10 Best Calendly alternatives and competitors (Updated: Oct 2024)
This article is built on my personal experience using 15+ tools, conversations with 20+ users, and analysis of 50+ reviews for a balanced perspective
14 October 2024
16 min read
Introduction
Calendly seemed like the perfect scheduling tool—until I discovered better alternatives. Now, I can't imagine going back.
After trying a few other options, Calendly feels limited and, frankly, outdated.
Have you ever stuck with a tool just because it was convenient?
That’s exactly how I felt. But once I explored new alternatives, it became clear there are much better choices.
10 Calendly alternatives part of this study
Lunacal
Hubspot Meetings
Koalendar
Picktime
Meet Fox
Acuity Scheduling
Calendar Hero
Simplybook.me
Appointlet
Book like a boss
Top Scheduling software comparison guide
| Detailed Comprison | Lunacal | Hubspot Meetings | Koalendar | Picktime | Meet Fox | Acuity Scheduling | Calendar Hero | Simplybook.me | Appointlet | Book like a boss |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Scheduling Page |  |  | | | | | | | | |
| Customization | | | | | | | | | | |
| Teams | | | | | | | | | | |
| Support | | | | | | | | | | |
| Ease of use | | | | | | | | | | |
| 3rd party integrations | | | | | | | | | | |
| User interface | | | | | | | | | | |
| Calendar sync | | | | | | | | | | |
| Free plan | yes | yes | yes | yes | yes | no | yes | no | yes | no |
Lunacal
Lunacal is more than just a scheduling tool—it transforms a simple booking page into a branded experience. When I used it, it felt like more than just a calendar; it was a way to showcase my work. Perfect for freelancers, small businesses, and anyone looking to create a personal connection with every booking.
Features of Lunacal
Customizable Scheduling Pages: Add bios, images, videos, and testimonials. It’s not just about scheduling; it’s about building trust and a connection before the meeting even starts.
Client Testimonials Integration: Showcase real client feedback on your page. This adds credibility and, in my experience, helps boost conversions by building trust early on.
Branding Options: Customize everything from colors to logos, aligning your scheduling page with your brand identity and making it feel cohesive.
Free Forever Plan: Access basic features at no cost, with no expiration date. It’s a great way to test Lunacal’s capabilities without any commitment.
Calendar Sync: Sync effortlessly with Google, Outlook, and Apple calendars to keep everything in one place and avoid double bookings.
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
- Fully customizable scheduling pages
- Free plan with essential features
- Seamless calendar syncing
- Automated reminders reduce no-shows
- Team collaboration features like lead routing and round-robin scheduling
Cons of Lunacal
- Lacks native integration with complex CRMs like Salesforce
- May not offer enough advanced features for large enterprises
Lunacal: Our Verdict
Lunacal offers a personalized, dynamic scheduling experience, making it a strong alternative to tools like Calendly. In my experience, it was simple to set up, and it allowed me to transform my booking page into a more meaningful touchpoint.
It’s especially suited for freelancers and small businesses that want their booking page to reflect their brand. Larger businesses may find the need for more complex features, but Lunacal’s ease of use and customization options make it a standout choice for many.
Overall Score: 9.2/10
Hubspot Meetings
HubSpot Meetings is a robust scheduling tool that integrates seamlessly with HubSpot’s CRM, making it an appealing alternative to Calendly for businesses already using HubSpot. In my experience, it works best when your sales and marketing teams need to streamline their booking process while keeping everything organized under one roof.
Features of Hubspot Meetings
CRM Integration: HubSpot Meetings is built into HubSpot’s CRM, allowing you to track appointments and client interactions directly in the system without any manual effort.
Automated Meeting Links: You can generate and share booking links instantly, cutting down on the back-and-forth emails for scheduling.
Calendar Sync: It syncs with Google and Outlook calendars, ensuring that you never double-book or miss an appointment.
Team Scheduling: Allows multiple users to share a calendar, making it easy for teams to book meetings with prospects or clients using a shared availability system.
Customizable Meeting Pages: You can tweak the meeting pages with your logo and colors, which gives a bit of brand consistency, though it's somewhat limited.
Pricing Details
HubSpot Meetings is part of HubSpot’s paid plans, which start at $50/month. There’s also a free version with limited features.
Lets compare the Pros and Cons..
Pros of Hubspot Meetings
- Seamlessly integrates with HubSpot CRM
- Easy to generate booking links
- Perfect for sales and marketing teams
- Calendar syncs prevent double-booking
- Great for team scheduling and round-robin features
Cons of Hubspot Meetings
- Customization is limited compared to other tools
- Requires using HubSpot CRM for full functionality
- Free version lacks advanced features
- Learning curve if you’re not already in the HubSpot ecosystem
Hubspot Meetings: Our Verdict
In my experience, HubSpot Meetings is a great alternative to Calendly if you’re already using HubSpot CRM.
