Calendly is a highly successful software-as-a-service (SaaS) startup that has revolutionized the way people schedule meetings and appointments. Founded in 2013 by Tope Awotona, Calendly has grown from a simple idea to streamline scheduling into a widely-used platform that serves millions of users worldwide. The company’s mission is to eliminate the hassle of back-and-forth emails and phone calls when trying to find a mutually convenient time for meetings, ultimately saving time and increasing productivity for individuals and businesses alike.
The genesis of Calendly came from Awotona’s personal frustration with the inefficient process of scheduling meetings in his previous roles in sales and business development. Recognizing that this was a universal problem faced by professionals across various industries, he set out to create a solution that would simplify the scheduling process. Awotona, a Nigerian immigrant to the United States, took a significant risk by investing his life savings of $200,000 into starting Calendly, a decision that has since paid off tremendously.
The core concept of Calendly is elegantly simple: users can create rules for their availability, and then share a link that allows others to book time slots that fit within those parameters. This eliminates the need for lengthy email chains or phone tag to find a suitable meeting time. The platform integrates with popular calendar applications such as Google Calendar, Office 365, and iCloud, ensuring that all scheduled meetings are automatically added to the user’s existing calendar system.
One of the key factors in Calendly’s success has been its user-friendly interface and seamless integration capabilities. The platform is designed to be intuitive, requiring minimal setup and offering a clean, professional appearance that can be customized to match a company’s branding. This ease of use has contributed significantly to Calendly’s rapid adoption across various sectors, from small businesses to large enterprises.
Calendly’s growth strategy has been primarily driven by organic user acquisition and word-of-mouth referrals. The company initially focused on providing a free basic version of the service, which allowed users to experience the benefits of the platform without any financial commitment. This freemium model proved highly effective in attracting a large user base and creating advocates for the product. As users experienced the value of Calendly, many voluntarily upgraded to paid plans that offered additional features and functionality.
The startup’s journey to success was not without challenges. In the early days, Awotona faced difficulties in securing venture capital funding, with many investors skeptical about the potential of a scheduling tool. However, Calendly’s organic growth and strong user adoption eventually caught the attention of investors, leading to a $350 million investment round in 2021 that valued the company at $3 billion. This funding round, led by OpenView Venture Partners and Iconiq Capital, marked a significant milestone for the company and validated its business model and market potential.
Calendly’s success can be attributed to several factors, including its focus on solving a specific, widespread problem, its commitment to user experience, and its strategic approach to pricing and feature rollout. The company has consistently added new features and integrations based on user feedback and market demands, ensuring that the product remains relevant and valuable to its user base.
One of Calendly’s strengths is its versatility. While it started as a tool primarily used by individuals and small teams, it has evolved to offer robust solutions for larger organizations, including features for team scheduling, round-robin assignments, and collective availability. This scalability has allowed Calendly to expand its market reach and cater to a diverse range of clients, from freelancers and entrepreneurs to Fortune 500 companies.
The COVID-19 pandemic in 2020 and the subsequent shift to remote work provided an unexpected boost to Calendly’s growth. As businesses worldwide adapted to virtual meetings and remote collaboration, the need for efficient scheduling tools became more critical than ever. Calendly was well-positioned to meet this increased demand, and the company saw a significant surge in user adoption during this period.
In terms of company culture, Calendly has maintained a strong focus on innovation and customer satisfaction. The startup has built a diverse team of professionals from various backgrounds, fostering an environment of creativity and continuous improvement. This culture has been instrumental in driving product development and maintaining Calendly’s competitive edge in the market.
Looking to the future, Calendly continues to expand its features and explore new markets. The company has expressed ambitions to become more than just a scheduling tool, aiming to create a comprehensive platform for managing all aspects of meetings and appointments. This includes integrations with video conferencing tools, CRM systems, and other productivity applications to create a seamless end-to-end solution for professional interactions.
