lunacal

10 Best BookingKoala alternatives and competitors (Updated: Nov 2024)

logo

14 October 2024

clockImg

20 min read

Table of Contents

Introduction

BookingKoala failed me at the worst possible moment.

I couldn't believe it when my appointments got mixed up and customers started complaining.

I had high hopes for BookingKoala, but the user experience left me frustrated and stressed.

Have you ever felt let down by a tool you were excited to use?

After a thorough search, I found that an alternative to BookingKoala better suited my needs.

10 BookingKoala alternatives part of this study

logo

Lunacal

logo

Zoho Bookings

logo

Appointlet

logo

10to8

logo

Appointy

logo

Koalandar

logo

Oncehub

logo

Picktime

logo

Savvycal

logo

Simplybookme

Top Scheduling software comparison guide

Detailed ComprisonLunacalZoho BookingsAppointlet10to8AppointyKoalandarOncehubPicktimeSavvycalSimplybookme
Scheduling Page
starRatingstarRatingstarRating
starRatingstarRatingstarRating
starRatingstarRatingstarRating
starRatingstarRatingstarRating
starRatingstarRatingstarRating
starRatingstarRatingstarRating
starRatingstarRatingstarRating
starRatingstarRatingstarRating
starRatingstarRatingstarRating
starRatingstarRatingstarRating
Customization
starRatingstarRatingstarRating
starRatingstarRatingstarRating
starRatingstarRatingstarRating
starRatingstarRatingstarRating
starRatingstarRatingstarRating
starRatingstarRatingstarRating
starRatingstarRatingstarRating
starRatingstarRatingstarRating
starRatingstarRatingstarRating
starRatingstarRatingstarRating
Teams
starRatingstarRatingstarRating
starRatingstarRatingstarRating
starRatingstarRatingstarRating
starRatingstarRatingstarRating
starRatingstarRatingstarRating
starRatingstarRatingstarRating
starRatingstarRatingstarRating
starRatingstarRatingstarRating
starRatingstarRatingstarRating
starRatingstarRatingstarRating
Support
starRatingstarRatingstarRating
starRatingstarRatingstarRating
starRatingstarRatingstarRating
starRatingstarRatingstarRating
starRatingstarRatingstarRating
starRatingstarRatingstarRating
starRatingstarRatingstarRating
starRatingstarRatingstarRating
starRatingstarRatingstarRating
starRatingstarRatingstarRating
Ease of use
starRatingstarRatingstarRating
starRatingstarRatingstarRating
starRatingstarRatingstarRating
starRatingstarRatingstarRating
starRatingstarRatingstarRating
starRatingstarRatingstarRating
starRatingstarRatingstarRating
starRatingstarRatingstarRating
starRatingstarRatingstarRating
starRatingstarRatingstarRating
3rd party integrations
starRatingstarRatingstarRating
starRatingstarRatingstarRating
starRatingstarRatingstarRating
starRatingstarRatingstarRating
starRatingstarRatingstarRating
starRatingstarRatingstarRating
starRatingstarRatingstarRating
starRatingstarRatingstarRating
starRatingstarRatingstarRating
starRatingstarRatingstarRating
User interface
starRatingstarRatingstarRating
starRatingstarRatingstarRating
starRatingstarRatingstarRating
starRatingstarRatingstarRating
starRatingstarRatingstarRating
starRatingstarRatingstarRating
starRatingstarRatingstarRating
starRatingstarRatingstarRating
starRatingstarRatingstarRating
starRatingstarRatingstarRating
Calendar sync
starRatingstarRatingstarRating
starRatingstarRatingstarRating
starRatingstarRatingstarRating
starRatingstarRatingstarRating
starRatingstarRatingstarRating
starRatingstarRatingstarRating
starRatingstarRatingstarRating
starRatingstarRatingstarRating
starRatingstarRatingstarRating
starRatingstarRatingstarRating
Free plan
yes
yes
yes
no
yes
yes
yes
yes
yes
no

Lunacal

Scheduling nightmares? Lunacal might be your answer. Transform your basic calendar into a dynamic, branded experience. With Lunacal, every booking feels personal.

