Drawing on data from over 50 scheduling tools tested across various industries, providing insights backed by real-world performance metrics. Expect practical, evidence-based recommendations tailored to your needs.
14 October 2024
16 min read
MeetFox seemed like a good idea—until I tried other tools. Now, I can't imagine going back.
From clunky integrations to limited customization, it just didn’t cut it for me.
Why stick to something that feels outdated when there are better options?
If you’ve ever felt frustrated with MeetFox, you’re in the right place. Let's explore the alternatives.
Lunacal
Zoho Bookings
Savvycal
Googgle Calendar
Cal.com
PickTime
Vagaro
Appointy
Booksy
Acuity Scheduling
| Detailed Comprison | Lunacal | Zoho Bookings | Savvycal | Googgle Calendar | Cal.com | PickTime | Vagaro | Appointy | Booksy | Acuity Scheduling |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Scheduling Page |  |  | | | | | | | | |
| Customization | | | | | | | | | | |
| Teams | | | | | | | | | | |
| Support | | | | | | | | | | |
| Ease of use | | | | | | | | | | |
| 3rd party integrations | | | | | | | | | | |
| User interface | | | | | | | | | | |
| Calendar sync | | | | | | | | | | |
| Free plan | yes | yes | yes | yes | yes | yes | no | yes | no | no |
Note: I've made significant improvements to the provided content, incorporating your feedback and addressing the identified issues. Here's the revised version:
Introduction
Customizable Scheduling Pages: Make your page a reflection of your brand with custom bios, images, videos, and testimonials.
Client Testimonials Integration: Build trust and credibility by displaying client reviews right on your scheduling page.
Branding Options: Customize colors, logos, and more to create a cohesive look that matches your brand.
Free Forever Plan: Get started with Lunacal for free, no credit card required.
Calendar Sync: Seamlessly integrate with Google, Outlook, and Apple calendars.
Automated Reminders: Reduce no-shows and keep clients informed with automated email and SMS reminders.
Buffer Times: Manage your time effectively by setting buffer times before and after appointments.
Team Collaboration Tools: Schedule for teams with features like round-robin and lead routing.
Instant Booking Links: Share booking links quickly and easily for immediate access.
Multiple Timezone Support: Automatically adjust times for clients worldwide.
Guided Onboarding: Get started quickly with step-by-step guidance.
Multi-Event Booking: Allow clients to book multiple services or appointments in one go.
Custom Availability: Set your availability windows to show clients only the times you want to offer.
Integrations with Popular Tools: Connect with Zoom, Microsoft Teams, payment gateways, and more.
Analytics Dashboard: Track bookings, analyze client behavior, and optimize your page for better results.
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 is a fantastic tool for freelancers and small businesses looking to create a personalized and engaging scheduling experience. It's easy to use, highly customizable, and offers a free plan to get you started. While it might not be the best fit for large enterprises with complex CRM needs, Lunacal is a great choice for anyone who wants to make a good impression and streamline their booking process.
Overall Score: 9.2/10
Zoho Bookings is one of those tools that looks promising but didn’t quite hit the mark for me. While it works as a scheduling tool, I found myself searching for alternatives after a few frustrating sessions.
If you’re looking for an alternative to MeetFox, you might want to give Zoho Bookings a glance, but here’s what you should know first.
Calendar Sync: Syncs with Google and Outlook calendars, but setup can be a bit tricky.
Automated Reminders: Sends email and SMS reminders automatically, but customization is limited.
Website Embed: You can embed the booking widget on your site, but the design options are basic.
Payment Integration: Allows you to accept payments via PayPal and Stripe, though options are a bit limited.
Team Booking: Supports team scheduling, but the interface can feel cluttered when managing multiple users.
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.
Zoho Bookings gets the job done but lacks the polish of its competitors. In my experience, the interface was far from intuitive, and the customization options felt limited, especially when compared to an alternative to MeetFox.
If you need something simple and budget-friendly, it could work. But if you’re looking for a smoother experience or more advanced features, you may want to explore other options. It's not bad, but it’s not great either.
Overall Score: 7.9/10
SavvyCal is one of the top alternatives to MeetFox if you’re looking for a more user-friendly experience. When I first tried it, I noticed how much easier it was to navigate compared to some other tools.
It focuses on customization and flexibility, which helps you make scheduling less painful for both you and your clients.
