If you are looking for a better way to schedule meetings, chances are you have already heard about Calendly. It is popular, sure, but it is not the only scheduling tool out there. Sometimes, you need something that fits your unique needs better. Maybe you want different features, a lower price, or something easier to use. That is where this list comes in. Let us explore some of the best Calendly alternatives you can try in 2025.
What Is Calendly?
Calendly is a popular online scheduling tool that simplifies the process of booking meetings and appointments. It eliminates the hassle of back-and-forth emails by allowing users to share their availability through a link. The person scheduling a meeting simply selects a time that works for them, and Calendly takes care of the rest.
Key Features of Calendly:
- Calendar Integration: Syncs seamlessly with Google, Outlook, Office 365, and iCloud calendars.
- Custom Scheduling Options: Lets users set preferences for meeting lengths, buffer times, and availability.
- Automated Notifications: Sends email reminders and confirmations to reduce no-shows.
- Team Scheduling: Offers group scheduling options for team-based meetings.
- Integration with Tools: Works well with apps like Zoom, Salesforce, Slack, and HubSpot.
Why People Use Calendly:
- Saves time by automating the scheduling process.
- Reduces confusion by displaying availability in real-time.
- Makes it easy for clients, colleagues, or customers to book appointments without creating accounts.
Despite its popularity, Calendly may not meet everyone’s specific needs. That is why exploring alternatives is a smart move. Whether you need more customization, a lower price, or specific integrations, there are plenty of options to consider.
Why Look For Calendly Alternatives?
Calendly is great, but it might not be the perfect fit for everyone. Here are a few reasons you might want to explore other options:
- Cost: Calendly can get pricey, especially if you need advanced features.
- Features: Some people need more customization or integrations than Calendly offers.
- Ease of Use: While Calendly is simple, other tools might feel more intuitive for you or your team.
- Specific Needs: You might need features like group scheduling, branded booking pages, or industry-specific tools.
- Better User Experience: Alternatives might offer simpler, cleaner interfaces for an improved booking experience.
- Unique Integrations: Alternatives might sync with niche software Calendly doesn’t currently integrate with.
What Are The Key Features To Look For In A Scheduling Tool?
When choosing a scheduling tool, it is essential to look beyond the surface and evaluate the features that will best suit your specific needs. Here are the key features to keep in mind when selecting the right scheduling software:
1. Calendar Integration
- The tool should integrate seamlessly with popular calendars like Google Calendar, Outlook, or Apple Calendar.
- Real-time syncing ensures no double bookings or missed appointments.
2. Customization Options
- Look for tools that allow you to customize booking pages with your logo, colors, and branding.
- Ability to set appointment types, durations, and buffer times between meetings.
3. Automated Notifications and Reminders
- Email and SMS reminders for you and your clients to minimize no-shows.
- Confirmation messages to ensure appointments are locked in.
4. Payment Integration
- If you charge for appointments, check if the tool supports payment gateways like Stripe, PayPal, or Square.
5. Time Zone Management
- Essential for scheduling with clients or team members across different time zones.
- Automatic time zone detection simplifies international bookings.
6. Group Scheduling
- Tools should support group bookings, polls for selecting meeting times, or shared team calendars.
- Ideal for coordinating with multiple participants.
7. Integration with Other Tools
- Look for compatibility with apps like Zoom, Microsoft Teams, Slack, or CRM systems.
- Workflow automation through tools like Zapier can save time.
8. Mobile-Friendly Interface
- A responsive design ensures clients can book appointments on any device.
- A mobile app for users provides convenience on the go.
9. Security and Privacy
- For industries like healthcare, ensure the tool complies with regulations like HIPAA.
- Data encryption and secure hosting protect sensitive information.
10. Pricing and Scalability
- Choose a tool that fits your budget but also offers room for growth as your needs expand.
- Free plans are great for individuals, while paid options may offer advanced features for businesses.
Top Calendly Alternatives For 2025
Here is a roundup of some of the best scheduling tools you can try instead of Calendly. Each tool has its strengths, so you can pick the one that suits you best.
1. Doodle
Doodle is well-known for simplifying group scheduling. It is a top choice for businesses and teams that frequently coordinate large meetings.
Features:
- Lets users create polls to find the best time for meetings.
- Integrates with calendars to automatically block off booked times.
- Does not require participants to create accounts, making it user-friendly for everyone.
- Offers video call scheduling with platforms like Zoom and Google Meet.
Why Choose Doodle?
- Ideal for organizing group meetings without back-and-forth emails.
- Simple interface and no learning curve.
- Great for remote teams that need to coordinate across time zones.
2. Acuity Scheduling
Acuity Scheduling is a versatile tool ideal for small businesses, freelancers, and consultants. It provides flexibility and customization options that make it a favorite among professionals.
Features:
- Fully customizable appointment types to cater to specific client needs.
- Easy calendar syncing with Google, iCloud, and Outlook.
- Built-in payment processing through PayPal, Stripe, and Square.
- Automated email and SMS reminders for clients.
- Offers branded booking pages to enhance your business identity.
Why Choose Acuity?
- Ideal for small teams and individual entrepreneurs.
- Great for businesses that need advanced scheduling options like group classes.
- Allows easy integration with tools like Zoom, enabling seamless virtual meetings.
3. YouCanBook.me
YouCanBook.me offers simplicity and affordability, making it a favorite for individuals and small teams looking to streamline their scheduling process.
Features:
- Syncs directly with Google Calendar and Microsoft Outlook.
- Allows complete customization of booking pages, including logos and colors.
