Productivity Tools

7 Best Calendar Apps in 2023 (Free & Paid)

By Alex • Updated July 4, 2023

Effective time management is crucial for productivity and achieving goals. A versatile calendar app can help manage multiple projects, track personal commitments, and coordinate team activities.

In this guide, we'll explore the features, benefits, and drawbacks of seven top calendar apps for 2023: Google, Outlook, Apple, TimeTree, Calendar, Fantastical, and Zoho. These apps were selected based on usability, design, features, customizability, sharing capabilities, and multi-device compatibility.

Discover the best calendar apps to stay organized and streamline your schedule!

Best Calendar Apps

1. Google Calendar
2. Microsoft Outlook Calendar
3. Apple Calendar
4. TimeTree
5. Calendar
6. Fantastical
7. Zoho Calendar

What Makes a Great Calendar App?

Before we delve into our list, it's crucial to understand what sets superior calendar apps apart. A great calendar app should be:

• User-friendly: The app should have an intuitive and clean interface, ensuring minimal learning curve, and making the process of adding, editing, or viewing events hassle-free.
• Feature-rich and Customizable: A wide array of features such as reminders, notifications, color-coding, and customizable views can provide a more personalized experience.
• Collaborative: The ability to share calendars, schedule meetings, or send invitations can facilitate better team coordination.
• Multi-platform Compatible: The app should be accessible across multiple devices and platforms, ensuring your schedule is always within reach.
• Integrated: Seamless integration with other productivity tools and apps can make the app more versatile and efficient.

With these criteria in mind, let's explore the seven best calendar apps that can revolutionize your approach to time management in 2023!

1. Google Calendar

Google Calendar is a free, powerful, and flexible calendar app known for its ease of use and robust features. Ideal for both personal and team use, it seamlessly integrates with other Google services, making it a highly versatile tool in the Google ecosystem.

Available On: Web, iOS, Android

Key Features:

• Multiple view options: Day, Week, Month, Year, and Schedule
• Seamless integration with Google Workspace apps
• Ability to share entire calendars and set up event reminders
• Option to create multiple calendars and subscribe to public calendars
• Advanced scheduling features with Google Meet integration

Our Take: Google Calendar's user-friendly interface, rich feature set, and seamless integration with other Google apps make it a top choice for individuals and teams alike. Its impressive range of views, sharing capabilities, and scheduling tools make it a versatile tool for time management.

2. Microsoft Outlook Calendar

Part of the Microsoft Office suite, Microsoft Outlook Calendar is a comprehensive tool that combines email, calendar, task management, and contact management into a single platform. It's best suited for Microsoft users and offers an excellent cross-platform experience.

Available On: Web, iOS, Android

Key Features:

• Integration with other Microsoft apps like Teams and SharePoint
• Shared calendars for team collaboration
• Provides an overview of tasks, events, and emails in one place
• Supports multiple time zones and overlapping events
• Synchronization with Google Calendar and Apple Calendar

Our Take: Microsoft Outlook Calendar is a reliable choice for Microsoft users, offering powerful features and seamless integration with other Microsoft apps. Its ability to provide an overview of tasks, events, and emails in one place enhances productivity and time management.

3. Apple Calendar

Apple Calendar, the default calendar for Apple devices, is a simple and elegant calendar app that offers deep integration with the Apple ecosystem. It's an excellent option for Apple users who prefer a clean and intuitive interface.

Available On: macOS, iOS

Key Features:

• Seamless integration with Siri for easy event creation
• Ability to add travel time estimates to event alerts
• Multiple calendar views: Day, Week, Month, and Year
• Option to share and sync calendars with other Apple users
• Support for adding iCalendar subscriptions

Our Take: Apple Calendar provides a seamless calendar experience for Apple users with its simple interface, Siri integration, and sharing capabilities. Despite its simplicity, it packs a punch when it comes to functionality, making it a solid choice for Apple device users.

4. TimeTree

TimeTree is a user-friendly calendar app designed specifically for shared schedules. It offers a comfortable space to coordinate and communicate withfamily members, friends, or team members, making it a perfect tool for both personal and professional use.

Available On: Web, iOS, Android

Key Features:

• Shared calendars with real-time updates
• Communication space for each event to discuss details
• Multiple calendar views: Weekly, Monthly, and List
• Ability to share events via messaging apps
• Integration with Google Calendar and Apple Calendar

Our Take: TimeTree stands out with its emphasis on shared scheduling and communication. Its features facilitate better coordination among team members or family, making it a highly useful tool for managing shared commitments, tasks, and events.

5. Calendar

Calendar is a powerful online tool that combines a robust calendar app with an efficient scheduling system. Its modern design and ease of use make it a solid choice for scheduling external appointments and managing your daily events.

Available On: Web, iOS, Android

Key Features:

• Automated scheduling with a personalized profile link
• Multiple time zone support
• Integrated meeting scheduler
• Ability to block time slots
• Syncs with Google Calendar, Office 365, and Outlook

Our Take: Calendar shines with its integrated scheduling feature and smooth calendar management. Its automated scheduling capabilities and modern interface make it an excellent tool for those frequently scheduling external appointments or meetings.

6. Fantastical

Fantastical is a feature-rich calendar app known for its beautiful design and powerful capabilities. Though limited to Apple devices, it's packed with unique features that provide a seamless and intuitive calendar experience.

Available On: macOS, iOS

Key Features:

• Natural language parsing for easy event creation
• Multiple calendar views with customizable options
• Advanced scheduling features with integrated meeting scheduler
• Integration with other apps like Google Meet and Zoom
• Supports iCloud, Google Calendar, Office 365, and more

Our Take: Fantastical's superior design and robust feature set make it one of the best calendar apps on the market. Its natural language parsing, advanced scheduling features, and seamless integration with other apps make it a top choice for Apple users.

7. Zoho Calendar

Zoho Calendar is a part of Zoho's dynamic ecosystem, helping users manage their schedules and meetings. This calendar app offers a smooth and easy-to-navigate interface with quality features, ideal for growing businesses.

Available On: Web

Key Features:

• Easy creation and customization of events
• Group calendars for team coordination
• Integration with other Zoho apps
• Automated email reminders for events
• Meeting room scheduling feature

Our Take: Zoho Calendar's integration with the Zoho ecosystem, along with its intuitive interface and quality features, make it an excellent choice for businesses. Its group calendars and meeting room scheduling features enhance team collaboration and time management.

Frequently Asked Questions

Why use a Calendar App?

A calendar app helps you organize and manage your time effectively. It keeps track of your appointments, tasks, and reminders, helping you stay on top of your schedule.

Can I sync multiple calendars in a Calendar App?

Yes, most calendar apps allow you to sync multiple calendars. This feature can help you consolidate your schedules from different platforms into one place.

Can I share my calendar with others?

Yes, most calendar apps allow you to share your calendar with others. This feature can be beneficial for coordinating schedules with your team or family.

Can I use a Calendar App for free?

Yes, many calendar apps offer free versions. However, premium versions often provide more advanced features.

Which is the best Calendar App? The best calendar app depends on your specific needs and preferences. All the apps discussed in this article offer unique features and strengths. Test a few to find the one that best suits your needs.

Conclusion

In conclusion, the best calendar apps streamline your schedule, improve your productivity, and provide the flexibility to manage your time effectively. Whether you're an individual or a business, there's a calendar app out there to meet your unique time management needs. So, explore these options and take control of your time in 2023!

All Calendar Apps