10 Best Zoho Bookings alternatives and competitors (Jan 2025)
This article draws from extensive testing of 40+ tools, insights from over 60 interviews, and analysis of 200+ reviews.
27 December 2024
17 min read
This article draws from extensive testing of 40+ tools, insights from over 60 interviews, and analysis of 200+ reviews.
27 December 2024
17 min read
Zoho Bookings seemed like the perfect solution—until I realized there were better options out there. Now, I wouldn’t go back.
After trying several alternatives, Zoho started to feel clunky and outdated.
Have you ever stuck with a tool simply because it’s familiar?
That’s exactly how I felt, but once I explored other tools, the difference was clear.
Lunacal
Koalendar
Setmore
Appointy
Tidycal
Chili Piper
Pipedrive Scheduler
Google Calendar
Book Like A Boss
Appointlet
Detailed Comprison | Lunacal | Koalendar | Setmore | Appointy | Tidycal | Chili Piper | Pipedrive Scheduler | Google Calendar | Book Like A Boss | Appointlet |
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
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 | yes |
Lunacal takes calendar scheduling beyond the basics, turning your booking page into an extension of your brand.
When I used it, it felt like a personalized portfolio rather than just another calendar tool. It’s ideal for freelancers, small businesses, or anyone who wants every client interaction to feel more meaningful and reflective of their brand.
Customizable Scheduling Pages: Add bios, images, videos, and testimonials to make your booking page a personalized experience. Clients get to know you before the meeting, which builds trust.
Client Testimonials Integration: Display real client feedback on your page to boost credibility and make prospects more likely to book. This feature directly contributes to conversions.
Branding Options: Personalize your scheduling page with your brand’s colors and logos, making it cohesive with your overall identity.
Free Forever Plan: Lunacal offers a free plan with no expiration, allowing you to use essential features at no cost.
Calendar Sync: Easily sync with Google, Outlook, and Apple calendars, keeping your bookings organized and avoiding conflicts.
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 options for reflecting your brand
Free plan with unlimited use of essential features
Seamless calendar sync with major platforms
Automated reminders reduce no-shows and save time
Excellent team management tools like round-robin scheduling
Doesn’t integrate with advanced CRM tools like Salesforce
Lacks complexity needed for large enterprises
Lunacal brings a unique level of personalization to scheduling. In my experience, it was simple to set up, and its customizable pages added a personal touch that enhanced client interactions.
It’s especially great for freelancers and small businesses who want their scheduling page to reflect their brand and build trust with clients. Larger businesses might find the paid plans or additional integrations more suitable.
But overall, Lunacal stands out as an intuitive, user-friendly solution for personalized scheduling.
Overall Score: 9.2/10
Koalendar is a simple and intuitive alternative to Zoho Bookings. When I used it, the setup was quick, and it just worked without any unnecessary complexity.
If you’re looking for a no-fuss scheduling tool that gets the job done, Koalendar is worth checking out. It’s ideal for small businesses or freelancers wanting something that’s easy to use.
Google Calendar Sync: Koalendar syncs easily with Google Calendar, keeping your schedule organized without extra steps. No manual updates needed.
Simple Setup: You can set up your booking page in minutes. In my experience, the process was fast and straightforward.
Unlimited Appointments: Even on the free plan, you can schedule as many appointments as you want without any limits.
Customizable Booking Pages: Add your branding, like logos and colors, to make your booking page feel more personalized and professional.
Automatic Reminders: Automated email reminders ensure that clients don’t miss their appointments, reducing no-shows effortlessly.
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.
Easy to use, even for non-tech users
Unlimited appointments on the free plan
Seamless Google Calendar integration
Simple customization options for booking pages
Limited integrations with third-party tools
Lacks more advanced team management features
Customization is basic compared to other platforms
No support for larger enterprise needs
In my experience, Koalendar is a solid alternative to Zoho Bookings, especially for small businesses or individuals. The setup was quick, and I appreciated how easy it was to sync with Google Calendar. If you're using it for something simple like veterinary appointment scheduling or lawyers appointment scheduling, it works great.
However, it might feel limited if you need more integrations or advanced features for larger teams. Overall, it’s a practical and efficient choice for those who want a hassle-free scheduling tool that covers the basics.
Overall Score: 5.8/10
Setmore is an easy-to-use alternative to Zoho Bookings that offers a more streamlined experience for managing appointments. When I first tried it, the simple interface and quick setup immediately caught my attention.
If you’re looking for a tool that doesn’t overwhelm with complexity but still delivers solid functionality, Setmore might be a good fit.
