10 Best Microsoft Bookings alternatives and competitors in 2025
This article draws from extensive testing of 40+ tools, insights from over 60 interviews, and analysis of 200+ reviews.
26 December 2024
16 min read
Introduction
At first, Microsoft Bookings seemed like a reliable choice, but soon I found it to be limiting. I never expected to outgrow it so fast.
While I’d rate Microsoft Bookings 8/10, there are tools with higher ratings and better free-forever plans, like Lunacal (9.2/10) and Picktime (6.7/10).
Although Microsoft Bookings is a popular scheduling app, it has its flaws. Recently, Cyberis uncovered a vulnerability that allows attackers to impersonate key personnel, hijack accounts, and bypass security protocols by exploiting the Shared Booking Pages feature.
I've tested numerous calendar scheduling tools and rounded up the 10 best Microsoft Bookings alternatives to help you find a better fit for your needs.
9 Microsoft Bookings alternatives part of this study
Lunacal
Picktime
Vagaro
Book like a boss
Calendar Hero
Meet Fox
Google Calendar
Pipedrive Scheduler
Zcal
Top Scheduling software comparison guide
| Detailed Comprison | Lunacal | Picktime | Vagaro | Book like a boss | Calendar Hero | Meet Fox | Google Calendar | Pipedrive Scheduler | Zcal |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Scheduling Page |  |  | | | | | | | |
| Customization | | | | | | | | | |
| Teams | | | | | | | | | |
| Support | | | | | | | | | |
| Ease of use | | | | | | | | | |
| 3rd party integrations | | | | | | | | | |
| User interface | | | | | | | | | |
| Calendar sync | | | | | | | | | |
| Free plan | yes | yes | no | no | yes | yes | yes | no | yes |
Lunacal
Lunacal changes the way you think about scheduling, turning a simple booking page into a true reflection of your brand. When I used it, it felt more like creating a personal portfolio than just managing appointments. Perfect for freelancers, small businesses, and anyone who wants every booking interaction to feel meaningful.
Features of Lunacal
Customizable Scheduling Pages: Build a fully branded experience by adding bios, videos, and testimonials to your page. It’s not just a calendar—it’s a way to connect.
Client Testimonials Integration: Display real client reviews directly on your page. This builds trust and increases the likelihood of bookings, which I found really helpful.
Branding Options: Customize everything from colors to logos, ensuring your scheduling page matches your brand perfectly.
Free Forever Plan: Lunacal offers a free plan with no time limit. It’s ideal for testing basic features and seeing if it suits your needs.
Calendar Sync: Seamlessly sync with Google, Outlook, and Apple calendars to keep all your bookings in one place without effort.
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
Highly customizable scheduling pages
Free plan with essential features
Syncs with major calendars effortlessly
Automated reminders reduce no-shows
Strong team management tools like round-robin scheduling
Cons of Lunacal
No native integration with advanced CRMs like Salesforce
May not have enough complexity for large enterprises
Lunacal: Our Verdict
Lunacal offers a personalized scheduling experience that goes beyond the standard booking page. In my experience, it was easy to set up and made my scheduling page feel more like an extension of my brand.
It’s especially great for freelancers and small businesses who want their booking page to stand out.
While it may lack the depth larger enterprises need, its flexibility and ease of use make it a solid alternative to more traditional scheduling tools. If personalizing your brand presence is important, Lunacal is definitely worth a try.
Overall Score: 9.2/10
Picktime
Picktime is an intuitive alternative to Microsoft Bookings, offering a simple and user-friendly scheduling experience. When I used it, I was impressed by how easy it was to manage appointments and handle team bookings.
It’s perfect for businesses that need a versatile scheduling tool without the clunkiness of Microsoft Bookings.
Features of Picktime
Multi-Location Support: Picktime allows you to manage appointments across multiple locations, which is a great feature if your business operates from different spots.
Customizable Booking Pages: You can personalize your booking page with your logo, colors, and more, giving it a professional touch.
Team Scheduling: Manage team members’ schedules and appointments with ease. It’s ideal for businesses with multiple staff members handling bookings.
Calendar Sync: Seamlessly sync Picktime with Google, Outlook, and Apple calendars to avoid double bookings and ensure everything is up to date.
Automated Reminders: Reduce no-shows with automated email or SMS reminders for both you and your clients, saving time and effort.
