10 Best Acuity alternatives and competitors (Updated: Oct 2024)
This article is built on my experience with 40+ tools, insights from 60+ interviews, and a deep dive into 200+ reviews.
14 October 2024
17 min read
This article is built on my experience with 40+ tools, insights from 60+ interviews, and a deep dive into 200+ reviews.
14 October 2024
17 min read
Acuity Scheduling felt like a time-saver—until I tried the alternatives. Now, I can’t imagine going back. After testing dozens of scheduling tools, Acuity just doesn’t cut it anymore.
Have you ever felt like a product you use every day is secretly holding you back? That’s exactly how I felt with Acuity. Let’s dive into Acuity competitors.
Lunacal
Hubspot Meetings
Vagaro
Cal.com
Booksy
Oncehub
Zcal
Google Calendar
Calendly
Tidycal
Detailed Comprison | Lunacal | Hubspot Meetings | Vagaro | Cal.com | Booksy | Oncehub | Zcal | Google Calendar | Calendly | Tidycal |
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Scheduling Page | ||||||||||
Customization | ||||||||||
Teams | ||||||||||
Support | ||||||||||
Ease of use | ||||||||||
3rd party integrations | ||||||||||
User interface | ||||||||||
Calendar sync | ||||||||||
Free plan | yes | yes | no | yes | no | yes | yes | yes | yes | yes |
Lunacal is the tool that turns your basic calendar into a branding experience. When I used it, I felt like I wasn’t just booking meetings—I was showcasing my work. It’s perfect if you’re a freelancer or small business owner looking to make each booking interaction stand out. After exploring other tools, Lunacal simply felt more personal.
Customizable Scheduling Pages: Add bios, videos, and testimonials to your scheduling page. It’s not just about bookings, it’s about building a connection.
Client Testimonials Integration: Display real client feedback directly on your page, boosting trust and increasing bookings. This little touch makes a big impact.
Branding Options: Match your page’s design to your brand with customizable colors and logos. It’s like your own little website.
Calendar Sync: Sync with Google, Outlook, and Apple calendars. Everything stays in one place, no hassle.
Automated Reminders: Keep clients on track with automated email and SMS reminders. No more chasing people down.
Lunacal offers a free plan with basic features that never expires. Paid plans start at $10/month per user, unlocking advanced features like custom branding and team scheduling. If you need more functionality, higher-tier options are available.
Lunacal makes your scheduling page more than just a calendar—it’s a branding opportunity. In my experience, setting up was smooth and the results were immediate. I felt more connected to clients even before the first meeting. Lunacal is ideal for freelancers and small businesses that want to showcase their personality and brand right on the booking page.
However, if you’re running a large company or need deep integrations with CRMs, you might find it lacking in complexity.
Still, for anyone who values personal connections, it’s a solid alternative to Acuity Scheduling.
Overall Score: 9.2/10
HubSpot Meetings is a solid alternative to Acuity Scheduling, especially if you're already using HubSpot’s CRM. It seamlessly integrates with their ecosystem, making it easier to manage your contacts and schedule meetings.
But is it the right fit for you? In my experience, it works great for sales teams. However, it may feel like overkill if you don’t need all the CRM features. Let’s break it down.
CRM Integration: HubSpot Meetings automatically pulls in contact details from HubSpot CRM, saving time and making follow-ups smoother.
Customizable Booking Links: You can create personalized booking links for clients, helping them choose meeting times that suit both of you.
Group Meetings: Easily schedule group meetings by sharing a link that syncs with everyone’s calendars. No more back-and-forth.
Automatic Reminders: Sends automated email reminders to reduce no-shows. Simple but effective.
Mobile-Friendly Interface: HubSpot’s mobile experience is slick and responsive, so clients can book on-the-go without hassle.
HubSpot Meetings is part of HubSpot’s paid plans, which start at $50/month. There’s also a free version with limited features.
HubSpot Meetings is a smart alternative to Acuity Scheduling, but only if you're already in the HubSpot ecosystem. The CRM integration is its biggest strength, allowing you to manage contacts, meetings, and follow-ups all in one place. However, if you’re just looking for a simple scheduling tool without all the extras, it can feel overwhelming. The free version is useful for small teams, but the paid tiers climb steeply in price if you need advanced features like team scheduling or additional reporting.
