This article draws from using 30+ scheduling tools, insights from over 50 user interviews, and reviewing 150+ customer experiences for a comprehensive perspective.
26 December 2024
17 min read
Hubspot Meetings might get the job done, but for me, it felt like using a hammer to fix a watch—functional but far from ideal.
While I would rate Hubspot Meetings just 7.5/10, there are products with a much higher rating and generous free-forever plans like Lunacal (9.2/10) and Zoho Bookings (7.9/10).
After trying out alternatives, I don't want to go back to a clunky, outdated scheduling tool when so many smoother, more intuitive options are available.
Lunacal
Zoho Bookings
Calendly
Calendar Hero
Chili Piper
Pipedrive Scheduler
Koalendar
Vagaro
Booksy
Savvycal
| Detailed Comprison | Lunacal | Zoho Bookings | Calendly | Calendar Hero | Chili Piper | Pipedrive Scheduler | Koalendar | Vagaro | Booksy | Savvycal |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 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 | no | yes |
Lunacal transforms calendar scheduling into a personalized brand experience. It’s not just about booking time; it’s about showcasing who you are. When I used it, it felt more like building a personal portfolio than just setting up appointments.
Perfect for freelancers, small businesses, or anyone wanting to make their booking page stand out.
Customizable Scheduling Pages: Add bios, videos, and testimonials directly to your page. Clients connect with you before the meeting, which builds trust and strengthens your brand.
Client Testimonials: Display real client feedback to build credibility. I’ve seen conversions go up when clients see positive reviews before booking.
Branding Options: Tailor your page’s design with colors and logos that reflect your brand’s identity. It adds a professional touch.
Calendar Sync: Seamlessly sync with Google, Outlook, and Apple calendars, keeping everything in one place without effort.
Automated Reminders: Set up email and SMS reminders to reduce no-shows. It’s like having a personal assistant.
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.
Deep customization for branding
Free plan with essential features
Syncs easily with major calendars
Automated reminders save time
Great tools for team collaboration
Lacks native integrations with advanced CRMs like Salesforce
May feel too simple for large enterprises
Lunacal offers a personalized scheduling experience, perfect for freelancers and small businesses who want to make their booking page reflect their brand.
In my experience, it was simple to set up, and the customization made each interaction feel more personal.
For larger businesses, it might lack some complexity, but for those who prioritize branding and connection, Lunacal is a great alternative to traditional scheduling tools.
Overall Score: 9.2/10
Zoho Bookings is a solid alternative to Hubspot Meetings, especially if you're already in the Zoho ecosystem. It integrates smoothly with Zoho CRM, making life easier for anyone managing sales and support. When I first tried it, I was surprised at how flexible it was.
But, of course, no tool is perfect. How well does it really stack up for scheduling?
CRM Integration: It connects directly with Zoho CRM, so your bookings are tied to your customer data. It’s seamless if you're already using their CRM.
Customization Options: You can customize your booking page and emails to match your brand. It’s not the most advanced, but it gets the job done.
Multi-Location Support: If your business operates in multiple locations, Zoho Bookings has tools to manage that easily, without much setup.
Automated Reminders: You can set up email and SMS reminders. In my experience, this was simple and helped reduce no-shows.
Payment Integration: Accept payments directly when clients book. It works with Stripe, but other payment gateways are limited.
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.
Integrates well with other Zoho apps.
Decent customization for booking pages.
Reliable payment integration with Stripe.
Multi-location support.
The interface can feel clunky at times.
Limited third-party integrations outside Zoho.
Lacks advanced reporting tools.
Payment gateway options are restricted.
Zoho Bookings is a solid option if you're already deep into Zoho’s ecosystem. The tight CRM integration is a big plus for managing customer data and keeping everything in one place. It's also a reliable choice for those looking for medical clinic appointment software or a doctors appointment booking system. But it’s not without its downsides. The interface feels a bit dated, and you may hit a wall with integrations if you're using non-Zoho tools.
For small businesses and freelancers, the free plan might be all you need. If you’re looking for something with a bit more flair or a more intuitive interface, you might want to keep exploring alternatives. But if you’re already using Zoho for your business, this is a no-brainer.
Overall Score: 7.9/10
Calendly is like that comfortable sweater you’ve had for years—simple, familiar, but starting to feel worn out. It’s often the go-to alternative to Hubspot Meetings. But is it really the best fit for everyone? After using it for a while, I found myself questioning if there’s something more flexible out there. Have you felt the same?
