Top Calendly Alternatives to Enhance Your Scheduling in 2024

Are you tired of endless back and forth emails to lock down a meeting time between colleagues, potential customers, or key stakeholders? 

While Calendly has made scheduling a breeze for many, it’s not the only option.

Whether you need more customization, a more budget-friendly or branded option, or specific features Calendly doesn’t offer, there are numerous other scheduling apps and tools out there for streamlining scheduling processes.

Let’s explore the best Calendly alternatives that can take your scheduling to the next level—no back-and-forth required.

What is Calendly?

Calendly is an appointment scheduling tool for booking meetings and appointments. 

By connecting to your existing calendar (Google Calendar or Microsoft Outlook), you can set your availability and share scheduling links with others. No more back-and-forth coordinating meeting times.

Its platform features a custom booking page, automated reminders, group scheduling for group meetings, integrations with video conferencing platforms, and payment processors.

It’s for individuals, teams, and enterprises looking to simplify appointment scheduling.

Here are some of the strengths and weaknesses of Calendly's appointment scheduling software:

Strengths

• Calendly has a simple, easy-to-use interface, so you can set up and manage your appointment scheduling without any learning curve.
• It integrates with Google Calendar, Outlook, and iCloud, so your availability is always in real-time. To make it even more powerful, it integrates with Zoom, Salesforce, and Slack.
• Calendly, one of the most popular scheduling tools, automates tasks like sending reminders and follow-ups, so you don’t have to do the work. That way, the chance of no-shows is reduced.
• Users can create multiple event types, set buffer times between meetings, and define availability windows for appointment scheduling according to individual or team needs.

Weaknesses

• The free plan has basic features but no multiple event types, integrations with certain apps, or customization options.
• Premium features require a subscription and can be expensive for individuals or small teams, especially with multiple users.
• Calendly has some customization, but users looking for extensive branding options or unique scheduling workflows might find it limited compared to other popular scheduling tools.
• Some users have reported that customer support could be faster or more responsive, which can be a problem if you need help quickly.

What should you look for in appointment scheduling software?

When choosing the right appointment scheduling software, you will need to check the key features and capabilities to make sure it fits your needs.

Here are some features to consider:

1. Ease of use

Look for a tool with a simple and user-friendly interface to set up and manage your scheduling links and preferences. For example, a no-code platform like Adalo provides easy-to-use templates for appointment scheduling.

2. Customization options

Can you brand your scheduling or booking page with your logo, colors, and messaging?

Consider flexible options like appointment types, buffer times, and customizable availability settings.

3. Integrations

Choose a tool that integrates with your existing tech stack, calendar apps (Google Calendar, Outlook), CRM systems (HubSpot, Salesforce), and video conferencing platforms (Zoom, Microsoft Teams), especially integrations with email marketing, payment gateways, or productivity tools.

4. Automated reminders and notifications

Automated email or SMS reminders reduce no-shows and remind participants of upcoming appointments.

Look for tools that offer customizable reminder options to control the timing and content of the notifications.

5. Time zone detection

Time zone detection is necessary for a smooth scheduling experience across different regions if you have international clients or team members.

6. Team scheduling software

If you manage a team, look for scheduling for group meetings or round-robin functionality.

Look for tools to assign bookings to team members or share a calendar view to manage everyone’s availability.

7. Security and compliance

Make sure the tool meets your security standards, mainly if you handle sensitive information. HIPAA or GDPR compliance may be required for healthcare or other regulated industries.

Look for tools with secure data handling, customizable permissions, and secure payment processing.

8. Mobile access

If you or your clients need to book on the go, a tool with a mobile-friendly interface or dedicated app is a big plus.

9. Customer support and uptime

Check for reviews and uptime, especially if your business relies on scheduling its own appointments.

10. Pricing and scalability

Look at the pricing model (per user, monthly, annually) and see if the features match the cost.

For growing businesses, choose a tool that can grow with your team's size and needs.

Also, look for scheduling apps and tools that offer a free trial so you can take it for a test run to ensure it meets your needs.

What are the top Calendly alternatives?

Here's a comprehensive look at the best Calendly alternatives that cater to various scheduling needs, from solo entrepreneurs to large teams.

1. Adalo - the best no-code scheduling platform for custom mobile and web apps

Adalo is the best no-code scheduling platform for custom mobile and web apps, allowing you to build a custom scheduling system with little tech experience.

Best for: Individuals and businesses needing an app scheduling system. It's also suitable for those who want to create a custom experience for their clients by simply adding their open hours into the database to showcase their availability.