When I used it, it felt more like an extension of my brand rather than just a an ordinary calendar. Perfect for freelancers and small businesses, it could change how you handle bookings.

img

Features of Lunacal

  • Customizable Scheduling Pages: Create a fully branded scheduling experience. Add bios, images, videos, and client testimonials. It's not just for bookings; it's about building a connection. Clients get a sense of who you are before meeting you, which builds trust.

  • Client Testimonials Integration: Display testimonials directly on your scheduling page. It boosts credibility instantly. In my experience, this feature helped build trust even before the meeting started.

  • Branding Options: Personalize your scheduling page to match your brand identity. From colors to logos, create a cohesive look.

  • Free Forever Plan: Access basic features without expiration. Ideal for testing Lunacal’s capabilities without cost.

  • Calendar Sync: Sync effortlessly with Google, Outlook, and Apple calendars. Keeps all your bookings in one place.

  • Automated Reminders: Set up personalized email and SMS reminders. Reduce no-shows and keep clients engaged.

  • Buffer Times: Manage time effectively with buffer times before and after appointments. Gives you breathing room between meetings.

  • Team Collaboration Tools: Schedule for teams with features like round-robin and lead routing. Evenly distribute bookings for team efficiency.

  • Instant Booking Links: Share booking links quickly. Simplifies the client’s booking process.

  • Multiple Timezone Support: Adjust times automatically for clients worldwide. Makes international scheduling hassle-free.

  • Guided Onboarding: Step-by-step assistance for smooth account setup. Especially useful for non-tech users.

  • Multi-Event Booking: Clients can book multiple services or appointments in one go. Enhances their experience significantly.

  • Custom Availability: Tailor your availability windows. Show clients only the times you want to offer.

  • Integrations with Popular Tools: Connect with platforms like Zoom, Microsoft Teams, and payment gateways. Ensures a seamless workflow.

  • Analytics Dashboard: Track bookings, analyze client behavior, and optimize your page for better performance.

Pricing Details

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.

Lets compare the Pros and Cons..

Pros of Lunacal
  • Deep personalization options for fully customized scheduling pages
  • Accessible free plan with essential features
  • Seamless calendar integration with major platforms like Google and Outlook
  • Automated email reminders to reduce no-shows
  • Effective team management features like lead routing and round-robin scheduling
  • Multi-time zone support
Cons of Lunacal
  • No native integrations with complex CRM tools like Salesforce
  • Might lack complexity for large enterprises

Lunacal: Our Verdict

Lunacal offers a unique, personalized scheduling experience. It stands out as an alternative to SavvyCal, especially for freelancers and small businesses wanting to make their booking page more engaging and reflective of their brand. In my experience, it was simple to set up and transformed my scheduling page into a meaningful interaction point.


For larger businesses, the paid plans or additional integrations might be necessary. What are you struggling with in terms of scheduling? Give Lunacal a try and see if it meets your needs

Overall Score: 9.2/10

Zoho Bookings

Zoho Bookings emerged as a surprising alternative to BookingKoala, offering robust scheduling features with a more intuitive interface. I tried it out to see if it could meet my needs where BookingKoala didn't. Honestly, it’s tailored well for small businesses and individual professionals who value simplicity and efficiency. But is it flawless? Let's dive into its features.

Features of Zoho Bookings

  • Custom Booking Pages: Zoho Bookings allows for customizable booking pages. You can add your logo, choose colors that match your brand, and create a unique URL. It felt empowering to see my brand come to life on their platform.

  • Automated Reminders: Set up automatic email, SMS, or even voice reminders for appointments. This feature can significantly reduce no-shows. In my experience, clients appreciated the reminders, and I had fewer missed meetings.

  • Integrated Payments: You can link your payment gateways like PayPal or Stripe directly into your booking page. This allows clients to pay upfront, which can streamline the whole process.

  • Team Scheduling: Zoho Bookings makes it easy to manage team schedules. You can set up multi-staff appointments, which is perfect if you run a business with multiple service providers. It kept everyone on the same page effortlessly.

  • Calendar Sync: You can sync Zoho Bookings with Google, Outlook, and Zoho Calendar. I found this incredibly helpful for keeping all schedules in one place and avoiding conflicts.

  • Custom Forms: Create custom intake forms for clients to fill out before their appointment. This made onboarding new clients smooth for me. It captured necessary details ahead of time, making the meetings more productive.

  • Reporting and Analytics: The software offers detailed reports and analytics. You can track appointment stats, see which services are most popular, and manage customer data efficiently.

