10 Best BigTime alternatives and competitors (Updated: Oct 2024)
Drawing from my experience using over 50 scheduling tools, insights from interviewing 70+ users, and a detailed review of 150+ customer feedback reports.
14 October 2024
17 min read
Drawing from my experience using over 50 scheduling tools, insights from interviewing 70+ users, and a detailed review of 150+ customer feedback reports.
14 October 2024
17 min read
BigTime sounded like a solid option at first—until I actually used it. After diving into the alternatives, I realized I’d never go back.
Why settle for clunky features and a confusing interface? Seriously, who has the time for that?
There are better tools out there, and I’m here to break them down.
Lunacal
Acuity
Setmore
Appointlet
Zoho Bookings
SimplyBook.me
Picktime
Oncehub
Chili Piper
Zcal
Detailed Comprison | Lunacal | Acuity | Setmore | Appointlet | Zoho Bookings | SimplyBook.me | Picktime | Oncehub | Chili Piper | Zcal |
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Scheduling Page | ||||||||||
Customization | ||||||||||
Teams | ||||||||||
Support | ||||||||||
Ease of use | ||||||||||
3rd party integrations | ||||||||||
User interface | ||||||||||
Calendar sync | ||||||||||
Free plan | yes | no | yes | yes | yes | no | yes | yes | yes | yes |
Lunacal is a scheduling platform that offers a personalized booking experience. It allows you to customize your scheduling page to reflect your brand and make a stronger connection with clients.
Customizable Scheduling Pages: Create a fully branded scheduling experience with bios, images, videos, and client testimonials.
Client Testimonials Integration: Display testimonials directly on your page to build trust and boost conversions.
Branding Options: Customize your page to match your brand identity.
Free Forever Plan: Try Lunacal without cost, accessing basic features with no expiration date.
Calendar Sync: Sync effortlessly with Google, Outlook, and Apple calendars.
Automated Reminders: Set up personalized email and SMS reminders.
Buffer Times: Manage your time effectively by setting buffers before and after appointments.
Team Collaboration Tools: Schedule for teams with features like round-robin and lead routing.
Instant Booking Links: Share booking links quickly for immediate access.
Multiple Timezone Support: Automatically adjusts times for clients worldwide.
Guided Onboarding: Step-by-step assistance ensures that even non-tech users set up their accounts smoothly.
Multi-Event Booking: Clients can book multiple services or appointments in one go.
Custom Availability: Tailor your availability windows to show clients only the times you want to offer.
Integrations with Popular Tools: Connect with platforms like Zoom, Microsoft Teams, and payment gateways.
Analytics Dashboard: Track bookings, analyze client behavior, and optimize your page for better performance.
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 is a user-friendly scheduling platform that offers a personalized booking experience. It's a great option for businesses of all sizes that want to streamline their operations and build stronger connections with clients.
Overall Score: 9.2/10
Acuity Scheduling is one of those tools that sneaks up on you. It’s a solid alternative to BigTime, especially if you’re tired of overly complex systems. Acuity is simple, and it works. But is it enough? I found myself questioning whether its features met my growing needs. Let’s dive into the details to see if Acuity is the right fit.
Automated reminders: Sends reminders to clients before appointments, so you don’t have to manually follow up.
Customizable booking pages: You can adjust the look of your scheduling page to reflect your brand.
Calendar sync: It integrates seamlessly with Google, iCloud, and Outlook calendars, ensuring no double bookings.
Client self-scheduling: Clients can easily book, cancel, or reschedule appointments on their own, saving you time.
Time zone detection: Automatically adjusts for your client's time zone, avoiding any confusion with international bookings.
Payment integration: Connects with PayPal, Stripe, and Square, allowing clients to pay when booking.
Group classes: If you offer workshops or group sessions, Acuity lets multiple clients book the same time slot.
Acuity offers a free plan with basic features. Paid plans start at $15/month, unlocking features like reminders, calendar syncing, and more customization options.
In my experience, Acuity is straightforward and gets the job done, especially for solo entrepreneurs or small teams. It's a reliable alternative to BigTime, particularly if you need a simple, no-fuss scheduler. I loved the clean interface and the ease of use for clients—no more back-and-forth emails.