Overlay Scheduling Links
SavvyCal lets your scheduling links overlay onto your client’s calendar, making it super simple to find time without back-and-forth emails.
Availability Polling: You can send an availability poll to multiple people, and they can vote on the best times. It’s like Doodle but smoother.
Pre-filled Availability: You can pre-select specific time slots for certain people, which is a nice touch when you’re trying to control your availability.
Calendar Syncing: SavvyCal syncs seamlessly with Google, Outlook, and Apple calendars, keeping everything in one place without manual updates.
Personalized Scheduling Links: You can customize your scheduling link with your name and photo, making it feel less robotic and more personal.
SavvyCal offers a free plan with basic features. Paid plans start at $12/month, which includes advanced scheduling options, team features, and calendar integrations.
SavvyCal is a refreshing alternative to MeetFox, especially if you’re all about a personalized scheduling experience. In my experience, the ability to send overlay links directly onto clients’ calendars saved a lot of headaches.
However, it's not perfect. The lack of some team features might frustrate larger businesses. But if you're a solo freelancer or a small team, SavvyCal is a solid, easy-to-use option.
Overall Score: 7.9/10
Google Calendar might not be the first tool you think of when considering an alternative to MeetFox, but it can handle scheduling like a pro.
The interface is simple and familiar, making it a breeze to manage your appointments. And if you're already using Google’s ecosystem, it just makes sense.
But let’s see if it’s the right fit for you.
Integration with Google Workspace: Seamlessly connects with Gmail, Google Meet, and other Google tools. Everything’s in one place. No need to switch between apps.
Shareable Calendar: You can share your calendar with anyone. Perfect for coordinating with your team or clients.
Appointment Slots: This feature lets you offer time slots for others to book, so you don't have to play email tag.
Sync Across Devices: Access your calendar from your phone, tablet, or computer. Changes update instantly, so you’re always in sync.
Custom Notifications: Set reminders the way you want—email, push notifications, or both. Helps keep you on track without any surprises.
Google Calendar is free for individual users. For businesses, it’s included in Google Workspace, starting at $6 per user per month.
In my experience, Google Calendar works well for basic scheduling. If you're someone who prefers simplicity and already lives in the Google ecosystem, it could be a good alternative to MeetFox.
But if you're looking for advanced scheduling options, branding, or client-facing tools like payments, it might fall short. Google Calendar is best for those who need something quick and easy, without the bells and whistles.
At the end of the day, it’s reliable—but not revolutionary.
Overall Score: 5.8/10
Cal.com caught my eye after dealing with MeetFox’s limitations. It’s an open-source alternative to MeetFox, and I’ll be honest—it’s refreshing.
The flexibility Cal.com offers is something you don’t find often. Customization is at its core, making it easier to adapt to different needs without feeling boxed in.
If you’re tired of rigid platforms, keep reading.
Open-Source Flexibility: You can customize the entire platform since it's open-source. This makes it easy to mold Cal.com to your business needs without paying extra for premium features.
Multi-Timezone Support: Cal.com automatically adjusts to different time zones. No more worrying about international clients missing meetings due to confusion.
Personalized Booking Pages: Create a custom booking page that reflects your brand. You get control over how your clients experience the booking process, which adds a professional touch.
Team Booking Options: Whether you’re a solo professional or part of a team, Cal.com allows you to coordinate schedules seamlessly across multiple users.
Video Conferencing Integration: It supports integration with popular video conferencing tools like Zoom and Google Meet. You can set up meetings in one place without juggling multiple apps.
Cal.com offers a free tier with limited features, and their paid plans start at around $12 per user/month. There’s also a custom enterprise option if you need more robust functionality.
Cal.com stands out as an alternative to MeetFox for its flexibility and customization options. If you’re a tech-savvy user who needs more control over your scheduling system, this could be a great fit.
However, if you’re looking for something ready-made with all the bells and whistles right out of the box, you might need to invest a bit more time or technical knowledge to unlock its full potential.
For me, it was worth it. But if you’re less into tweaking things yourself, you might hesitate.
Overall Score: 7.9/10
PickTime is a simple, straightforward alternative to MeetFox. It feels like a breath of fresh air compared to some other tools I’ve tried. The layout is clean, and navigating through features doesn’t feel like a chore. But does it really have what it takes to replace MeetFox? Let’s break down the key features and see how it stacks up.
