10 Best Chili Piper alternatives and competitors (Updated: Oct 2024)
Informed by 50+ hours of research and analysis of 200+ user reviews.
14 October 2024
16 min read
Informed by 50+ hours of research and analysis of 200+ user reviews.
14 October 2024
16 min read
Chili Piper promised a seamless experience, but it didn’t take long for the cracks to show. The interface felt little off, and I found myself wasting time on things that should've been simple.
Why was I even using it when better options existed? I couldn’t help but feel frustrated every time I needed to schedule a meeting.
After exploring alternatives, I realized how much smoother things could be. It's like settling for mediocrity when excellence is right there. Why stick with something that feels outdated and limiting?
If you’ve ever felt that scheduling should be easier, trust me—there are way better tools out there.
Lunacal
Vagaro
Google Calendar
Savvycal
Book Like A Boss
Booksy
Koalendar
Tidycal
HubSpot Meetings
Pipedrive Scheduler
Detailed Comprison | Lunacal | Vagaro | Google Calendar | Savvycal | Book Like A Boss | Booksy | Koalendar | Tidycal | HubSpot Meetings | Pipedrive Scheduler |
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Scheduling Page | ||||||||||
Customization | ||||||||||
Teams | ||||||||||
Support | ||||||||||
Ease of use | ||||||||||
3rd party integrations | ||||||||||
User interface | ||||||||||
Calendar sync | ||||||||||
Free plan | yes | no | yes | yes | no | no | yes | yes | yes | no |
Lunacal takes calendar scheduling beyond just bookings—it’s all about creating a personal experience. You can turn your simple scheduling page into a branded, dynamic extension of who you are. I’ve used Lunacal, and it felt like more than just a tool—it was like having a mini-portfolio right there for clients to see. Perfect for freelancers and small businesses who want more impact in every booking interaction.
Customizable Scheduling Pages: Fully brand your scheduling page with bios, images, and testimonials. It’s more than just bookings—it’s a first impression.
Client Testimonials Integration: Add credibility with client reviews right on your page. In my experience, this helped build trust before meetings even started.
Calendar Sync: Connect with Google, Outlook, or Apple calendars to ensure your appointments are always up to date.
Automated Reminders: Reduce no-shows by sending personalized email and SMS reminders. This keeps clients engaged and prepared.
Buffer Times: Add breathing room before and after appointments to manage your time better.
Lunacal offers a free plan with basic features that never expires. Paid plans start at $10/month per user, unlocking advanced features like custom branding and team scheduling. If you need more functionality, higher-tier options are available.
Lunacal shines in its ability to transform a typical booking page into something much more personal. For freelancers and small businesses, it's like turning your scheduling page into an interactive business card. In my experience, setting up was smooth, and it instantly made my booking process feel more professional and personal.
It’s also helpful for small teams with features like round-robin scheduling and automated reminders.
Larger businesses looking for deeper CRM integrations or complex workflows might feel the need to explore higher-tier plans or additional tools. Still, as an alternative to Chili Piper, Lunacal offers a refreshing and highly customizable experience. Would I recommend it? Absolutely, especially if personalization matters to you.
Overall Score: 9.2/10
Vagaro is a solid alternative to Chili Piper, especially if you’re running a service-based business like a salon, spa, or fitness studio. It’s designed with the needs of small businesses in mind, making scheduling, payment processing, and marketing all manageable from one platform. I found it easy to set up, but it’s not without its quirks. If you’re looking for a tool to handle bookings while managing client relationships, Vagaro might be worth considering.
Online Booking – Clients can easily schedule appointments online, which cuts down on phone calls and emails. It’s straightforward and gets the job done.
Client Management – Keep track of client info, including notes and preferences. This is especially handy if you want to personalize services for repeat customers.
Marketing Tools – Email and text marketing features are built-in. So you can promote offers, discounts, or reminders to clients without needing third-party tools.
Payment Processing – Accept payments directly through the platform, whether it’s for services or products. It’s all integrated into the booking system.
Customizable Booking Page – The booking page can be tailored to match your brand, making it feel more professional when clients are booking appointments.
Vagaro starts at $25/month for a single user and scales up depending on additional features and users. The price can rise quickly if you add POS or extra users.
Vagaro stands out as an alternative to Chili Piper if your business is service-oriented and you need more than just a scheduling tool. It combines booking, payments, and marketing into one platform, which can simplify your operations. In my experience, it’s ideal for salon or spa owners who want everything in one place without having to jump between multiple apps.
That said, it can be a bit overwhelming if you don’t need all the bells and whistles, and the mobile app still needs improvement. If you’re a small business on a tight budget, the pricing might feel steep, especially if you’re only using the basic scheduling features. But if you’re ready to take advantage of its full range of tools, Vagaro is a strong contender.