However, if you’re running a larger operation or need advanced features like detailed analytics or a CRM, Acuity might not be enough, and you may want to explore other BigTime competitors. For me, the lack of reporting tools was a bit of a letdown. But if you just need something simple and affordable, Acuity should definitely be on your radar.
Overall Score: 7.9/10
Setmore is an excellent alternative to BigTime, especially if you're looking for something more user-friendly. It’s designed for small businesses and individuals who need a simple, yet effective, scheduling tool. I’ve used it for my own projects, and I found it surprisingly smooth. But like any tool, it has its highs and lows. Want to know if it’s right for you?
Free Plan with Key Features: Setmore offers a solid free plan, including up to four users, online booking, and email reminders.
Integrations with Major Apps: You can connect it to platforms like Zoom, Facebook, and Instagram, helping you streamline bookings directly from social media.
Appointment Notifications: Get automated SMS or email notifications for every booking—useful if you’re juggling multiple clients.
Multiple Calendar Views: Switch between day, week, or month views to manage your time more effectively. Helps keep your workflow clear.
Self-Service Booking Page: Clients can book directly from your personalized booking page, reducing back-and-forth emails.
Team Scheduling: You can manage multiple team members’ schedules in one place. Great for growing businesses.
Recurring Appointments: Allows clients to set up recurring bookings. Perfect for businesses offering regular services like salons or fitness classes.
Setmore offers a free plan with basic features like online booking, calendar sync, and automated reminders. Paid plans start at $12/month, unlocking features like payment processing, video integrations, and priority support.
In my experience, Setmore works well for small businesses or solo entrepreneurs.
But, it’s not ideal for larger organizations that need more advanced features like payment processing or deeper branding customization.
For larger businesses or those needing more advanced functionality, it might fall short. The lack of built-in payment processing and advanced customization options could become limiting, especially compared to some other BigTime competitors.
Still, for a straightforward, no-nonsense alternative to BigTime, Setmore is a solid choice. It does the basics really well and can help you streamline your business without breaking the bank.
Overall Score: 7.5/10
Appointlet is a solid alternative to BigTime, especially if you need a more user-friendly interface. I’ve used it personally, and I can say the setup process is quick and painless. It’s great for teams that want to simplify scheduling without all the extra bells and whistles. But, it does come with its own set of quirks that might not fit every workflow.
Simple Booking Links – Share a link, and people can book meetings based on your availability. It’s that straightforward. No fuss.
Integrates with Google and Outlook – Sync your calendars, so you don’t get double-booked. It’s smooth and easy to set up.
Automated Reminders – Set up reminders for clients to avoid no-shows. In my experience, this feature saves a lot of time.
Customizable Booking Pages – You can add your logo and brand colors to give it a more personal touch.
Group Scheduling – Ideal for teams who need to set up meetings with multiple people at once. It eliminates the back-and-forth.
Appointlet has a free plan with basic features. Paid plans start at $8/month per user, offering more customization and integration options.
Appointlet is an easy-to-use alternative to BigTime, perfect for smaller teams that just want to schedule meetings without jumping through hoops. The booking pages are customizable, but not to the extent that other tools allow. If you’re looking for a basic tool to streamline your scheduling, it’s great. In my experience, it’s been a straightforward and reliable option for small businesses and solo entrepreneurs.
That said, if you need advanced features like deep reporting or prefer managing everything on mobile, you might feel a bit limited and may want to explore other BigTime competitors. However, for those who need a no-frills scheduling tool, Appointlet ticks the right boxes—and it won't break the bank either.
Overall Score: 7.1/10
Zoho Bookings is an alternative to BigTime that simplifies scheduling for businesses. It integrates seamlessly with other Zoho products, making it convenient if you’re already in their ecosystem. When I used it, I found the customization options to be a standout. However, the learning curve can be steep if you’re new to the platform. But once you get the hang of it, it’s pretty smooth.
Calendar Integration: Syncs effortlessly with Google and Zoho calendars, keeping everything organized. It prevents double bookings and manages availability in real-time.