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 and set up
Multi-location support is great for businesses with multiple venues
Syncs with major calendar platforms
Automated reminders reduce no-shows
Offers a free plan with solid features
Cons of Picktime
Limited integrations compared to other tools
Customization options can feel basic
No advanced CRM integration
Mobile app performance could be improved
Picktime: Our Verdict
In my experience, Picktime is a reliable alternative to Microsoft Bookings, especially for businesses that need multi-location scheduling and team management. The setup process was straightforward, and the automated reminders helped reduce no-shows significantly. However, the platform might feel limited for those looking for deep integrations or advanced features.
For businesses like law firms, Picktime works well as lawyers' appointment scheduling software, offering an easy-to-use solution for managing appointments efficiently. However, for consultants, it also serves as a solid consultant booking system software, helping streamline the booking process without any hassle.
Still, for small to medium-sized businesses, Picktime provides an efficient and easy-to-use scheduling solution that’s hard to beat at its price point.
Overall Score: 6.7/10
Vagaro
Vagaro is a solid alternative to Microsoft Bookings, especially for businesses in the health and beauty industry. When I used it, I found it packed with industry-specific features that were surprisingly helpful. If you need scheduling software tailored for salons, spas, or fitness studios, Vagaro stands out for good reason.
Features of Vagaro
Industry-Specific Booking Pages: Vagaro is designed for businesses in the beauty, wellness, and fitness industries. Your booking page can showcase services, staff bios, and pricing, making it easy for clients to choose.
Integrated Payment Processing: Collect payments directly from the platform through integrations with popular payment processors. It’s smooth and efficient for any service-based business.
Client Management: Keep track of client appointments, notes, and preferences, which helps in offering a personalized experience every time.
Automated Notifications: Set up automatic text and email reminders to reduce no-shows and keep clients engaged.
Customizable Membership and Packages: Offer clients memberships or packages, giving them more options and boosting client retention.
Pricing Details
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.
Lets compare the Pros and Cons..
Pros of Vagaro
Tailored for beauty, wellness, and fitness businesses
Simple payment processing directly through the platform
Detailed client management features for personalized service
Automated notifications help reduce missed appointments
Custom membership and package options to increase retention
Cons of Vagaro
Could feel overly specific for businesses outside of health and beauty
Learning curve for advanced features
Pricing can add up with extra features
Limited flexibility for businesses not focused on services
Vagaro: Our Verdict
In my experience, Vagaro is a great alternative to Microsoft Bookings if you’re running a business in the beauty or fitness industries. The client management tools were a game changer for me, allowing personalized services and better customer retention. The integrated payment options and customizable packages make it easy to streamline operations.
However, if you’re in a different industry, Vagaro might feel too niche. But for salons, spas, and studios, it's a strong scheduling solution.
Overall Score: 7.5/10
Book like a boss
Book Like A Boss (BLAB) is a solid alternative to Microsoft Bookings. When I first tried it, I noticed how much more personalized and flexible it was. If you're a freelancer or small business owner, BLAB makes it easy to create a branded booking experience that goes beyond just scheduling.
Features of Book like a boss
Customizable Booking Pages: You can fully customize your booking page with bios, images, and service descriptions, making it feel more like a mini-website than just a calendar.
Product and Service Listings: List your products or services directly on the booking page, allowing clients to book and pay in one go.
Integrated Payments: BLAB integrates with payment platforms like PayPal and Stripe, so clients can pay when they book, simplifying the payment process.
Calendar Sync: Syncs with Google, Outlook, and iCal, ensuring your bookings and personal calendar stay in sync.
Automated Reminders: Sends out email reminders to clients before appointments, reducing no-shows and helping to keep your schedule organized.
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
Highly customizable booking pages
Integrated payment options make it easier to get paid
Calendar sync ensures seamless scheduling
Simple interface that’s easy to set up
Supports listing multiple services or products
Cons of Book like a boss
May feel overwhelming with too many customization options
Limited advanced team scheduling features
Pricier compared to simpler scheduling tools
Lacks some deeper CRM integrations
Book like a boss: Our Verdict
In my experience, Book Like A Boss is a much more flexible and customizable alternative to Microsoft Bookings. It’s perfect for freelancers and small businesses that need a personalized booking page to showcase their services. The integration with payment gateways makes it easy to streamline your booking and payment process in one step.
However, if you’re managing a larger team or need advanced scheduling tools, BLAB might feel a bit limited. For those looking for a polished, all-in-one solution to bookings and payments, it’s a great fit. Also check out our dedicated article on Book Like a Boss alternatives, if you want to explore more similar options.
Overall Score: 8.8/10
Calendar Hero
CalendarHero is a smart alternative to Microsoft Bookings, offering features that feel more efficient and tailored to modern scheduling needs.
When I tried it, I was impressed by how much it automated the process, saving me time. If you're looking for something that streamlines your calendar management, CalendarHero might be the right fit.
