10 Best SaCal.com alternatives and competitors (Updated: Oct 2024)
Insights from My Personal Experience with 40+ Scheduling Tools and Interviews with Industry Experts
14 October 2024
16 min read
Introduction
Cal.com seemed like the perfect scheduling solution, until I tried other options. Now, I honestly can’t imagine going back.
After exploring alternatives, Cal.com felt clunky and just didn’t meet my needs anymore.
Have you ever realized a tool you rely on isn’t as good as you thought?
That’s exactly how I felt with Cal.com, and I knew it was time for a change.
10 Cal.com alternatives part of this study
Lunacal
Calendly
Google Calendar
Acuity Scheduling
Zoho Bookings
Booksy
SimplyBook.me
Bobclass
Picktime
Koalendar
Top Scheduling software comparison guide
| Detailed Comprison | Lunacal | Calendly | Google Calendar | Acuity Scheduling | Zoho Bookings | Booksy | SimplyBook.me | Bobclass | Picktime | Koalendar |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Scheduling Page |  |  | | | | | | | | |
| Customization | | | | | | | | | | |
| Teams | | | | | | | | | | |
| Support | | | | | | | | | | |
| Ease of use | | | | | | | | | | |
| 3rd party integrations | | | | | | | | | | |
| User interface | | | | | | | | | | |
| Calendar sync | | | | | | | | | | |
| Free plan | yes | yes | yes | no | yes | no | no | yes | yes | yes |
Lunacal
Lunacal takes calendar scheduling beyond the basics, turning a booking page into a personalized brand experience. When I used it, it felt less like managing appointments and more like creating a professional portfolio.
It’s ideal for freelancers and small businesses that want each interaction to feel personal and trustworthy.
Features of Lunacal
Customizable Scheduling Pages: Add bios, images, videos, and testimonials directly to your scheduling page. This helps build trust with clients before you even meet.
Client Testimonials Integration: Displaying client feedback on your page reassures prospects and boosts conversions by showing real success stories. In my experience, this made clients feel more comfortable booking.
Branding Options: Customize your scheduling page with logos, colors, and layouts to reflect your brand identity, making it more than just a booking tool.
Free Forever Plan: Lunacal offers a free plan with no expiration date, giving access to basic features for testing the platform’s capabilities.
Calendar Sync: Sync easily with Google, Outlook, and Apple calendars to keep all your bookings organized and in one place.
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
- Personalization options for branding your scheduling page
- Free plan with essential features for small users
- Seamless calendar sync with popular platforms
- Automated reminders to reduce no-shows
- Effective team management features like round-robin scheduling
Cons of Lunacal
- Lacks advanced CRM integrations like Salesforce
- May not offer enough depth for large enterprises
Lunacal: Our Verdict
Lunacal offers a highly personalized scheduling experience, making it a top choice for freelancers and small businesses looking to engage clients through their booking pages.
Setting it up was easy, and I loved how it turned my scheduling page into a more interactive and meaningful part of my brand.
For larger companies, you may need to explore paid plans or other integrations, but for those wanting a simple yet powerful tool, Lunacal is a strong choice.
Overall Score: 9.2/10
Calendly
Calendly is a popular alternative to Cal.com, offering a simple and efficient scheduling experience.
When I used it, I found it easy to set up and perfect for streamlining bookings without much hassle. If you’re looking for something straightforward that gets the job done, Calendly could be a good fit.
Features of Calendly
User-Friendly Interface: Calendly’s clean design makes it easy to navigate, even for first-time users. You can set up your availability in minutes.
Automated Reminders: Send automatic email or SMS reminders to clients, reducing no-shows and keeping everything organized.
Team Scheduling: Calendly supports round-robin scheduling, making it ideal for team-based bookings and distributing appointments evenly.
Calendar Sync: Syncs seamlessly with Google, Outlook, and Apple calendars, ensuring all your appointments are in one place.
Customizable Links: You can create custom booking links for different types of meetings, giving your scheduling a personalized touch.
Pricing Details
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.
Lets compare the Pros and Cons..
Pros of Calendly
- Very easy to set up and use
- Works well for both individuals and teams
- Seamless calendar sync
- Automated reminders help reduce missed appointments
- Offers free and paid plans, depending on your needs
Cons of Calendly
- Limited customization for branding on the free plan
- Lacks some advanced workflow automation features
- Can feel pricey for smaller teams on paid plans
- Customization options for scheduling pages could be more robust.
