Keeping organized and using my time well has helped me a lot in many areas of my life, from school to starting a new job to taking an online course to working from home. Even though regular notebooks work just fine, I’ve found that using the best calendar apps makes a big difference. I can carry these apps around in my pocket without having to worry about what else I’m going to bring for it.
Many people use a calendar for much more than just making plans. It’s a planner with reminders and due dates to help us stay on track, or a way to remember the most important things that have happened to us. We choose a digital calendar with extra care because we want something that makes planning fun and useful.
Because managing your time doesn’t include scheduling your activities. It involves coordinating with other team members, tracking your time, and generally knowing who will be where and when. We researched and tested dozens of options. Here are our top selections for the five best calendar applications, whether you’re seeking a Google Calendar substitute or simply want to explore what’s available. Below, we have mentioned the best calendar apps.
Criteria for Selecting a Calendar App
When choosing a calendar app, you should think about a number of things to make sure it meets your personal and business scheduling needs. Here are some things you should look for in a calendar app:
👁️ User Interface and Design: An interface that is easy to use and looks good can make your experience better. Look for a layout that is easy to use and nice to look at.
📱 Platform Compatibility: Make sure the app is available on the platforms you use, like iOS, Android, Windows, and macOS. This makes sure that you can get to your calendar from any device.
🔄 Integration and syncing: The app should work well with your other calendars and services, like Google Calendar, Outlook, and iCloud. Integration with email, task management, and other tools that help you get things done can be helpful.
🧩 Features and Functions: Think about the features you need, such as multiple calendars, event notifications, recurring events, customizable views, and support for different time zones. Some apps also have things like weather forecasts, event reminders, and reminders based on where you are.
📡 Cross-Device Synchronization: Choose an app that syncs your data across all your devices in real time. This makes sure that you can check your calendar wherever you are.
Best Calendar Apps Comparison Table
The table shows how different calendar apps compare in terms of features, ease of use, and compatibility. It helps find the best calendar app by comparing key features like interface, synchronization, platform support, and tools for working together. This information gives users the tools they need to make good decisions about how to use their time.
Feature | Google Calendar | Calendar | Any.do | Outlook Calendar | Business Calendar 2 | Fantastical | Apple Calendar | SolCalendar | Timepage |
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Cross-platform | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes |
Sync | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes |
Mobile App | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes |
Web App | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | No | Yes | Yes | No | No |
Desktop App | Yes | Yes | No | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | No | Yes |
To-Do Integration | No | No | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | No | No | Yes |
Natural Language | Yes | No | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes |
Official Link | Download | Download | Download | Download | Download | Download | Download | Download | Download |
Google Calendar
Features:
- Seamless integration with other Google services.
- Smart suggestions for event creation based on your schedule and preferences.
- Shared calendar functionality to easily collaborate with others.
- Ability to add attachments and notes to events.
Google Calendar is the official calendar for Android devices that has been tested by many users around the world. If you are currently trying to do without it, consider changing your mind. Since this application is installed by default on most Android devices, many users think that this program has nothing special about it. They are wrong.
Google has been updating its calendar for several years and it now comes in Material Design with advanced features for events, direct integration with other Google services (e.g., it supports reminders and Google Now), and support for Exchange. The program is super easy and costs nothing. If you want to use this app more effectively, here are some pro tips.
Pros
- Seamless integration with other Google services like Gmail and Google Drive.
- Easy collaboration and sharing options for scheduling meetings and events.
- Smart suggestions and predictive features to save time when creating events.
- Works across multiple devices and platforms, including web, mobile, and desktop.
Cons
- Some users may find the interface overwhelming or cluttered.
- Limited customization options for visual appearance.
- Relies on internet connectivity for full functionality.
- Privacy concerns due to data collection by Google.
Calendar
Features:
- Intuitive interface with a clean design.
- Integration with popular services like Google Calendar, Outlook, and iCloud.
- Easy event creation and editing, with options for reminders and recurring events.
- Collaboration features for sharing calendars with others.
Calendar is a relatively new application. It works as a web application and for iOS and Android devices. It is a smart application that learns contacts, schedules, and tasks. This app also helps to plan and organizes meetings based on available time slots. One good thing about Calendar is that it allows you to synchronize with other calendars you use, such as Apple Calendar and Google Calendar. This makes it possible to manage all calendars in one place. The calendar also provides an analysis of meetings, giving a clear picture of how to improve time management.
Pros
- Simple and easy to use interface.
- Seamless integration with other Google services, such as Gmail and Google Drive.
- Ability to create and manage multiple calendars.
- Excellent collaboration features, allowing users to share and invite others to events.