- Sends automated notifications via email and SMS.
- Supports multi-time zone scheduling for international clients.
Why Choose YouCanBook.me?
- Affordable compared to many alternatives.
- Lightweight and easy to use for individuals with straightforward scheduling needs.
- Works well for remote teams managing global appointments.
4. Setmore
Setmore focuses on simplicity and offers essential features for individuals and businesses. It is an intuitive platform designed to make scheduling straightforward.
Features:
- Free version available with unlimited appointments for one user.
- Integrates with video conferencing tools like Zoom and Teleport.
- Automated reminders through email and SMS to minimize no-shows.
- A user-friendly booking page that can be embedded on your website or shared via social media.
Why Choose Setmore?
- Great for service-based businesses like salons and fitness studios.
- The free plan is generous compared to many competitors.
- Easy to use even for non-technical users.
5. SimplyBook.me
SimplyBook.me is designed for service-based businesses that want to provide a seamless booking experience for their clients.
Features:
- Industry-specific templates for booking pages, making setup easy.
- Integration with popular payment gateways like Stripe and PayPal.
- Additional tools for marketing, promotions, and customer reviews.
- Mobile-friendly platform, ensuring easy access for both clients and service providers.
Why Choose SimplyBook.me?
- Perfect for businesses in wellness, education, and healthcare.
- Includes advanced tools like recurring appointments and gift card sales.
- User-friendly interface with excellent support.
6. Sign In Scheduling (Formerly 10to8)
Sign In Scheduling is a professional scheduling tool designed to reduce appointment no-shows and improve communication with clients.
Features:
- HIPAA-compliant features for businesses in healthcare.
- Two-way calendar sync with Google, Outlook, and iCloud.
- Automated SMS and email reminders to ensure clients show up.
- Supports team scheduling for larger organizations.
Why Choose Sign In Scheduling?
- Excellent for industries like healthcare, education, and retail that require privacy compliance.
- Helps reduce no-shows with its robust reminder system.
- Scalable for businesses of all sizes.
7. Appointy
Appointy is a scalable scheduling tool packed with features for growing businesses. It is perfect for managing appointments, customer reviews, and analytics.
Features:
- Offers free plans with basic tools for small teams.
- Integrates with social media platforms to allow direct bookings from Facebook and Instagram.
- Provides analytics for tracking appointment trends and customer behavior.
- Automated reminders to reduce no-shows.
Why Choose Appointy?
- Perfect for businesses that need advanced analytics and customer management tools.
- Scales easily as your business grows.
- Excellent for industries like education, fitness, and retail.
8. Zoho Bookings
Zoho Bookings is a part of the Zoho ecosystem, making it a great fit for businesses already using Zoho apps like Zoho CRM or Zoho Mail.
Features:
- Fully integrates with other Zoho products, ensuring seamless workflows.
- Customizable booking pages with company branding.
- Supports multi-location scheduling for businesses with multiple offices.
- Integrates with payment platforms like Stripe and PayPal.
Why Choose Zoho Bookings?
- Perfect for existing Zoho users.
- Ideal for businesses needing appointment scheduling across multiple locations.
- Offers comprehensive tools for managing client appointments efficiently.
9. HubSpot Meetings
HubSpot Meetings is a scheduling tool that is part of the HubSpot CRM, making it a powerful option for sales and marketing teams.
Features:
- Allows prospects to book meetings directly from your website or emails.
- Syncs with your calendar and updates CRM records automatically.
- Integrates with tools like Zoom for virtual meetings.
- Free plan available with basic features.
Why Choose HubSpot Meetings?
- Best for teams already using HubSpot for marketing or sales.
- Streamlines the scheduling process while keeping CRM data up to date.
- Simplifies meeting follow-ups with automated workflows.
10. Microsoft Bookings
Microsoft Bookings is a robust scheduling tool that integrates seamlessly with the Microsoft 365 ecosystem. It is designed for businesses and teams already using Microsoft tools, making it a natural fit for improving scheduling efficiency.
Features:
- Syncs effortlessly with Microsoft Outlook and Teams.
- Customizable booking pages with your brand’s look and feel.
- Offers automated email reminders and confirmations.
- Supports group bookings and multiple staff schedules.
- Allows clients to reschedule or cancel appointments directly from their confirmation email.
Why Choose Microsoft Bookings?
- Perfect for businesses using Microsoft 365.
- Great for managing appointments across multiple team members or locations.
- Provides a polished, professional experience for clients.
How To Choose The Best Scheduling Tool?
Here are a few tips to help you pick the right alternative for your needs:
- List Your Priorities: Decide what features matter most to you, like integrations, cost, or customization.
- Check Compatibility: Make sure the tool works with your existing apps like Google Calendar or Zoom.
- Test Free Versions: Many tools offer free trials or plans. Use them to see which one feels right for you.
- Consider Your Budget: Some tools are free, while others can get expensive. Pick one that fits your budget.
- Assess User Experience: Choose a tool with an intuitive interface that’s easy to navigate.
- Review Scalability: Ensure the tool can grow with your business as your scheduling needs expand.
- Check Customer Support: Opt for tools with responsive customer service for quick issue resolution.
- Read Reviews: Look for online reviews or case studies to understand how others benefit from the tool.
Final Thoughts
These Calendly alternatives offer diverse features and price points, so there is something for everyone. Whether you are a freelancer, small business, or part of a larger team, one of these tools can help you stay organized and save time. Try a few and see which one feels like the perfect fit for your needs!
No Comments