Calendly: Our Verdict
In my experience, Calendly is a solid alternative to Cal.com if you’re looking for a simple, no-fuss scheduling tool. The automated reminders and easy calendar sync made my life a lot easier, especially when managing multiple appointments. It’s great for individuals and teams alike, but if you’re looking for deeper customization or workflow automation, you might find the free plan a bit limiting.
Overall, if you want a reliable, user-friendly tool, Calendly is a strong contender.
Overall Score: 7.1/10
Google Calendar
Google Calendar is a simple, no-frills alternative to Cal.com. It’s great for those who need basic scheduling without the extra features. When I used it, I found it reliable, but lacking the deeper customization options I needed.
If you’re looking for something straightforward, it might be a good fit, but it’s not ideal for businesses needing more advanced scheduling tools.
Features of Google Calendar
Basic Scheduling: Google Calendar lets you schedule events and share them with others easily. It’s simple, and the invite system is quick.
Calendar Sync: Automatically syncs with all your Google apps, so you don’t have to worry about missed appointments.
Multiple Calendar Support: Manage different calendars for work, personal, and projects in one place, which keeps everything organized.
Reminders and Notifications: Set up reminders for yourself and others to ensure nothing gets missed. This feature is handy, especially for personal use.
Integration with Google Meet: Schedule meetings and add a Google Meet link directly, making it seamless for video conferencing.
Pricing Details
Google Calendar is free for individual users. For businesses, it’s included in Google Workspace, starting at $6 per user per month.
Lets compare the Pros and Cons..
Pros of Google Calendar
- Free to use with a Google account
- Automatically syncs with Google apps
- Easy to set up and invite people
- Integration with Google Meet
- Simple interface with multiple calendar management
Cons of Google Calendar
- Lacks customization options for branding
- Limited advanced scheduling features like round-robin or team collaboration
- No built-in payment collection
- Not suitable for businesses needing complex scheduling
- Limited customer support compared to paid tools
Google Calendar: Our Verdict
In my experience, Google Calendar works well as a free and basic alternative to Cal.com.
It’s intuitive, integrates with other Google apps, and handles day-to-day scheduling without a hitch. But if you’re a business or need more robust features, like branding customization, team collaboration, or payment collection, it might not be enough.
For personal use or those wanting a simple tool to keep appointments organized, Google Calendar gets the job done. However, if you’re seeking something more professional, exploring other options would be worthwhile.
Overall Score: 5.8/10
Acuity Scheduling
Acuity Scheduling is a reliable alternative to Cal.com, especially if you need more advanced appointment management. When I used it, I appreciated the ease of scheduling and the powerful customization options. It’s built for businesses of all sizes, offering flexible features to streamline bookings without overwhelming users.
Features of Acuity Scheduling
Appointment Reminders: Acuity sends automatic email and text reminders to reduce no-shows, saving time and hassle for both you and your clients.
Customizable Scheduling Pages: You can fully personalize your booking pages to reflect your brand, including adding logos, colors, and custom fields.
Client Self-Scheduling: Clients can easily book, reschedule, or cancel their appointments on their own, giving them flexibility and reducing your workload.
Payment Integration: Accept payments directly from your scheduling page via integrations with PayPal, Stripe, and Square, making it convenient for both you and your clients.
Calendar Sync: Acuity integrates seamlessly with Google, iCal, and Outlook calendars, keeping your appointments organized in one place.
Pricing Details
Acuity offers a free plan with basic features. Paid plans start at $15/month, unlocking features like reminders, calendar syncing, and more customization options.
Lets compare the Pros and Cons..
Pros of Acuity Scheduling
- Highly customizable booking pages
- Automatic reminders help reduce no-shows
- Built-in payment options streamline invoicing
- Calendar sync keeps everything in one place
- Offers a wide range of features for businesses of any size
Cons of Acuity Scheduling
- The interface can feel a bit dated at times
- Learning curve for new users due to feature depth
- Pricing is higher compared to simpler tools
- Limited integration options for advanced CRM systems
Acuity Scheduling: Our Verdict
In my experience, Acuity is a solid alternative to Cal.com if you’re looking for a more customizable, business-oriented scheduling platform. The flexibility in personalizing booking pages and automating reminders made scheduling easier for me.
The payment integration is a great bonus for service-based businesses, and the calendar sync keeps everything organized.
However, the learning curve might be steeper for some users, and the pricing may seem high for small businesses. Overall, if you’re after a feature-rich, scalable scheduling tool, Acuity won’t disappoint.
Overall Score: 7.9/10
Zoho Bookings
Zoho Bookings is a reliable alternative to Cal.com that integrates well with the rest of Zoho’s ecosystem. When I used it, I found its flexibility and ease of use to be a major advantage. It’s perfect for small businesses and teams that want seamless scheduling without the clutter of too many features.