Cons
- Limited customization options compared to other apps.
- Lack of advanced features for power users.
- Some users may find the interface too minimalistic.
- Offline functionality is limited in the web version.
Any.do
Features:
- Combines a to-do list and a calendar in one app.
- Smart suggestions for scheduling tasks and events based on your habits and availability.
- Syncs seamlessly across devices, including smartphones, tablets, and computers.
- Integrates with popular task management tools like Trello and Google Tasks.
Any. do is a combination of a to-do list and a calendar. It has the best of both worlds. It includes an extensive calendar overview with an in-depth to-do list task functionality. And it also supports Facebook, Google, and Outlook calendars. This makes it ideal for cross-platform enthusiasts. The user interface is in Material Design and looks nice. The only downside is the price. It requires a subscription. This makes it difficult to recommend to those who need something cheap and simple. It is more suitable for those who like productivity.
Pros
- Combines task management and calendar functions in one app.
- User-friendly interface with a minimalist design.
- Supports natural language input for event creation.
- Offers cross-platform availability and synchronization.
Cons
- May lack some advanced features found in dedicated calendar apps.
- Free version has limited functionality, with some features restricted to premium subscribers.
- Occasional performance issues and syncing problems reported by users.
- Collaboration and sharing options are not as robust as in other apps.
Outlook Calendar
Features:
- Integration with Microsoft Office suite and Exchange email accounts.
- Powerful scheduling features, including the ability to propose new meeting times.
- Integrated task management and reminders.
- Cross-platform availability on web, desktop, and mobile devices.
If you are a Windows 10 user, Microsoft’s Outlook Calendar is probably the best calendar app for you. It is tightly integrated into Windows 10 and uses the same Microsoft account you use to log into Windows, which means your contacts, events, and calendars should all be there waiting for you. It is free, but if you subscribe to Microsoft 365 you get premium features that make it an essential business calendar app. You can also link your LinkedIn account.
Although it is produced by Microsoft, the Outlook calendar is available on a wide range of platforms, including Android and iOS, and you can also view the calendar online. Another advantage is that if you are already using Google Calendar, Outlook Calendar can directly import dates and events, so you always have them on hand when needed.
Pros
- Integration with other Microsoft Office applications like Outlook email and Microsoft Teams.
- Powerful productivity features like task management and email integration.
- Supports multiple calendars and color-coding for easy organization.
- Works across various platforms and devices.
Cons
- Interface can be complex and overwhelming for new users.
- May require a Microsoft 365 subscription for full functionality.
- Limited integration with non-Microsoft services.
- Mobile app performance can be inconsistent.
Business Calendar 2
Features:
- Intuitive Interface
- Syncing Capabilities
- Customization Options
Business Calendar 2 is one of the surprisingly popular calendar applications. The application has good customization features. It includes nearly two dozen themes, seven calendar widgets and various calendar views. It also supports Google Calendar and Exchange Calendar, as any good corporate calendar should. In addition to everything else, weather information is also available. We like the fact that it supports subtasks, something usually found only in to-do list apps. If you use it, this app is also free via Google Play Pass.
Pros
- Feature-rich with a wide range of customization options.
- Multiple calendar views (daily, weekly, monthly, etc.) for better organization.
- Seamless integration with various calendar services (Google, Exchange, etc.).
- Advanced event management options, including recurring events and event templates.
Cons
- Steep learning curve due to the abundance of features.
- Interface can feel overwhelming for new users.
- Syncing issues reported by some users.
- Limited support and updates for non-Android platforms.
Fantastical
Features:
- Natural language input for quick event creation.
- Interactive and intuitive user interface.
- Integration with various third-party services like iCloud, Google Calendar, and Microsoft Exchange.
- Advanced customization options for event notifications and appearance.
If you have a wide range of Apple devices, from the MacBook to the iPhone to the Apple Watch, Fantastical is the best calendar app for you. It has an app for almost every Apple product and was built from the ground up to support macOS. Best of all, it syncs seamlessly between your devices, making it a powerful and useful calendar app for Apple fanatics.
You can set up meetings and events quickly and easily, and it can even check that colleagues are available for a proposed meeting using Google Apps or Exchange, making it a more powerful app than Apple’s default calendar. A free version is available with basic features, which means it will do a similar job as other free calendar apps. However, a premium version is also available, which allows for collaboration, such as Zoom video conferencing, and is also customizable.
Pros
- Intuitive and visually appealing interface.
- Natural language input allows for quick event creation.
- Cross-platform support on iOS, macOS, and iPadOS.
- Robust integration with popular services like iCloud, Google Calendar, and Microsoft Exchange.