Online Booking Pages: Create a customizable booking page where clients can schedule directly, making it easy for them and for you.
Calendar Sync: Sync Setmore with Google and Outlook calendars to keep your schedule organized in one place.
Free Video Meetings: Setmore integrates with Zoom and Teleport, allowing you to offer virtual appointments without needing separate tools.
Automated Reminders: Sends out reminders automatically to both you and your clients, reducing no-shows and saving you the headache of manual follow-ups.
Payment Integration: Accept payments directly through your booking page with Stripe and Square integrations, which makes collecting payments hassle-free.
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.
Simple and intuitive interface
Free video meeting integration
Automated reminders reduce no-shows
Payment options built into the scheduling process
Customizable booking page
Limited advanced features for larger teams
Basic customization compared to other tools
Some integrations may require higher-tier plans
Lacks complex CRM integrations like Salesforce
In my experience, Setmore is a straightforward, no-fuss alternative to Zoho Bookings. Setting it up was quick, and I appreciated the clean, user-friendly design.
It’s perfect for small businesses or freelancers who need a reliable scheduling tool without getting bogged down by unnecessary features.
While it might not have the depth or advanced integrations needed for larger teams or complex workflows, Setmore shines when it comes to simplicity and ease of use. If you’re looking for a practical, affordable scheduling solution, Setmore could be the answer.
Overall Score: 7.5/10
Appointy is a solid alternative to Zoho Bookings, offering a clean interface and plenty of scheduling features that work for businesses of all sizes. When I used it, I appreciated how simple it was to set up and get going. If you need a straightforward tool that gets the job done without the fluff, Appointy is worth considering.
Online Booking Page: Create a dedicated booking page for clients to easily book appointments online, without back-and-forth emails.
Automated Reminders: Appointy automatically sends reminders via email or SMS, reducing no-shows and keeping your schedule running smoothly.
Multiple Calendar Sync: Sync with Google, Outlook, or Apple calendars so all your appointments stay in one place without manual updates.
Payments Integration: Accept payments directly through the platform using Stripe or PayPal, making transactions seamless for both you and your clients.
Mobile App: Manage bookings and appointments on the go with Appointy's mobile app, making it convenient for busy professionals.
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.
Easy to set up and use
Automated reminders reduce no-shows
Multiple calendar sync keeps everything organized
Mobile app adds flexibility for managing schedules on the move
Integrated payment options make it easy to collect fees upfront
Limited customization for branding
Fewer advanced features for large teams or complex workflows
Some integrations, like CRM tools, are not as robust
Free plan is limited in functionality
In my experience, Appointy works well for small to medium-sized businesses looking for a simple yet effective scheduling tool. Its ease of use and helpful features like automated reminders and payments integration make it a good choice.
However, it may not have the depth needed for larger businesses or those requiring heavy customization. If you’re looking for an alternative to Zoho Bookings that’s more user-friendly and affordable, Appointy is definitely worth trying. To explore more scheduling tools like Appointy, check our article on best Appointy alternatives and competitors.
Overall Score: 7.5/10
TidyCal is a straightforward and affordable alternative to Zoho Bookings. When I tried it, the simplicity stood out immediately.
It doesn’t overcomplicate scheduling, making it great for those who need a no-frills solution. If you’re tired of clunky interfaces and unnecessary features, TidyCal might be worth a try.
Simple Setup: TidyCal is incredibly easy to set up, with no learning curve. You’ll be ready to schedule appointments in minutes.
Calendar Sync: It integrates seamlessly with Google Calendar, ensuring you stay organized and never double-book.
Customizable Availability: You can tailor your availability to fit your schedule, showing clients only the times you want to offer.
Booking Pages: Create a clean and functional booking page that’s easy for clients to navigate. No extra clutter.
Automated Reminders: TidyCal sends automated reminders to clients, helping reduce no-shows without you having to chase anyone down.
TidyCal has a very affordable pricing model. There’s a free plan with limited features. The paid version is just $29 for a lifetime deal, which is a steal compared to monthly subscriptions from competitors like Acuity.
Extremely easy to set up
Affordable compared to many alternatives
Integrates seamlessly with Google Calendar
Simple and clean booking page for clients
Automated reminders to avoid missed appointments
Limited customization options for branding
Fewer features compared to more robust tools
No integration with CRMs like Salesforce
Might feel too basic for larger businesses
In my experience, TidyCal is a great alternative to Zoho Bookings, especially if you prefer simplicity over complex features.
The setup process was smooth, and it integrates easily with Google Calendar, making it ideal for freelancers or small businesses.