In my experience, HubSpot Meetings shines for sales teams who rely heavily on the CRM, but it’s overkill for freelancers or smaller businesses that don’t need those extra layers. While the automation tools and group meeting features are helpful, the lack of built-in payment options and high costs might steer some people toward simpler, more affordable Acuity alternatives.
Overall Score: 7.9/10
Vagaro is a solid alternative to Acuity Scheduling, especially for service-based businesses like salons and spas. When I tried it, I found it packed with features that Acuity just didn’t offer. If you’re looking for a tool that handles bookings and more, Vagaro might be worth exploring. But it's not perfect—let's get into the details.
Customizable Booking Pages: Vagaro allows you to create a personalized booking page. It’s simple to brand, and in my experience, clients appreciated the sleek look.
Online Payments: It integrates with payment gateways like PayPal and Stripe, making it easy for clients to pay. This saved me tons of time chasing payments.
Client Management: Vagaro’s client management tools are top-notch. You can track customer preferences, which helped me offer a more personalized experience.
Automated Notifications: It sends email and SMS reminders automatically. When I used it, no-shows dropped significantly.
Point of Sale Integration: Vagaro also functions as a POS system, which is convenient if you sell products or services alongside bookings.
Vagaro starts at $25/month for a single user and scales up depending on additional features and users. The price can rise quickly if you add POS or extra users.
Vagaro is a feature-rich scheduling software designed for service-based businesses, making it a strong alternative to Acuity Scheduling. If you're running a salon, spa, or fitness studio, this tool can handle your bookings, payments, and even your point-of-sale needs all in one place. I found its automated notifications and client management to be real time-savers—helping me cut down on missed appointments and stay on top of customer preferences.
However, it's not without its flaws. In my experience, the number of features can feel overwhelming, especially if you're a small business or just need a simple scheduling tool. It also doesn’t offer as much flexibility in terms of customizations compared to other platforms. The pricing might seem reasonable at first, but it can add up quickly once you start using features like POS and adding more users.
So, if you're looking for a robust, all-in-one solution and don’t mind paying a bit extra, Vagaro could be a solid choice. But for smaller operations or those needing simpler options, it might feel like overkill.
Overall Score: 7.5/10
Cal.com is a flexible scheduling tool that offers open-source customization. If Acuity Scheduling feels restrictive or doesn't quite fit your unique needs, Cal.com might be a better alternative. I was impressed by how much control it gives users. It's especially useful if you want to tweak your scheduling process to suit specific workflows. But, is it the right alternative to Acuity for you? Let's break it down.
Open-source flexibility: You can fully customize Cal.com since it’s open-source. It allows deeper changes that other tools simply don’t.
Integrations galore: It connects with popular tools like Google Calendar, Zoom, and Stripe, so everything stays in sync without manual effort.
Multiple calendar support: Manage several calendars at once, making it easier to juggle personal and professional schedules.
Self-hosting option: If privacy matters to you, Cal.com lets you self-host your data. It’s rare and valuable for those concerned about data security.
Easy booking links: Like Acuity, you can create easy-to-share booking links. But Cal.com’s clean design makes the experience smoother for both you and your clients.
Cal.com offers a free tier with limited features, and their paid plans start at around $12 per user/month. There’s also a custom enterprise option if you need more robust functionality.
Cal.com is a solid alternative to Acuity Scheduling, especially for those who crave customization. It’s ideal if you want control over your scheduling experience and don’t mind getting a little technical. I’ve found it’s especially useful for users who want to integrate multiple calendars and self-host their data. However, if you're looking for something straightforward and ready to go right out of the box, Cal.com may feel a bit overwhelming.
In my experience, the ability to customize every aspect of the tool felt liberating, but it can be time-consuming. For small teams or individuals looking for something simple, the learning curve might be steep. On the flip side, for tech enthusiasts and privacy-focused professionals, Cal.com offers a level of flexibility that few scheduling tools can match.
Overall Score: 7.9/10
Booksy is one of those scheduling tools that’s grown a lot in popularity, especially among small businesses. When I first tried it, I didn’t expect much. But after using it as an alternative to Acuity Scheduling, I found it surprisingly intuitive, especially for service-based industries like salons and barbershops. It’s got some standout features, but is it right for everyone? Let’s break it down.
