10 Best Picktime alternatives and competitors (Updated: Oct 2024)
Drawing from data analysis of thousands of user reviews and personal experience with various scheduling platforms, I've compiled this comprehensive guide.
14 October 2024
14 min read
Introduction
Picktime felt like scheduling in slow motion. I couldn't believe how much time it actually wasted.
After using it for a while, I started to realize it wasn’t doing me any favors. The interface was clunky, and the features felt basic.
Have you ever used something and thought, “Is this really the best out there?” That’s exactly what I thought.
9 Picktime alternatives part of this study
Lunacal
Chili piper
Setmore
Koalendar
Appointlet
Acuity Scheduling
Pipedrive Scheduler
Savvycal
Simplybook.me
Top Scheduling software comparison guide
| Detailed Comprison | Lunacal | Chili piper | Setmore | Koalendar | Appointlet | Acuity Scheduling | Pipedrive Scheduler | Savvycal | Simplybook.me |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Scheduling Page |  |  | | | | | | | |
| Customization | | | | | | | | | |
| Teams | | | | | | | | | |
| Support | | | | | | | | | |
| Ease of use | | | | | | | | | |
| 3rd party integrations | | | | | | | | | |
| User interface | | | | | | | | | |
| Calendar sync | | | | | | | | | |
| Free plan | yes | yes | yes | yes | yes | no | no | yes | no |
Lunacal
Lunacal isn't just a scheduling tool; it's a personalized brand experience. Forget those boring, generic booking pages. With Lunacal, you can create a scheduling page that's as unique as your business. Think of it as your digital storefront, where you showcase your personality and entice clients to book.
Features of Lunacal
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.
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
- Deep personalization: Create a scheduling page that truly represents your brand.
- Free forever plan: Get started without any financial commitment.
- Seamless integration: Easily connect with your favorite calendar apps.
- Automated reminders: Reduce no-shows and improve efficiency.
- Team collaboration: Manage scheduling for teams with ease.
Cons of Lunacal
- Limited CRM integrations: May not be ideal for large enterprises with complex CRM systems.
Lunacal: Our Verdict
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
Chili piper
Chili Piper is a solid alternative to Picktime, especially if you’re looking for something that prioritizes lead conversion. I used it recently, and it’s way more efficient for scheduling demos or sales calls.
It’s designed for sales teams but works well for anyone wanting better control over meeting bookings.
Features of Chili piper
Instant lead routing: Automatically assigns leads to the right rep, reducing response time.
Calendar integrations: Syncs with Google Calendar and Outlook for seamless scheduling.
Meeting reminders: Sends automated reminders to both you and your clients to reduce no-shows.
Custom booking pages: Personalize meeting pages with relevant details to make the experience smoother.
Round-robin scheduling: Distributes meetings across your team evenly, avoiding overload for any single person.
Pricing Details
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.
Lets compare the Pros and Cons..
Pros of Chili piper
- Great for sales teams with instant lead routing.
- Simple to set up and sync with existing calendars.
- The custom booking page feels professional and personalized.
- Automated reminders help reduce no-shows.
Cons of Chili piper
- Pricing can get high, especially for small businesses.
- Primarily designed for sales teams, so might feel overkill for others.
- Not the best option for smaller teams or freelancers.
- The learning curve for full-feature use can be steep.
Chili piper: Our Verdict
In my experience, Chili Piper is great for anyone focused on lead conversion and sales efficiency. It takes scheduling up a notch with its intelligent lead routing and customizable booking pages. However, it can be a bit much for smaller teams or solo professionals.
If you're tired of Picktime’s limitations, this alternative could be a game-changer—just be prepared for a steeper learning curve and higher price tag. It’s powerful, but you’ll need to assess whether all the features are necessary for your business.
Overall Score: 6.7/10
Setmore
Setmore is a great alternative to Picktime if you want a scheduling tool that feels more modern and easier to use. When I switched, I immediately noticed how much smoother everything ran. It’s simple, yet effective for both personal and team use.
Ever feel like you’re spending more time managing your calendar than your business? Setmore helps fix that.
Features of Setmore
Drag-and-drop appointments: Easily reschedule or adjust appointments with a simple drag-and-drop feature.
Payment integration: Accept payments directly through your booking page with Stripe or Square.
Video conferencing: Integrates with Zoom or Teleport for virtual meetings.
Reminders: Sends automated SMS or email reminders to reduce no-shows.
Customizable booking page: Personalize the page with your brand’s colors, logo, and service details.