Multiple Event Types: Offers various meeting formats, from one-on-one to group meetings. Flexible but not overcomplicated. It's a useful option for businesses like physical therapy appointment software or plumbing appointment booking software.
Calendar Integrations: Syncs with Google, Outlook, and iCloud, so your availability stays up-to-date. No manual updates needed.
Automated Reminders: Sends reminders via email and text. Keeps things on track without you lifting a finger.
Team Scheduling: Allows round-robin and collective team scheduling. Great for teams, not just individuals.
Website Embed: Easily embed your Calendly scheduling page into your website. It’s seamless and simple for visitors.
Time Zone Detection: Automatically detects time zones for your guests, ensuring no awkward mix-ups.
Customizable Branding: Add your logo and tweak the colors. Limited customization, but it’s something.
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.
Easy to use and set up.
Integrates with multiple calendars.
Offers free tier for basic features.
Simplifies scheduling with teams.
Limited customization options for branding.
Free plan lacks key features.
Sometimes too basic for power users.
Group scheduling can get clunky.
Calendly is simple, easy to use, and perfect for individuals or small teams needing straightforward scheduling. It syncs with your calendar, offers automated reminders, and is affordable.
But, if you’re looking for deep customization or advanced features, it may fall short. In my experience, it felt a bit limiting for larger, more complex scheduling needs. It’s like the “starter pack” for scheduling tools—reliable, but you might outgrow it faster than you expect.
Overall Score: 7.1/10
Calendar Hero is one of those tools you stumble upon and wonder how you didn’t know about it sooner. After using Hubspot Meetings, I felt like I had been stuck in scheduling purgatory. If you're tired of constant back-and-forth emails, this might be worth considering. Is Calendar Hero really the alternative to Hubspot Meetings you’ve been waiting for?
AI-Powered Scheduling: Automatically finds the best meeting times based on everyone’s availability.
Multiple Integrations: Connects to your email, calendar, and even CRM for seamless scheduling.
Meeting Reminders: Sends automated reminders to reduce no-shows and last-minute cancellations.
Group Scheduling: Schedule with multiple people without endless email chains.
Buffer Times: Easily set breaks between meetings to avoid burnout.
Custom Availability: Control exactly when you're available, making it simple to block out personal time.
Video Conferencing Integration: Automatically adds links to Zoom, Teams, or Google Meet.
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.
AI helps reduce manual scheduling.
Integrates with popular apps like Zoom and Google Meet.
Group scheduling is efficient and hassle-free.
Custom availability settings are easy to manage.
The interface can feel overwhelming at first.
AI suggestions aren’t always perfect.
Limited free plan features.
Buffer settings are not as flexible as some competitors.
In my experience, Calendar Hero was a breath of fresh air compared to Hubspot Meetings.
The AI-powered scheduling, though not flawless, saved me hours of back-and-forth emails. Group scheduling was particularly useful, and integrations with Zoom and other tools were seamless.
However, the learning curve is steep, and the limited free plan may not be enough for all users. If you’re looking for an alternative to Hubspot Meetings, Calendar Hero is worth exploring—especially if you're tired of basic scheduling tools that don't really meet your needs.
Overall Score: 6.3/10
Chili Piper feels like it’s built for people who love efficiency. It’s an alternative to Hubspot Meetings, and after using it, I saw the difference instantly. The focus here is on speed and smooth handoffs between teams. But is it really that great? Let's break it down.
Instant booking: Automatically book meetings as soon as a lead submits a form. No waiting around.
Round-robin scheduling: Distributes leads equally among team members. Keeps things fair.
Calendar sync: Syncs with Google and Outlook to prevent double bookings. Saves headaches.
Customizable booking forms: Tailor forms to capture the exact information you need from clients.
Automated reminders: Keeps clients in the loop with reminders for upcoming meetings.
Meeting routing: Directs leads to the right person based on criteria. No awkward hand-offs.
Analytics dashboard: Track performance and booking data. Know what's working and what’s not.
Chili Piper’s pricing starts at $15 per user/month for basic scheduling. Advanced features, like lead routing and automation, are available in higher-tier plans, which can get expensive for smaller teams.
Great for team collaboration.
Reduces no-shows with automatic reminders.
Customizable forms fit various needs.
Real-time handoffs improve customer experience.