When I used it, the customizable booking page was a highlight. It allowed my clients to feel like they were interacting directly with my brand, which is a nice touch that can help build customer loyalty. If you’re running a service-based business, it’s worth a shot. But if you only need simple scheduling, you might want to explore other options.
Overall Score: 7.5/10
Google Calendar is often the go-to for simple scheduling, and it works pretty well for most basic needs. But does it really hold up as a solid alternative to Chili Piper? I’ve used it, and while it’s easy to get started, it does have its limitations. If you're looking for something more powerful, this might not check all the boxes.
Easy Setup: You can sync with your Google account in seconds. It's simple and quick, no learning curve needed.
Multi-Device Access: Access your calendar from any device—phone, tablet, or computer—and it syncs automatically. It’s seamless for on-the-go use.
Meeting Invitations: Send invites directly through Google Calendar and get RSVP responses in real time. Saves a lot of back-and-forth emails.
Time Zone Adjustments: Automatically adjusts for different time zones. Great if you have international clients or teams.
Basic Event Reminders: You can set reminders for upcoming meetings, but they’re limited compared to more robust scheduling tools.
Google Calendar is free for individual users. For businesses, it’s included in Google Workspace, starting at $6 per user per month.
Google Calendar is a solid option for anyone seeking a simple, no-fuss scheduling tool. It’s familiar, easy to use, and already integrated into the Google ecosystem, which makes it convenient if you’re already using Gmail or Google Drive.
However, if you’re looking for an alternative to Chili Piper, Google Calendar might feel a bit bare-bones. It doesn’t offer the advanced features needed for handling complex bookings or automating tasks like sending reminders or follow-ups.
In my experience, Google Calendar works best for personal or small-scale business needs. If all you need is a way to quickly book meetings and keep track of your schedule, it’ll get the job done.
But when it comes to managing teams, routing leads, or customizing your scheduling page, you'll find it limited.
Overall Score: 5.8/10
SavvyCal is a strong alternative to Chili Piper if you're looking for a more flexible scheduling tool. It's simple, intuitive, and doesn’t feel like it’s fighting you when you try to book meetings. In my experience, it felt like the tool adapted to me, rather than me having to work around it. If you've been frustrated with the complexity of Chili Piper, SavvyCal might just be a breath of fresh air.
Calendar Overlay: You can overlay your calendar with your invitee's availability, making it easy to find the perfect meeting time without back-and-forth emails.
Pre-defined Availability Windows: Set specific windows for when you're available, so no more random meetings interrupting your flow.
Personalized Scheduling Links: Create unique links that show invitees you’ve considered their time, not just your own.
Flexible Meeting Durations: Adjust the duration of meetings right when scheduling, so you’re not stuck with default options.
Meeting Buffers: Automatically add buffer time between meetings so you’re not rushed into the next one.
SavvyCal offers a free plan with basic features. Paid plans start at $12/month, which includes advanced scheduling options, team features, and calendar integrations.
In my experience, SavvyCal is a scheduling tool that just works without all the headache.
I’ve used it to schedule meetings and found that the interface is straightforward, and the calendar overlay is a game-changer for reducing scheduling friction. Unlike Chili Piper, SavvyCal lets you focus on what really matters—your meetings, not the tool you're using to book them.
The personalized scheduling links also add a nice touch, making it feel like you're giving invitees something more thoughtful than a generic link.
However, if you need deep sales integrations or video conferencing built-in, you might feel a little limited here. But for ease of use and flexibility, it's a top-notch alternative to Chili Piper.
Overall Score: 7.9/10
If you're looking for an alternative to Chili Piper, Book Like A Boss is worth checking out.
It’s designed for entrepreneurs and freelancers who need a customizable scheduling tool. I tried it out, and honestly, it felt more intuitive than most platforms.
It's not perfect, but it gives you a lot of control over your booking page.
Customizable Landing Pages: You can create a branded landing page with images, testimonials, and booking options, making it feel like your own mini-website.
Multiple Service Options: Whether you offer one-on-one sessions or group bookings, you can easily set up various services with different time slots.
Payment Integration: Accept payments directly through your booking page via PayPal, Stripe, or Square. No need to chase clients for invoices.
Automated Reminders: Set up automatic reminders for your clients to reduce no-shows, a lifesaver for keeping your schedule tight.
Team Booking: If you have a small team, you can share booking links and assign meetings to the right people.
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.
In my experience, Book Like A Boss strikes a good balance between customization and ease of use. It’s a solid choice if you're a freelancer or solopreneur who needs something that feels more personal. The ability to accept payments through the platform is a huge time-saver—no more chasing invoices. Plus, the fact that you can create a branded landing page makes it stand out compared to basic scheduling tools.
