7 Best Meeting Schedulers in 2023 (Free & Paid)
By Alex • Updated July 15, 2023
Managing and scheduling meetings in today's fast-paced world can be a daunting task. But meeting schedulers have made the process seamless, efficient, and convenient.
In this guide, we'll explore the 7 best meeting schedulers of 2023.
Best Meeting Schedulers
What Makes a Great Meeting Scheduler?
Before we dive into the details of each scheduling tool, let's first understand what makes a great meeting scheduler.
- User-Friendliness: A great meeting scheduler should be easy to navigate for both the organizer and the attendees. It should offer a simple interface that can be understood and used effortlessly by all.
- Calendar Integrations: The best schedulers integrate seamlessly with multiple calendar applications. This ensures that your schedules are synchronized, and there is no risk of double-booking or overlapping of appointments.
- Automated Notifications: A great scheduler should provide automated reminders and follow-up notifications. This helps in keeping the attendees updated about the upcoming meetings and any changes in the schedule.
- Customization: The ability to customize the meeting parameters, like duration, location, and the type of meeting, makes for a great scheduler. Customization allows the organizer to tailor the meetings according to their specific needs.
- Value for Money: Lastly, a great meeting scheduler should offer value for money. Whether it's a free version with basic features or a paid plan with advanced functionalities, the scheduler should justify its cost with the features and convenience it offers.
Now that we have established what makes a great meeting scheduler, let's take a look at the top 7 schedulers of 2023.
1. Calendly
Calendly is a robust and user-friendly scheduling solution that has gained popularity for its simplicity and efficiency. It provides a streamlined platform for setting up and managing meetings, reducing the need for tedious email exchanges.
Key Features:
- Calendar Integrations with Google, iCal, Microsoft Office 365, Outlook, and Exchange.
- Customizable meeting types and durations.
- Automated email and SMS notifications.
- Supports one-on-one, round-robin, and collective availability meetings.
Our Take: Calendly is a versatile and convenient tool that is ideal for professionals who handle a significant number of meetings. The wide range of features and ease of use make it a top choice among meeting schedulers.
2. Doodle
Doodle is a renowned meeting scheduler known for its unique polling feature. It allows users to propose multiple meeting times and lets the attendees vote for the most suitable slot.
Key Features:
- Integrates with Google Calendar, iCloud, Outlook, and iCal.
- Provides a personal booking page.
- One-on-one and group meeting options.
- Doodle Poll for easy scheduling.
Our Take: With its standout polling feature, Doodle brings a collaborative approach to meeting scheduling. It is particularly beneficial for large teams spread across multiple time zones.
3. Acuity Scheduling
Acuity Scheduling is a powerful scheduling software designed for businesses that need clients to schedule services and make payments simultaneously.
Key Features:
- Customizable scheduling site with own URL.
- Automated email and SMS reminders.
- Group scheduling for workshops.
- Integrates with Google Calendar, Office 365, and iCloud.
Our Take: Acuity Scheduling is a comprehensive solution for service-based businesses. The ability to schedule services and accept payments in one go gives it a competitive edge.
4. OnceHub
OnceHub is a dynamic scheduling tool that offers a suite of products, including ScheduleOnce and InviteOnce, for a versatile booking experience. It caters to various scheduling scenarios, from one-on-one meetings to large group sessions.
Key Features:
- Supports numerous meeting types and scenarios.
- Integrates with Google Calendar, Office 365, iCloud, and Outlook Calendar.
- Customizable booking pages with brand elements.
- Automated notifications and reminders.
Our Take: OnceHub is a robust scheduling solution that offers flexibility and customization. Its adaptability to different scheduling scenarios makes it a versatile tool.
5. Rallly
Rallly is a unique scheduling tool designed to make group coordination simple and efficient. It allows users to create polls for meeting times, making the process democratic and straightforward.
Key Features:
- Simple and user-friendly interface.
- Allows creating polls for meeting times.
- Supports discussion and commenting on polls.
- Integrates with Google Calendar.
Our Take: Rallly is an excellent tool for groups, with its democratic approach to scheduling. The ability to discuss and vote on meeting times ensures convenient coordination.
6. SavvyCal
SavvyCal is a flexible scheduling tool that makes it easy for people to schedule meetings with you. It allows you to create personalized scheduling links that you can share with others, allowing them to book a time that works best for both parties.
Key Features:
- Personalized scheduling links.
- Overlay of recipient's calendar for easy scheduling.
- Multiple calendar integrations.
- Customizable availability settings.
Our Take: SavvyCal stands out for its personalized scheduling links and calendar overlay feature. It offers a balance of power and simplicity, making scheduling an intuitive and pleasant experience.
7. Clara
Clara is a virtual employee that schedules your meetings. It is an AI-powered tool that handles meeting coordination, follow-ups, and reminders, saving you valuable time and effort.
Key Features:
- AI-powered meeting scheduling.
- Handles back-and-forth coordination.
- Automated reminders and follow-ups.
- Integrates with Google Calendar and Office 365.
Our Take: Clara, with its AI-powered capabilities, brings a touch of innovation to meeting scheduling. Although on the pricier side, the convenience and efficiency it offers make it a worthy investment.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the benefits of using a meeting scheduler?
Meeting schedulers automate the process of scheduling meetings, saving you time and reducing the chance of double-booking. They also provide reminders, ensure time-zone synchronization, and offer a seamless booking experience to your clients or colleagues.
Are meeting schedulers secure?
Yes, most meeting schedulers adhere to strict security protocols to protect your information. They typically require permission to access your calendar but only to read your availability and schedule meetings.
Can meeting schedulers handle different time zones?
Yes, most meeting schedulers automatically adjust for different time zones, ensuring that everyone is on the same page, regardless of their location.
Can I integrate a meeting scheduler with my existing calendar?
Yes, most meeting schedulers offer integration with popular calendar apps like Google Calendar, Outlook, and iCal. This allows for real-time synchronization of your schedules.
Conclusion
In conclusion, the choice of a meeting scheduler largely depends on your specific needs and preferences. Whether you prioritize usability, affordability, or advanced features, there is a meeting scheduler out there for you. Investing in the right tool can streamline your scheduling process, enhance your productivity, and give you more time to focus on what truly matters.