Features of Calendar Hero
Automated Meeting Scheduling: CalendarHero automatically schedules meetings based on your availability, eliminating the back-and-forth emails.
AI-Powered Assistant: The AI assistant sends reminders, books meetings, and handles rescheduling for you, which takes a lot off your plate.
Multiple Calendar Sync: Syncs with Google, Outlook, and other popular calendars to keep all appointments organized in one place.
Customizable Meeting Pages: Create a branded meeting page where clients can book time directly. It’s simple but adds a personal touch.
Team Scheduling: Supports round-robin and collective scheduling, which is useful for teams managing group bookings.
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 assistance that automates much of the scheduling process
Seamless syncing with multiple calendars
Easy to customize meeting pages for a professional look
Excellent for teams with its scheduling options
Integrated reminders reduce the risk of no-shows
Cons of Calendar Hero
AI features may feel overcomplicated for simple use cases
Customization options are limited for free plans
Not ideal for businesses needing advanced CRM integrations
Pricing can be steep for small businesses
Calendar Hero: Our Verdict
In my experience, CalendarHero is a solid alternative to Microsoft Bookings, especially if you’re seeking more automation in your scheduling process. The AI assistant does a lot of the heavy lifting, saving you from the constant back-and-forth of scheduling meetings. I found it easy to set up, and the team scheduling feature is a real win for collaboration.
However, if you’re looking for deeper CRM integrations or highly customizable meeting pages, it might feel limited. Overall, it’s a powerful tool for anyone looking to streamline their scheduling and reduce admin tasks.
Overall Score: 6.3/10
Meet Fox
Meet Fox is a solid alternative to Microsoft Bookings, offering a more streamlined approach to scheduling, especially for professionals who rely on video meetings. When I used it, I appreciated how simple it was to integrate video calls and payments directly into the booking process. If you're tired of the limitations of Microsoft Bookings, Meet Fox could be worth a try.
Features of Meet Fox
Integrated Video Calls: Schedule and host video meetings directly from Meet Fox, making it ideal for remote consultations and client calls.
Payment Processing: Clients can pay for appointments upfront, which is great if you’re offering paid services. It’s quick and hassle-free.
Customizable Booking Pages: Personalize your booking page with your logo, colors, and even a short bio to give it a professional touch.
Automated Reminders: Meet Fox sends automatic email reminders to reduce no-shows and keep both you and your clients on track.
Sync with Google Calendar: Stay organized with seamless Google Calendar sync, ensuring you’re never double-booked or out of sync.
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
Easy video integration for virtual meetings
Payment processing makes handling client payments smoother
Simple to set up and customize your booking page
Automated reminders cut down on missed appointments
Syncs with Google Calendar for easy scheduling
Cons of Meet Fox
Fewer advanced features for large teams
Video call quality can depend on internet connection
Limited integrations compared to other tools
Pricing may feel high for smaller businesses
Meet Fox: Our Verdict
In my experience, Meet Fox is a great alternative to Microsoft Bookings, particularly if you need to integrate video calls and payment processing into your scheduling system.
The setup was straightforward, and I liked how professional my booking page looked with its customization options. However, larger teams might find it lacking in more advanced features or integrations.
Still, for solo professionals or small businesses looking for an all-in-one scheduling tool, MeetFox is a strong option. If you want to explore more tools similar to MeetFox, do checkout our dedicated MeetFox alternative article.
Overall Score: 7.1/10
Google Calendar
Google Calendar is a straightforward alternative to Microsoft Bookings. It’s free and widely used, making it a familiar option for many. In my experience, Google Calendar shines when you need basic scheduling without the bells and whistles.
It’s perfect for personal use or small teams that need simple coordination.
Features of Google Calendar
Event Creation: Easily create events and invite others. You can set reminders, add descriptions, and attach files for more organized scheduling.
Google Meet Integration: Every event can automatically include a Google Meet link, making it simple for virtual meetings.
Multiple Calendar Management: Manage several calendars at once, allowing you to keep personal, work, and shared schedules separate.
Time Zone Conversion: Automatically adjusts event times for users in different time zones, reducing confusion.
Mobile App: The Google Calendar app keeps you connected on the go, with all your schedules syncing across devices.
Pricing Details
Google Calendar is free for individual users. For businesses, it’s included in Google Workspace, starting at $6 per user per month.
Lets compare the Pros and Cons..