In conclusion, Calendly’s journey from a startup born out of personal frustration to a billion-dollar company is a testament to the power of identifying and solving a common problem with an elegant, user-friendly solution. Through strategic growth, consistent innovation, and a focus on user experience, Calendly has established itself as a leader in the scheduling software market and continues to shape the future of how professionals manage their time and interactions. As the company moves forward, it remains committed to its mission of simplifying scheduling and enhancing productivity for individuals and businesses around the world.
Top Competitors and Alternatives of Calendly
Calendly is a popular scheduling tool that helps users streamline appointment setting by providing a centralized calendar where invitees can book time slots. However, several other tools offer similar functionality with unique features and pricing structures. Here’s a detailed look at some top competitors and alternatives to Calendly:
1. Acuity Scheduling
Website – https://acuityscheduling.com/
Acuity Scheduling stands out as a formidable competitor to Calendly by offering a comprehensive suite of features tailored for businesses and professionals seeking robust scheduling solutions. Unlike Calendly, which primarily focuses on straightforward meeting scheduling, Acuity provides advanced functionalities such as customizable intake forms, multi-location support, and client management tools. These features are particularly beneficial for service-based industries like health and wellness, where detailed client information and appointment types are crucial for effective scheduling. Acuity’s flexibility allows users to create personalized booking experiences, making it a strong contender for businesses that require more than just basic scheduling capabilities.
Furthermore, Acuity Scheduling differentiates itself with its seamless integration options and advanced customization features. While both platforms offer integrations with popular tools like Google Calendar and Zoom, Acuity also supports extensive third-party applications, including payment processing and marketing tools, enabling users to streamline their entire workflow. Additionally, Acuity’s branding capabilities allow businesses to maintain a consistent brand image by customizing the scheduling page with logos and color schemes. This level of customization and comprehensive feature set makes Acuity a preferred choice for users looking for an all-in-one scheduling solution that can adapt to their specific business needs, thereby positioning it as a serious rival to Calendly in the scheduling market.
| Feature | Acuity Scheduling | Calendly |
|---|---|---|
| Focus | Comprehensive scheduling for businesses | Simple meeting scheduling |
| Customizable Forms | Yes, with intake forms | Limited customization |
| Multi-Location Support | Yes | No |
| Client Management Tools | Yes | No |
| Integrations | Extensive third-party integrations | Popular integrations available |
| Branding Options | Customizable booking page | Basic branding features |
| Payment Processing | Integrated payment options | Limited to third-party integrations |
| Ideal For | Service-based industries (e.g., wellness) | General scheduling needs |
Acuity Scheduling Pricing Explained
Acuity Scheduling offers three main pricing plans:
- Emerging Plan: Starts at $16 per month ($20 per month billed monthly). Includes 1 staff/location, unlimited services/appointments, online payments, and basic features.
- Growing Plan: Starts at $27 per month ($34 per month billed monthly). Includes 6 staff/locations, text message reminders, appointment packages, and more advanced features.
- Powerhouse Plan: Starts at $49 per month ($61 per month billed monthly). Includes unlimited staff/locations, custom branding, enterprise dashboard, and additional APIs.
Acuity Scheduling also offers an annual billing option, which provides a 20% discount compared to monthly billing.
Comparison to Competitors
Compared to other appointment scheduling software, Acuity Scheduling’s pricing is on the higher end:
- The average cost of a basic appointment scheduling software plan is $11 per month, while Acuity Scheduling’s Emerging plan starts at $16 per month.
- 48% of appointment scheduling software offer a free trial, while Acuity Scheduling does not have a free plan, only a 7-day free trial.
- Competitors like Vagaro, Square Appointments, and Appointmind offer plans starting at $15-$29 per month.
However, Acuity Scheduling’s more robust feature set, including online payments, custom branding, and enterprise-level capabilities, may justify the higher price point for businesses with more advanced scheduling needs.