Mobile Booking: Booksy’s app is incredibly user-friendly. Clients can easily book appointments on their phones, making it super convenient for businesses with walk-in customers.
Payment Integration: You can handle payments directly through Booksy, eliminating the need for separate payment systems. This feature saves time, especially if you’re dealing with multiple clients daily.
Client Reminders: Automated reminders are a lifesaver. In my experience, this drastically reduced no-shows, which is always a headache in the service industry.
Calendar Syncing: Booksy integrates with popular calendars like Google Calendar, making it easy to manage your schedule without juggling multiple platforms.
Business Management Tools: Beyond scheduling, Booksy offers business insights like sales tracking and inventory management, which can help streamline your operations.
Booksy offers a free plan, but most businesses will need the paid plans that start around $29.99 per month. There are also add-ons that can push the cost higher depending on what features you need.
Booksy works best for businesses in the beauty, wellness, and personal care industries. Its mobile-first approach, combined with features like payment processing and automated reminders, makes it a strong alternative to Acuity Scheduling. In my experience, it’s particularly useful for small businesses that rely heavily on client retention and frequent appointments. However, if you're looking for something beyond service-based scheduling or need advanced workflow options, you might find Booksy a bit limiting.
One thing that stood out when I used Booksy is how smooth the app works for clients booking on mobile. It really simplifies the process, which is great for businesses with a lot of walk-ins. But if you need more customizability or advanced automations, you may want to consider other Acuity competitors.
Overall Score: 7.1/10
OnceHub offers a solid alternative to Acuity Scheduling, especially for those who need more flexibility. I used it when I needed to manage meetings with multiple time zones, and it didn’t disappoint. While Acuity felt limiting, OnceHub stood out with its customization options. If you're looking for something that adjusts better to your unique needs, it’s worth checking out.
Group Scheduling: OnceHub lets you easily schedule group meetings, which Acuity struggles with. It’s a must for team collaborations.
Meeting Types: Customize different meeting types, each with its own settings. Perfect for professionals juggling varied session lengths or purposes.
Automated Notifications: Set reminders and follow-ups without lifting a finger. These can be personalized for each type of appointment.
Time Zone Management: Automatically detects the client's time zone, eliminating confusion. It’s a lifesaver when dealing with global clients.
Customizable Booking Forms: You can tailor the questions clients fill out before booking, making it easier to gather the right info upfront.
Oncehub offers a free plan with basic features. Paid plans start at $10 per user per month, which increases depending on the number of users and features you need.
OnceHub is a solid alternative to Acuity Scheduling, especially if you need more customization and group meeting features. In my experience, the group scheduling function alone made it worth the switch. While Acuity is straightforward, OnceHub's flexibility lets you fine-tune your scheduling system to match your specific needs. The learning curve might be a bit steeper, but once you get the hang of it, it feels like a tool built around your workflow.
One downside, though, is the interface. It’s not the most intuitive right off the bat, especially if you’re used to Acuity’s simpler setup. But, if you’re looking for a scheduling tool that adapts to you rather than the other way around, it’s worth exploring. Just be prepared for some initial adjustment time as you dive into its wide array of features.
Overall Score: 7.9/10
Zcal is one of those tools that feels refreshing right from the start. When I tried it as an alternative to Acuity Scheduling, I noticed the difference almost immediately. It’s simple, clean, and intuitive.
If you’re like me and prefer a scheduling tool that’s easy to navigate without a steep learning curve, Zcal might be worth a shot.
Personalized Scheduling Pages: Zcal lets you create personalized scheduling pages that feel less robotic and more human. It’s like putting your own touch on the process.
No-Signup Bookings: Guests can book with you without having to sign up for anything. This cuts down on friction and makes it easier for people to book.
Custom Availability Windows: You can easily set different availability windows for different types of meetings. It’s flexible without being confusing.
Email Reminders: Automatic reminders are sent to both you and your clients, helping to reduce no-shows. You’ll love not having to manually follow up.
Integrations with Google Calendar: Zcal syncs seamlessly with Google Calendar, so everything stays organized without any extra effort
Zcal offers a free plan with basic features. Paid plans start at $6/month, which unlocks more customization options and additional integrations.