It shines in the way it integrates client interactions, making scheduling part of the bigger sales and marketing picture. However, if you’re looking for deep customization or don’t already use HubSpot, it might feel a bit restrictive.
It’s ideal for teams that need seamless integration with their CRM and want to keep scheduling linked to their sales process. The free plan is useful, but the paid options are where the real value lies, especially for teams.
Overall Score: 7.9/10
Koalendar
Koalendar is a simple, no-frills alternative to Calendly, offering a streamlined scheduling experience that’s easy to set up. When I tried it, I appreciated the clean interface and straightforward functionality. It’s ideal for freelancers or small teams who want a quick scheduling solution without too many complexities.
Features of Koalendar
Simple Setup: Koalendar is incredibly easy to set up, with minimal steps required to get your calendar up and running. You can start booking right away.
Google Calendar Sync: Syncs directly with Google Calendar, ensuring all your appointments are always updated without any manual effort.
Custom Availability: You can easily set custom availability for different days or times, making it flexible enough to suit your needs.
Automated Reminders: Koalendar automatically sends reminders to your clients, reducing no-shows without you having to follow up manually.
Unlimited Appointments: Even on the free plan, Koalendar lets you book unlimited appointments, which is great if you’re managing a high volume of 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 Koalendar
- Extremely easy to set up and use
- Syncs seamlessly with Google Calendar
- Automated reminders reduce client no-shows
- Free plan includes unlimited appointments
- Clean and user-friendly interface
Cons of Koalendar
- Lacks integrations with non-Google calendars
- Limited customization for branding
- Lacks advanced team scheduling features
- Not ideal for large businesses needing complex workflows
Koalendar: Our Verdict
In my experience, Koalendar is a solid choice for anyone looking for a simple, user-friendly scheduling tool. It doesn’t come with all the bells and whistles, but it gets the job done without much fuss. Its integration with Google Calendar and automated reminders are key strengths, but if you’re looking for advanced features or complex workflows, you may find it lacking. For small businesses or freelancers who need a straightforward alternative to Calendly, Koalendar is definitely worth a try.
Overall Score: 5.8/10
Picktime
Picktime is an easy-to-use alternative to Calendly that offers a straightforward approach to scheduling. When I used it, I liked how simple it was to manage appointments without feeling overwhelmed by extra features. It’s ideal for small businesses or freelancers looking for an efficient, no-frills scheduling tool.
Features of Picktime
Multiple Calendar Sync: Picktime syncs with Google, Outlook, and iCal, keeping your appointments organized across all platforms. No more double-booking or missing meetings.
Team Scheduling: Manage team appointments with features like round-robin scheduling, which helps distribute bookings evenly across staff members.
Class and Event Booking: You can schedule not just individual appointments but group events and classes, making it versatile for different business types.
Automated Reminders: Send out automatic email and text reminders to clients, reducing the chances of no-shows. In my experience, this feature saved me a lot of last-minute cancellations.
Payment Integration: Accept payments directly through the booking platform, making the whole process smoother for you and your clients.
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-use interface
- Syncs with multiple calendars
- Supports team scheduling and round-robin booking
- Includes automated reminders to reduce no-shows
- Event and class booking feature is great for various business models
Cons of Picktime
- Limited customization options for branding
- Fewer integrations with other tools compared to competitors
- Lacks advanced features for larger teams
- Mobile app performance can be inconsistent
Picktime: Our Verdict
Picktime is a reliable, no-fuss scheduling tool that works well for small businesses and freelancers. In my experience, it was simple to use, and the automated reminders were a lifesaver for reducing missed appointments. However, it lacks some of the advanced customization and integration options that other tools might offer. If you’re looking for a basic scheduling tool that gets the job done without too many distractions, Picktime is a solid alternative to Calendly. For larger teams or businesses needing more flexibility, you might need to explore other options with deeper features.
Overall Score: 6.7/10
Meet Fox
MeetFox is a solid alternative to Calendly, especially for professionals who want scheduling and video conferencing all in one. When I used it, I found the integration between scheduling and meetings seamless.
It’s great for freelancers and consultants who need an easy, all-in-one solution for client appointments and virtual meetings.
Features of Meet Fox
Built-in Video Conferencing: MeetFox offers integrated video calls, so you don’t need separate software for meetings. Scheduling and video calls are in one place.
Client Payments: You can charge clients directly through MeetFox with integrated payment options. This is super convenient if you offer paid consultations.