2. Doodle
Website – https://doodle.com/en/
Doodle positions itself as a strong competitor to Calendly by specializing in group scheduling and simplifying the process of finding mutual availability among multiple participants. Unlike Calendly, which primarily focuses on one-on-one meeting scheduling, Doodle allows users to create polls where participants can indicate their availability for various proposed time slots. This feature is particularly advantageous for teams and organizations that need to coordinate meetings with several stakeholders, making it an essential tool for collaborative scheduling. Doodle’s user-friendly interface and straightforward polling system make it easy for users to engage with scheduling without the need for extensive setup.
Additionally, Doodle offers unique functionalities that cater to a broader range of scheduling needs beyond simple meetings. With features like event reminders, automatic time zone detection, and integrations with calendars such as Google Calendar and Outlook, Doodle ensures a seamless scheduling experience. While both platforms offer integrations and basic scheduling capabilities, Doodle’s emphasis on group dynamics and ease of use allows it to capture users who need more flexible scheduling solutions for larger groups. This focus on collaboration, coupled with its intuitive design, makes Doodle a valuable alternative to Calendly for those looking to streamline group scheduling efficiently.
| Feature | Doodle | Calendly |
|---|---|---|
| Focus | Group scheduling and availability polls | One-on-one meeting scheduling |
| Scheduling Method | Polls for group availability | Direct booking for set times |
| Event Reminders | Yes | Yes |
| Time Zone Detection | Automatic time zone detection | Manual time zone selection |
| Integrations | Google Calendar, Outlook, etc. | Google Calendar, Zoom, etc. |
| Ideal For | Teams and organizations needing group coordination | Individuals and simple scheduling |
Doodle Pricing and Plans
Doodle offers the following pricing plans:
Free Plan:
Price: $0 per user per month
Features: 1 booking page, limited group polls, ads
Pro Plan:
Price: $6.95 per user per month (billed annually)
Features: Unlimited booking pages, unlimited 1-on-1 meetings, video conferencing integrations, no ads
Team Plan:
Price: $8.95 per user per month (billed annually)
Features: For 5-20 users, admin console, roles and permissions, priority support
Enterprise Plan:
Price: Custom pricing
Features: Larger teams and organizations, dedicated onboarding and training, single sign-on (SSO)
Key points:
- Doodle’s free plan has limited features and includes ads, while the paid plans remove ads and add more advanced scheduling capabilities.
- The Pro plan is targeted at individual professionals, while the Team plan is designed for small teams.
- The Enterprise plan offers custom pricing and additional features for large organizations.
- Doodle does not currently offer a free trial, but the free plan allows users to test out the basic functionality.
- Compared to competitors, Doodle’s pricing is on the higher end, with the Pro plan starting at $6.95 per user per month.
Overall, Doodle provides a range of pricing options to accommodate different user needs, from individual freelancers to large enterprises. The advanced features in the paid plans may justify the higher cost for businesses with more complex scheduling requirements.
3. Setmore
Website – https://www.setmore.com/
Setmore competes effectively with Calendly by offering a comprehensive appointment scheduling platform that caters to both individual professionals and businesses. Unlike Calendly, which is primarily designed for one-on-one scheduling, Setmore provides robust features such as multiple staff calendars, service management, and appointment reminders, making it ideal for businesses with teams that need to coordinate client bookings. This capability is especially beneficial for service-oriented industries, such as salons and healthcare, where managing multiple service providers is essential. Setmore’s user-friendly interface allows users to create a professional booking experience while also integrating payment processing for added convenience.