Features of Zoho Bookings
Zoho CRM Integration: If you’re already using Zoho CRM, this feature is a lifesaver. All your client data is synced directly with your booking system.
Multiple Booking Pages: You can create and manage different booking pages for different services or team members, keeping things organized.
Automated Reminders: Like many scheduling tools, Zoho sends automatic reminders via email and SMS, helping to cut down on no-shows.
Customizable Time Slots: You can tailor your availability down to the minute, offering different times for different services or clients.
Payment Collection: Zoho Bookings integrates with payment gateways, making it easy to charge clients directly through your scheduling page.
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
- Seamless integration with Zoho CRM and other Zoho products
- Multiple booking pages for different services
- Automated reminders help reduce no-shows
- Customizable time slots for flexible scheduling
- Payment collection options built in
Cons of Zoho Bookings
- Interface can feel a bit dated compared to other tools
- Limited customization for branding
- Setup may feel overwhelming if you're new to Zoho’s ecosystem
- Fewer advanced features for large enterprises
Zoho Bookings: Our Verdict
In my experience, Zoho Bookings is a solid alternative to Cal.com, especially for businesses already using Zoho’s suite of products.
The tight integration with Zoho CRM makes it a smooth option for managing clients and appointments in one place. I found the multiple booking pages feature particularly useful for keeping different services organized.
However, if you’re looking for more customization or a modern interface, Zoho might feel a little outdated. Still, for those looking for an efficient, all-in-one scheduling tool, Zoho Bookings does the job well.
Overall Score: 7.9/10
Booksy
Booksy is an excellent alternative to Cal.com, especially if you’re in the beauty or wellness industry. When I used it, I found it incredibly simple to book appointments and manage client schedules.
If you’re looking for something that can handle bookings, reminders, and even payments all in one place, Booksy might be the right fit for you.
Features of Booksy
Client Booking App: Booksy allows clients to book directly through its app, making scheduling super convenient and straightforward.
Integrated Payments: You can accept payments through the platform with integrations like Stripe and PayPal, which streamlines the booking process.
Automated Reminders: Booksy sends automatic text and email reminders, helping reduce no-shows without you having to lift a finger.
Calendar Sync: Sync your appointments with Google or Apple calendars to keep all your bookings in one place and avoid double bookings.
Customizable Profiles: You can personalize your profile with photos, services, and pricing, helping your business stand out and give clients more information upfront.
Pricing Details
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.
Lets compare the Pros and Cons..
Pros of Booksy
- Simple to set up and use
- Integrated payment options for easy transactions
- Automated reminders to reduce no-shows
- Customizable profiles to showcase your services
- Calendar syncing for streamlined appointment management
Cons of Booksy
- Limited features for large teams
- Customization options may not be enough for more complex businesses
- Can be pricey for small startups
- The app can feel slow during peak hours
Booksy: Our Verdict
In my experience, Booksy is a great alternative to Cal.com, especially if you’re focused on industries like beauty, wellness, or fitness. The booking process was seamless, and I loved the built-in payment system that made managing client payments hassle-free.
It’s especially good for those who want an all-in-one solution for scheduling, payments, and reminders. However, larger teams or businesses that need more advanced features might find Booksy’s functionality a bit limited.
Overall, it’s a solid option for small to medium-sized businesses looking for simplicity and ease of use.
Overall Score: 7.1/10
SimplyBook.me
SimplyBook.me is a flexible and feature-rich alternative to Cal.com, especially for service-based businesses. When I tried it, I found it packed with useful tools, but without being overwhelming.
It’s designed for booking services, so if you're running a spa, salon, or fitness business, this might be a great fit.
Features of SimplyBook.me
Service Booking Pages: Customize your booking page with service details, pricing, and availability. It’s clean, professional, and easy for clients to use.
Client Management: Keep track of your clients, their preferences, and booking history in one place, making follow-ups and marketing much simpler.
Multiple Payment Options: Accept payments directly through the platform with PayPal, Stripe, or other gateways, making it easier for both you and your clients.
Marketing Tools: Built-in tools for promotions and email marketing help you stay connected with your customers and grow your business.
Calendar Sync: Sync SimplyBook.me with Google, Outlook, or Apple calendars, so your bookings are always in sync, no manual input needed.
Pricing Details
Lets compare the Pros and Cons..