Customizable Booking Pages: You can personalize your booking page to reflect your brand, including adding logos and adjusting colors.
Automated Reminders: Set up email reminders to make sure neither you nor your clients forget about scheduled meetings. This feature saved me time from manual follow-ups.
Recording Option: MeetFox allows you to record video sessions, which is perfect if you need to refer back to conversations or share them with clients.
Pricing Details
Meet Fox offers a free plan that includes basic features. Paid plans start at $10/month, unlocking advanced features like payment processing, video calls, and more branding options.
Lets compare the Pros and Cons..
Pros of Meet Fox
- Built-in video conferencing simplifies meeting setup
- Payment integration allows you to charge clients easily
- Customizable booking pages help create a professional look
- Automated reminders reduce the chance of no-shows
- The recording feature is useful for saving important sessions
Cons of Meet Fox
- Limited integrations with third-party apps compared to other tools
- Some advanced features only available on higher-priced plans
- The user interface feels slightly less intuitive than others
- Might not be ideal for larger teams with complex scheduling needs
Meet Fox: Our Verdict
In my experience, MeetFox is a great alternative to Calendly, especially if you’re a freelancer or consultant needing both scheduling and video conferencing in one platform.
The built-in payment system makes it convenient for those offering paid consultations, and the recording feature is handy for follow-ups.
While it’s not as robust as some tools when it comes to third-party integrations, it’s still an excellent option for those looking for simplicity and efficiency in one package.
Overall Score: 7.1/10
Acuity Scheduling
Acuity Scheduling is a solid alternative to Calendly, especially if you need more control over appointment types and availability. When I used it, I appreciated how easy it was to manage appointments for different services. It’s a flexible tool that works well for small businesses, freelancers, and even larger teams that need customized scheduling options.
Features of Acuity Scheduling
Custom Appointment Types: You can create different appointment types, each with its own availability and duration. It’s perfect for businesses offering multiple services.
Client Self-Scheduling: Clients can easily book their appointments through a user-friendly interface, reducing the need for back-and-forth communication.
Automated Reminders: Acuity sends email and text reminders to clients, which helps reduce no-shows and keeps everyone on track.
Calendar Sync: Syncs seamlessly with Google, iCloud, and Outlook calendars to keep your schedule updated across platforms. No more double bookings.
Payment Integration: Accept payments directly through the scheduling page with integrations like PayPal and Stripe, making it easy to collect fees upfront.
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 appointment types
- Automatic reminders that reduce no-shows
- Integrated payments through platforms like PayPal and Stripe
- Syncs with major calendars for seamless scheduling
- Easy for clients to self-schedule
Cons of Acuity Scheduling
- Can feel overwhelming for new users due to its many options
- No free plan after the trial period
- The user interface feels a bit outdated
- Advanced features can get expensive for larger teams
Acuity Scheduling: Our Verdict
In my experience, Acuity Scheduling is a powerful tool that works well if you need flexibility.
It’s a strong alternative to Calendly for businesses that offer different types of services and need more control over how clients book appointments. The ability to accept payments through the scheduling page is also a great feature, especially for service-based businesses. The main drawback is that it can feel overwhelming for new users, and pricing climbs quickly if you need advanced features.
But if you’re looking for a reliable scheduling tool that offers customization and payment integrations, Acuity is worth considering.
Overall Score: 7.9/10
Calendar Hero
CalendarHero is a solid alternative to Calendly, offering AI-powered scheduling features to make booking meetings easier. When I used it, I liked how it handled different types of meetings automatically. If you're looking for a tool with more automation, CalendarHero might be worth checking out.
Features of Calendar Hero
AI-Powered Scheduling: CalendarHero uses AI to automatically suggest meeting times based on availability, reducing the back-and-forth of scheduling.
Team Scheduling: Easily book team meetings and set up round-robin scheduling for shared calendars. It’s ideal for teams trying to manage multiple schedules.
Integrations with Tools: CalendarHero connects with Slack, Zoom, Google Calendar, and more, allowing seamless workflow integration.
Automated Reminders: It sends out automatic email reminders to participants to help cut down on no-shows without extra effort on your end.
Payment Collection: You can collect payments at the time of booking, which is great for freelancers or businesses offering paid consultations.
Pricing Details
Calendar Hero offers a free plan with basic features. Paid plans start at $8/month, unlocking advanced options like team scheduling, CRM integrations, and more comprehensive meeting controls.
Lets compare the Pros and Cons..