Steep learning curve for new users.
Limited integrations compared to competitors.
Expensive for small teams.
Occasional glitches in calendar syncing.
In my experience, Chili Piper works best if you have a busy sales or support team. It's quick and helps prevent dropped leads. But if you’re a small team, the cost might feel high. While it’s not perfect, it’s far more efficient than Hubspot Meetings when you need to streamline scheduling and lead routing.
The real-time booking and reminder features stand out, but the occasional sync issue can be frustrating. It's worth considering if collaboration is key for your business. If you want to check more software similar to Chili Piper, then check out our dedicated article on 10 best Chili Piper alternatives.
Overall Score: 6.7/10
Pipedrive Scheduler is more than just another calendar tool—it’s actually integrated into your sales CRM. I’ve used it, and while it's solid, it didn't blow me away. If you're looking for an alternative to Hubspot Meetings, this could work, but is it the best? Let’s break down its strengths and weaknesses.
Two-Way Syncing – Pipedrive integrates with your Google or Microsoft calendars, so no double bookings. It’s smooth, but not flawless.
Custom Time Slots – You can set specific times for meetings. Great for control freaks like me who hate random scheduling gaps.
Automated Follow-Ups – It sends reminders automatically, so you don’t have to worry about chasing clients for meetings.
Sales Pipeline Integration – Because it’s tied to Pipedrive, you can link meetings directly to your sales pipeline. Makes tracking leads easier.
Team Scheduling – Allows multiple people to join in on meetings, which is nice for internal collaborations.
Custom Branding – You can add your company logo and colors to the booking page. It’s basic, but functional.
Mobile App Support – The scheduler works on mobile, which is handy for on-the-go changes. But don’t expect a perfect mobile experience.
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.
Seamless CRM integration.
Simple and intuitive interface.
Saves time with automated reminders.
Custom branding available.
Limited flexibility compared to standalone tools.
Mobile app has glitches.
Doesn't support all calendar platforms.
Basic customization options.
Pipedrive Scheduler is good if you’re already using Pipedrive as your CRM. Its biggest strength is the integration with your sales pipeline, which makes scheduling smoother for sales teams.
But for anyone looking for a full-featured scheduling tool, it falls short. It’s not as flexible or feature-packed as some alternatives to Hubspot Meetings. It’s like having a tool that does the job but doesn’t leave you excited to use it.
Overall Score: 6.7/10
Koalendar is a straightforward, no-nonsense scheduling tool. If Hubspot Meetings left you frustrated, Koalendar might feel like a breath of fresh air. It’s a lightweight alternative to Hubspot Meetings that gets the basics right without overwhelming you with features. But is that enough? Let’s dive into the details to see if it works for you.
Simple calendar integration: Syncs with Google Calendar, making setup quick. No more tedious configurations.
Customizable time slots: Offers flexible time slot customization so you can control your availability.
Automatic reminders: Sends automated email reminders to reduce no-shows, keeping your schedule organized.
Mobile-friendly design: The interface is optimized for mobile devices, letting clients book on the go.
Unlimited bookings: Offers unlimited bookings, so you don’t have to worry about hitting a cap.
Personalized booking page: Allows basic customization of the booking page, adding a professional touch.
Team collaboration: Lets you coordinate team schedules for easier group meetings
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.
Very easy to set up and use.
Syncs with Google Calendar without any fuss.
Lightweight and works well for small teams or solo use.
Mobile-friendly, so users can book from their phones.
Limited customization options for booking pages.
Lacks more advanced features like round-robin scheduling.
Integrations are basic compared to other tools.
UI feels a little too minimalistic at times.
In my experience, Koalendar is a solid alternative to Hubspot Meetings if you're looking for something simple and affordable.
It’s ideal for freelancers or small teams that don’t need too many bells and whistles.
However, if you’re running a larger operation or need more robust features like deep integrations or advanced workflows, you might feel a bit limited.
It’s a minimalist tool, and while that works for some, others might find it lacking. The best part? It gets the basics right without making you feel overwhelmed. But if you crave more power, Koalendar may not be enough.
Overall Score: 5.8/10
Vagaro is a scheduling tool often used in salons, spas, and fitness studios. If you're searching for an alternative to Hubspot Meetings, Vagaro might catch your eye. I tried it myself and noticed how it simplifies booking. But is it worth switching to? Let’s see if this fits your needs.