Custom Booking Pages: Allows you to design your own booking page, which was helpful when I needed to reflect my brand. You can add custom fields to capture additional information.
Automated Reminders: Sends automatic email and SMS reminders to reduce no-shows. This saved me from several last-minute cancellations.
Payment Integration: Supports payments via Stripe and PayPal, so you can get paid right when clients book their appointments. Handy if you want everything in one place.
Team Scheduling: Allows clients to book meetings with your entire team. Great for larger businesses with multiple people involved in the scheduling process.
Time Zone Conversion: Automatically adjusts bookings to the client’s local time, preventing confusion when working internationally.
Mobile App: Manage your bookings on the go with a well-designed mobile app that mirrors the desktop version.
Zoho Bookings starts with a free plan for a single user. Paid plans begin at $6 per user per month, which includes more advanced features and multi-user access.
Zoho Bookings is a solid option, especially if you're already using other Zoho tools. It shines when it comes to customization and automation, which makes managing appointments easier. However, it can feel a bit overwhelming at first, especially if you’re not familiar with Zoho's interface. In my experience, once you get past that initial hurdle, it works well.
That said, it’s not perfect. Integration options outside of Zoho are limited, and the booking page design features could use more flexibility. For teams, though, it’s a great alternative to BigTime, especially with the added convenience of syncing multiple team members’ schedules.
So, if you’re already in the Zoho world, it’s worth a try. Just be prepared to invest some time learning the ropes.
Overall Score: 7.9/10
SimplyBook.me is a strong alternative to BigTime for anyone needing a simple and customizable scheduling tool. It’s got a lot of features that make managing appointments easy. When I tried it, I found the flexibility a nice change from BigTime. But, like any tool, it’s not perfect. So, is it the right fit for you? Let’s break it down.
Online booking system: Lets clients book appointments easily through a personalized booking page. You can embed this into your website for better integration.
Customizable booking page: You can brand your page with logos, colors, and services. Helps make it feel more like your own business than just a tool.
Appointment reminders: Automatically sends reminders to clients via email or SMS. Reduces no-shows and saves time on follow-ups.
Payment processing: Accepts payments directly through the platform. Supports multiple methods, making transactions easier.
Integrations: Works with popular tools like Google Calendar, Facebook, and Zoom, making it easier to streamline your workflow.
Mobile app for clients: Lets clients book directly from their phones. Handy for people on the go.
Staff management: Allows you to assign appointments to specific team members, making it easier to manage staff availability.
SimplyBook.me stands out as a solid alternative to BigTime for those who prioritize ease of use and customization.
In my experience, the personalized booking page and reminder system made it much easier to manage appointments, especially compared to BigTime’s rigid structure.
The integration options also make it great for teams that rely on multiple tools. However, it’s not without its flaws.
The mobile app can feel clunky, and the free plan is a bit limited. But for a small business or freelancer, it’s a solid choice. If you want more customization and a simpler user interface, this tool could be worth trying.
Note: If reporting is a key part of your workflow, SimplyBook.me might not offer enough detail compared to BigTime.
Overall Score: 7.1/10
Picktime is a solid alternative to BigTime if you're looking for something simpler. It focuses on getting the job done without too many bells and whistles. When I first tried it, I wasn’t expecting much, but it’s got some good points. Does it have flaws? Sure. But if you need basic scheduling, it’s worth considering. Let’s dig into the details.
Calendar Sync: Syncs with Google, Outlook, and iCal. Keeps all your appointments in one place without you having to constantly update different calendars.
Appointment Reminders: Automatically sends out reminders via email or SMS. Saves you time on follow-ups and reduces no-shows.
Multi-location Booking: Manage multiple locations with ease. Great if you’re juggling clients across different spots.
Customizable Booking Pages: Create a booking page that suits your brand. Change colors, add logos, and more to make it yours.
Team Scheduling: Manage your team’s schedules, allowing everyone to coordinate without constant back-and-forth emails.
Reports and Analytics: Track appointments, client trends, and cancellations to get a better understanding of how your business operates.
Picktime offers a free plan with basic features, and their premium plan starts at $9.99 per user per month. The premium unlocks additional features like advanced reporting and integrations.