Pros of Calendar Hero
- AI-powered features save time on scheduling
- Strong integrations with popular tools like Slack and Zoom
- Automated reminders reduce no-shows
- Team scheduling options like round-robin
- Built-in payment collection for paid meetings
Cons of Calendar Hero
- Interface can feel a bit complicated at first
- Pricing plans can get expensive for larger teams
- Lacks deep customization for branding
- AI suggestions sometimes miss ideal times
Calendar Hero: Our Verdict
In my experience, CalendarHero does a good job of streamlining the scheduling process, especially with its AI-powered features. It’s a great alternative to Calendly if you’re looking for more automation and team scheduling capabilities. The integration with tools like Slack and Zoom makes it super convenient for managing meetings across platforms. However, the interface can take some getting used to, and it may feel a bit pricey for larger teams.
Overall, CalendarHero is a smart choice for teams and freelancers who want more from their scheduling software.
Overall Score: 6.3/10
Simplybook.me
Simplybook.me is a solid alternative to Calendly, especially if you’re running a service-based business. When I used it, the variety of customization options made it stand out. It’s particularly well-suited for businesses needing more than just basic scheduling—like spas, fitness studios, and other appointment-driven industries.
Features of Simplybook.me
Customizable Booking Pages: Create a fully branded booking experience with options to add services, images, and custom fields. It’s like turning your schedule into a mini-website.
Service Management: Add multiple services, define durations, and allow clients to choose what fits their needs. It’s great if you offer various appointment types.
Payment Integration: Accept payments through the platform with integrations like Stripe and PayPal, which adds convenience for both you and your clients.
Client Reviews: Clients can leave reviews directly on your booking page. This helps build credibility and attract new clients.
Appointment Notifications: Automated notifications keep both you and your clients in the loop, reducing no-shows and last-minute cancellations.
Pricing Details
Lets compare the Pros and Cons..
Pros of Simplybook.me
- Strong customization options for booking pages
- Built-in payment integration
- Service management for multi-service businesses
- Automated reminders and notifications
- Allows clients to leave reviews
Cons of Simplybook.me
- The user interface can feel overwhelming at first
- Limited free plan compared to other tools
- Some advanced features require additional payment
- Not ideal for teams with complex scheduling needs
Simplybook.me: Our Verdict
Simplybook.me stands out as an alternative to Calendly, especially for service-based businesses that need more than just scheduling.
In my experience, it’s excellent for managing multiple services and integrating payments directly into the booking process. The customizable booking pages were a huge plus, letting me reflect my brand easily.
However, the interface can feel a bit much when you're first getting started, and the free plan is somewhat limited. Still, if you're looking for more robust service management and payment features, it’s a strong contender.
Overall Score: 7.1/10
Appointlet
Appointlet is a scheduling tool that offers a straightforward and user-friendly experience. As an alternative to Calendly, it simplifies the scheduling process with easy setup and customization.
I found it particularly useful for small teams and solo users who want a no-fuss solution for managing appointments without getting lost in complex features.
Features of Appointlet
Unlimited Booking Pages: You can create multiple booking pages for different types of meetings, which is helpful if you offer various services.
Customizable Availability: Easily control when you're available, and offer different time slots for different services. This flexibility makes scheduling easier for both you and your clients.
Google Calendar Integration: Sync Appointlet with Google Calendar to keep all your bookings organized and up to date without any manual effort.
Email and SMS Reminders: Automatically send reminders to clients before their appointment to reduce no-shows, which was a big time-saver for me.
Custom Branding: Add your company logo and colors to your booking pages to keep things professional and on-brand.
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
- Simple to use and set up
- Unlimited booking pages for different services
- Strong Google Calendar integration
- Email and SMS reminders reduce missed appointments
- Custom branding for a professional look
Cons of Appointlet
- Limited integrations compared to more advanced tools
- Lacks robust features for large teams or enterprises
- Customization options could be more extensive
- No direct payment integration on the free plan
Appointlet: Our Verdict
In my experience, Appointlet is a great alternative to Calendly if you're after a simple, easy-to-use scheduling tool. It doesn’t overwhelm you with unnecessary features but provides enough flexibility to manage different types of appointments.
The Google Calendar sync and automatic reminders were particularly useful for keeping everything organized. However, larger teams or businesses with more complex needs might find it lacking in terms of integrations and customization options.
Overall, it’s a solid choice for individuals or small businesses who need a hassle-free way to manage bookings.
Overall Score: 7.1/10
Book like a boss
Book Like A Boss (BLAB) is a solid alternative to Calendly, offering more customization and a storefront-style booking page. When I used it, the ability to showcase more than just my calendar felt refreshing. It’s perfect for freelancers and small businesses that want a professional yet personal touch to their scheduling.