Furthermore, Setmore distinguishes itself with a focus on customization and client engagement tools that enhance the scheduling process. The platform allows businesses to personalize their booking pages with branding elements and service descriptions, providing a tailored experience for clients. Additionally, Setmore’s integration with various platforms, including social media and email marketing tools, facilitates seamless appointment management and client communication. While both Setmore and Calendly offer essential scheduling features, Setmore’s comprehensive approach to appointment management and client interaction makes it a strong alternative for businesses looking for more than just basic scheduling solutions.
| Feature | Setmore | Calendly |
|---|---|---|
| Focus | Appointment scheduling for individuals and businesses | One-on-one meeting scheduling |
| Staff Calendars | Yes, supports multiple staff accounts | No |
| Service Management | Yes, allows service categorization | Limited service options |
| Payment Processing | Integrated payment options | Limited to third-party services |
| Customization | Highly customizable booking pages | Basic branding options |
| Client Engagement Tools | Appointment reminders and client communication | Basic reminders |
| Ideal For | Service-oriented businesses needing team coordination | Individuals and simple scheduling |
Setmore pricing
Setmore offers several pricing plans:
- Free Plan: Up to 4 users, $0 per month. This plan includes features such as 24/7 automated online booking, reminders, payments, and a custom Booking Page
- Pro Plan: For 1-2 users, $12 per month. This plan includes all features of the Free Plan plus additional features like 1-click Zoom or Teleport video meeting links and the ability to accept payments online
- Team Plan: For an unlimited number of users, $95 per month. This plan includes all features of the Pro Plan and is designed for businesses with multiple staff members.
Additionally, Setmore offers annual billing options for the Pro and Team plans, which can provide savings compared to monthly billing
4. SimplyBook.me
Website – https://simplybook.me/en/
SimplyBook.me emerges as a robust competitor to Calendly by offering a comprehensive booking system that caters primarily to service-based industries. Unlike Calendly, which focuses on straightforward scheduling for meetings, SimplyBook.me provides extensive features tailored for businesses such as salons, spas, and clinics. With functionalities like service selection, appointment management, and customizable booking pages, SimplyBook.me enables users to create a more tailored scheduling experience for clients. This versatility makes it particularly valuable for businesses that need to manage multiple services and providers simultaneously, ensuring a more efficient booking process.
Additionally, SimplyBook.me stands out with its rich set of integrations and marketing tools that enhance client engagement and business visibility. The platform supports various third-party integrations, including payment processors and CRM systems, allowing businesses to streamline their operations and improve customer interaction. Furthermore, SimplyBook.me offers features like SMS reminders, custom forms, and promotional tools that can significantly boost client retention and engagement. While both SimplyBook.me and Calendly provide essential scheduling capabilities, SimplyBook.me’s focus on service industries and comprehensive feature set position it as a compelling alternative for businesses seeking a more dynamic and engaging appointment scheduling solution.
| Feature | SimplyBook.me | Calendly |
|---|---|---|
| Focus | Service-oriented booking systems | One-on-one meeting scheduling |
| Service Management | Yes, supports multiple service categories | Limited service options |
| Customizable Booking Pages | Highly customizable | Basic branding options |
| Integrations | Extensive third-party integrations | Popular integrations available |
| Client Engagement Tools | SMS reminders and promotional tools | Basic reminders |
| Payment Processing | Integrated payment options | Limited to third-party services |
| Ideal For | Salons, spas, and clinics needing complex scheduling | Individuals and simple scheduling |
SimplyBook.me Pricing Explained
SimplyBook.me offers several pricing plans for its online booking and scheduling software:
Free Plan
- $0 per month
- 50 included bookings per month
- 1 custom feature
- 1 provider
- Booking website and widget
- Admin app
- Basic payments and deposits
Basic Plan
- $9.90 per month billed annually ($8.25/month)
- 100 included bookings per month
- 3 custom features
- 5 providers
- Booking website and widget
- Admin app
- Payments, deposits, tips
- Coupons and gift cards
Standard Plan
- $29.90 per month billed annually ($24.90/month)
- 500 included bookings per month
- 8 custom features
- 15 providers
- Branded client app
- Payments PRO features
- Point of sale (POS)
Premium Plan
- $49.90 per month billed annually
- 2000 included bookings per month
- Unlimited custom features
- 30 providers
- HIPAA compliance
- White label branding
- SAML/SSO integration
- Accounting software integrations
SimplyBook.me also offers an Enterprise plan for large businesses with custom pricing. The platform provides a 14-day free trial with no credit card required to test out the features
5. Bookafy
Website – https://bookafy.com/
Bookafy positions itself as a strong competitor to Calendly by offering a comprehensive appointment scheduling solution designed for businesses of all sizes. Unlike Calendly, which primarily focuses on one-on-one meeting scheduling, Bookafy provides features such as group bookings, unlimited appointment types, and customizable scheduling links. This flexibility is particularly beneficial for organizations that need to manage various services or accommodate multiple participants in meetings. Bookafy’s robust platform allows users to create tailored booking experiences that meet the unique needs of their clients, making it an attractive option for diverse industries.