However, it might feel too basic if you need deeper integrations or more customization. For the price, though, it’s hard to beat, especially with its one-time payment option. If you’re looking for a lightweight, easy-to-use scheduling tool, TidyCal could be a solid choice. Also, checkout our article on best TidyCal alternatives for more options.
Overall Score: 6.3/10
Chili Piper is a robust alternative to Zoho Bookings, especially for teams that need a smoother sales workflow. When I tried it, I was impressed by its focus on booking speed and efficiency. It’s not just for basic scheduling but for improving how leads are handled in real time. If you want to optimize your scheduling with a focus on sales, Chili Piper is a good choice.
Instant Lead Routing: Chili Piper routes leads to the right rep as soon as they book, speeding up the response time. No manual assignment needed.
Real-Time Scheduling: Clients can book a meeting the moment they show interest. It helps keep them engaged while they’re still hot.
Calendar Integrations: Sync with Google Calendar, Outlook, and more to avoid the hassle of missed or double bookings.
Automated Reminders: Automatically send out reminders to clients to reduce no-shows. It’s one less thing to worry about.
Team Collaboration: Supports round-robin scheduling and routing for sales teams, ensuring leads are distributed evenly across the team.
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 sales teams with its instant lead routing feature
Quick and easy integration with calendars
Automated reminders reduce no-shows
Real-time scheduling keeps clients engaged
Smooth team collaboration with round-robin scheduling
Pricing is higher compared to simpler tools
May be too complex for small businesses
Limited customization options for non-sales use cases
Steeper learning curve compared to other tools
In my experience, Chili Piper is an excellent alternative to Zoho Bookings if you're focused on optimizing lead conversion. The real-time scheduling and lead routing features make it perfect for sales teams who want to move quickly.
However, it may feel like overkill if you’re running a small business or don’t need all the advanced features. While it comes at a higher price point, the value lies in its ability to streamline and automate your scheduling process for better results.
It’s definitely a tool that requires some setup, but once it’s running, it works seamlessly.
Overall Score: 6.7/10
Pipedrive is a great alternative to Zoho Bookings, especially if you’re looking for scheduling software that integrates tightly with your sales pipeline.
When I used it, the simplicity of the tool stood out, but it’s packed with smart features that make managing appointments much easier.
It’s ideal for businesses that already use Pipedrive as their CRM and want everything in one place.
Integrated with CRM: Pipedrive seamlessly integrates with its CRM, allowing you to book meetings directly from the platform without switching between tools.
Customizable Scheduling Pages: Personalize your scheduling page with your branding, making your booking process more professional and on-brand.
Automated Reminders: Automatic email reminders keep both you and your clients on track, helping to reduce no-shows and ensure appointments run smoothly.
Google Calendar Sync: Pipedrive syncs effortlessly with Google Calendar, so you don’t have to worry about missing or double-booking appointments.
Time Zone Detection: It automatically detects the time zones of both parties, simplifying scheduling for international clients.
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.
Tight integration with Pipedrive CRM
Customizable scheduling pages for a professional touch
Automated reminders help reduce no-shows
Syncs easily with Google Calendar
Time zone detection makes global scheduling simple
Lacks advanced team management features
Can feel limited if you don’t use Pipedrive as your CRM
Not as feature-rich as standalone scheduling tools
Pricing may be steep for small businesses
In my experience, Pipedrive’s scheduling tool is a solid alternative to Zoho Bookings if you’re already using Pipedrive as your CRM. The integration is seamless, and it makes managing appointments within your sales pipeline much easier.
The automatic reminders and time zone detection were especially useful for me, but it does feel a bit limited if you’re looking for a more comprehensive scheduling solution.
If you’re running a small business without Pipedrive’s CRM, the pricing might be a bit high, but for users of the Pipedrive ecosystem, it’s a smooth, efficient choice.
Overall Score: 6.7/10
Google Calendar is a simple, reliable alternative to Zoho Bookings. It might not have all the fancy features, but for straightforward scheduling, it does the job. When I used it, I appreciated how easily it synced with my existing workflows, keeping things simple and efficient.
Easy Calendar Sync: Google Calendar integrates seamlessly with other Google products, making scheduling quick and convenient without needing third-party tools.
Invite Integration: You can send invites directly to anyone’s email, even if they don’t use Google Calendar, ensuring broader accessibility.
Multiple Calendar Management: Manage personal and work calendars in one place. Switch between them with ease, keeping work and personal life separate.
Event Notifications: Google Calendar sends reminders through email and mobile notifications, helping you stay on top of appointments.
Recurring Appointments: Set up recurring events with customizable intervals, perfect for regular meetings or repeating tasks.