Pricing Details
Setmore offers a free plan with basic features like online booking, calendar sync, and automated reminders. Paid plans start at $12/month, unlocking features like payment processing, video integrations, and priority support.
Lets compare the Pros and Cons..
Pros of Setmore
- Intuitive, clean interface that’s easy to learn.
- Free plan includes most essential features.
- Offers payment integration, which is great for small businesses.
- Strong video conferencing integration with Zoom.
Cons of Setmore
- Limited reporting features for tracking performance.
- Free plan limits SMS reminders, which could be a drawback.
- Lacks advanced automation features that other tools offer.
- Customization options for the booking page could be more robu
Setmore: Our Verdict
In my experience, Setmore is a great tool for small businesses or solo professionals looking for an easy way to manage bookings. It’s user-friendly and integrates well with payment processors and video conferencing tools. However, its limited reporting and customization options could be a downside for those looking for more advanced features.
As an alternative to Picktime, Setmore stands out for its simplicity and ease of use, but keep in mind it might not be ideal for larger operations needing more in-depth automation or reporting capabilities.
Overall Score: 7.5/10
Koalendar
Koalendar is a simple alternative to Picktime, perfect if you need a no-nonsense scheduling tool. I’ve tried both, and Koalendar feels cleaner and faster. It doesn’t overwhelm you with options you don’t need.
Sometimes, less really is more. Koalendar keeps things straightforward, which was a relief after using clunkier platforms.
Features of Koalendar
Google Calendar integration: Syncs seamlessly with Google Calendar for automatic updates and scheduling.
Customizable booking links: Allows you to create personalized links to share with clients.
Automated reminders: Sends reminders to reduce no-shows, keeping your schedule on track.
Time zone support: Automatically adjusts for time zones to avoid confusion with clients abroad.
Mobile-friendly: Works well on mobile devices, making it easy to manage appointments on the go.
Pricing Details
Koalendar offers a free plan that includes unlimited appointments and basic features. Paid plans start at $9/month, adding more customization options, automated reminders, and priority support.
Lets compare the Pros and Cons..
Pros of Koalendar
- Easy to set up with minimal learning curve.
- Simple and effective Google Calendar integration.
- Mobile-friendly interface for managing appointments anywhere.
- Great for individuals and small teams needing basic scheduling.
Cons of Koalendar
- Limited customization options compared to more advanced tools.
- Lacks some features like team scheduling.
- Doesn’t integrate with as many apps as some competitors.
- The free plan has minimal features, so scaling could get pricey.
Koalendar: Our Verdict
In my experience, Koalendar gets the job done without overcomplicating things. It’s a good alternative to Picktime, especially if you need something simple and efficient. It lacks some of the advanced features you might need for larger teams, but if you’re a solo user or small business, it’s more than enough.
The Google Calendar sync and mobile-friendly interface were lifesavers for me, though you might miss a few features if you’re looking for deeper customizatio
Overall Score: 5.8/10
Appointlet
Appointlet is a strong alternative to Picktime if you're looking for something that’s both simple and flexible. In my experience, it's much easier to set up and has a more intuitive interface. It works smoothly for small businesses and freelancers who need quick, reliable scheduling without all the extra fluff.
Ever wanted a scheduling tool that just works without the hassle? Appointlet gets close.
Features of Appointlet
Custom booking pages: Personalize your scheduling pages with your logo and brand colors for a professional touch.
Unlimited appointments: No caps on how many appointments you can book, even on the free plan.
Integration with popular tools: Syncs with Google, Office 365, and various CRMs like HubSpot.
Team scheduling: Easily manage multiple team members’ availability and appointments in one platform.
Automatic timezone detection: Avoids confusion with automatic timezone adjustments for you and your clients.
Pricing Details
Appointlet has a free plan with basic features. Paid plans start at $8/month per user, offering more customization and integration options.
Lets compare the Pros and Cons..
Pros of Appointlet
- Easy to set up and start using within minutes.
- Unlimited appointments, even on the free version.
- Simple interface that doesn’t overwhelm you with too many options.
- Great for teams needing to manage multiple schedules.
Cons of Appointlet
- Limited customization on the free plan.
- Lacks some advanced reporting features.
- No native video conferencing options, unlike some competitors.
- The interface can feel a bit basic for larger teams with more complex needs.
Appointlet: Our Verdict
In my experience, Appointlet offers a clean, straightforward approach to scheduling. It’s a great alternative to Picktime if you’re looking for something simple and reliable. It’s perfect for small teams or freelancers who don’t need a lot of complicated features.