Zcal is a breath of fresh air, especially if you’ve felt overwhelmed by the complexity of tools like Acuity Scheduling. In my experience, the biggest standout feature is how easy it is for people to book without needing an account. That alone cuts down the friction and keeps things simple.
It doesn’t come with all the bells and whistles, though. If you need robust workflows or integrations beyond Google Calendar, Zcal might not fully meet your needs.
But if you’re a solo user or run a small team and value simplicity, it’s a solid option. Think of it as a lightweight Acuity alternative that gets the basics right without bogging you down with too many extras.
Overall Score: 6.3/10
Google Calendar is probably the easiest alternative to Acuity Scheduling for anyone already using Google products. It's free, integrates seamlessly with Gmail, and keeps things simple. While it doesn’t have all the advanced features of Acuity, it’s perfect for personal use or small teams. In my experience, it’s ideal for low-maintenance scheduling needs. But if you're looking for something more robust, it might fall short.
Gmail Integration: Automatically adds events from your Gmail to the calendar, making it effortless to schedule.
Multiple Calendars: Manage personal, work, and other calendars separately while still viewing them in one place.
Custom Notifications: Set notifications for events via email or push, ensuring you never miss a meeting.
Easy Sharing: Share your calendar with colleagues or clients with just a few clicks. No more back-and-forth emails.
Cross-Platform Sync: Syncs across devices, so you can access your schedule from your phone, tablet, or computer.
Google Calendar is free for individual users. For businesses, it’s included in Google Workspace, starting at $6 per user per month.
If you’re already living in Google’s ecosystem, Google Calendar is the natural choice. It’s straightforward, reliable, and doesn’t require much setup. In my experience, it works great for people with simple scheduling needs who don’t want to be overwhelmed by extra features. But if you’re looking for an alternative to Acuity Scheduling with more automation or customization options, Google Calendar may not cut it. For larger businesses or those needing more advanced features like lead routing, Google Calendar feels too limited.
It’s perfect for personal use, freelancers, or small teams who want quick scheduling without the fuss. Think of it like your go-to pair of sneakers – comfortable, easy to use, but not meant for every occasion.
Overall Score: 5.8/10
Calendly is probably the most well-known alternative to Acuity Scheduling. It’s sleek, easy to use, and doesn’t bombard you with too many features at once. When I switched to Calendly, the simplicity hit me immediately. Acuity felt cluttered in comparison. If you’re after a no-fuss, straightforward scheduling tool, Calendly might be the better fit for you.
Easy calendar sync: Calendly syncs with Google, Outlook, and Apple calendars in just a few clicks. No more double bookings.
Automated reminders: It sends out automatic email reminders, so you never miss a meeting. Less manual work, more peace of mind.
Custom availability settings: You can easily block off times or set up recurring slots for appointments. Great for managing unpredictable schedules.
Team scheduling: Need to coordinate meetings with multiple people? Calendly handles that seamlessly with round-robin and collective scheduling options.
Simple booking links: Share one link and let others choose from your available times. No back-and-forth emails needed.
Calendly offers a free plan with basic features. Paid plans start at $10 per month for more advanced functionality like team scheduling, reminders, and reporting. It’s affordable, but some essential features are paywalled.
When I used Calendly, it felt like a breath of fresh air. Compared to Acuity Scheduling, it’s much easier to navigate, and you don’t need a manual to figure things out. Calendly’s biggest draw is its simplicity. You can sync calendars, share a booking link, and manage your time without diving into endless settings. The downside? Customization options and integrations are a bit limited unless you’re on a paid plan. If you’re someone who prefers a “set it and forget it” approach, you’ll enjoy Calendly’s hassle-free scheduling.
That said, it may not be ideal if you need more complex workflows or heavy customization. In my experience, if you’re running a larger operation or need deeper control, you might outgrow Calendly. But for small teams or solo users who want to save time and avoid back-and-forth scheduling, this competitor to Acuity could be a perfect fit.
Overall Score: 7.1/10
TidyCal is a simple, budget-friendly alternative to Acuity Scheduling. I stumbled upon it after getting fed up with Acuity’s limitations. What immediately caught my attention? The ease of setting it up. No overwhelming features, just what you need. For someone who just wants a clean scheduling tool without the fluff, TidyCal delivers. But it does have its drawbacks, so let’s break it down.