That said, if you're looking for more advanced features like deep analytics or need something for a larger team, you might find it limiting.
The design options also feel a bit rigid, so if aesthetics are a big deal for you, it might not be your first choice.
Overall Score: 8.8/10
If you’re looking for an alternative to Chili Piper, Booksy is worth checking out. It’s popular with service-based businesses like salons and spas, but can it handle other industries? I’ve used it for a few weeks, and while it's simple and user-friendly, there are definitely some things that stood out to me—both good and bad.
Calendar sync: Booksy syncs easily with Google Calendar, making sure you never double-book. I liked how it updated almost instantly.
Mobile app: Their app is solid. I found it useful when I was out and needed to manage appointments on the go. No glitches or slow loading times, which is a relief.
Client booking page: You can create a public booking page for clients. It’s simple, but a bit too basic. I wished it allowed more customization for branding.
Payment integrations: I liked how it supports different payment gateways. Stripe and Square both worked without any issues, streamlining client payments.
Automated reminders: This feature saved me so much time. Clients received texts and emails, which cut down on no-shows big time.
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.
In my experience, Booksy works well for service-based businesses like salons and spas, but it might feel too basic if you’re looking for deeper customization. The calendar sync and mobile app are both smooth, and the automated reminders helped reduce no-shows significantly. However, if you need a more flexible tool, especially for non-service industries, you might find it limiting.
What stood out the most was how easy it was to set up and start using. Within minutes, I had my booking page live and appointments were coming in. But as someone who likes to have control over the look and feel of my pages, I found the customization options a bit lacking. If you’re someone who wants more design flexibility, this could be frustrating.
Overall, Booksy is a decent alternative to Chili Piper for small, service-driven businesses. It does the basics really well, but if you're looking for more advanced features or industry flexibility, you may want to explore other options.
Overall Score: 7.1/10
Koalendar is a solid alternative to Chili Piper, especially if you're tired of over-complicating the scheduling process. It's straightforward, easy to set up, and doesn’t make you feel like you're jumping through hoops. I’ve used it myself, and honestly, the simplicity is what sets it apart. If you’re looking for a no-frills tool that gets the job done, Koalendar might just be the one.
Google Calendar Sync – Automatically syncs with Google Calendar. No extra steps needed. Just connect and you’re good to go.
Customizable Booking Pages – You can easily design your booking page. It’s simple, but it works.
Timezone Detection – Automatically adjusts for different time zones. No more confusion about meeting times.
Email Reminders – Sends automatic email reminders. Helps avoid no-shows without you lifting a finger.
Unlimited Appointments – No limits on bookings. You can schedule as many meetings as you need without worrying about hitting a cap.
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.
In my experience, Koalendar works well for freelancers or small businesses who just want a scheduling tool without the extra fluff. It’s easy to use, and you can get started without much hassle. However, if you need more robust features, especially for larger teams, this may not be your go-to.
For personal use, though, Koalendar’s simplicity is refreshing. You don’t need hours of setup or a user guide to figure things out—just plug it in, and start scheduling. The pricing is another huge plus, especially compared to more expensive alternatives like Chili Piper.
Overall Score: 5.8/10
TidyCal is a simple, no-frills alternative to Chili Piper. I found it refreshing after the more complex, high-maintenance tools out there.
TidyCal strips scheduling down to what you really need—without the unnecessary extras. For people who want quick, efficient, and budget-friendly scheduling, it’s worth a look. But like any tool, it’s got its strengths and its downsides.
TidyCal has a very affordable pricing model. There’s a free plan with limited features. The paid version is just $29 for a lifetime deal, which is a steal compared to monthly subscriptions from competitors like Acuity.
If you’re tired of overcomplicated scheduling tools, TidyCal might be the breath of fresh air you need. In my experience, it’s easy to set up and use, with all the basics covered. The simple interface ensures you won’t waste time figuring things out.
However, if you’re someone who relies on integrations with CRMs or need a tool that offers more customization options, TidyCal might feel a bit too basic.
In terms of pricing, it’s unbeatable. The $29 lifetime deal makes it one of the cheapest options out there. So if you're on a tight budget, it’s a solid alternative to Chili Piper.
Overall Score: 6.3/10
HubSpot Meetings is a solid alternative to Chili Piper if you're already in the HubSpot ecosystem. It seamlessly integrates with their CRM, which is a big plus for people managing leads and contacts in one place.
The interface is easy to navigate, but like any tool, it’s not perfect.
I’ve found it useful, but not groundbreaking. Does it simplify scheduling? Sure. But only if you're already a HubSpot user.
Calendar Sync: HubSpot Meetings syncs with Google and Outlook calendars, so you're always up-to-date. No need for manual updates.
Automated Reminders: Never forget a meeting again. HubSpot sends automated email reminders to both you and your client.