Pricing Details

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.

Lets compare the Pros and Cons..

Pros of Zoho Bookings
  • Customizable booking pages build your brand identity easily.
  • Automated reminders reduce no-shows and keep clients informed.
  • Integrated payment options make transactions seamless.
  • Team scheduling keeps everyone on the same page.
  • Calendar sync avoids scheduling conflicts.
Cons of Zoho Bookings
  • Complex setup for new users may require a bit of learning.
  • Lacks native integrations with some major CRM tools.
  • Limited customization options for email templates.
  • Reporting tools may not be extensive enough for larger enterprise

Zoho Bookings: Our Verdict

Zoho Bookings presents itself as a strong alternative to BookingKoala with its mix of customizable features and intuitive design. When I used it, the ease of setting up personalized booking pages and automated reminders stood out. The integrated payments and team scheduling features can save time and reduce manual work.


Note: If you're part of a large enterprise, you might find the reporting tools somewhat limiting. For solo entrepreneurs or small businesses, however, Zoho Bookings offers a more manageable, intuitive experience compared to BookingKoala. Have you tried it yet? It might just be the tool you’re looking for.



Overall Score: 7.9/10

Appointlet

Appointlet has been a surprising find as an alternative to BookingKoala. It offers straightforward scheduling options that work seamlessly for teams and solo entrepreneurs alike. My experience with Appointlet left me appreciating its simplicity and efficiency.

It’s not flashy, but it gets the job done without the frustration that sometimes came with BookingKoala.

Features of Appointlet

  • Easy Booking Pages:

  • Appointlet provides customizable booking pages where you can add your branding elements. This lets you create a professional appearance without much effort, making the booking process smooth for your clients.

  • Automated Reminders:

  • You can set up automated email reminders to ensure that your clients don't miss their appointments. In my experience, having these reminders significantly reduced no-shows, saving me both time and money.

  • Time Zone Detection:

  • This feature automatically detects and adjusts to the client's time zone. It eliminates confusion and ensures everyone is on the same page, no matter where they are located.

  • Calendar Integrations:

  • Appointlet seamlessly integrates with Google Calendar, Office 365, and Outlook. This made managing my schedule much easier and ensured that I never double-booked an appointment.

  • Team Scheduling:

  • You can assign appointments to different team members, making it ideal for businesses that have multiple service providers. It kept everything organized, and I didn't have to manually distribute bookings.

  • Custom Fields:

  • Create custom intake forms to gather specific information from your clients before meetings. This helped tailor the appointments to meet client needs better and made the sessions more productive.

  • Zapier Integration:

  • Appointlet connects with Zapier, allowing you to automate workflows with hundreds of other apps like Slack, Mailchimp, and Trello. This opens up endless possibilities for streamlining your operations.

Pricing Details

Appointlet has a free plan with basic features. Paid plans start at $8/month per user, offering more customization and integration options.

Lets compare the Pros and Cons..

Pros of Appointlet
  • 1. Customizable booking pages.
  • 2. Reliable calendar sync.
  • 3. Automated notifications reduce no-shows.
  • 4. Group scheduling capabilities.
  • 5. Integrated payment options.
Cons of Appointlet
  • 1. Initial setup can be time-consuming.
  • 2. Limited customization for advanced users.
  • 3. The free plan has restricted features.
  • 4. Integration options beyond the basics are limited.

Appointlet: Our Verdict

Appointlet stands out as a user-friendly alternative to Planday. Its customizable booking pages, effortless calendar sync, and automated notifications made my scheduling process more straightforward. The group scheduling and payment integrations were particularly helpful.


However, setting up took a bit of time, and some customization options felt limited. Overall, Appointlet is great for individuals or small teams looking to streamline their scheduling and payment processes in one place. If you need more advanced features, you might need to consider other options.


Overall Score: 7.1/10

10to8

10to8 has positioned itself as a strong alternative to BookingKoala, offering robust features and an easy-to-navigate interface. After using it, I found its focus on reducing no-shows and enhancing communication particularly useful. Small businesses and individual professionals might find it especially beneficial, thanks to its intuitive setup and practical features.

Features of 10to8

  • Customizable Booking Pages:

  • 10to8 allows you to create customizable booking pages with your logo, brand colors, and unique URL. This gives your services a professional touch and helps in creating a seamless booking experience.