Overview: Adalo has a visual interface where you can design and build apps through drag-and-drop components. It has various templates and feature modules, including a highly popular appointment booking template, so you can build a scheduling system that fits your needs.

Key features:

A. Custom scheduling

Use Adalo’s appointment booking feature template to build a scheduling system that matches your brand and operations. 

Just drag and drop components to create an appointments app tailored to your business.

B. Integrations

Connect to external databases and services like Zapier, Gmail, or Stripe to supercharge your app.

C. User and customer relationship management

The platform features user authentication and profiles to manage client bookings and preferences.

D. Responsive design

Create your app with an easy, responsive design. Build apps that work across multiple devices so the user experience is consistent.

Pros:

• Build a scheduling system that is customizable and fits your needs.
• Combine scheduling with other features like payments, user forums, live chat, and notifications all in one app.
• Provide a one-stop hub for your business’s online presence to be more accessible to a broader audience.

Cons:

• Users should choose Adalo when they’re looking to create a custom scheduling option in combination with a host of other user friendly tools.  
• But if you’re only looking for scheduling with nothing extra, then keep in mind that the learning curve for Adalo is slightly higher than Calendly.

Pricing: Adalo has various pricing plans

• Free plan: Build and test apps with basic features.
• Paid plans: Start at $36/month and include custom domains, more app actions, and more storage.
• Offers 14-day free trial

Adalo is one of the best Calendly alternatives if you need a customizable scheduling software solution within an app. 

2. Acuity Scheduling - the best Calendly alternative for flexible scheduling software

Best for: One of the best Calendly alternatives for coaches, consultants, and small businesses looking for a customizable solution.

Overview: Acuity Scheduling, now part of Squarespace, offers scheduling options with extensive customization. You can brand your scheduling page, embed it into your website, and create multiple appointment types. It’s also ideal for teams that manage calendars with flexible availability settings.

Key features:

1. Customizable booking pages
2. Integration with Zoom, Google Meet, and more
3. Automated email and SMS reminders
4. Group scheduling and recurring appointments

Pros:

• Acuity Scheduling has a simple setup process. Users can define availability and settings, and clients can self-book without fuss.

• Custom booking pages, intake forms, and automated reminders for a better client experience.

• Acuity integrates with Zoom, Google Calendar, and payment processors like Stripe and PayPal to create a smooth workflow.

• Scheduling app sends email and SMS reminders to clients to reduce no-shows.

• Businesses can accept payments when booking to simplify the payment process and reduce admin.

Cons:

• Free version has basic features, but multiple calendars and integrations require a paid plan.

• Basic setup is easy, but more complex features take some time to get used to.

• Some users have reported slow support responses, which can be a problem when you need help as soon as possible.

Pricing:

• Starts at $16/month, with advanced plans for more features.
• Offers 7-day free trial

3. Doodle - best for scheduling meeting times across multiple time zones

Best for: Group scheduling and polls for meeting times across multiple time zones.

Overview: Doodle is one of the classic Calendly alternatives for coordinating meetings with multiple participants. Its polling feature allows attendees to vote on the best time, making it especially useful for teams with flexible schedules or clients in different time zones.

Key features:

1. Polling for group meetings
2. Customizable branding on premium plans
3. Integrates with popular calendar platforms
4. Easy-to-use interface for both host and participants

Pros:

• Doodle has a super easy-to-use platform to create polls and schedule events, so individuals and teams with no tech expertise can use it.

• The polling feature allows participants to vote on times, so finding a time that works for everyone is a breeze, especially for large groups.

• Doodle integrates with Google Calendar, Outlook, and iCal, so you don’t double book.

• With mobile apps for iOS and Android, you can manage your schedule and respond to polls on the go.

Cons:

• Free version has ads and doesn’t have custom branding or extra admin controls, which are in the paid plans.

• Some users have reported that Doodle poll invites get blocked by recipients' email filters, making communication tricky.

• Users have reported that the time zone options are unclear, making scheduling across different regions tricky.

• Doodle has basic customization, but users looking for more branding options or custom workflows will find it limited compared to other tools

Pricing:

• Free for basic features
• Premium plans start at $6.95/month.

4. Book Like A Boss - best all-in-one booking and payment solution

Best for: Entrepreneurs and small business owners needing an all-in-one booking and payment solution.

Overview: Book Like A Boss is one of the best Calendly alternatives to combine booking and payment processing into one platform, making it perfect for service-based businesses. You can showcase your services, link directly to your booking page, and accept payments through various providers.