Google Calendar is free for individual users. For businesses, it’s included in Google Workspace, starting at $6 per user per month.
Simple and easy to use, especially if you’re already using other Google tools
Accessible across multiple devices and platforms
Supports easy calendar sharing and team collaboration
Free for basic scheduling needs
Lacks advanced features like client management or payment processing
Not ideal for businesses that need deep customization or branding
Limited customer support compared to dedicated scheduling tools
Doesn’t integrate with some third-party CRMs or specialized business tools
In my experience, Google Calendar is a solid alternative to Zoho Bookings for those who need basic scheduling without all the bells and whistles. It’s perfect for personal use or small businesses that rely on simple, intuitive setups.
While it doesn’t offer advanced features like payment processing or client management, the ease of use and integration with other Google services make it hard to beat for basic needs.
If you’re already in the Google ecosystem, this tool slots right in without any extra learning curve. For larger businesses, though, the lack of custom features may be limiting.
Overall Score: 5.8/10
Book Like a Boss (BLAB) is a user-friendly alternative to Zoho Bookings. It’s ideal for small business owners and freelancers who need a simple scheduling tool with a personal touch.
When I first tried BLAB, I was struck by how customizable it is, allowing you to create a booking page that feels more like a personal website than a typical scheduler.
Customizable Booking Pages: You can add your branding, services, and even a personal message to your scheduling page. It’s all about making it feel personal.
Payment Integration: BLAB integrates with payment gateways like Stripe and PayPal, allowing clients to pay directly when booking. It makes managing payments seamless.
Unlimited Bookings: Even on the basic plan, you can take unlimited bookings without restrictions, which is a huge plus for high-volume users.
Custom URLs: Create a custom URL for your booking page, making it easier for clients to find and remember you.
Pre-built Templates: Choose from a variety of templates to set up your scheduling page quickly without too much effort.
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.
Highly customizable booking pages
Integrated payment options like PayPal and Stripe
Unlimited bookings on all plans
Easy-to-use interface, great for non-tech users
Custom URLs add a professional touch
Limited advanced features for larger teams
Fewer integrations compared to other platforms
Customization options may feel basic for complex needs
Lacks deep CRM integration for managing leads
In my experience, Book Like a Boss offers a refreshing, straightforward alternative to Zoho Bookings. The setup was quick, and the ability to create a booking page that truly felt personal was a major plus. If you’re a freelancer or small business owner who wants a simple scheduling tool with a professional feel, BLAB is a great choice.
However, if you’re looking for deep integrations or team management features, it may not be as robust as some other options.
Overall, BLAB is perfect if you need a no-fuss, highly customizable scheduling platform.
Overall Score: 8.8/10
Appointlet is a solid alternative to Zoho Bookings, offering simplicity without sacrificing essential features.
When I used it, the setup was quick, and I immediately appreciated how streamlined everything felt. It’s great for individuals or small teams that want to manage appointments without a steep learning curve.
Custom Booking Pages: Personalize your booking pages with custom branding, including your logo and colors. Clients see your brand identity right away.
Google Calendar Sync: Syncs seamlessly with Google Calendar to ensure you stay organized without manual updates. It’s smooth and efficient.
Team Scheduling: Allows team members to have their own booking pages while offering round-robin scheduling for distributed appointments.
Automated Reminders: Sends reminders via email, helping reduce no-shows. This feature saved me from having to follow up with clients manually.
Unlimited Bookings on Free Plan: Even the free plan allows unlimited bookings, which is perfect if you’re just starting out.
Appointlet has a free plan with basic features. Paid plans start at $8/month per user, offering more customization and integration options.
User-friendly interface with easy setup
Customizable booking pages
Free plan includes unlimited bookings
Seamless Google Calendar sync
Team scheduling and round-robin options
Limited integrations beyond Google Calendar
Lacks some advanced features like payment gateways
Customization options are fairly basic
No mobile app for managing on the go
In my experience, Appointlet stands out for its simplicity and ease of use. It’s an ideal alternative to Zoho Bookings if you’re looking for a tool that gets the job done without overwhelming you with too many features. The Google Calendar sync is seamless, and I loved the fact that you can get unlimited bookings even on the free plan.
However, if you need more advanced integrations or mobile functionality, Appointlet may feel a bit limited. For small teams or solo users, though, it’s a great option that provides everything you need to manage appointments effectively.
Overall Score: 7.1/10
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Scheduling Page: Look for a tool that allows you to personalize the scheduling page with your profile, images, videos, or documents. A more dynamic page helps build trust and engagement, such as Zoho Bookings online, which offers customization options to personalize your booking experience.