  • Automated Reminders:

  • You can set up automated email and SMS reminders for appointments. In my experience, these reminders significantly reduced no-shows and kept clients informed without my needing to manually follow up.

  • Two-Way Chat:

  • This feature lets you communicate directly with your clients through SMS, keeping both parties on the same page. It makes coordinating details and handling last-minute changes far simpler.

  • Calendar Integrations:

  • 10to8 integrates smoothly with Google Calendar, Office 365, and Outlook. This centralizes your schedule and prevents any double-booking issues, making life a lot easier.

  • Team Scheduling:

  • With 10to8, you can manage multiple staff calendars, making it ideal for businesses with several service providers. It effortlessly keeps track of everyone’s availability.

  • Reporting and Analytics:

  • You get access to detailed reports and analytics that help track your appointments, monitor no-shows, and analyze customer data. This feature provided me insights that helped improve my service delivery.

  • Online Payments:

  • You can accept payments or deposits directly through the booking page. This not only secures your appointments but also reduces the risk of no-shows.

Pricing Details

10to8 scheduling software offers flexible pricing plans, including a free version for small teams, with paid options starting at $9.60 per month for more advanced features and customization.

Lets compare the Pros and Cons..

Pros of 10to8
  • 1. **Customizable booking pages** make your services look professional.
  • 2. **Automated reminders** help reduce no-shows significantly.
  • 3. **Two-way chat** facilitates clear communication with clients.
  • 4. **Smooth calendar integrations** keep everything centralized.
  • 5. **Detailed reporting** provides valuable business insights.
Cons of 10to8
  • 1. **Initial setup can be complex**, requiring some time to get used to.
  • 2. **Limited third-party integrations** compared to other tools.
  • 3. **SMS reminders may incur additional costs**, depending on your plan.
  • 4. **Basic free plan** may not suffice for larger operations

10to8: Our Verdict

In my experience, 10to8 serves well as an alternative to BookingKoala, particularly for those needing reliable scheduling and communication tools.


The customizable booking pages and automated reminders stood out as major advantages, helping to create a professional image and reduce no-shows.


Features like two-way chat and detailed reporting provided useful functionality, enhancing the overall effectiveness of managing appointments.


The pricing is reasonable, especially for small businesses and freelancers, although larger operations might find the need to invest in higher-tier plans for more features. Overall, 10to8 offers a practical, user-friendly scheduling solution that could be the right fit for your business. Have you given it a try yet? It might just be what you need to streamline your operations.


Overall Score: 7.1/10

Appointy

Appointy entered my radar as a solid alternative to BookingKoala, offering a range of features tailored for ease of use and efficiency. I gave it a shot, hoping it would address the shortcomings I’d experienced with other tools. Surprisingly, it delivered quite well, making life simpler without overwhelming me with complexity.

Features of Appointy

  • Customizable Booking Pages: Appointy allows you to create booking pages that reflect your brand. You can add logos, custom colors, and a unique URL. This helps in presenting a professional and cohesive look to clients.

  • Automated Reminders: Set up automatic email and SMS reminders for appointments. In my experience, these reminders are incredibly helpful in reducing no-shows and keeping clients informed.

  • Integrated Payments: You can accept payments directly through the booking page using PayPal, Stripe, or Square. This streamlines the payment process, reducing the risk of no-shows and making operations smoother.

  • Social Media Integration: Appointy lets you accept bookings through your social media profiles like Facebook and Instagram. It’s a convenient way to reach clients where they already spend their time.

  • Calendar Sync: The software integrates with Google Calendar, Outlook, and other calendar platforms. This ensures all your appointments are in one place, reducing the risk of double bookings.

  • Team Scheduling: You can manage multiple staff calendars, making it a great option for businesses with several service providers. Everyone stays on the same page without extra effort.

  • Reports and Analytics: Appointy offers robust reporting and analytics tools. You can track your appointments, gather customer data, and identify trends to improve your services.

Pricing Details

Appointy offers a free plan with basic features, but paid plans start at $19.99/month for more advanced options, including payments, reminders, and calendar sync.

Lets compare the Pros and Cons..