Online Booking – Clients can book appointments through Vagaro's app or website. It’s straightforward and user-friendly.
Customizable Booking Pages – Adjust your booking page with your brand’s style. It feels personal but still professional.
Automated Reminders – Sends clients reminders via text or email, reducing no-shows. You won’t need to follow up manually.
Inventory Management – It also manages product inventory, which is a nice touch for service-based businesses.
Payment Processing – Accept payments directly through the platform, making it easier to manage finances.
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.
Easy for clients to book through the app.
Reduces no-shows with automated reminders.
Great for service-based businesses like salons and spas.
Payment processing is integrated.
Can feel a bit overwhelming with so many features.
Limited customization for industries outside beauty and fitness.
The mobile app has occasional bugs.
Price can be high for smaller businesses.
Vagaro offers a well-rounded solution for scheduling, especially if you run a beauty or wellness business. In my experience, the customizable booking page is great if you want to align with your brand. However, if you’re in an industry outside of beauty or fitness, it may not offer as much flexibility.
The learning curve can also feel steep with the number of features available, but once you're set up, the ease of client bookings and reduced no-shows makes it worthwhile.
Compared to Hubspot Meetings, it’s more tailored to service providers, but it might be too niche for some businesses.
Overall Score: 7.5/10
Booksy is an alternative to Hubspot Meetings that's tailored for businesses in the beauty and wellness industry. I gave it a try after feeling stuck with my old scheduling software. And honestly? It’s a breath of fresh air. But does it fully replace everything you need? That depends. Let's take a closer look.
Appointment Scheduling: Manage bookings with customizable time slots and automated reminders. It's easy, even for tech novices.
Client Management: Save client profiles and track their history. Useful for building customer relationships.
Mobile App: Manage everything from your phone. Perfect for when you're always on the move.
Payments Integration: Process payments directly in the app, which saves time and avoids any back-and-forth with clients.
Marketing Tools: Send promotions and reminders to clients directly, helping you stay top of mind without any extra effort.
Review System: Clients can leave reviews directly through Booksy, which helps build trust and credibility.
Group Bookings: You can schedule group sessions seamlessly, which is a nice touch for classes or workshops.
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.
Easy to use on mobile.
Combines scheduling and payments in one platform.
Automated reminders save time.
Review feature helps build customer trust.
Geared mostly towards beauty and wellness industries.
Limited customization compared to some tools.
Pricing can be steep for small businesses.
Lack of advanced integration options.
In my experience, Booksy is a solid scheduling tool, especially for those in the beauty and wellness industries. Its mobile app makes managing bookings on the go super easy, and the integrated payment and marketing features are a huge plus.
However, it lacks some of the flexibility and customizations that other alternatives to Hubspot Meetings might offer. It's also on the pricier side, which might be a drawback for smaller businesses.
If you’re looking for a niche scheduling tool with great mobile functionality, Booksy might be a great fit, but it's not the most versatile option out there.
Overall Score: 7.1/10
SavvyCal feels like the scheduling tool that respects your time—and your guests' time too.
After using Hubspot Meetings, switching to something more flexible was a breath of fresh air.
It’s intuitive, not overcomplicated, and lets you control availability in ways that Hubspot doesn’t. Have you ever felt like your scheduling tool was making things harder than they needed to be?
Calendar Overlay: Your guests can overlay their calendar on yours, making it easier to find the perfect time. No back-and-forth emails.
Multiple Meeting Types: Allows you to create different meeting types and durations. Perfect for quick check-ins or long deep-dives.
Personalized Scheduling Links: Easily customize the link with personal branding and preferences. You’re in control.
Time Blocking: Block out times that work for you. No one can book over your focused hours.
Meeting Buffers: Automatically set buffers before and after meetings so you don’t get back-to-back bookings. Helps maintain sanity.
Custom Availability: Set availability for different types of meetings, so personal calls don’t mix with work.
SavvyCal offers a free plan with basic features. Paid plans start at $12/month, which includes advanced scheduling options, team features, and calendar integrations.
Clean interface that’s easy to navigate.
Guests love the overlay feature, saves a ton of time.
Personalized links make it feel professional.
Multiple meeting types give you flexibility.
A bit pricey compared to some alternatives.
Limited integrations with less popular tools.
Could be overwhelming for someone who’s used to simpler schedulers.
No free plan after the trial ends.
