Calendly is the most well-known scheduling tool, but it's not cheap -- especially once you need team features. We tested six alternatives on features, pricing, and ease of use. Here's how they compare.
The Heavyweights: Who Made the Cut?
We started with a pool of over 20 scheduling tools and narrowed it down to six that truly stand out. These selections aren't random; they excel in specific areas such as customization, integrations, and user experience. Here's who made the cut:
- Acuity Scheduling
- Setmore
- SimplyBook.me
- YouCanBook.me
- Doodle
- StackBloom's Scheduling Tool
Each of these tools offers something unique. Let's dive into what makes them tick.
Acuity Scheduling: The Flexible Friend
Acuity Scheduling is pretty much a household name in the scheduling world. It's well-known for its flexibility and customization options. If you're in a client-facing business, Acuity can handle complex scheduling needs with ease.
Key Features
- Customizable Booking Pages: Tailor the look of your booking pages to reflect your brand.
- Automated Notifications: Email and text reminders keep both you and your clients in the loop.
- Integration Galore: From Google Calendar to PayPal, Acuity integrates with a plethora of third-party apps.
Pricing
Acuity isn't the cheapest, starting at $16/month. It can climb up to $49/month for more advanced features. You can check out Acuity's pricing in more detail on our scheduling pricing page.
Who Should Use Acuity?
If customization and integrations are your primary needs, Acuity might be worth the investment. Small to medium-sized businesses often find it a perfect match.
Setmore: The Budget-Friendly Option
Setmore is a fantastic choice if you're looking to keep costs low without sacrificing essential features. This tool is very popular among startups and small businesses.
Key Features
- Free Tier Available: Yes, you heard it right. Setmore offers a robust free tier.
- Payment Gateways: Accept payments through Square and Stripe.
- Team Scheduling: Manage multiple calendars for different team members.
Pricing
Setmore's paid plans start at $9/month. This makes it one of the more affordable options. However, they do offer a free version, which is quite functional.
Who Should Use Setmore?
If you're budget-conscious but still need a solid scheduling solution, Setmore could be your best bet. It's ideal for startups and small teams.
SimplyBook.me: The Customization King
SimplyBook.me is a fantastic option for those who need serious customization capabilities. It's often used by service-based businesses that require detailed booking forms.
Key Features
- Extensive Customization: Create bespoke booking forms tailored to your services.
- Marketing Tools: Leverage promotional tools right within the platform.
- App Integrations: Connect seamlessly with most CRM systems.
Pricing
SimplyBook.me starts at around $9.90/month, with premium plans offering additional features for $59.90/month.
Who Should Use SimplyBook.me?
If you need a highly customizable and feature-rich scheduler, SimplyBook.me should be on your radar. It's particularly beneficial for service-based industries.
YouCanBook.me: The Straightforward Scheduler
YouCanBook.me is a no-frills scheduling tool that gets the job done. It’s straightforward, easy to use, and incredibly reliable.
Key Features
- Seamless Calendar Sync: Syncs effortlessly with Google or Microsoft calendars.
- Time Zone Management: Automatically adjusts for time zone differences.
- Simple Interface: No learning curve, just straightforward scheduling.
Pricing
YouCanBook.me is priced at $10/month, making it affordable for individuals and small teams alike.
Who Should Use YouCanBook.me?
If you want something simple and effective without the bells and whistles, this is your tool. Perfect for freelancers and small business owners.
Doodle: The Group Meeting Maestro
Doodle is synonymous with group scheduling. If you've ever tried to get a dozen people to agree on a meeting time, you know why Doodle is indispensable.
Key Features
- Poll-Based Scheduling: Let your participants vote on the best meeting times.
- Calendar Compatibility: Syncs with various calendar platforms.
- Easy Invitations: Send invites via email or shareable links.
Pricing
Doodle offers a free version, with premium features starting at $6.95/month per user.
Who Should Use Doodle?
Doodle is ideal for anyone who regularly schedules group meetings, from corporate teams to non-profit organizations.
StackBloom's Scheduling Tool: The Integrated Marvel
And now, let's talk about StackBloom's Scheduling Tool. It's not just a scheduling tool but part of a suite of 13 integrated tools that streamline your workflow.
Key Features
- Seamless Integration: Works effortlessly with our other tools like HealthBloom and InboxBridge, allowing for a unified experience.
- User-Friendly Interface: Designed for simplicity without sacrificing functionality.
- Automated Scheduling: Automate repetitive tasks to save time and reduce errors.
Pricing
StackBloom offers competitive pricing starting at $14/month, with substantial savings if you bundle it with other tools in our suite.
Who Should Use StackBloom?
If you're looking for an integrated solution that connects multiple facets of your business, StackBloom should be your top choice. It's perfect for businesses looking for scalability and efficiency.
Let's Compare: A Quick Glance
Here's a summary table to help you compare these tools at a glance:
| Tool | Starting Price | Free Version | Key Feature |
|---|---|---|---|
| Acuity Scheduling | $16/month | No | Customizable Booking Pages |
| Setmore | $9/month | Yes | Budget-Friendly |
| SimplyBook.me | $9.90/month | No | Extensive Customization |
| YouCanBook.me | $10/month | No | Straightforward Interface |
| Doodle | $6.95/month | Yes | Group Meeting Maestro |
| StackBloom | $14/month | No | Seamless Integration |
How to Choose
If you need the cheapest option: Setmore (free tier) or Doodle ($6.95/month). If you need heavy customization: Acuity or SimplyBook.me. If you want scheduling that connects to forms, e-signatures, proposals, and other business tools without adding another subscription: StackBloom's scheduling tool is worth testing.
The right choice depends on whether you need a standalone scheduler or a scheduling tool that fits into a larger workflow.