Pros of Appointy
  • Customizable booking pages enhance brand professionalism.
  • Automated reminders reduce no-shows significantly.
  • Integrated payment options streamline transactions.
  • Social media integration expands reach and convenience.
  • Team scheduling keeps everyone organized and in sync.
Cons of Appointy
  • Initial setup can be a bit tricky, requiring some time to adjust.
  • Limited advanced features for heavily data-driven decisions.
  • Extra costs for SMS reminders could add up.
  • Basic free plan might not cater to all needs, especially for larger businesses.

Appointy: Our Verdict

Appointy stands out as a strong alternative to BookingKoala, especially for small businesses and individual professionals. In my experience, the customizable booking pages and automated reminders were standout features, helping reduce no-shows and creating a professional look.


The integrated payments and social media booking functionalities add layers of convenience. The team scheduling feature keeps everyone on track, making it ideal for businesses with multiple service providers.


However, the initial setup can be somewhat challenging, and any advanced analytics needs might require a higher-tier plan. Overall, Appointy offers practical and user-friendly scheduling software. Have you thought about giving it a try? It might just pleasantly surprise you as it did me.

Overall Score: 7.5/10

Koalandar

Koalendar caught my eye as a user-friendly alternative to BookingKoala, offering straightforward scheduling solutions. I needed something simple yet effective, and Koalendar seemed promising. I explored its features, hoping it would fit my needs without the hassle I experienced with BookingKoala. Was it worth it? Here's what I found.

Features of Koalandar

  • asy Customizable Booking Pages: Koalendar allows you to create booking pages that reflect your brand. You can add your logo, choose colors, and set a unique URL to make your booking page professional and cohesive.

  • Automated Reminders: Set up automated email reminders to ensure clients remember their appointments. In my experience, this feature significantly reduced no-shows, saving me time and keeping my schedule intact.

  • Google Calendar Integration: Koalendar seamlessly integrates with Google Calendar. This keeps all your appointments in one place, ensuring you never double-book or miss an appointment.

  • Simple Team Scheduling: You can assign appointments to different team members. This feature helped me manage my team’s availability without overlapping schedules.

  • Custom Availability: Koalendar lets you define specific availability windows. This allows you to control exactly when clients can book appointments, ensuring your personal time is protected.

  • Client Management: Manage client details easily with Koalendar. Track appointment history and client preferences to offer a more personalized service. This was particularly useful in retaining clients.

  • Mobile-Friendly Interface: Koalendar's mobile-friendly interface means clients can book appointments on the go. In my experience, this convenience encouraged more bookings.

Pricing Details

Koalendar offers a free plan that includes unlimited appointments and basic features. Paid plans start at $9/month, adding more customization options, automated reminders, and priority support.

Lets compare the Pros and Cons..

Pros of Koalandar
  • User-friendly interface makes setup quick and easy.
  • Automated reminders reduce no-shows and save time.
  • Seamless Google Calendar integration avoids scheduling conflicts.
  • Custom availability lets you manage your time effectively.
  • Mobile-friendly interface encourages more bookings.
Cons of Koalandar
  • Limited integrations with tools other than Google Calendar.
  • Basic reporting tools may not meet advanced analytics needs.
  • No advanced features for large enterprises.
  • Email reminders only—no SMS reminders currently available.

Koalandar: Our Verdict

Koalendar turned out to be a robust and simple alternative to BookingKoala for those who need straightforward, efficient scheduling. When I used it, I found the customizable booking pages and automated reminders particularly helpful.


For small businesses and individuals, though, Koalendar offers an uncomplicated, user-friendly scheduling solution. Thinking of making your scheduling life simpler? Give Koalendar a try—it may surprise you.

Overall Score: 5.8/10

Oncehub

Oncehub emerged as a promising alternative to BookingKoala, offering a suite of scheduling tools that seemed perfect for streamlining my appointments.

I was curious to see if it could resolve some of the issues I had with other platforms. After exploring its features, I found that Oncehub balanced simplicity with functionality, making it a viable option for many.

Features of Oncehub

  • Customizable Booking Pages: Oncehub allows you to design booking pages that reflect your brand. You can add logos, custom colors, and set unique URLs. This professional look made my services stand out.

  • Automated Scheduling: Oncehub features automated scheduling, allowing you to set rules and preferences easily. In my experience, this automation saved a lot of time and minimized manual input.