Features of Book like a boss
Customizable Booking Pages: BLAB lets you create a storefront-like page with bios, images, and even a list of services. It’s a nice way to show off more than just availability.
Product & Service Listings: You can list services or products directly on your booking page, giving clients a clear idea of what you offer before they book.
Payment Integration: Accept payments directly through your booking page with Stripe, PayPal, and Square, making it easy for clients to pay upfront.
Calendar Sync: Seamlessly sync with Google, Outlook, and Apple calendars to keep all bookings in one place, avoiding double bookings.
Automated Reminders: Send automated reminders to clients via email, reducing no-shows and making sure appointments run smoothly.
Pricing Details
Book Like A Boss pricing starts at $9 per month for the basic plan, which includes essential features like calendar sync and payment integration.
The Standard plan is $19 per month, while the Boss plan costs $29 per month for extra branding options and unlimited pages.
Lets compare the Pros and Cons..
Pros of Book like a boss
- Fully customizable storefront-style booking page
- Accept payments directly through the platform
- Syncs with popular calendars
- Easy-to-use interface with automated reminders
- Great for freelancers and service-based businesses
Cons of Book like a boss
- Limited features for large enterprises
- Can feel a bit overwhelming with too many customization options
- Fewer team collaboration tools compared to other platforms
- Pricing may be high for solo users who don’t need advanced features
Book like a boss: Our Verdict
In my experience, Book Like A Boss is a great option if you want a scheduling tool that lets you showcase more than just available times.
The ability to list services, accept payments, and create a more personalized booking experience makes it stand out from simpler tools like Calendly. It’s especially useful for freelancers and small businesses who need a bit more flexibility and branding control.
However, if you’re a larger company or looking for advanced team collaboration features, you may find it lacking in complexity. Overall, it’s a reliable and versatile alternative to Calendly.
Overall Score: 8.8/10
Factors you shouldn't miss
Scheduling Page: A great scheduling page should allow you to add more than just time slots. Look for options to showcase your profile, images, videos, or even documents to create a more personal connection.
Customization: Check how much you can personalize the look and feel of your scheduling page. Colors, logos, and layouts should align with your brand.
Teams: If you work with a team, look for features like round-robin scheduling or lead routing to manage multiple team members and distribute bookings effectively.
Support: Does the platform offer quick and reliable support? Consider live chat, email, or phone support options for when issues arise.
Ease of Use: A simple, intuitive interface is crucial. You shouldn’t have to spend hours figuring out how to set up your calendar or booking system.
3rd Party Integrations: Look for tools that integrate easily with your existing software, like Zoom, CRMs, or payment processors, to streamline workflows.
User Interface: The interface should be clean, user-friendly, and easy to navigate—for both you and your clients. An overwhelming UI can turn users off.
Calendar Sync: Seamless calendar syncing with Google, Outlook, or Apple calendars is essential for keeping your appointments organized and preventing double bookings.
Free Plan: Does the platform offer a free plan that provides enough features to start? A free tier can be useful for testing the software before committing.
Conclusion: Which is the best Calendly alternative?
For me, Lunacal is miles ahead of other scheduling tools. Its ability to personalize scheduling pages with bios, client testimonials, and videos truly sets it apart.
Large companies with 500+ users should consider demos of tools like Acuity or Book Like A Boss. While these offer deep integrations, they can be clunky, difficult to use, and sometimes overpriced, with limited support.
Lunacal, on the other hand, is the fastest-growing platform, offering a user-friendly experience, quick support, and a free forever plan. It’s perfect for businesses wanting a hassle-free setup that strengthens their brand and builds trust.
FAQs
- What are the best alternatives to Calendly?
There are several alternatives to Calendly, including Book Like A Boss, Acuity, and Appointy. These tools offer various customization options, payment integrations, and ease of use, depending on your needs.
- Are there free alternatives to Calendly?
Yes, many alternatives, such as Calendly’s own free plan or others like Lunacal, offer free tiers. These plans often include essential features like basic scheduling and calendar syncing.
- Which scheduling tool is best for small businesses?
For small businesses, tools like Acuity and Lunacal are strong contenders. They allow more customization, including options to add client testimonials and branding elements that help build trust with clients.
- Can I use a Calendly alternative for team scheduling?
Yes, many alternatives, including Book Like A Boss and Appointy, offer team scheduling features. You’ll want to check for features like round-robin scheduling and lead routing to efficiently manage bookings across a team.
- How do I decide which Calendly alternative is right for me?
Consider your specific needs—do you need robust customization, easy calendar syncing, or payment integrations? Tools like Lunacal offer personalized scheduling pages, which can be a great option if branding and client trust are important to your business.