Pros of Google Calendar
Free and easy to use for personal and small team scheduling
Seamless integration with Google services like Meet and Drive
Real-time sync across devices and platforms
Simple interface that’s easy for anyone to navigate
Cons of Google Calendar
Lacks advanced scheduling features for large teams
Limited customization for booking pages or branding
No built-in payment processing for appointments
Not ideal for businesses needing more complex booking workflows
Google Calendar: Our Verdict
In my experience, Google Calendar is a reliable, no-fuss alternative to Microsoft Bookings. It’s ideal for individuals or small teams that need basic scheduling without much overhead.
The integration with Google Meet is especially helpful for virtual meetings. However, if you’re managing a larger team or need more advanced features like payment processing or custom booking pages, it might not offer enough.
But for everyday use, especially within the Google ecosystem, it’s hard to beat for simplicity and accessibility.
Overall Score: 5.8/10
Pipedrive Scheduler
Pipedrive Scheduler is a simple, integrated alternative to Microsoft Bookings, especially if you’re already using Pipedrive for CRM.
I found it convenient, as it connects seamlessly with my sales pipeline, making scheduling a part of the overall process. If you’re looking for a scheduling tool that blends with your CRM, Pipedrive Scheduler is worth a look.
Features of Pipedrive Scheduler
CRM Integration: Since it’s part of Pipedrive, your meetings, clients, and deals are all connected, reducing the back-and-forth between tools.
Calendar Sync: Syncs with Google and Outlook calendars, keeping your appointments updated without extra effort.
Customizable Booking Links: Create personalized links for different types of meetings, helping keep everything organized.
Automated Reminders: Automatically send reminders to your clients, minimizing no-shows and last-minute cancellations.
Team Scheduling: For teams, Pipedrive offers group scheduling, helping evenly distribute meetings across team members.
Pricing Details
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.
Lets compare the Pros and Cons..
Pros of Pipedrive Scheduler
Seamless integration with Pipedrive CRM
Automated reminders reduce missed appointments
Customizable booking links for different meeting types
Strong calendar sync for smooth coordination
Team scheduling features for larger groups
Cons of Pipedrive Scheduler
Lacks advanced customization for branding
Limited functionality if you don’t use Pipedrive CRM
May feel basic compared to standalone schedulers
Pricing is higher due to being bundled with the CRM
Fewer options for integrations outside Pipedrive ecosystem
Pipedrive Scheduler: Our Verdict
In my experience, Pipedrive Scheduler is a great alternative to Microsoft Bookings if you’re already in the Pipedrive ecosystem.
It integrates well with your existing CRM workflows, which saves time and minimizes errors when scheduling meetings.
However, if you’re not using Pipedrive, this tool might feel a bit limiting and less flexible than standalone options.
It’s not the most customizable for branding, but the automatic reminders and team scheduling make it a solid choice for small to medium-sized teams looking for a reliable scheduling tool tied to their CRM.
Overall Score: 6.7/10
Zcal
Zcal is a refreshing, user-friendly alternative to Microsoft Bookings. When I tried it, I immediately noticed how easy it was to customize my scheduling experience. If you're looking for something simple, clean, and flexible without the bloat, Zcal could be a solid option.
Features of Zcal
Customizable Scheduling Pages: Zcal lets you create a scheduling page that reflects your personality or brand. You can add your photo, bio, and even videos, giving your clients a sense of who you are before they book.
No-Signup Booking: Clients can book appointments without creating an account, making the process smooth and quick for everyone involved.
Multiple Calendar Sync: Zcal integrates seamlessly with Google, Outlook, and Apple calendars, ensuring your schedule is always up to date without needing manual updates.
Automated Reminders: Reminders are automatically sent to both you and your clients, helping reduce missed appointments. This feature is a huge time-saver.
Clean, Minimalist Design: Zcal is designed to be distraction-free, with a clean layout that focuses on the essentials. No clutter, just simple scheduling.
Pricing Details
Zcal offers a free plan with basic features. Paid plans start at $6/month, which unlocks more customization options and additional integrations.
Lets compare the Pros and Cons..
Pros of Zcal
Easy setup and clean, user-friendly interface
No need for clients to sign up to book
Automatic reminders help reduce no-shows
Customizable booking pages with personal branding
Seamless calendar integration
Cons of Zcal
Lacks integrations with advanced CRMs
Limited customization for workflows or advanced automation
Might not be suitable for larger teams
Basic reporting and analytics compared to other tools
Zcal: Our Verdict
In my experience, Zcal is a great alternative to Microsoft Bookings, especially if you prioritize simplicity and personalization. It’s ideal for freelancers or small businesses who want a minimal, easy-to-use scheduling tool.
The lack of client signup makes the booking process smoother, and the customizable pages add a nice personal touch. However, it may not have the depth larger teams or enterprises need, particularly in terms of integrations and workflow automation.