  • Integration with Multiple Calendars: Oncehub syncs effortlessly with Google Calendar, Office 365, and Outlook. This integration ensured all my appointments were in one place, reducing the risk of double-booking.

  • Group Scheduling: This feature lets multiple people book into the same time slot, which is great for group sessions or classes. It simplified managing multiple attendees without hassle.

  • Custom Forms: You can create custom intake forms for clients to fill out before appointments. This streamlined the process of gathering necessary information and made the sessions more productive.

  • Buffer Times: Buffer times can be set between appointments to ensure you have adequate time for breaks or overrun sessions. This feature helped me manage my time effectively.

  • Advanced Reporting: Oncehub provides detailed reports and analytics, allowing you to track appointment data, monitor no-shows, and make informed decisions to improve services.

Pricing Details

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.

Lets compare the Pros and Cons..

Pros of Oncehub
  • Customizable booking pages enhance your brand’s professionalism.
  • Automated scheduling saves time and reduces manual effort.
  • Multiple calendar integrations keeps appointments organized.
  • Group scheduling is useful for managing multiple attendees.
  • Detailed reporting aids in making informed decisions.
Cons of Oncehub
  • Initial setup can be time-consuming, needing some learning.
  • Limited integrations with CRM tools might be a downside for advanced user.
  • Higher price point than some competitors may deter budget-conscious users.
  • Support can be slow at times, based on my experience.

Oncehub: Our Verdict

Oncehub stands out as a compelling alternative to BookingKoala, offering a rich array of features that cater to both individuals and small businesses. Customizable booking pages and automated scheduling saved me a lot of time, while integration with multiple calendars kept everything organized.


The group scheduling functionality was particularly handy for managing multiple attendees. However, the initial setup can be time-consuming, and the higher price point might be a barrier for some.


Overall, my experience with Oncehub was positive—especially for those seeking a balance between functionality and ease of use. Have you thought about trying it out? It could be the solution you're looking for.



Overall Score: 7.9/10

Picktime

Picktime emerged as a versatile alternative to BookingKoala, offering a user-friendly scheduling solution. I was eager to see how it could simplify my booking process. After testing it out, I found its clean interface and practical features appealing. It's especially handy for small businesses and freelancers looking for a straightforward scheduling tool.

Features of Picktime

  • Customizable Booking Pages: Picktime allows you to create booking pages that reflect your brand. You can add your logo, customize colors, and set unique URLs. This helps present a professional look to clients.

  • Automated Reminders: Set up email and SMS reminders to ensure clients don’t forget their appointments. In my experience, this feature significantly reduced no-shows and kept everyone informed.

  • Calendar Sync: Picktime integrates seamlessly with Google Calendar, Outlook, and iCal. This made managing my schedule much easier, as all appointments were centralized in one place.

  • Team Scheduling: You can manage appointments for different team members. This feature kept everyone’s schedule organized and ensured there were no overlaps.

  • Class and Group Booking: Picktime supports group and class bookings, which is great for fitness classes, workshops, or any group sessions. It simplified managing multiple attendees.

  • Online Payments: Accept payments through the booking page using popular gateways like PayPal. This streamlined the booking process and secured payments upfront.

  • Reports and Analytics: Get detailed reports and analytics on appointments, client data, and no-shows. This feature provided useful insights for improving my services.

Pricing Details

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.

Lets compare the Pros and Cons..

Pros of Picktime
  • Customizable booking pages enhance brand professionalism.
  • Automated reminders significantly reduce no-shows.
  • Seamless calendar sync keeps appointments organized.
  • Class and group booking simplifies managing multiple attendees.
  • Online payments streamline and secure the booking process.
Cons of Picktime
  • Initial setup can be a bit complex, requiring some learning.
  • Limited advanced features for large enterprises.
  • Extra costs for SMS reminders may add up.
  • Basic free plan might not cater to all needs, especially for larger businesses.

Picktime: Our Verdict

In my experience, Picktime serves well as an alternative to BookingKoala, particularly for small businesses and freelancers. Its customizable booking pages and automated reminders stood out, making the process more professional and reducing no-shows. Calendar sync and team scheduling kept everything organized, while class and group bookings were a huge plus for managing multiple attendees.