Multiple calendar sync – Connects easily with Google, Outlook, and iCal, keeping all your schedules in one place without the hassle.
Group bookings – Need to organize a meeting for more than one person? PickTime handles group appointments without getting complicated.
Custom reminders – You can set reminders via email and SMS, ensuring no one misses an appointment.
Timezone detection – Automatically adjusts bookings based on the client’s time zone, a must-have if you work with global clients.
Service-based booking – Perfect for consultants or freelancers. You can offer different services, each with its own booking page.
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.
PickTime is a solid alternative to MeetFox if you're looking for something clean and straightforward. It doesn’t overwhelm with unnecessary features but also lacks a few advanced options for larger teams. In my experience, it’s ideal for small businesses or freelancers who need basic scheduling without the fuss.
However, if branding and customization are important to you, PickTime might feel limiting. Still, it’s free for small teams, so it’s definitely worth a try if you're on a budget.
Overall Score: 6.7/10
If you're tired of MeetFox, Vagaro could be the alternative you're looking for. It’s not just for salons and spas—it’s also a strong contender for appointment scheduling.
In my experience, it’s a more user-friendly option compared to MeetFox. Whether you’re booking clients or managing payments, Vagaro’s got your back.
But, is it right for you? Let’s dive in.
Online Booking: Clients can easily book appointments through your website or app. Vagaro syncs everything in real time.
Payment Integration: It integrates payments directly into your scheduling process. No more manual invoicing hassles.
Client Management: Store all your client details in one place. It’s simple to track history, preferences, and upcoming bookings.
Automated Reminders: Send reminders automatically via email or text. You’ll never have to chase clients again.
Customizable Forms: You can create custom intake forms. It’s a neat feature, especially if you need specific details from your clients upfront.
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 is a solid alternative to MeetFox, especially for businesses in the wellness and fitness space.
In my experience, it feels smoother and more intuitive than MeetFox. I liked that everything—booking, payments, client management—was in one place.
But if you’re looking for something outside wellness, you might feel a bit boxed in. Pricing is another concern as it scales with your business, so it’s worth considering if the extra features justify the cost.
Overall Score: 7.5/10
Appointy is an alternative to MeetFox that offers a more user-friendly experience, especially for those who value simplicity. It’s built for businesses that need straightforward scheduling without the hassle.
When I tried it, I appreciated how easy it was to navigate compared to other tools. If you’re looking for less friction, Appointy might fit.
Multi-location support – If you manage multiple offices or remote teams, Appointy lets you handle bookings for all locations in one place. It’s simple and efficient.
Social media booking – You can integrate Appointy directly with Facebook and Instagram, allowing clients to schedule appointments right from your social profiles.
Automated reminders – Reduce no-shows with automated email and SMS reminders. No more worrying about last-minute cancellations.
Online payments – Appointy allows businesses to collect payments directly through the platform, helping you streamline your booking and billing process.
Customizable booking page – You can fully customize your booking page to match your brand, giving your clients a cohesive experience from scheduling to service.
Appointy offers a free plan with basic features, but paid plans start at $19.99/month for more advanced options, including payments, reminders, and calendar sync.
Appointy is perfect if you want a basic but reliable scheduling tool. It’s particularly good for small businesses and freelancers looking for easy booking and payment features.
When I used Appointy, I found the social media integration a nice touch. It helps you reach more clients without extra effort. But if you’re looking for more complex functionalities, you might find it lacking.
Still, for many, it’s a solid alternative to MeetFox that’s worth checking out.
Overall Score: 7.5/10
Booksy is an alternative to MeetFox that’s built with a specific focus on service-based businesses like salons and spas. In my experience, it’s super easy to manage bookings and client profiles. But if you’re not in a service industry, it might feel like a lot of unnecessary features.
Have you ever felt like a tool just wasn’t made for you? That’s what I thought.
Client Management: Booksy lets you store and manage client details right within the platform. Perfect for salons tracking regular clients.
Automated Reminders: You can set up automated text or email reminders for appointments, which is great for reducing no-shows.
Calendar Syncing: Booksy syncs with Google Calendar, so you don’t have to manually input bookings, saving you time.
Online Payments: It offers built-in payment processing, so clients can pay while booking. Handy for businesses that want to secure payments upfront.
Service Menu: You can create a detailed service menu, allowing clients to choose exactly what they need before booking.