If you're looking for an intuitive, clean solution for personal or small business scheduling, Zcal is worth trying.
Overall Score: 6.3/10
Factors you shouldn't miss
Scheduling Page: A great scheduling page should allow you to add personal touches like profiles, images, docs, and videos. This helps clients get to know you before booking. If you’re considering a Microsoft Bookings free alternative, make sure it offers similar customization options.
Customization: How flexible is the software? Can you adjust the colors, layout, and branding to match your business identity? The Microsoft Bookings app provides decent customization, but other tools may offer more flexibility.
Teams: If you work with a team, you’ll need features like round-robin scheduling or lead distribution to manage bookings smoothly. With Microsoft appointment scheduling, these features can be quite beneficial, especially for teams managing large volumes of appointments.
Support: Reliable support is crucial. Does the platform offer live chat, phone support, or email? Quick help can make or break your experience. In a Microsoft Bookings vs Calendly comparison, Calendly often stands out for its quick and accessible support options.
Ease of Use: Is the software intuitive, or does it come with a steep learning curve? The simpler, the better, especially if you're onboarding new users. One of the Microsoft Bookings benefits is its integration with Microsoft 365, making it easier for businesses already in that ecosystem.
3rd Party Integrations: Does the software integrate easily with tools you already use, like payment gateways, Zoom, or CRMs? This helps streamline your workflow.
User Interface: A clean, user-friendly interface makes a huge difference. No one likes clunky software that’s hard to navigate.
Calendar Sync: Look for seamless syncing with major calendars like Google, Outlook, or Apple. It’s essential for avoiding double bookings.
Free Plan: Does the platform offer a free plan? If so, check what features are included. Free plans can be great for testing before committing.
Conclusion: Which is the best Microsoft Bookings alternative?
For me, Lunacal stands miles ahead of other scheduling tools. Its ability to personalize scheduling pages with bios, testimonials, and videos creates a deeper connection with clients—something I haven't seen elsewhere.
For large companies with 500+ users, consider demos of alternatives like Calendly or Zcal. However, they can feel clunky, overpriced, and lack comprehensive support at times, though their integrations are strong.
Lunacal, on the other hand, is the fastest-growing platform. It offers a user-friendly design, quick support, a free forever plan, and guided onboarding, making it an ideal choice for businesses of all sizes. For fitness businesses, it also serves as fitness studio booking software, making client management even easier.
FAQs
- What are the best alternatives to Microsoft Booking?
Some popular alternatives include Acuity, Calendly, and Booksy. These tools offer flexible scheduling, calendar sync, and automated reminders, making them suitable for various business needs.
What is a good Microsoft Bookings free alternative?
If you're looking for a Microsoft Bookings free alternative, tools like Calendly and Setmore offer similar functionalities without the need for a paid plan. These options can handle appointment scheduling with ease, and in some cases, offer more customization and integrations than Microsoft Bookings app.
- What should I consider when switching from Microsoft Booking?
Look for ease of use, customization, and integrations. Some tools, like Lunacal, also offer enhanced branding features, allowing you to create a more personal connection with clients through your scheduling page.
- Which alternative offers the best integrations?
Tools like Acuity and Calendly integrate with Google, Outlook, Zoom, and more. However, if branding is key, Lunacal’s integrations along with customization features may better suit your needs.
- Are there alternatives better suited for team scheduling?
Yes, platforms like Appointy and Acuity offer robust team scheduling features such as round-robin and lead routing, making them ideal for businesses managing multiple users.
- How do I decide which scheduling tool is right for my business?
Consider your business size, feature needs, and budget. If personalization is a priority, Lunacal stands out by allowing you to add testimonials, images, and videos to your scheduling page for a more engaging experience.
How does Microsoft Bookings compare to Calendly?
When it comes to Microsoft appointment scheduling, Microsoft Bookings vs Calendly is a common comparison. While Microsoft Bookings is well-integrated with Microsoft 365 and is great for businesses already using Microsoft products, Calendly often provides a more user-friendly interface and better integration with third-party tools. The main Microsoft Bookings benefits include seamless integration with Outlook and Office tools, making it a convenient choice for those within the Microsoft ecosystem.
What is the recent vulnerability discovered in Microsoft Bookings?
According to Cyberis, a new vulnerability in Microsoft Bookings allows attackers to exploit the Shared Booking Pages feature, enabling them to impersonate key personnel, hijack accounts, and bypass security protocols. This issue arises from the automatic generation of email addresses based on Booking Page names, which attackers can predict and use for phishing or identity theft.