The actual data entry is the exact same.  Navigating TO the forms and worksheets is different.  If you use the 'Find Form'  (or whatever it is called), then it would be the same.

In some ways, I actually like the navigation in Basic better.  One downside is if you have lots of items (such as many depreciable assets), it is a bit harder to find the one you want (you can't read the title on the 'tabs' for each asset).  But overall, I like the navigation of Basic better. 

So getting the Basic 50 package (50 returns) may be a good idea.  If you need a business return (Corporation, Partnership etc), you can use Professional on a PPR basis.

Basic does not have NOL support or At-Risk losses (but you could use Professional on a PPR basis if you really need those).  Other than those two items, I've never needed a form that I would need Professional instead of Basic.

There are fewer customizable "options" in Basic, but with only 25 returns, that probably isn't a big deal.