# Best Appointment Scheduling Apps (2026)
Best Appointment Scheduling Apps (2026)
Booking links should be fast, branded, and reliable. Here’s how Calendly, Cal.com, and Acuity Scheduling compare in 2026—pricing, payments, and controls.
Quick Picks
- Best all-around simplicity: Calendly
- Best open and extensible: Cal.com
- Best for service businesses: Acuity Scheduling
Pricing Snapshot (2026)
| Tool | Entry | Mid | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Calendly | Free; paid ~$10–$20/user/mo | Routing, round-robin on higher tiers | |
| Cal.com | Free OSS; cloud ~$12–$20/user/mo | Highly extensible; workflows | |
| Acuity | ~$16–$49/mo | Great for classes and payments |
What to Look For
- Calendar sync, buffers, and time zone detection.
- Routing rules, round-robin, and group events.
- Payments, coupons, and reminders.
- Branding, custom domains, and embeds.
- Integrations with CRM, video, and automation tools.
Tool Notes
Calendly
- Clean experience; fast setup; strong routing on Teams plan.
- Good integrations with Zoom/Teams and CRMs.
Cal.com
- Open-source; self-host or cloud.
- Highly extensible with workflows and apps.
Acuity Scheduling
- Great for service businesses needing packages/classes.
- Built-in payments and reminders; good intake forms.
Setup Checklist (25 Minutes)
- Connect calendars; set buffers and working hours.
- Create event types; enable routing or round-robin if needed.
- Enable reminders and payments if applicable.
- Embed booking on your site; test on mobile.
Final Recommendation
Choose Calendly for simplicity, Cal.com for extensibility, and Acuity Scheduling for service businesses with payments. Keep buffers and reminders on to avoid no-shows.
Try the leaders: Calendly · Cal.com · Acuity Scheduling
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