The lack of advanced reporting or built-in video conferencing might be a drawback, but the ease of use more than makes up for it. If simplicity is what you're after, Appointlet is a solid choice.
Overall Score: 7.1/10
Acuity Scheduling
Acuity Scheduling is a strong alternative to Picktime if you’re looking for more flexibility and control. When I switched to Acuity, it felt like a breath of fresh air. The features are powerful, but they don’t overwhelm you.
Ever feel like your scheduling tool is working against you? That’s why I made the switch to Acuity.
Features of Acuity Scheduling
Calendar syncing: Syncs seamlessly with Google, iCloud, and Outlook to keep everything in one place.
Customizable booking pages: Tailor your scheduling page to match your brand effortlessly.
Automated reminders: Sends reminders to clients, minimizing no-shows.
Multiple time zones: Automatically detects and adjusts for time zone differences, preventing scheduling mix-ups.
Payment integration: Accept payments upfront for bookings via Stripe, PayPal, or Square.
Pricing Details
Acuity offers a free plan with basic features. Paid plans start at $15/month, unlocking features like reminders, calendar syncing, and more customization options.
Lets compare the Pros and Cons..
Pros of Acuity Scheduling
- Easy to set up and customize to fit your needs.
- Integrates smoothly with calendars and payment systems.
- Automated reminders help reduce missed appointments.
- Great for individuals and teams alike.
Cons of Acuity Scheduling
- Pricing can add up if you need multiple users.
- The interface could use an update to feel more modern.
- Limited reporting features compared to other tools.
- Might feel over-complicated if you only need basic scheduling.
Acuity Scheduling: Our Verdict
In my experience, Acuity Scheduling is a versatile tool that balances ease of use with powerful features. The ability to sync calendars, customize booking pages, and automate reminders makes it a great option. However, the pricing can get steep if you have a larger team, and the interface might feel a bit dated.
Still, as an alternative to Picktime, Acuity offers more customization and a smoother experience for anyone looking to streamline their scheduling process.
Overall Score: 7.9/10
Pipedrive Scheduler
Pipedrive isn’t just a CRM; it also offers scheduling features that work surprisingly well as an alternative to Picktime. I’ve used it, and while it’s not perfect, the integration with its sales pipeline is a big plus.
If you’re managing a sales team and need everything in one place, Pipedrive might be worth considering
Features of Pipedrive Scheduler
Built-in scheduler: It integrates seamlessly with Pipedrive’s CRM, making scheduling directly tied to your sales pipeline.
Calendar sync: Automatically syncs with Google and Outlook calendars to keep your availability up to date.
Customizable meeting links: Easily create personalized booking links for clients to schedule appointments.
Automated reminders: Sends automatic reminders to clients, reducing missed appointments.
Team scheduling: Allows for coordinated scheduling across multiple 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’s CRM tools.
- Customizable scheduling links, great for branding.
- Automated reminders help reduce no-shows.
- Syncs well with Google and Outlook calendars.
Cons of Pipedrive Scheduler
- Not as intuitive for users who don’t use Pipedrive’s CRM.
- The free plan is very limited.
- Fewer customization options compared to other scheduling tools.
- Can feel too sales-focused if you need it for non-sales purposes.
Pipedrive Scheduler: Our Verdict
In my experience, Pipedrive is a solid alternative to Picktime, especially if you’re already using it for CRM. The built-in scheduler keeps everything in one place, which is a huge time saver. However, if you’re not a sales-focused team, you might find the features a bit too centered around pipeline management. Overall, it’s a reliable option if your scheduling needs align with your sales processes.
Overall Score: 6.7/10
Savvycal
SavvyCal is a refreshing alternative to Picktime, offering a more flexible and user-friendly experience. When I tried it out, it felt like scheduling finally made sense. Its interface is clean, and the customization options make it easy to adapt to my needs.
Ever been frustrated with a tool that doesn’t let you control the details? That’s where SavvyCal shines.
Features of Savvycal
Overlay calendar: You can see both your availability and your invitee’s, making scheduling quicker.
Ranked availability: Prioritize your preferred time slots so it’s easier for invitees to choose.
Calendar sync: Syncs with Google, Outlook, and other major calendars, keeping everything in sync.
Personalized links: Customize scheduling links with your name or brand to make it more personal.
Multiple meeting types: Easily switch between meeting types without resetting everything.