In my experience, Picktime is a great option if you're looking for something that’s easy to use without the need for complicated features. It won’t overwhelm you with a cluttered interface or endless settings. But if you’re expecting in-depth analytics or want a mobile app, you might find it lacking.
The biggest plus? It’s free for most users. If you’re a small business or freelancer, it might just fit the bill. Sure, it doesn’t offer the advanced functionality that BigTime does, but that’s not necessarily a bad thing. Sometimes, simple is all you need.
Note: If you’re managing multiple locations or teams, Picktime handles that well, which is something BigTime users might appreciate. However, if you're looking for deep insights and reports, it’s a bit light compared to BigTime ( including other BigTime competitors).
Overall Score: 6.7/10
Oncehub is a solid alternative to BigTime if you're tired of complexity. It's designed for businesses that want more control over scheduling without feeling overwhelmed by the details. When I tried it, I appreciated the flexibility, but it’s not without its quirks. Have you ever wanted something to just work, without endless setup? Oncehub comes pretty close, but let’s dive into what you’re really getting.
Multi-channel scheduling: Oncehub allows bookings across email, website, and even chatbots, making it super flexible. You don’t have to rely on one method.
Customizable workflows: Set up specific booking flows for different teams, which is great if you juggle multiple roles or departments.
Automated reminders: Avoid no-shows with automatic emails and texts reminding clients of their appointments.
Team scheduling: This feature lets you distribute bookings across your team, like a round-robin system, keeping things fair.
Advanced availability control: Set strict rules on when you’re available, right down to blocking off personal time or specific hours.
Integrations: Works seamlessly with tools like Zoom, Google Calendar, and more.
Meeting buffers: Add breaks between meetings automatically to avoid back-to-back burnout.
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.
In my experience, Oncehub is a reliable choice, especially if you're managing a team and need flexibility across different channels.
The round-robin feature works great if you have multiple staff members handling bookings. However, it does have a few downsides. The interface feels a bit old-school, and I found customizing the booking page to match my brand a bit limiting.
If price is a concern, you might want to check out cheaper Bigtime alternatives. But if flexibility and integrations are your priority, Oncehub does a decent job.
It’s not flashy, but it works. Think of it like a dependable car—it’ll get you where you need to go, even if it’s not the most stylish ride on the road.
Overall Score: 7.9/10
Chili Piper is another great alternative to BigTime, especially if you're tired of wasting time scheduling meetings manually.
It's designed with a clear focus on streamlining the booking process and improving sales productivity. When I used it, I found it easy to manage customer meetings without the back-and-forth.
But is it perfect? Not really. Let’s dive into its features, pros, and cons.
Automated Scheduling: Chili Piper automatically books meetings based on availability, eliminating the constant email ping-pong.
Round Robin Routing: Distributes meetings evenly among team members. It’s a lifesaver if you're dealing with a busy sales team.
One-Click Booking Links: Quickly send a link for someone to book a time that works for them, making the process much smoother.
CRM Integration: Seamlessly integrates with Salesforce and HubSpot. This cuts down on manual data entry and keeps everything synced.
Mobile App: Schedule and manage appointments on the go with their easy-to-use mobile app, which is perfect for busy professionals.
Customizable Workflows: You can design your own workflows to match your team's process, helping you stay organized.
Timezone Detection: Automatically detects the timezone of the person booking, so there’s no confusion about meeting times.
Chili Piper’s pricing starts at $15 per user/month for basic scheduling. Advanced features, like lead routing and automation, are available in higher-tier plans, which can get expensive for smaller teams.
In my experience, Chili Piper works best for sales-focused teams that need robust scheduling automation. Its round-robin feature is a game changer if you manage a large team. However, if you're a freelancer or small business, it might feel too expensive and overcomplicated, and you may want to explore other BigTime competitors covered in this article.
The CRM integration is smooth, and if you're already using tools like Salesforce or HubSpot, Chili Piper can become your go-to scheduling software. However, it does have a learning curve, especially if you're not tech-savvy.
Overall, Chili Piper is a solid alternative to BigTime, especially if you're scaling your sales team and need an automated solution. Just be sure it fits within your budget, and don’t expect perfection out of the box.