Pros of SimplyBook.me
- Ideal for service-based businesses with detailed booking needs
- Client management features streamline customer interactions
- Offers multiple payment gateways for convenience
- Marketing tools help boost engagement and repeat bookings
- Calendar sync with popular platforms simplifies scheduling
Cons of SimplyBook.me
- Can feel a bit feature-heavy for smaller operations
- Limited customization for branding compared to other tools
- Higher pricing for advanced features might not fit all budgets
- Learning curve with some of the more complex features
SimplyBook.me: Our Verdict
In my experience, SimplyBook.me is a great alternative to Cal.com for service-based businesses that need a more comprehensive booking system.
I liked how it offers more than just scheduling—it also helps manage clients and marketing. However, it can feel a bit much if you’re running a small operation or don’t need all the extra tools. If you’re looking for something that handles everything from bookings to payments, SimplyBook.me is worth exploring.
It’s not as simple as some alternatives, but the added functionality can make a big difference for the right business.
Overall Score: 7.1/10
Bobclass
Bobbclass is an interesting alternative to Cal.com, offering more focused features for educators and coaches. When I used it, I found it ideal for managing classes and appointments in a more streamlined way. If you’re someone who needs simplicity with the ability to handle multiple bookings, Bobbclass might be worth a try.
Features of Bobclass
Class Management: Bobbclass lets you schedule and manage group classes or one-on-one sessions easily. Perfect for fitness trainers, tutors, or anyone running group services.
Recurring Appointments: You can set up recurring appointments without having to reschedule manually every time. It saves a lot of hassle.
Payment Integration: Accept payments directly through the platform, making it easier for your clients to pay and book simultaneously.
Automated Reminders: Sends out automatic email or SMS reminders to both you and your clients, reducing no-shows.
Client Management: Keep track of client details and preferences all in one place. It’s like having a mini-CRM built into your scheduling software.
Pricing Details
Bobclass offers a free plan with limited features, but their paid plans start at $8.99/month, which unlocks advanced tools like payments, attendance tracking, and client management.
Lets compare the Pros and Cons..
Pros of Bobclass
- Great for managing classes and group bookings
- Automated reminders help reduce no-shows
- Built-in payment system simplifies transactions
- Recurring bookings save time on scheduling
- Client management features for easy tracking
Cons of Bobclass
- Limited customization options for branding
- May not be the best fit for larger businesses with more complex needs
- No integration with some major calendars
- Pricing may feel steep for smaller users
Bobclass: Our Verdict
In my experience, Bobbclass works best for those managing classes or group sessions. It’s an alternative to Cal.com that offers more targeted features for educators, trainers, and coaches.
The ability to manage recurring appointments and accept payments directly makes it a convenient tool, though the lack of deep customization may be limiting for some.
If you’re someone who values simplicity and efficiency over flashy extras, Bobbclass is a solid choice. However, for larger operations, you might find its capabilities a bit limited.
Overall Score: 5.4/10
Picktime
Picktime is an easy-to-use scheduling tool and a strong alternative to Cal.com. When I used it, I found it straightforward and efficient, with features that made booking appointments seamless. It’s perfect for small businesses and freelancers looking for a tool that gets the job done without being overly complicated.
Features of Picktime
Multi-Location Support: Picktime allows businesses to manage appointments across multiple locations, which is great for those running different branches or offices.
Class Booking: You can schedule group classes or workshops easily, perfect for fitness trainers or educators.
Customizable Booking Pages: Personalize your booking page with your brand’s logo and colors, giving it a professional look.
Calendar Sync: Sync your appointments with Google, Outlook, and iCal to avoid double bookings and missed meetings.
Automated Reminders: Send email or SMS reminders to clients automatically, reducing the chances of no-shows.
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
- Easy to set up and use, especially for small businesses
- Multi-location and class booking support
- Automated reminders help minimize no-shows
- Calendar sync with major platforms like Google and Outlook
- Customizable booking page to match your brand
Cons of Picktime
- Limited customization for advanced users
- Fewer integrations compared to other tools
- The free version has restricted features
- May not suit larger businesses with complex scheduling needs
Picktime: Our Verdict
In my experience, Picktime offers a solid, no-nonsense alternative to Cal.com. The simple setup and intuitive design made it easy to manage appointments and client bookings. I especially liked the multi-location feature, which made it useful for businesses with more than one branch. However, it lacks some of the advanced integrations and customizations that larger companies might need.
If you’re a small business owner or freelancer looking for an affordable, straightforward scheduling solution, Picktime is definitely worth trying.
Overall Score: 6.7/10
Koalendar
Koalendar is a simple, easy-to-use alternative to Cal.com that focuses on streamlining the scheduling process without overcomplicating things.
When I used it, I found it incredibly intuitive and quick to set up. If you're looking for a no-frills solution that works right out of the box, Koalendar might be exactly what you need.