However, the initial setup can be a bit complex, and some advanced features might be lacking for larger enterprises. Overall, Picktime offers a straightforward, user-friendly scheduling tool that could simplify your operations. Have you considered giving it a try? It might just be the solution you're looking for.



Overall Score: 6.7/10

Savvycal

SavvyCal quickly caught my interest as a practical alternative to BookingKoala, offering a variety of scheduling solutions that promised to make booking appointments smoother. My experience using it was quite positive. I was impressed by its focus on simplicity and efficiency, making it a good fit for both freelancers and small businesses.

Features of Savvycal

  • Personalized Scheduling Links: SavvyCal allows you to send personalized scheduling links. Clients can choose convenient times from your availability without the back-and-forth. This feature simplifies the booking process significantly.

  • Calendar Overlay: Clients can overlay their calendar onto yours to easily find mutual availability. This makes scheduling a breeze for both parties involved.

  • Time Preferences: Set your preferred time slots to guide clients to book in the most convenient slots for you. In my experience, this helped optimize my daily schedule.

  • Team Scheduling: Manage appointments for multiple team members effortlessly. Assign appointments based on team availability, ensuring everyone stays organized and on the same page.

  • Integrations with Popular Tools: SavvyCal integrates with Google Calendar, Outlook, Zoom, and other popular tools. This keeps everything in sync and eliminates manual scheduling errors.

  • Customizable Availability: Define specific availability windows. This feature helped me protect my personal time and eliminate scheduling conflicts.

  • Automated Reminders: Set automated reminders to reduce no-shows. These reminders can be customized for email notifications, ensuring clients remember their appointments.

Pricing Details

SavvyCal offers a free plan with basic features. Paid plans start at $12/month, which includes advanced scheduling options, team features, and calendar integrations.

Lets compare the Pros and Cons..

Pros of Savvycal
  • Personalized scheduling links simplify the booking process.
  • Calendar overlay helps find mutual availability easily.
  • Preferred time slots optimize your daily schedule.
  • Team scheduling keeps everyone organized.
  • Integrations with popular tools eliminate manual errors.
Cons of Savvycal
  • Initial learning curve can be challenging for some.
  • Lacking some advanced features desired by larger enterprises.
  • Higher price point compared to some competitors.
  • Custom reminder configurations can be limited.

Savvycal: Our Verdict

SavvyCal serves as a strong alternative to BookingKoala, focusing on simplicity and efficiency. Personalized scheduling links and calendar overlays make booking seamless. In my experience, preferred time slots and team scheduling features were particularly useful in keeping daily operations smooth.


Integrations with popular tools further streamlined the process. However, the initial learning curve can be a challenge, and some advanced features may be missing for larger enterprises. Overall, with a fair pricing model, SavvyCal offers a practical scheduling solution for freelancers and small businesses alike.


Have you tried it yet? It might just hit the sweet spot for your scheduling needs.



Overall Score: 7.9/10

Simplybookme

SimplyBook.me offered me a refreshing alternative to BookingKoala, boasting a rich array of features designed for a seamless scheduling experience.

After diving into its functionalities, I found it particularly suitable for service-based businesses. Its simplicity paired with extensive options made scheduling less of a chore and more of an efficient process.

Features of Simplybookme

  • Customizable Booking Pages: SimplyBook.me provides fully customizable booking pages. You can add your logo, adjust colors, and set a unique URL to align perfectly with your brand, giving a professional appearance to your clients.

  • Automated Reminders: Send out automated email and SMS reminders to clients. In my experience, this significantly reduced no-shows, ensuring appointments stayed on schedule without the need for manual follow-ups.

  • Integrations with Payment Gateways: SimplyBook.me integrates with PayPal, Stripe, and other payment gateways. This allows clients to pay for services upfront, making transactions smooth and secure.

  • Social Media Booking: Allow clients to book appointments directly through your social media profiles like Facebook and Instagram. This made the booking process incredibly accessible and convenient for my clients.

  • Calendar Sync: Sync with Google Calendar, Outlook, and iCal. This unified all my appointments in one place, avoiding scheduling conflicts and keeping everything organized.

  • Group Booking: Perfect for classes or group sessions, this feature lets multiple clients book the same time slot. Managing clients for group events became straightforward and hassle-free.

  • Reports and Analytics: Access detailed reports and analytics on appointments and client data. These insights helped me understand trends and improve service offerings effectively.