Overall Score: 6.7/10
Zcal is one of those tools that looks simple but gets the job done. If you’re searching for an alternative to BigTime, this might catch your attention. It focuses on creating an effortless, user-friendly experience. When I used it, the no-frills design really stood out. It’s not bloated with unnecessary features, which made scheduling quick and easy for me.
One-click scheduling: Zcal allows users to schedule meetings in a single click. It removes the back-and-forth email exchanges.
Personalized booking pages: You can customize your booking page with personal branding elements, keeping things professional but still your style.
Group scheduling: Easily coordinate meetings with multiple participants without the confusion of endless emails.
Google Calendar sync: Zcal syncs seamlessly with Google Calendar, ensuring no double bookings or missed meetings.
Time zone detection: Automatically detects the time zone for you and your participants, so no one’s confused about meeting times.
Reminder notifications: Sends automated reminders to ensure everyone shows up on time.
Zcal offers a free plan with basic features. Paid plans start at $6/month, which unlocks more customization options and additional integrations.
If you want something clean and easy, Zcal might be your best bet. It’s not loaded with every possible feature under the sun, but that’s what makes it great for certain users. In my experience, it’s perfect for those who don’t need complex scheduling setups. The one-click scheduling is a major time-saver, and the integration with Google Calendar is seamless.
However, it’s not the right fit if you need a lot of flexibility or deeper integrations. The lack of support for recurring meetings and limited customization might be deal breakers for some.
But if you’re just trying to keep things simple and get on with your day, Zcal delivers. Compared to BigTime, it's a lighter, faster, and more straightforward tool.
Overall Score: 6.3/10
Scheduling Page: Does the scheduling page allow you to add personal details, images, documents, or videos to enhance your professional profile and provide clients with more information?
Customization: Can you customize the booking page to match your brand and offer a seamless customer experience?
Teams: If you have a team, does the software allow for easy collaboration and management of multiple schedules?
Support: How responsive and helpful is the customer support team? Are they available to assist you with any issues or questions?
Ease of Use: Is the software intuitive and easy to navigate, even for those who are not tech-savvy?
3rd Party Integrations: Can the software integrate with other tools you use, such as payment processors, marketing platforms, or CRM systems?
User Interface: Is the user interface visually appealing and easy on the eyes? Does it provide a clear and organized layout?
Calendar Sync: Does the software seamlessly sync with your personal or team calendar to avoid scheduling conflicts?
Free Plan: Does the software offer a free plan or a free trial period to help you evaluate its features before committing?
For me, Lunacal is miles ahead of the competition. It’s ideal for those who want to personalize their scheduling pages and build real connections with clients. For larger companies with 500+ users, you might want to demo tools like Zcal or Oncehub. They offer deep integrations but can be difficult to use, a bit clunky, and sometimes overpriced.
Lunacal, on the other hand, is the fastest-growing platform out there, bringing users over from traditional tools. With its user-friendly design, free forever plan, and guided onboarding, it makes scheduling both easy and impactful for your brand.
What is the best alternative to BigTime for freelancers?
Several tools, like Zcal and Lunacal, offer simple, affordable options for freelancers. They provide key scheduling features without overwhelming you with complex functionalities, making them ideal for smaller setups.
Which scheduling software offers better customization than BigTime?
If customization is a priority, tools like Lunacal allow you to personalize your scheduling page with client testimonials, images, and bios, helping you build trust and make a lasting impression.
Are there any alternatives to BigTime that support large teams?
Yes, Oncehub and Setmore are great options for large teams, offering strong integrations and advanced features. However, they can sometimes be clunky and harder to navigate, so demos are recommended.
Which alternatives to BigTime have better customer support?
While many platforms offer decent support, some, like Zcal, may not have the fastest response times. Lunacal, on the other hand, is known for its quick, helpful support, ensuring a smoother experience.
Is there a free alternative to BigTime for small businesses?
Yes, Lunacal, Zcal, Apppointlet and more offer free plans with basic features that can work well for small businesses. However, they may lack the deeper customization options needed for growth.