Features of Koalendar
Google Calendar Integration: Koalendar syncs effortlessly with Google Calendar, ensuring all your bookings are organized in one place without manual input.
Unlimited Appointments: Even on the free plan, you can schedule unlimited appointments. It’s perfect if you handle a high volume of bookings.
Customizable Booking Pages: Personalize your booking page with your brand’s colors, logo, and a custom URL. It gives a professional feel without much effort.
Automated Reminders: Koalendar sends email reminders to clients, reducing no-shows and saving you time on manual follow-ups.
Mobile-Friendly Design: The platform is fully optimized for mobile, allowing both you and your clients to schedule appointments on the go.
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 Koalendar
- Very easy to use and quick to set up
- Seamless Google Calendar sync
- Free plan offers unlimited bookings
- Clean and professional-looking booking pages
- Automated reminders reduce missed appointments
Cons of Koalendar
- Limited integrations outside of Google Calendar
- Fewer advanced features for team scheduling
- Basic customization options compared to more robust tools
- Not ideal for larger organizations or complex workflows
Koalendar: Our Verdict
In my experience, Koalendar is a great alternative to Cal.com if you're looking for something simple and efficient. It’s perfect for small businesses or individuals who don’t need a ton of advanced features. The setup process was painless, and the integration with Google Calendar saved me a lot of time. However, if you’re managing a larger team or need more complex features, it might feel a bit limited.
Overall, Koalendar is a solid choice for anyone wanting a no-hassle scheduling tool that gets the job done without unnecessary complexity.
Overall Score: 5.8/10
Factors you shouldn't miss
Scheduling Page: How much can you personalize the scheduling page? Look for options to add profile info, images, documents, and even videos to make your page stand out.
Customization: Can you tailor the tool to match your brand? Customization options like logos, colors, and layouts make a big difference in user experience.
Teams: If you’re working with a team, features like round-robin scheduling and team availability management are essential for smooth collaboration.
Support: Is there reliable customer support? Quick and helpful support is crucial when you face issues or need guidance.
Ease of Use: How intuitive is the software? A simple, user-friendly interface ensures you spend more time scheduling and less time learning.
3rd Party Integrations: Look for integrations with tools like CRMs, video conferencing, and payment gateways to streamline your entire workflow.
User Interface: Does it look clean and easy to navigate? A well-designed interface can make scheduling faster and less stressful for both you and your clients.
Calendar Sync: Make sure it syncs smoothly with major calendars like Google, Outlook, and Apple, so your appointments stay organized and updated.
Free Plan: Does the tool offer a free plan with enough basic features to get started? A free option is helpful for testing before committing to a paid version.
Conclusion: Which is the best Cal.com alternative?
For me, Lunacal stands far ahead of other scheduling tools. Its ability to personalize scheduling pages with bios, testimonials, and videos helps build strong client connections, which most tools just don’t offer.
For large companies with 500+ users, consider demos of Calendly or MeetFox. While they offer deep integrations, they can feel clunky, overpriced, and sometimes lack responsive support.
Lunacal, on the other hand, is the fastest-growing platform, offering a user-friendly experience with fast support, a free forever plan, and easy onboarding. It’s perfect for businesses of all sizes looking for a seamless scheduling experience.
FAQs
What are the best alternatives to Cal.com?
Some of the top alternatives to Cal.com include Calendly, MeetFox, and Lunacal. Each offers unique features like personalized scheduling, team management, and integrations, catering to different business needs.
Are there free alternatives to Cal.com?
Yes, several alternatives offer free plans. For example, Calendly and Lunacal both have free options that provide essential features, making them great for individuals or small businesses starting out.
Yes, several alternatives offer free plans. For example, Calendly and Lunacal both have free options that provide essential features, making them great for individuals or small businesses starting out.
Which scheduling software is best for teams?
For team-based scheduling, tools like Calendly and MeetFox stand out. They offer round-robin scheduling and other team features, helping to distribute bookings and manage availability across multiple users.
Can I customize my scheduling page with alternatives to Cal.com?
Yes, many alternatives like Lunacal and Calendly allow you to customize your scheduling page. You can add personal touches like logos, colors, and even client testimonials to match your brand.
How does Lunacal compare to other alternatives?
Lunacal offers personalized scheduling pages, allowing you to showcase bios, testimonials, and videos. It helps build trust and strengthens your brand, setting it apart from other alternatives.
What should I consider when choosing a scheduling software?
When selecting a scheduling tool, consider factors like ease of use, customization options, integrations, and pricing. Look for one that fits your specific needs, whether it’s for personal use or team management.