Pricing Details
SavvyCal offers a free plan with basic features. Paid plans start at $12/month, which includes advanced scheduling options, team features, and calendar integrations.
Lets compare the Pros and Cons..
Pros of Savvycal
- Clean, intuitive interface that’s easy to navigate.
- Overlay feature speeds up the scheduling process.
- Personalized links add a professional touch.
- Works well for team scheduling and managing multiple calendars
Cons of Savvycal
- Lacks some deep integrations compared to other tools.
- No free plan, only a free trial.
- Customization options for branding could be deeper.
- Some advanced features are hidden behind higher pricing tiers.
Savvycal: Our Verdict
In my experience, SavvyCal is a solid choice if you're looking for an alternative to Picktime that feels more intuitive and offers better flexibility. I especially loved the overlay feature—it really cuts down on the back-and-forth with scheduling. However, it’s not perfect. The lack of a free plan and limited branding options may be a downside for some.
But overall, it’s a great tool for teams and individuals needing a smoother scheduling experience.
Overall Score: 7.9/10
Simplybook.me
Simplybook.me is a flexible alternative to Picktime, with more customization options and better booking features. When I used it, I found the platform much easier to navigate and more professional-looking. It’s particularly useful for service-based businesses.
Ever feel like a tool is actually working with you? That’s what I experienced with Simplybook.me.
Features of Simplybook.me
Custom booking website: Create a professional-looking booking page with ease.
Service categories: Organize your offerings by category to simplify the booking process.
Appointment reminders: Sends automated reminders to reduce no-shows and late cancellations.
Third-party integrations: Connects with payment processors like Stripe and PayPal for seamless transactions.
Client reviews: Allows customers to leave reviews directly on your booking page.
Pricing Details
Lets compare the Pros and Cons..
Pros of Simplybook.me
- Highly customizable booking pages.
- Great for businesses offering multiple services.
- Integration with major payment gateways.
- Automated reminders reduce appointment mishaps.
- Easy-to-navigate admin interface.
Cons of Simplybook.me
- The free plan has limited features.
- The interface can feel overwhelming for first-time users.
- Limited analytics compared to some competitors.
- Customer support is not always quick to respond.
Simplybook.me: Our Verdict
In my experience, Simplybook.me is a strong alternative to Picktime, especially if you need more control over how your booking page looks. The customization options were a game-changer for my service-based business. However, the free plan is restrictive, and the initial setup might take some time. If you're looking for more flexibility in a scheduling tool, Simplybook.me is worth considering. Just be prepared for a slight learning curve.
Overall Score: 7.1/10
Factors you shouldn't miss
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.
Conclusion: Which is the best Picktime alternative?
For me, Lunacal is far ahead of the competition. Its ease of use and ability to deeply personalize scheduling pages make it a standout choice.
If you manage a large company with 500+ users, you might want to demo tools like Simplybook.me or Acuity Scheduling. However, be aware that these platforms can feel clunky and unreasonably priced, with limited support at times. But their deep integrations make them suitable for larger teams.
Lunacal, on the other hand, is the fastest-growing platform, offering users the ability to add bios, testimonials, and media to their scheduling pages. It’s easy to set up, with a free plan and fast support to ensure a smooth experience.
FAQs
What are the best alternatives to Picktime?
Popular alternatives include Simplybook.me, Acuity Scheduling, and Calendly. Each tool offers different features, so your choice depends on your specific scheduling needs and the level of customization you're looking for.
Which Picktime alternative is best for personalization?
Lunacal is a great option if you want to personalize your scheduling page with client testimonials, bios, and media, making your booking experience more engaging and reflective of your brand.
Are there free alternatives to Picktime?
Yes, both Calendly and Simplybook.me offer free plans, although these might have limited features compared to their premium versions. It’s a good starting point if you have basic scheduling needs.
Which Picktime alternatives work best for large teams?
For large teams, tools like Simplybook.me and Acuity Scheduling are worth considering. However, they can feel clunky to use, and pricing escalates as your team grows, so be mindful of costs.
What is the easiest Picktime alternative to set up?
Calendly is known for its user-friendly setup, making it easy for individuals and small businesses. If you're looking for something with a similar ease but more personalization options, Lunacal also offers a guided onboarding process.
Which Picktime alternative offers the best customer support?
Simplybook.me and Acuity Scheduling offer decent support, though response times can vary. Lunacal is known for its quick and responsive support, ensuring you get the help you need without long wait times.