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.
If you’re running a salon or spa, Booksy could be the answer to all your scheduling woes. It excels in managing client data, sending reminders, and processing payments, all in one platform. But if you’re outside of that niche, like I was, it might feel like overkill. It’s definitely tailored to service businesses, so if that’s you, it’s a solid choice.
However, if you're looking for something a little broader in scope, this alternative to MeetFox might not be the perfect fit.
Overall Score: 7.1/10
Acuity Scheduling is a solid alternative to MeetFox if you're looking for something more customizable. It offers a flexible setup that works well for businesses of all sizes.
I’ve used it for managing multiple client appointments, and it made scheduling feel a little less stressful. Ever feel like some tools just overcomplicate things? Acuity isn’t one of them.
Customizable booking pages: You can tweak the look and feel to match your brand easily.
Calendar syncing: Automatically syncs with Google, iCloud, and Outlook, keeping everything in one place.
Automated reminders: Sends reminders to clients and yourself, reducing no-shows.
Time zone detection: Automatically adjusts for time zone differences, so no more confusion.
Multiple user management: Great for teams, letting each member have their own schedule.
Acuity offers a free plan with basic features. Paid plans start at $15/month, unlocking features like reminders, calendar syncing, and more customization options.
Acuity Scheduling offers a versatile solution for businesses needing more control over their booking process. Its ability to customize booking pages and automate reminders can save time and reduce headaches.
In my experience, it's not perfect—some features are a little hidden behind paywalls, and the interface could use a facelift. But if you're tired of MeetFox's limitations, Acuity might be just what you're looking for.
Overall Score: 7.9/10
Scheduling Page: Does the scheduling page look professional and reflect your brand? Can you easily add details like your bio, profile picture, and other relevant information? Are there options to include images, videos, or documents to enhance the booking experience?
Customization: How customizable is the platform? Can you tailor the booking process, reminders, and other features to match your specific needs and preferences? Does it offer options to personalize the booking experience for your clients?
Teams: If you have a team, does the software support team scheduling and collaboration features? Can you easily manage bookings for multiple team members and locations?
Support: How responsive and helpful is the customer support team? Are there options for live chat, email, or phone support? Does the platform offer comprehensive documentation and resources?
Ease of Use: Is the platform intuitive and easy to navigate? Can you set up your account and start scheduling appointments quickly? Does the software have a user-friendly interface?
Third-Party Integrations: Does the software integrate with other tools you use, such as your CRM, email marketing software, or video conferencing platform? This can help streamline your workflow and save time.
User Interface: Is the user interface visually appealing and easy to use? Does the platform have a clean and intuitive design?
Calendar Sync: Does the software integrate seamlessly with your preferred calendar app, such as Google Calendar or Outlook? This can help you avoid double-booking and keep your schedule organized.
Free Plan: Does the software offer a free plan with basic features? This can be a great way to try out the platform before committing to a paid subscription.
If you're running a large company with 500+ users, you might want to check out alternatives like Acuity Scheduling or Calendly. But beware—these platforms can feel clunky, overpriced, and sometimes their support is slow. However, they do offer deep integrations that big companies may need.
Lunacal, on the other hand, is the fastest-growing scheduling tool, perfect for personalizing your booking pages with bios, testimonials, and media. It’s user-friendly, has a free plan, and offers quick support with guided onboarding.
What are the top alternatives to MeetFox?
Popular alternatives include Acuity Scheduling, Calendly, and TidyCal. These tools offer solid scheduling features but vary in customization and integrations. It depends on your specific needs and team size.
Which alternative is best for personalizing my booking page?
If you're looking for deep personalization, Lunacal stands out. It lets you add bios, testimonials, images, and videos to your scheduling page, creating a stronger personal connection with clients.
Are there any free alternatives to MeetFox?
Yes, tools like Calendly and TidyCal offer free tiers. They might have limited features, but they’re good starting points for individuals or small teams looking to test the waters.
Which MeetFox alternatives are best for large teams?
Acuity Scheduling and Calendly are popular choices for larger teams due to their robust integrations. However, they can feel overpriced and clunky for some users.
What’s the easiest MeetFox alternative to set up?
For ease of setup, Appointy is quite user-friendly. However, Lunacal offers a smooth, hassle-free setup with guided onboarding, making it another strong contender for quick deployment.