Key features:

1. Customizable landing pages for services
2. Payment integration with Stripe, PayPal, etc.
3. Support for multiple appointment types and group bookings
4. Integrations with major calendar apps and Zoom

Pros:

• BLAB has an easy setup process. You can define availability and preferences, and clients can self-book appointments without the hassle.

• Customizable booking pages, intake forms, and automated reminders for a better client experience.

• BLAB integrates with third-party apps like Zoom and Google Calendar and payment processors like Stripe and PayPal for a smooth workflow.

• Automated email and SMS reminders to clients to reduce no-shows and ensure timely attendance.

• Businesses can take payments when booking to simplify the payment process and reduce admin tasks.

Cons:

• Free version has basic features, but advanced features like multiple calendars and integrations require a paid plan.

• Basic setup is easy but more complex features will take time and effort to learn.

• Some users reported delays in getting support responses

Pricing:

• Starts at up to three users for $29.16 a month.

5. Setmore - best affordable, scalable solution

Best for: Small to medium-sized teams looking for affordable and scalable scheduling.

Overview: Setmore is an intuitive scheduling tool offering appointment management, team calendars for group events, and integrated payment options. It’s ideal for teams that want a simple, scalable solution without breaking the bank.

Key features:

1. Team scheduling and calendar sharing
2. Video meeting integrations with Teleport, Zoom, and more
3. Customizable booking pages
4. Integrates with Stripe for payments

Pros:

• Easy to set up and manage your schedule with no steep learning curve.

• Personalized booking pages, intake forms, and automated reminders for a better client experience.

• It integrates with third-party apps like Zoom and Google Calendar and payment processors like Stripe and PayPal for a seamless workflow.

• Sends automated emails and SMS to clients to reduce no-shows and ensure attendance.

• Businesses can take payment when booking to simplify the payment process and reduce admin tasks.

Cons:

• Free plan has basic features, but multiple calendars and integrations require a paid plan.

• Basic setup is easy, but more complex features will take some time to get used to.

• Expensive for extras.󠁧󠁢󠁳󠁣󠁴󠁿

Pricing:

• Free for basic features
• Premium plans start at $5/user/month.

6. YouCanBook.me - best online scheduling app for simplicity

Best for: Individuals and small teams focused on customer-facing roles.

Overview: YouCanBook.me is a straightforward appointment-online scheduling app and tool that syncs directly with Google or Microsoft calendars. It’s known for its simplicity and robust customization to match your brand.

Key features:

1. Customizable booking pages with personal branding
2. Automatic time zone detection
3. Email and SMS reminders
4. Integration with Google and Microsoft calendars

Pros:

• Simple setup process, define your availability and preferences, and clients can book appointments.

• Personalized booking pages, intake forms, and automated reminders for a better client experience.

• Integrates with 3rd party apps like Zoom and Google Calendar and payment processors like Stripe and PayPal.

• Sends automated emails and SMS to clients to reduce no-shows and ensure attendance.

• YouCanBook.me allows you to take payments at the time of booking and reduces admin tasks.

Cons:

• Free version has basic features, multiple calendars and integrations require a paid plan.

• Basic setup is easy, but learning more complex features takes time and effort.

Pricing:

• Free plan
• Paid plans start at $7.20/month.

7. SimplyBook.me - best for service-based businesses needing industry-specific booking features

Best for: Service-based businesses needing industry-specific booking features.

Overview: SimplyBook.me is a highly versatile online scheduling tool tailored to various industries, from wellness to education. It allows businesses to manage bookings, accept payments, and customize their booking pages extensively.

Key features:

1. Industry-specific templates for booking pages
2. Payment processing and invoicing
3. Integration with Facebook, Instagram, and Google My Business
4. SMS and email reminders

Pros:

• Customizable booking pages, automated reminders, sell products, gift cards, and service add-ons.

• Easy to set up and manage appointments, classes, and events.

• Integrates with Google Calendar, Facebook, Stripe, and PayPal.
• System sends automated emails and SMS to clients, reducing no-shows and late attendance.

• Allows you to make payments at the time of booking, simplifies the payment process, and reduces admin tasks.

Cons:

• Advanced features and higher plans are expensive and might not be suitable for small businesses or solo practitioners.

Pricing:

• Free basic plan
• Paid plans start at $8.25/month.

8. HubSpot Meetings - best meeting scheduler for integrating with CRM

Best for: HubSpot users looking to integrate scheduling with their CRM.

Overview: HubSpot Meetings is an integrated tool within the HubSpot CRM, allowing you to book meetings directly with your contacts. It’s ideal for sales teams and customer support roles that want seamless scheduling within a CRM environment.