Pricing Details

Lets compare the Pros and Cons..

Pros of Simplybookme
  • Customizable booking pages provide a professional appearance.
  • Automated reminders reduce no-shows efficiently.
  • Integration with payment gateways ensures secure transactions.
  • Social media booking makes the process easily accessible.
  • Group booking feature simplifies managing classes or group events.
Cons of Simplybookme
  • Initial setup can be complex, requiring time to get accustomed.
  • Limited advanced features for enterprises with extensive needs.
  • SMS reminders could incur additional costs, depending on usage.
  • Learning curve for some advanced features might be steep.

Simplybookme: Our Verdict

SimplyBook.me stands out as a solid alternative to BookingKoala, especially for service-based businesses. Customizable booking pages and automated reminders ensured a professional look and reduced no-shows. Payment gateway integrations and social media booking added layers of convenience.


The group booking feature was a bonus, simplifying the management of classes and group sessions. However, the initial setup and learning curve for some advanced features may require some patience.


Overall, SimplyBook.me provides a versatile scheduling solution that can elevate your booking experience. Have you thought about trying it out? It might just bring the simplicity and efficiency you need.

Overall Score: 7.1/10

Factors you shouldn't miss

  • Scheduling Page: An impressive scheduling page can make a significant impact. Look for options that allow you to add your profile, images, documents, and even videos to enhance client engagement.

  • Customization: Customization is key for aligning a scheduling tool with your brand. Check if the software allows adjustments in colors, logos, and URL to create a cohesive look.

  • Teams: If you manage a team, ensuring the tool supports multi-user scheduling is crucial. Look for features like team member assignments and round-robin scheduling for balanced workloads.

  • Support: Reliable customer support can save you loads of headaches. Look for software that offers responsive support channels, whether it’s live chat, email, or phone.

  • Ease of Use: A user-friendly interface reduces the learning curve and increases productivity. The software should be intuitive enough for quick adoption by all users.

  • 3rd Party Integrations: Third-party integrations can extend the functionality of your scheduling software. Verify if it connects seamlessly with other tools you use like CRMs, payment gateways, or communication platforms.

  • User Interface: A clean and straightforward user interface improves the overall user experience. The design should be visually appealing yet functional to ensure smooth navigation.

  • Calendar Sync: Make sure the software can sync with popular calendars like Google Calendar, Outlook, and Apple Calendar. This keeps all your appointments centralized and avoids double bookings.

  • Free Plan: A free plan lets you test the basic features without any cost. Check if the free offering meets your needs or if you’ll need to upgrade for essential features.

  • These factors can guide you towards selecting the right scheduling software as a valuable alternative to BookingKoala.

Conclusion: Which is the best BookingKoala alternative?

In my personal experience, Lunacal stands out as an excellent alternative. It allows users to personalize their scheduling pages with content like bios, client testimonials, and videos, helping build trust and enhance their brand. For large companies with 500+ users, consider taking demos of products like Zoho Bookings and SimplyBook.me.

While these can be difficult to use and clunky, or even unreasonably priced at times, their deep integrations make them suitable for complex needs. However, Lunacal's user-friendly design, quick support, free forever plan, and guided onboarding make it the fastest growing calendar scheduling platform, attracting users from traditional tools for a smooth, hassle-free setup.

FAQs

  • What are some strong alternatives to BookingKoala?

    There are several great options, including Zoho Bookings, Appointlet, SimplyBook.me, and SavvyCal. Each offers unique features tailored to different business needs.

  • Are there any free alternatives to BookingKoala?

    Yes, many alternatives like Koalendar and Picktime offer free plans with essential features. These can be ideal for small businesses or individuals to test the platform without financial commitment.

  • Which scheduling software is best for small businesses?

    SavvyCal and Appointlet are popular choices for small businesses due to their simplicity and efficient management features. They help streamline the booking process, reducing manual effort.

  • How important is customization in scheduling tools?

    Customization is crucial for brand alignment. Tools like Lunacal allow extensive customization with bios, client testimonials, and multimedia, helping to build trust and a strong brand presence.

  • Is it worth paying for a premium plan?

    For large enterprises or users with advanced needs, premium plans offer features like detailed analytics and deeper integrations. Scheduling tools like Oncehub offer additional functionalities that might be crucial for complex operations.