In the fast-paced world of business, managing your calendar efficiently isn’t just a luxury, it’s a necessity. Whether you're a Virtual Assistant juggling multiple clients, a freelancer booking meetings, or part of a fast-moving team, the right scheduling tool can save you from the dreaded back-and-forth emails. While Calendly and Doodle often steal the spotlight, there are other powerful contenders worth considering. Let’s dive into five top calendar and meeting management apps and see how they stack up.
1. Calendly
Best for: Professionals and businesses looking for a streamlined scheduling experience.
Key Features:
Syncs with Google, Outlook, and Apple Calendar.
Custom booking links and automated reminders.
Supports team scheduling and round-robin meeting assignments.
Pros:
Super user-friendly.
Free plan available with upgrade options.
Great for managing individual and team meetings.
Cons:
Limited customization unless you upgrade.
No built-in video conferencing (relies on integrations like Zoom).
2. Doodle
Best for: Groups trying to coordinate the best meeting time without endless email chains.
Key Features:
Poll-based scheduling to find common availability.
Integration with major calendar apps.
Custom branding for business accounts.
Pros:
Makes group scheduling ridiculously easy.
No sign-up needed for participants.
Simple and intuitive interface.
Cons:
Free version is ad-heavy and feature-limited.
Not ideal for 1:1 automated bookings.
3. Acuity Scheduling
Best for: Entrepreneurs, coaches, and service-based businesses that need scheduling with payment options.
Key Features:
Accepts payments via PayPal, Stripe, and Square.
Custom intake forms for clients.
Automated reminders and time zone adjustments.
Pros:
Perfect for businesses that sell services (consultants, therapists, trainers, etc.).
Highly customizable scheduling experience.
Supports multiple staff calendars.
Cons:
Slightly steeper learning curve.
No free plan—only a 7-day trial.
4. Microsoft Bookings
Best for: Teams and businesses already using Microsoft 365.
Key Features:
Integrates deeply with Microsoft Outlook and Teams.
Custom scheduling pages for different services.
Automated email and SMS reminders.
Pros:
Ideal if you’re already in the Microsoft ecosystem.
Supports multiple team member schedules.
Included with Microsoft 365 (no extra cost).
Cons:
Less flexible than other standalone tools.
Can feel clunky for non-Microsoft users.
5. Zoho Bookings
Best for: Businesses that want scheduling integrated with a CRM.
Key Features:
Seamless integration with Zoho CRM and other Zoho apps.
Customizable booking pages and branding options.
Payment processing and appointment buffers.
Pros:
Affordable compared to other options.
Strong CRM and automation features.
Supports team and resource scheduling.
Cons:
Can be complex for first-time users.
Some integrations require Zoho’s paid plans.
Which Scheduling App is Right for You?
Need a simple, professional tool for 1:1 bookings? Go with Calendly.
Coordinating group meetings? Doodle has your back.
Running a service-based business with paid appointments?
Acuity Scheduling is a great fit.Already using Microsoft 365? Microsoft Bookings is a no-brainer.
Want scheduling powered by CRM automation? Zoho Bookings is your best bet.
Each of these tools is designed to make scheduling smoother, more efficient, and less of a headache. The best choice depends on your workflow and what integrations matter most to you.