Additionally, Bookafy differentiates itself through advanced integrations and marketing features that enhance user engagement and operational efficiency. The platform seamlessly integrates with popular tools like Google Calendar, Zoom, and various CRM systems, facilitating smooth workflow management. Bookafy also offers unique features like automated reminders, custom branding options, and the ability to set up recurring appointments, which further streamline the scheduling process. While both Bookafy and Calendly provide essential scheduling capabilities, Bookafy’s extensive feature set and adaptability make it a compelling alternative for businesses seeking more than just basic appointment scheduling solutions.
| Feature | Bookafy | Calendly |
|---|---|---|
| Focus | Comprehensive appointment scheduling | One-on-one meeting scheduling |
| Appointment Types | Unlimited appointment types | Limited types |
| Group Bookings | Yes | Yes |
| Custom Branding | Extensive branding options | Basic branding options |
| Integrations | Google Calendar, Zoom, CRM systems | Google Calendar, Zoom, etc. |
| Automated Reminders | Yes | Yes |
| Ideal For | Businesses needing versatile scheduling solutions | Individuals and simple scheduling |
Bookafy Pricing Explained
Bookafy offers several pricing plans for its online appointment booking software:
Free Plan
- Free: Includes features such as mobile-friendly booking, unlimited appointment types, unlimited appointments, a free website with a booking app, custom colors and fonts, automated time zone selection, and various support options.
Pro Plan
- $9 per user per month: Includes all features of the free plan plus additional features like skill-based routing, group events, SMS text reminders, and calendar integrations.
- $20 per month for 2-10 staff: For businesses with multiple staff members.
- $60 per month for 11-39 staff: For larger businesses.
- $100 per month for 40+ staff: For very large businesses.
Pro+ Plan
- $13 per user per month: Includes all features of the Pro plan plus additional features like two SMS text reminders, custom review links, and custom form/fields by appointment type.
Enterprise Plan
- Custom pricing: For large organizations, municipalities, and universities, offering a fully branded version of the software with custom integrations and support.
Bookafy also offers a white-label solution starting at $600 for setup and reseller plans. The platform provides a free trial with no credit card required, allowing users to test its features before committing to a paid plan
6. YouCanBook.me
Website – https://youcanbook.me/
YouCanBook.me positions itself as a strong competitor to Calendly by offering a highly customizable scheduling solution that caters to both individuals and businesses. Unlike Calendly, which is primarily focused on straightforward meeting scheduling, YouCanBook.me provides extensive customization options that allow users to create unique booking experiences tailored to their brand. With features such as custom booking pages, personalized notifications, and the ability to integrate with various calendar systems, YouCanBook.me empowers users to design a scheduling system that meets their specific needs. This level of flexibility makes it particularly appealing for professionals and organizations seeking to maintain a strong brand identity while managing appointments efficiently.