You don’t need to be a tech wizard to use TidyCal. In just a few clicks, your calendar is synced, and you're good to go. No fuss.
Multiple Calendar Sync: You can link multiple calendars, making it super easy to avoid double bookings. I appreciated this right away, especially with a busy schedule.
Customizable Booking Pages: It lets you create customized booking pages. They’re not fancy, but they get the job done. For me, that was enough.
Integrates with Google Meet and Zoom: TidyCal connects directly with Google Meet and Zoom, making it easy to jump into meetings. In my experience, it’s quick and reliable.
One-Time Payment Option: Unlike Acuity, TidyCal offers a one-time payment option. This was a big selling point for me. No annoying monthly fees!
TidyCal has a very affordable pricing model. There’s a free plan with limited features. The paid version is just $29 for a lifetime deal, which is a steal compared to monthly subscriptions from competitors like Acuity.
TidyCal is a great option if you're looking for a low-cost, no-nonsense scheduling tool. It's perfect for solo entrepreneurs or small businesses who don't need complex features. When I switched from Acuity to TidyCal, the simplicity won me over. It’s easy to set up, and the one-time payment is a refreshing change from those nagging monthly fees. However, if you're someone who relies on advanced scheduling features or heavy customization, you might find it lacking. The customization is limited, and larger teams might feel constrained by its simplicity. But if you want a functional, affordable tool that just works, TidyCal does the job well.
Is it perfect? No. But for the price, it’s a serious competitor to Acuity Scheduling.
Overall Score: 6.3/10
Scheduling Page: Does the scheduling page go beyond just a calendar? Look for options to showcase your profile, add images, videos, and even documents. A static page won’t leave much of an impression.
Customization: Can you tailor the tool to your needs? Check if it allows you to tweak booking forms, branding, and notifications. More customization means better user experience for your clients.
Teams: How does it handle team scheduling? For larger teams, you’ll want features like round-robin booking or assigning appointments to different team members seamlessly.
Support: Is customer support responsive? When issues arise, quick and effective support can save you hours of frustration. Check for live chat or fast email responses.
Ease of Use: No one likes clunky software. The scheduling tool should be intuitive and easy to navigate, even for people who aren’t tech-savvy. A smooth setup is key.
3rd Party Integrations: Does it connect with tools you already use? From CRM systems to video conferencing tools, robust integrations will save you time by automating tasks and improving workflow.
User Interface: The interface should be clean and visually appealing. A cluttered or outdated design can make scheduling feel like a chore—for both you and your clients.
Calendar Sync: Seamless syncing with calendars (Google, Outlook, etc.) is a must to avoid double bookings. The smoother the sync, the less hassle you'll face.
Free Plan: Is there a free version? If so, what features are included? A solid free plan can let you test out the tool before committing to a paid version.
For me, Lunacal is miles ahead of the competition. It lets you personalize your scheduling page with bios, testimonials, and media, creating deeper connections with clients.
If you're managing a large team with 500+ users, products like HubSpot Meetings and Cal.com may be worth demoing.
However, they can be difficult to use, a bit clunky, and unreasonably priced. While their deep integrations are a plus, support can sometimes feel limited. Lunacal’s rapid growth speaks for itself—it’s user-friendly, has great support, and even offers a free forever plan for hassle-free scheduling.
What’s the best free alternative to Acuity Scheduling?
Several tools offer free plans, but most have limitations. If you're looking for more personalization and brand-building features, Lunacal's free plan is a strong choice with its customizable scheduling pages.
Are there better options than Acuity for large teams?
For larger teams, products like [Alternative 1] and [Alternative 2] offer more advanced team scheduling features, though they can be a bit complex and pricey. Be sure to test out demos before deciding.
Which alternatives to Acuity have the best integrations?
HubSpot Meetings and Cal.com offer deep integrations with popular CRMs and other software. If you're looking for seamless workflows, these might be worth exploring.
Is there an easier-to-use alternative to Acuity?
Yes, some tools are much more user-friendly. Many find Lunacal easier to navigate, especially with its guided onboarding process, making it a great option for those wanting a hassle-free setup.
What’s the most customizable alternative to Acuity?
If you need personalized scheduling pages, Lunacal allows extensible customization. It stands out with options to add bios, client testimonials, and videos, which boost personal connections.