Best Calendly Alternatives 2026
Discover the best Calendly alternatives for 2026. Compare Cal.com, SavvyCal, Acuity Scheduling, TidyCal and Zcal on scheduling, features and pricing.
At MG Software we use Cal.com for our own scheduling thanks to its open-source flexibility. For clients we recommend TidyCal as an affordable option and Acuity for service providers who need payments.
Why do people look for alternatives to Calendly is a popular scheduling tool that lets you share your availability via a link so others can easily book appointments. It integrates with Google Calendar, Outlook, Zoom and more.?
Calendly's free plan is limited to one event type and the Teams plans are relatively expensive. There is limited customization of the booking page and some users seek open-source or one-time payment alternatives.
Best alternatives
Cal.com
Cal.com is an open-source scheduling platform with unlimited event types, team scheduling, workflows and a fully customizable booking experience. Self-hosting is available for free.
Pros
- +Open-source with free self-hosting and unlimited event types
- +Extensive workflow automations with triggers and actions
- +Fully customizable booking pages with your own branding
Cons
- -Self-hosting requires technical knowledge for setup and maintenance
- -Cloud version has a less generous free tier than expected
SavvyCal
SavvyCal offers scheduling with a calendar overlay so invitees see their own calendar alongside your availability. It provides a more respectful booking experience.
Pros
- +Unique overlay view that shows the invitee's calendar
- +Priority links to give important contacts preferred access
- +Clean, modern interface with excellent user experience
Cons
- -Higher entry price than other alternatives
- -Fewer integrations than Calendly or Cal.com
Acuity Scheduling
Acuity Scheduling (part of Squarespace) is a comprehensive scheduling tool with payments, intake forms, gift certificates and client management. It is popular with service providers and therapists.
Pros
- +Built-in payment processing via Stripe and PayPal
- +Custom intake forms and automatic reminders
- +Extensive timezone support and buffer times
Cons
- -Interface is more complex and less intuitive than Calendly
- -No free plan available, only a trial period
TidyCal
TidyCal offers simple scheduling with a one-time payment via AppSumo. It covers the basic features most users need without monthly costs.
Pros
- +One-time payment without monthly subscription costs
- +Simple, clean interface for quick setup
- +Integration with Google Calendar, Outlook and Zoom
Cons
- -More limited features than Calendly or Cal.com
- -Less advanced team scheduling and workflow options
Zcal
Zcal is a free scheduling tool with unlimited bookings, custom branding and an AI assistant that suggests the best times based on both parties' availability.
Pros
- +Free plan with unlimited bookings and event types
- +AI-powered time suggestions for optimal scheduling
- +Customizable booking page with your own branding
Cons
- -Relatively new platform with a smaller user base
- -Fewer integrations than established alternatives
What to consider when switching?
- Determine whether you need payment processing when scheduling appointments
- Compare costs: one-time payment versus monthly subscription
- Check team scheduling features if you schedule with multiple people
- Evaluate booking page customizability for your brand
Which alternative does MG Software recommend?
At MG Software we use Cal.com for our own scheduling thanks to its open-source flexibility. For clients we recommend TidyCal as an affordable option and Acuity for service providers who need payments.
Frequently asked questions
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