Key features:

1. Direct integration with HubSpot CRM
2. Automated scheduling link and calendar syncing
3. Customizable booking pages
4. Integrates with Google and Office 365 calendars
5. While it’s not a standalone meeting booking tool, it still offers some great features for scheduling meetings as an alternative to Calendly.

Pros:

• As part of the HubSpot family, Meetings integrates with HubSpot CRM so meetings are logged automatically and synced with contact records.

• Simple setup process to define availability and preferences so clients can book appointments without the hassle.

• HubSpot Meetings offers customization options, including personalized booking pages, intake forms, and automated reminders, to enhance the client experience.

• It integrates with third-party apps like Zoom and Google Calendar and payment processors like Stripe and PayPal to make workflow seamless.

• Sends automated emails and SMS to clients to reduce no-shows and ensure attendance.

Cons:

• Free version has basic features, but advanced features like multiple calendars and integrations require a paid plan.

• Basic setup is easy, but more complex features take time to learn.

• Expensive for extras

Pricing:

• Free for HubSpot users
• Advanced features are available on paid CRM plans.

9. Microsoft Bookings - best meeting scheduler for Microsoft users

Microsoft Bookings is an online booking tool for businesses and individuals.

Best for: Microsoft Bookings is one of the best Calendly alternatives for small—to medium-sized businesses and professionals already using Microsoft 365. It is best for healthcare, education, financial services, and any service-based business that needs to schedule appointments.

Overview: Within the Microsoft 365 suite, Bookings is a centralized booking platform. It has a customizable booking page where clients can book at their convenience. Bookings sync with Outlook calendars to prevent double booking and keep availability up to date in real-time.

Key features:

1. Customizable booking page for a consistent client experience. Add your brand’s logo and colors to the booking page
2. Calendar integration that syncs with Outlook and other Microsoft 365 calendars to show real-time availability and prevent double booking
3. Automated reminders and client confirmations, reducing no-shows and communication
4. Staff management for assigning appointments to specific staff members based on availability and expertise
5. Virtual appointments that support online meetings through Microsoft Teams integration for virtual consultations and services

Pros:

• Bookings integrate with Microsoft 365 apps like Outlook and Teams, so if you’re already in the Microsoft ecosystem, you’ll have a seamless experience.

• If you have a Microsoft 365 subscription, Bookings are included at no extra cost, making it a cost-effective scheduling solution.

• Easy setup, users can define availability and preferences, and clients can self-schedule appointments without the hassle.

• Bookings send automated emails to clients to reduce no-shows and ensure timely attendance.

• Users can customize their booking pages to match their brand.

Cons:

• Bookings may not have all the advanced features of dedicated scheduling tools.

• It integrates well within the Microsoft ecosystem but has limited native integrations with third-party apps outside of it.

• Some users find the customization options for booking pages and forms less flexible than those for other scheduling tools.

• No mobile app yet.

Pricing:

Microsoft Bookings is included with some Microsoft 365 plans.

The pricing for these plans is:

• Microsoft 365 Business Basic: $6 per user/month. Web and mobile versions of Office apps, business email, and 1TB of OneDrive storage.

• Microsoft 365 Business Standard: $12.50 per user/month. All features of Business Basic plus desktop versions of Office apps and more.

• Microsoft 365 Business Premium: $22 per user/month. All features of Business Standard plus advanced security and device management.

Frequently asked questions

What features should I look for when choosing a Calendly alternative?

Users should consider essential criteria when selecting a scheduling tool, such as customization options, calendar integrations, automated reminders and notices, time zone detection, team scheduling, reporting and analytics, customer support, mobile access, scalability, and pricing.

Are there any free scheduling software alternatives to Calendly, and how do they compare?

There are many free Calendly alternatives for appointment scheduling, such as Adalo. Most of the alternatives offer free plans for their basic features.

In conclusion

Choosing the right scheduling tool can make a huge difference in managing time, meeting with clients and stakeholders, and growing your business. 

Whether you’re a solo entrepreneur, a small business owner, or part of a larger team, there’s a Calendly alternative tailored to fit your unique needs. 

Consider your priorities—branding, customization, or specific industry features—and start simplifying your scheduling process with one of these powerful tools today!

Caryl Ramsey has years of experience assisting in bookkeeping, taxes, and customer service. She uses various accounting software to set up client information, reconcile accounts, code expenses, run financial reports, and prepare tax returns. She is also experienced in setting up corporations with the State Corporation Commission and the IRS and is a contributing writer to SUCCESS magazine.