Top Calendly Competitors in 2025: Better Scheduling Tools You Should Know About
Have you ever tried to schedule a meeting with someone, only to go back and forth in endless emails? That’s exactly why tools like Calendly became popular. It helps you send a link, pick a time, and boom — your meeting is set.
But here’s the thing: while Calendly is great, it’s not the only game in town. In fact, several Calendly competitors offer features that might be even better for your specific needs — whether you're a freelancer, a sales team, a coach, or running a small business.
Let’s explore the best Calendly alternatives that can save you time, reduce no-shows, and improve your productivity.
🚀 Why People Look for Calendly Competitors
Before we dive in, let’s talk about why someone might want to switch from Calendly in the first place:
Limited customization on the free plan
Branding options are behind a paywall
No built-in video conferencing tools
Some users find the interface too basic for advanced workflows
So, if you're looking for meeting scheduling tools with more control, better integrations, or simply a better price, you’re in the right place.
🔍 Top Calendly Alternatives You Should Try
1. Acuity Scheduling
Website: Acuity Scheduling
If you run a coaching business or take appointments (like a therapist, consultant, or trainer), Acuity Scheduling is a powerful option.
Highlights:
Custom branding, intake forms, and follow-ups
Accept payments through Stripe, PayPal, and Square
Syncs with Google Calendar, iCloud, Outlook, and Office 365
“As a life coach, I needed more than just setting appointments. I wanted to collect client info and get paid upfront. Acuity helped me do all of that with ease.” — Sarah, Life Coach
💡 Best for: Coaches, therapists, and consultants who want more control.
2. YouCanBook.me
Website: YouCanBook.me
For teams who live inside their Google or Microsoft calendars, YouCanBook.me offers seamless integration.
Features:
Personalized booking pages
Time zone detection
Email & SMS reminders
It’s perfect if you’re managing international teams or sales calls across countries.
💡 Best for: Remote teams and global sales calls.
3. Book Like A Boss
Website: Book Like A Boss
This tool not only lets people book time with you, but also acts like a mini landing page.
Standout Features:
Sell digital products, services, or consultations
Customize your entire page layout
Built-in payment gateways
Imagine having a sleek booking page with your services, pricing, and testimonials all in one place — that’s what Book Like A Boss delivers.
💡 Best for: Freelancers, digital entrepreneurs, and creators.
4. Doodle
Website: Doodle
When you need to find a time that works for a group, Doodle is the OG. It’s been around for years and continues to make team scheduling easier.
Perks:
Quick polls for group availability
Calendar integrations
No sign-up required for invitees
“Planning a team meeting with 5+ people used to be a nightmare. Now we just use Doodle — 2 minutes and done.” — Mark, Project Manager
💡 Best for: Team scheduling and group meetings.
5. Zoho Bookings
Website: Zoho Bookings
If you're already using Zoho CRM, this is a no-brainer. Zoho Bookings ties in seamlessly and gives you full control over your schedule.
Features:
Team-based bookings
Two-way calendar sync
Automatic time zone adjustment
💡 Best for: Businesses already using Zoho products.
📋 Step-by-Step Guide to Choosing the Right Calendly Alternative
Step 1: List Your Needs
Do you need payment integration? Multiple team calendars? Branding options? Write down the non-negotiables.
Step 2: Try the Free Version
Most tools above offer free trials or plans. Use them to see how the platform feels.
Step 3: Compare Integrations
If you’re using Zoom, Stripe, Google Calendar, or CRM tools, make sure the scheduler you choose supports them.
Step 4: Check for Mobile Support
If you're always on the go, check if the app has a good mobile version or app.
Step 5: Review Pricing & Scalability
Some platforms charge by user, others by features. Pick one that grows with your business.
💬 Real-Life Example
Last year, my friend Amy — a wedding planner — switched from Calendly to Book Like A Boss. Why? She needed a platform that could take bookings, display packages, and collect deposits. Calendly just couldn’t do it all. Now she says her conversions are up 40%, and she barely spends time managing her calendar.
🛒 Final Thoughts: Which One Should You Choose?
If you're looking for a Calendly competitor, think about what matters most to you:
Need payments? → Acuity Scheduling
Want group scheduling? → Doodle
Selling services or products? → Book Like A Boss
Already using Zoho CRM? → Zoho Bookings
Simple and clean interface? → YouCanBook.me
Every tool has its strengths. The best one is the one that saves you the most time and fits seamlessly into your daily workflow.
Don't just settle. Try out a few and see what clicks!
❓Frequently Asked Questions
1. What is better than Calendly?
It depends on your needs. Acuity Scheduling, Book Like A Boss, and Doodle are top picks based on features and flexibility.
2. Is Calendly still the best scheduling app?
Calendly is still excellent, but it may not be the best for advanced needs like payments, branding, or group scheduling.
3. Are there any free Calendly competitors?
Yes! YouCanBook.me, Zoho Bookings, and Doodle offer free plans with decent features.
4. What features should I look for in a scheduling tool?
Look for calendar sync, payment integration, email reminders, time zone support, and custom branding.
5. Can I use Calendly alternatives for team bookings?
Absolutely. Tools like Zoho Bookings and Acuity are great for team-based setups.