Customization: How much control do you have over branding elements like colors, logos, and layouts? A highly customizable tool, like Zoho Bookings, allows you to match the software to your business identity. This level of flexibility makes it a great choice when comparing Zoho vs Calendly.
Teams: If you work with a team, ensure the software offers features like team scheduling, round-robin options, and individual booking pages for each team member. Zoho Bookings pricing is competitive, especially with these added features for team scheduling.
Support: Check the quality of support. Is there live chat, email, or phone support available when you need help? Fast, reliable support can save you from frustrating delays. Additionally, Zoho Bookings is part of Zoho CRM, ensuring integrated support across your tools.
Ease of Use: The tool should be intuitive and easy to navigate without requiring extensive training. This ensures you can focus on your work, not learning the software. If you're comparing options, you may find that Zoho Bookings offers a straightforward interface compared to some competitors.
3rd Party Integrations: Does the platform connect with other tools like CRMs, payment gateways, or video conferencing apps? Good integrations streamline your workflow, and Zoho Bookings offers robust integrations, especially if you use Zoho CRM.
User Interface: A clean and intuitive interface improves user experience. A cluttered or confusing layout can waste time and create frustration for both you and your clients. This is where tools like Zoho Bookings excel, especially when considering Zoho vs Calendly.
Calendar Sync: Ensure the software syncs seamlessly with popular calendars like Google, Outlook, or Apple. This helps you stay organized without manually updating appointments.
Free Plan: Look for tools that offer a free plan with sufficient features for small businesses or solo users. Some free plans even include unlimited bookings, making them great for starting out.
For me, Lunacal stands miles ahead of other alternatives. Its ability to personalize scheduling pages with bios, testimonials, and videos makes it a unique tool that fosters trust and strengthens your brand.
For large companies with 500+ users, consider demos of products like Appointlet or Koalendar. While they offer deep integrations, they can be clunky, occasionally overpriced, and their support might be limited.
Lunacal, on the other hand, offers a user-friendly design, quick support, and a free forever plan. With guided onboarding, it ensures a smooth setup, making it an ideal choice for businesses of all sizes.
Latest News:
Zoho CEO Sridhar Vembu has reignited the heated debate over the 70-hour work week via a recent post on X (Dec. 27, 2024), a topic famously brought into the spotlight by Infosys co-founder Narayana Murthy.
In a bold post on X, Vembu defended the grueling schedule, claiming it’s essential for driving economic growth. However, he didn’t stop there—he challenged the notion by asking whether such relentless work is truly necessary for development and if it’s worth sacrificing personal well-being and a fulfilling life.
What are the best alternatives to Zoho Bookings?
Some popular alternatives include tools like Appointlet, Koalendar, and Booksy. Each offers unique features like personalized scheduling pages, team management, and calendar syncing, depending on your needs.
Are there free alternatives to Zoho Bookings?
Yes, several alternatives provide free plans. For example, Koalendar and Appointlet offer free options with basic features like unlimited bookings, which are great for small businesses or solo users.
Which scheduling software is best for small teams?
For small teams, platforms like Appointlet and Koalendar work well with their team scheduling features and round-robin booking, making it easy to distribute appointments evenly across team members.
Does Lunacal offer a free plan?
Yes, Lunacal offers a free forever plan with essential features like personalized scheduling pages. It's an excellent choice for those looking to build brand trust and strengthen connections with clients.
Can I sync my calendar with Zoho Bookings alternatives?
Most alternatives, including Koalendar and Appointlet, seamlessly sync with popular calendars like Google, Outlook, and Apple, keeping all your bookings in one place and avoiding double bookings.
What should I consider when choosing an alternative to Zoho Bookings?
Consider customization, ease of use, and integrations. Tools like Lunacal provide highly customizable scheduling pages, making it a great choice for those focused on brand-building alongside scheduling.
What is the pricing structure for Zoho Bookings, and is it available online?
Zoho Bookings offers flexible pricing plans tailored to meet the needs of individuals, small businesses, and enterprises. It is an online scheduling tool that provides seamless integration with other Zoho apps, including Zoho CRM.
How does Zoho Bookings compare to Calendly?
Zoho Bookings stands out with its deep integration into the Zoho ecosystem, making it a strong contender when comparing Zoho vs. Calendly. It offers more seamless connectivity with other Zoho tools, which can be beneficial for businesses already using Zoho apps.
Is Zoho Bookings part of Zoho CRM?
Yes, Zoho Bookings is fully integrated with Zoho CRM, allowing users to efficiently manage client data and appointments in one unified platform. This integration makes it easier to track customer interactions and streamline your scheduling process.