Basecamp alternatives: 4 free & open-source picks
Compare recorded free and open-source options, their capabilities and operating requirements. Source dates are shown below; licenses, hosted limits and project activity can change.
Tasks, docs, chat, calendar, and files; hosted Huly died in July, so this is self-host or nothing
licenseEPL-2.0
runsyour server
installRun the official Huly Selfhost Docker Compose stack on Linux, using its setup script plus Nginx/TLS for production
dataThe self-host stack uses CockroachDB for account/workspace data, Elasticsearch for search indexes, Redpanda for event streams, and persistent volumes for uploaded files; optional services may add MongoDB. The public hosted Huly service announced its shutdown, so new use means self-hosting.
the catch vs BasecampHuly's hosted service is gone and its self-hosted issue-doc-chat stack is more technical and less client-friendly than Basecamp's simple project spaces, check-ins, and email participation.
setupThe first obstacle is the production-sized stack: Linux, Docker Compose, Nginx and certificates plus CockroachDB, Redpanda, Elasticsearch, storage volumes, backups, and enough RAM.
facts verified 2026-08-10
To-dos, files, schedules, meetings, forums, and wikis; calm is not included
licenseGPL-3.0
runsyour machine or their cloud
installHosted Enterprise Cloud signup, or Community Edition via Docker Compose/all-in-one Docker or supported Linux packages
dataSelf-hosted application data lives in PostgreSQL; uploaded attachments live on a persistent filesystem volume or configured S3-compatible object storage, while configuration and any linked repositories must be backed up separately. Cloud data lives in OpenProject's hosted infrastructure.
the catch vs BasecampOpenProject can hold files, meetings, forums, and schedules, but its enterprise planning interface is much less approachable than Basecamp for ordinary clients and small teams.
setupThe free Community Edition needs a Linux server; the recommended Docker setup still requires persistent database/file volumes, a hostname, TLS, and mail configuration.
facts verified 2026-08-10
Projects, discussions, files, milestones, and status reporting without Basecamp's deliberate simplicity
licenseAGPL-3.0+
runsyour machine or their cloud
installPaid hosted signup, or the free open-source edition via Docker Compose/official image or a PHP release archive plus MySQL/MariaDB
dataSelf-hosted project data lives in MySQL 8 or MariaDB 10.6+, while uploaded files use the local filesystem or configured S3-compatible storage; hosted-account data lives in Leantime's cloud.
the catch vs BasecampLeantime has projects, discussions, milestones, and status reports, but its communication flow, mobile polish, email participation, and automatic check-ins are weaker than Basecamp's.
setupThere is no longer a permanent free hosted tier: the free route means operating PHP, MySQL/MariaDB, persistent storage, backups, and a web-facing Docker or LAMP stack.
facts verified 2026-08-10
Projects, discussions, files, calendars, milestones, and time tracking in one enormous self-hosted office
licenseApache-2.0
runsyour server
installDeploy the official ONLYOFFICE Community Server Docker image, normally alongside Document Server and Mail Server as needed
dataGroupware records live in the deployment's relational database and users' documents/attachments live on persistent server storage; Docker deployments mount host directories for data, logs, and configuration.
the catch vs BasecampONLYOFFICE Groups replaces Basecamp's deliberate calm with an enormous office suite whose setup, permissions, and menus are far more complex and whose automatic check-ins are less central.
setupThe product is an office suite rather than a small project app: a usable deployment brings Docker, persistent volumes, a database, domains/TLS, mail settings, and often separate Document Server services.
facts verified 2026-08-10
latest recorded source check 2026-08-10 · check current terms at the source
| tool | license | running it | platforms | stars | active |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Huly | EPL-2.0 | self-host, real ops | web, self-hosted | 25,866 | 2026-05 |
| OpenProject | GPL-3.0 | docker to self-host | web, self-hosted | 15,200 | 2026-08 |
| Leantime | AGPL-3.0+ | docker to self-host | web, self-hosted | 10,000 | 2026-08 |
| ONLYOFFICE Groups | Apache-2.0 | self-host, real ops | web, windows, linux, ios, android, self-hosted | 3,100 | 2026-05 |
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. The recorded subscription totals $180 a year before any costs of an alternative.
Questions about these alternatives
Is there a free alternative to Basecamp?
Yes: Huly, OpenProject, Leantime and 1 more. These are recorded free or open-source options. Compare their feature limits, licenses, hosting costs and current availability before choosing.
Should I just build my own Basecamp?
Our verdict is KINDA. The core loop is buildable, but a dependable replacement becomes a real weekend or multi-day project. For Basecamp, organize projects around messages, to-dos, files, schedules, and check-ins. The hard boundary is mature opinionated workflow, email delivery, guest access, support, and reliability, plus collaboration, integrations, and organizational trust. Review the scope, implementation prompt and trade-offs in the Basecamp build guide.
