Can I open-source Basecamp?
YES · mature open-source replacementYes. Plane (55k stars), Focalboard (26k stars), Huly (26k stars) are mature open-source replacements for Basecamp — self-host with docker and stop paying $15/mo.
People still pay for Basecamp because teams pay because project state has to remain authoritative through staff changes, outages, and years of accumulated workflow exceptions. The recurring cost buys auth, permissions, notifications, search, migrations, audit history, integrations, backups, and uptime, not just the visible interface.
xmature opinionated workflow, email delivery, guest access, support, and reliability
xdeep integrations
xenterprise permissions
xlarge-scale reporting
xbattle-tested notifications and mobile apps
These projects already replace it, free.
HHulyTasks, docs, chat, calendar, and files; hosted Huly died in July, so this is self-host or nothingopen source↗OOpenProjectTo-dos, files, schedules, meetings, forums, and wikis; calm is not includedopen source↗LLeantimeProjects, discussions, files, milestones, and status reporting without Basecamp's deliberate simplicityopen source↗What each one is, in full: Huly · OpenProject · Leantime
all 8 open-source alternatives to Basecamp →· no votes, no pay-to-list · just what's real
Basecamp pricing
| plan | monthly | annual (per mo) | what you get |
|---|---|---|---|
| free | $0 | $0 | 1 project, 1 GB storage, up to 20 users |
| pro | $15/user | — | Unlimited projects, 500 GB storage; clients, guests and contractors are free, while employees are paid seats |
| pro unlimited | — | $299 | Unlimited users/projects, 5 TB storage and priority support |
free tier1 project, 1 GB storage and up to 20 users
billingFree + Pro monthly only + Pro Unlimited annual only; trials require no card and do not auto-charge
hidden costsOn Pro, every employee is a $15/month seat; only clients/guests/contractors are free. Optional Timesheet, Admin Pro Pack and each extra 1 TB of storage cost $50/month apiece. Pro Unlimited requires the full annual commitment, though cancellation refunds unused annual time pro rata.
verified 2026-08-14 · source ↗
Can I open-source Basecamp?
Yes. Huly replaces Basecamp today — self-host it on your own server or machine with no subscription. The full list of open-source alternatives is on this page.
How much does Basecamp cost?
Basecamp costs about $15/month (Plus, checked 2026-07-31), which is $180 per year. That's what you save by replacing it with open source.
What do I lose by replacing Basecamp?
Honestly: mature opinionated workflow, email delivery, guest access, support, and reliability; deep integrations; enterprise permissions; large-scale reporting; battle-tested notifications and mobile apps. If any of those are load-bearing for you, keep paying.
Is there an open-source alternative to Basecamp?
Yes: Huly (Tasks, docs, chat, calendar, and files; hosted Huly died in July, so this is self-host or nothing) OpenProject (To-dos, files, schedules, meetings, forums, and wikis; calm is not included) Leantime (Projects, discussions, files, milestones, and status reporting without Basecamp's deliberate simplicity) All 8 curated open-source alternatives are at caniopensourceit.online/basecamp/alternatives.