Cons
- High cost for the premium version.
- Lacks some features compared to other calendar apps.
- Limited customization options for the user interface.
- Not available on Android or Windows platforms.
Apple Calendar
Features:
- Seamless integration with other Apple devices and services.
- Ability to create and manage multiple calendars.
- Support for shared calendars with family, friends, or colleagues.
- Location-based alerts and travel time suggestions.
If you are a fan of Apple products, Apple Calendar is an excellent choice. It keeps all your events synchronized between iPhone, iPad, Apple Watch, Mac, and any other device Apple will invent. In terms of calendar functionality, Apple Calendar offers all the features you would expect, including strong integration with Siri that allows you to add events with just a few words.
Pros
- Seamless integration with other Apple devices and services like iCloud and Siri.
- Intuitive and user-friendly interface.
- Supports natural language input for event creation.
- Easy integration with third-party apps through the App Store.
Cons
- Limited customization options compared to other calendar apps.
- Less flexible when it comes to sharing and collaboration.
- Only available on Apple devices and platforms.
- Lacks advanced features compared to some other calendar apps.
SolCalendar
Features:
- Smart Scheduling
- Weather Integration
- Social Media Integration
SolCalendar can be called a universal application. It claims to be an all-in-one digital solution with basic calendar functionality combined with other advanced features, such as weather forecasts for a specific day. The application supports Google Calendar, as well as tasks, widgets, lunar calendar, and even Foursquare.
For those looking for a calendar application that covers all features, SolCalendar is a program to consider. There are many interesting things in this application; the program does a great job in all-in-one mode.
Pros
- Sleek and visually appealing interface with customizable themes.
- Supports integration with various calendar services, including Google Calendar, Exchange, and iCloud.
- Offers weather forecasts and maps integration to provide additional context to your events.
Cons
- The app can be resource-intensive, leading to potential battery drain.
- Limited task management features compared to other calendar apps.
- Some users may find the interface too stylized or cluttered for their taste.
Time page
Features:
- Elegant Design
- Intelligent Assistant
- Integrated Maps
Time page is an intuitive calendar app that allows you to manage time differently from other calendar apps. It offers the same kinds of features you would expect from other calendar apps: the ability to record events, notifications and reminders, weather, and travel time to a given event. However, the app goes beyond these features in two ways.
The first is that, in addition to sending notifications, the app also offers reminders for upcoming appointments. This extra time can allow you to prepare and make changes to your day if necessary. The second, more important feature is the heat map when you go to the full calendar view. This heat map indicates the days when you are busiest and the days when you are most free. This heat map provides a quick glance to determine in principle which days are best for adding more events and other activities.
Pros
- Elegant and visually appealing design with a focus on simplicity.
- Seamless integration with various calendar services, including Google Calendar and iCloud.
- Provides a unique timeline view that combines events, weather forecasts, and maps for enhanced planning.
Cons
- The app requires a subscription for full access to its features.
- Limited customization options for views and themes.
- Lacks advanced event management features like recurring events or event invitations.
Tips for Maximizing Productivity with Calendar Apps
Calendar apps can be very helpful for staying on top of things and getting more done. Here are some tips to help you get the most out of your calendar app:
📅 Use a Single Calendar App: Choose a single calendar app to avoid confusion and make sure all your events and tasks are in one place.
📱 Sync Your Devices: Make sure your phone, tablet, and computer are all using the same calendar app, so you can check your schedule from anywhere.
🌈 Types of Color Code: Give different colors to different categories or types of events. For example, use one color for work-related events, another for personal appointments, and yet another for social events. This difference can help you understand your schedule quickly.
⏰ Set reminders: Use reminders to keep track of events or tasks that are coming up. Make sure you don’t forget important things by setting multiple reminders.
🧱 Block Time for Tasks: Set aside time for each task on your schedule. This keeps your schedule from getting too full and helps you focus on one thing at a time.
FAQs
Google Calendar is easier to use on a lot of different devices. Aside from the main web app, there are also apps for Android, iOS, and iPadOS. It also works with CalDav, which lets you connect it to other calendar apps, like the Apple Calendar apps, which can then fully manage the calendars.
Overall, Google Calendar is a great way to stay organized and keep track of your schedule. It has a lot of features, such as the ability to make and look at different calendars, work with other Google apps, set reminders and notifications, share calendars, and work on mobile devices.
Make sure you don’t make more than 60 calendars in a short amount of time. Calendar puts a limit on the number of invitations a user can send to external guests. This is to stop spamming. If a user sends 10,000 invites to people outside of their primary or secondary domain in a short amount of time, their ability to send invitations to people outside of their primary or secondary domain is limited.