In my experience, SavvyCal just feels easier to use. It’s like upgrading from a bike to a car—suddenly, scheduling becomes smoother, faster, and a lot less stressful. The ability to personalize links and offer guests an overlay of their own calendars is a game changer for those who have back-to-back meetings. If you’ve been frustrated with the limitations of Hubspot Meetings, this is a strong alternative that might just give you back your time.
But be warned: it’s not the cheapest option out there, and if you’re sticking to a tight budget, you might need to think twice. Still, if you value flexibility and control, SavvyCal makes scheduling feel less like a chore and more like a helpful tool.
Overall Score: 7.9/10
Scheduling Page: Does the scheduling page offer more than just a calendar? The Hubspot meeting scheduler, for example, allows for adding personal profiles, images, and other elements that leave a lasting impression.
Customization: Can you tweak the platform to fit your brand? A good tool should allow for personalized scheduling links, color themes, and branding elements. If you're comparing Hubspot meeting vs Calendly, note that Calendly may offer more flexibility for customization.
Teams: If you're managing a team, does the tool handle multi-user scheduling efficiently? Round-robin scheduling or routing features can help streamline collaboration.
Support: Quick, reliable support can save you hours of frustration. Check if the platform offers live chat, email, or phone support when you need help.
Ease of Use: No one wants to struggle with a complicated tool. The simpler the interface, the faster you'll get up and running without training. This is especially true for tools offering Hubspot calendar scheduling, which can integrate with CRM systems for a more seamless experience.
3rd Party Integrations: Can the platform easily connect with your existing tools? A good scheduler should offer integrations with CRM, communication, and project management tools.
User Interface: Is the layout clean and intuitive? A well-designed UI makes navigating the platform enjoyable and reduces mistakes.
Calendar Sync: Does it sync flawlessly with popular calendar tools like Google or Outlook? Syncing should be smooth, ensuring no double bookings. If you're asking, "Is Hubspot meeting free?", it does offer a free plan, but advanced features might require a paid subscription.
Free Plan: If you're searching for Free Hubspot meeting alternatives, consider tools like Lunacal or TidyCal, which provide free-forever plans and robust scheduling features.
For me, Lunacal is miles ahead of the competition. If you’re managing a large company with 500+ users, it’s worth taking demos of products like SavvyCal or TidyCal. Sure, they have deep integrations, but they can be clunky, difficult to navigate, and sometimes unreasonably priced. Plus, support might feel limited at times.
Lunacal, on the other hand, is the fastest-growing platform. Its customizable scheduling pages, user-friendly design, and free forever plan make it a no-brainer. You can easily personalize your page with bios, testimonials, and more, helping you build trust and create personal connections instantly.
What are the best alternatives to Hubspot Meetings?
There are several great alternatives like SavvyCal, TidyCal, and Lunacal. Each has its strengths in customization, integrations, and ease of use, depending on your specific needs.
Which alternative offers the most customization?
If you’re looking for deep personalization, Lunacal stands out. It allows you to add bios, client testimonials, and media to your scheduling page, helping you create a more engaging experience.
Are there free Hubspot meeting alternatives for calendar scheduling?
Yes, several free alternatives to Hubspot meeting tools are available for calendar scheduling. Options like Lunacal and TidyCal provide free-forever plans with intuitive scheduling features. If you’re wondering, "Is Hubspot Meeting free?", it does offer a free plan, but its advanced features are limited to paid subscriptions.
Which alternative is best for teams?
SavvyCal is strong for teams with its collaborative scheduling features. If you need something more tailored to personal branding and team collaboration, Lunacal is a fast-growing option.
What’s the easiest-to-use alternative to Hubspot Meetings?
For ease of use, TidyCal and SavvyCal offer simple interfaces. Lunacal, with its guided onboarding and intuitive design, makes the transition effortless for new users.
Do alternatives offer better integrations than Hubspot Meetings?
Many alternatives like SavvyCal and TidyCal offer great 3rd party integrations. For users needing deep customization with a range of integrations, Lunacal provides seamless compatibility.
What makes the Hubspot meeting scheduler stand out from its competitors?
The Hubspot meeting scheduler integrates seamlessly with Hubspot's CRM, enabling you to track interactions and manage client relationships effectively. It also syncs with your calendar for streamlined scheduling. However, if you're comparing Hubspot meeting vs Calendly, you might find that Calendly offers more robust customization options and flexibility for individuals or teams.