Additionally, YouCanBook.me enhances its competitive edge through powerful integrations and client engagement tools that streamline the scheduling process. The platform seamlessly integrates with popular tools like Google Calendar, Zoom, and various CRM systems, making it easy to incorporate into existing workflows. YouCanBook.me also offers features such as automated reminders, appointment confirmations, and the option for clients to reschedule, which significantly improves user experience and reduces no-show rates. While both YouCanBook.me and Calendly offer essential scheduling functionalities, YouCanBook.me’s focus on customization and comprehensive features make it a compelling alternative for users looking for a more tailored appointment scheduling solution.
| Feature | YouCanBook.me | Calendly |
|---|---|---|
| Focus | Customizable scheduling solutions | One-on-one meeting scheduling |
| Customization | Extensive options for branding | Basic branding options |
| Integrations | Google Calendar, Zoom, CRM systems | Google Calendar, Zoom, etc. |
| Automated Reminders | Yes | Yes |
| Client Notifications | Personalized notifications | Basic notifications |
| Rescheduling Options | Yes | Yes |
| Ideal For | Businesses needing tailored scheduling solutions | Individuals and simple scheduling |
YouCanBook.me Pricing
YouCanBook.me offers the following pricing plans:
Paid Plans
- Pro Plan: $12 per calendar per month (or $129.60 per year for a 12-month subscription, $240.40 for a 24-month subscription)
- Includes features like custom branding, automated workflows, and unlimited booking pages
- Enterprise Plan: Custom pricing for organizations with over 250 calendars
Free Plan
- Free Forever: Includes a booking page with basic features, but displays a “Powered by YouCanBook.me” branding
Additional details:
- Paid plans allow you to remove the YouCanBook.me branding from your booking pages and emails
- The number of linked calendars determines the subscription cost, not the number of users
- YouCanBook.me offers a 14-day free trial with no credit card required
- Discounts are available for educators at eligible institutions
7. HubSpot Meetings
Website – https://www.hubspot.com/products/sales/schedule-meeting/
HubSpot Meetings competes with Calendly by integrating appointment scheduling directly into HubSpot’s comprehensive CRM platform, providing a seamless experience for users who rely on customer relationship management. Unlike Calendly, which is primarily a standalone scheduling tool, HubSpot Meetings is designed to work within the broader HubSpot ecosystem, allowing users to manage their contacts, communications, and scheduling all in one place. This integration is particularly beneficial for sales and marketing teams, as it helps streamline the booking process while maintaining visibility into customer interactions and engagement. By combining scheduling with CRM functionalities, HubSpot Meetings offers a unique value proposition for businesses focused on customer relationship management.
Additionally, HubSpot Meetings differentiates itself with advanced features that cater to businesses looking for more than just basic scheduling solutions. The platform supports group meetings, customizable booking links, and automated reminders, all while syncing with users’ HubSpot calendars. Moreover, HubSpot Meetings provides insights and analytics related to scheduling, helping businesses track meeting performance and optimize their outreach strategies. While both HubSpot Meetings and Calendly offer essential scheduling capabilities, HubSpot’s integration with CRM tools and advanced features make it a compelling alternative for organizations seeking a more holistic approach to managing client relationships alongside appointment scheduling.
| Feature | HubSpot Meetings | Calendly |
|---|---|---|
| Focus | Integrated scheduling within CRM | Standalone meeting scheduling |
| Integration | Directly within HubSpot ecosystem | Integrates with various platforms |
| Customer Relationship Tools | Yes | No |
| Group Meetings | Yes | Yes |
| Customizable Links | Yes | Yes |
| Automated Reminders | Yes | Yes |
| Analytics and Insights | Yes | Basic insights |
| Ideal For | Businesses using HubSpot for CRM | Individuals and simple scheduling |
The choice of scheduling tool depends on your specific needs, whether it’s deep calendar integration, customization options, team management, or additional marketing tools. Each of these alternatives to Calendly offers unique features that can cater to different business requirements and preferences.
Also Read: Airmeet: Founders, Business Model, Revenue, Competitors
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