage beyond the plan costs $50 a month per additional terabyte
- Timesheet and the Admin Pro Pack are paid upgrades on Pro and only bundled with Pro Unlimited
Pricing, plan by plan
- FreeFree
- Unlimited messaging
- Voice and video calls
- Group chats up to 1024 people
Basecamp
FreeNo published plan breakdown. See the Basecamp review.
Which should you pick?
Choose WhatsApp if
- You need text messaging.
- You want to start without paying.
- You work on Web, Windows, Macos, Ios, Android.
- You also want voice calls.
Choose Basecamp if
- You need message boards.
- You want to start without paying.
- You also want to-do lists.
Questions people ask
- Is WhatsApp or Basecamp better?
- Neither clearly leads. WhatsApp starts at Free and Basecamp at Free, and user ratings are close enough to be indistinguishable. Choose on capability and platform support.
- Which is cheaper, WhatsApp or Basecamp?
- WhatsApp starts at Free and Basecamp at Free.
- Does WhatsApp or Basecamp run on more platforms?
- WhatsApp runs on Web, Windows, Macos, Ios, Android. Basecamp runs on Web.
- Can I use WhatsApp for free?
- Both have a free tier, so you can try either at no cost before committing.
- What is WhatsApp best used for?
- WhatsApp is most often used for personal messaging, family communication, business communication, group coordination. Of those, personal messaging and family communication are not what Basecamp is typically brought in for.
- What can WhatsApp do that Basecamp cannot?
- WhatsApp covers Text messaging, Voice calls, Video calls, Group chats. Basecamp covers Message boards, To-do lists, Schedules, Documents & files.