No native time tracking
Basecamp relies on manual timers or external integrations to log billable hours.
SourceAlternatives
Best Basecamp Time Tracking Alternative for Hybrid Agencies in 2025
FlexTracker keeps hybrid agencies aligned on scopes, billable mix, and invoices without third-party time tracking hacks.
Last reviewed 9/20/2025
Comparing FlexTracker vs Basecamp
Snapshot: FlexTracker vs Basecamp
Basecamp keeps projects tidy but relies on manual timers or integrations for billing. FlexTracker focuses on scoped billing data, live dashboards, and client-ready invoices so agencies can track and bill without switching tools.
| Feature | FlexTracker | Basecamp |
|---|---|---|
| Scope Governance | Default rates, color tags, and burn-down nudges sit in the timer view. | Basecamp uses to-do lists with no native billable rate or scope guardrails. |
| Invoice Builder | Export branded PDFs with grouped categories, notes, and taxes straight from History. | Basecamp exports CSVs; finance rebuilds invoices in accounting tools. |
| Dashboards | Every plan includes dashboards for billable mix, scope drift, and top categories. | Basecamp offers hill charts and check-ins geared toward project status, not billing. |
| Hybrid Rollout | Concierge migration maps scopes, categories, and default rates in under a week. | Basecamp relies on manual setup and integrations to capture time data. |
Pain points
Why teams look beyond Basecamp
Invoices handled elsewhere
Teams export CSVs and finish invoices in accounting tools.
SourceScope visibility missing
No color-coded budgets or default rates; teams track scope health manually.
SourceFlat pricing but limited billing controls
Unlimited users for $299/mo sounds great, but billing workflows still require other tools.
SourceWhy agencies switch to FlexTracker
- Need scope guardrails without external timers
- Want invoice-ready PDFs instead of CSV exports
- Prefer dashboards tuned to billable mix over project status
- Require migration help for hybrid contractors and retainers
- Looking to consolidate time, scopes, and invoicing into one stack
Why agencies pair FlexTracker with Basecamp projects
Ops leads like Priya Gomez love Basecamp for comms but still track billable time elsewhere. FlexTracker handles scoped time tracking and invoicing: scopes carry default rates, dashboards surface billable mix instantly, and invoices export as client-ready PDFs without third-party timers.
- Timers and manual entry share scope defaults and color status
- Dashboards highlight billable mix, category drift, and overruns without exports
- Invoices inherit saved templates, taxes, and notes for every client
Scope Guardrails Without To-Do Workarounds
Why FlexTracker wins
Set default rates, contract caps, and nudges directly in FlexTracker so scopes stay healthy.
Where Basecamp falls short
Basecamp lacks native scope fields; teams rely on notes and manual tracking.
Sources
“Color tags warn me before scopes go red, so Friday fire drills disappeared.”
Invoices Without CSV Juggling
Why FlexTracker wins
Finance leads export branded PDFs with grouped categories and taxes straight from History.
Where Basecamp falls short
Basecamp exports CSVs or hands data to accounting tools before invoices can be sent.
Sources
“Invoicing takes minutes now—FlexTracker spits out branded PDFs instead of raw CSV files.”
Dashboards Built for Billing
Why FlexTracker wins
Every plan includes dashboards for billable mix, scope drift, and top categories.
Where Basecamp falls short
Basecamp hill charts show project progress, not billable health.
Sources
“Dashboards surface billable mix and top categories without another analytics add-on.”
Less bloat. Lower cost.
FlexTracker keeps it lean
FlexTracker keeps time, scopes, and invoices together while Basecamp handles collaboration.
Basecamp adds bloat
Basecamp excels at communication; billing depends on external tools and exports.
| Aspect | FlexTracker | Basecamp |
|---|---|---|
| Scope Management | Color-coded scopes + guardrails bundled in | Notes and manual tracking |
| Invoice Workflow | Client-ready PDFs generated in FlexTracker | CSV exports into accounting software |
| Dashboards | Billable mix dashboards on every plan | Hill charts and check-ins focus on project status |
Integrations that keep teams connected
FlexTracker
- • CSV export
Exclusive: CSV export
Basecamp
- • Harvest
- • Toggl
- • Everhour
- • Zapier
FlexTracker focuses on clean CSV exports today while gathering feedback on Basecamp integration needs.
Support that matches agency pace
FlexTracker
Email and live chat with product specialists; migration help included for agency plans.
Basecamp
Basecamp offers email support and guides focused on collaboration features.
Switch from Harvest in a weekend
Hybrid agencies typically migrate within a week
- 1Export Basecamp to-do lists/time entries via CSV or integrations
- 2Share scope budgets and rate tables with FlexTracker migration support
- 3Configure default rates, categories, and billable status
- 4Invite contractors and confirm approval flows
Pricing snapshot
| Team size | FlexTracker | Harvest | Annual savings* | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 5 seats | $79 | $299 | Save $2,640/yr | Basecamp's flat $299/month covers unlimited users, so small teams pay the same. |
| 25 seats | $299 | $299 | — | Basecamp's flat pricing equals $299/month regardless of seat count. |
*Savings calculated against Harvest list pricing with required add-ons as of 2025.
- Source: Basecamp Pricing
Frequently asked questions
Does FlexTracker replace Basecamp projects?
No. Keep Basecamp for collaboration and rely on FlexTracker for scoped time tracking, dashboards, and invoices ops can control.
Can FlexTracker export data into Basecamp?
FlexTracker exports CSV summaries you can attach to Basecamp docs or share with clients.
How do we migrate Basecamp time tracking?
Export time entries via CSV or integrations, send them to support@flextracker.app, and we'll map clients, scopes, and rates for you.
Keep exploring FlexTracker
Ready to switch to FlexTracker?
Start a free trial to log hours faster, keep scopes organized, and send clean invoices.