Group Meeting Links: It’s easy to schedule meetings with multiple people through one shared link. Great for team discussions.
Custom Booking Pages: You can customize your booking page with company branding, but it’s fairly basic compared to some alternatives.
Meeting Routing: Automatically routes meetings to different team members based on availability and expertise.
HubSpot Meetings is part of HubSpot’s paid plans, which start at $50/month. There’s also a free version with limited features.
In my experience, HubSpot Meetings works best when you’re fully committed to their CRM. It’s designed to keep your leads and appointments in one ecosystem, which is great if you’re all-in with HubSpot.
Pricing can be steep if you're only looking for scheduling functionality without all the CRM bells and whistles. Would I recommend it? Yes, if you're already a HubSpot user. Otherwise, there are more flexible options out there
Overall Score: 7.9/10
Pipedrive Scheduler is an integrated scheduling tool within Pipedrive’s CRM, which makes managing appointments simple. It’s a solid alternative to Chili Piper if you’re already using Pipedrive and want everything in one place. But, if you’re looking for a standalone scheduling tool, you might find it limited. In my experience, it's best suited for small teams who already rely on Pipedrive’s CRM.
CRM Integration: Seamlessly integrates with Pipedrive’s CRM, keeping all your contacts and meetings in one place.
Time Slot Suggestions: Automatically suggests available time slots, reducing back-and-forth emails.
Customizable Links: Create personalized scheduling links to fit different meeting types or client needs.
Meeting Notifications: Sends reminders to both you and your clients to avoid no-shows.
Timezone Detection: Automatically detects and adjusts for your client's timezone, so there's no confusion when booking across regions.
Pipedrive’s scheduling tool comes with their CRM plans, starting at $14.90 per user/month. While it’s not a standalone scheduling tool, it’s worth it if you’re using Pipedrive for sales and client management.
If you’re already using Pipedrive’s CRM, Pipedrive Scheduler is a convenient add-on. It integrates perfectly into your existing workflows, so you can manage meetings and contacts in one place.
The timezone detection feature is especially helpful for teams spread across different regions. However, it doesn’t offer the depth of functionality that standalone schedulers like Calendly or Chili Piper do, especially if you need advanced features like round-robin scheduling or automated workflows.
Overall Score: 6.7/10
Scheduling Page: Does the scheduling page allow you to add personal details, images, documents, or videos to enhance your professional profile and provide visitors with more information?
Customization: Can you customize the booking page to match your brand and offer a seamless customer experience?
Teams: If you have a team, does the software allow for easy collaboration and management of multiple schedules?
Support: How responsive and helpful is the customer support team? Are they available to assist you with any issues or questions?
Ease of Use: Is the software intuitive and easy to navigate, even for those who are not tech-savvy?
3rd Party Integrations: Can the software integrate with other tools you use, such as payment processors, marketing platforms, or CRM systems?
User Interface: Is the user interface visually appealing and easy on the eyes? Does it provide a clear and organized layout?
Calendar Sync: Does the software seamlessly sync with your personal or team calendar to avoid scheduling conflicts?
Free Plan: Does the software offer a free plan or a free trial period to help you evaluate its features before committing?
For me, Lunacal is miles ahead of the competition. Its ability to personalize scheduling pages with bios, testimonials, and videos makes it a standout. Plus, it’s user-friendly with great support and a free forever plan.
For large companies (500+ users), consider demos of tools like SavvyCal or TidyCal. They offer deep integrations but can be clunky, difficult to use, and sometimes overpriced. Support might also be limited for bigger teams.
Lunacal, is growing rapidly, attracting users from traditional tools. It’s perfect for anyone looking to build trust and create personal connections with a smooth, hassle-free setup.
What are the best alternatives to Chili Piper for scheduling?
There are several strong alternatives like SavvyCal, TidyCal, and Calendly. Each offers a unique set of features for different needs. The best one for you depends on your specific workflow and team size.
Which Chili Piper alternative is best for small businesses?
For small businesses, tools like TidyCal or SavvyCal work well. They offer straightforward features and affordable pricing, making them suitable for teams that don’t need advanced functionality.
Are there any free alternatives to Chili Piper?
Yes, many alternatives offer free plans, including Calendly and TidyCal. Lunacal also offers a free forever plan, ideal for those wanting to try a personalized scheduling tool without a financial commitment.
Do any Chili Piper alternatives offer team scheduling?
Yes, several alternatives like Calendly and SavvyCal offer team scheduling features, including round-robin and lead routing options to efficiently manage team bookings across multiple members.
What’s the easiest-to-use alternative to Chili Piper?
If simplicity is your main focus, tools like TidyCal are designed to be user-friendly. Lunacal, with its guided onboarding and quick support, also offers an extremely smooth and easy setup.