If you’re searching for an easy way to manage appointments, you’ve likely come across TidyCal and Calendly. Both are popular scheduling tools but differ in pricing, features, and user experience.
According to a study by Fellow.app, the average employee spends approximately 11.3 hours per week in meetings, accounting for 28.3% of their workweek. Automating the scheduling process with tools like TidyCal or Calendly can significantly increase productivity by reducing the time spent coordinating these meetings. With such clear benefits, choosing the right tool becomes essential.
Breaking Down TidyCal and Calendly
TidyCal is a simple and budget-friendly scheduling tool for individuals and small business owners. It helps users set up booking pages, manage availability, and organize appointments easily. Unlike many other scheduling tools, TidyCal offers a one-time payment option instead of a monthly subscription, making it a cost-effective choice.
Key Features of TidyCal:
- Unlimited monthly bookings
- Customizable booking pages
- Syncs with Google Calendar and Office 365
- Supports Zoom and Google Meet links
- Paid booking options for consultants
- Buffer times between meetings
- Group and package bookings
- Available in over 30 languages
Calendly is a popular scheduling tool known for its advanced features and business-friendly integrations. It’s ideal for professionals and teams who need a more flexible and automated way to handle bookings. With a range of powerful tools, Calendly helps businesses streamline their appointment scheduling.
Key Features of Calendly:
- Connects with 100+ apps (e.g., Salesforce, Slack)
- Advanced team scheduling (e.g., round-robin assignments
- Analytics to track booking trends
- Automated reminders and follow-ups
- Mobile app for scheduling on the go
- Custom branding for a professional look
- Routing forms to manage leads efficiently
Comparing TidyCal and Calendly: Features That Matter
TidyCal and Calendly are two popular scheduling tools, but they cater to different needs. This comparison breaks down their pricing, features, and ease of use to help you choose the right one.
Pricing Model
Both TidyCal and Calendly offer a free plan for users who need basic scheduling features. TidyCal pricing has a lifetime payment model, typically ranging from $29 to $39, while Calendly’s costs depend on a subscription basis, costing between $8 and $16 per month.
Target Users
TidyCal is best suited for solopreneurs and small businesses, whereas Calendly is designed for teams and larger enterprises.
Ease of Use
TidyCal is straightforward to use. Since it’s designed for solo users, the menu is less cluttered, while Calendly offers a sleek interface with time-saving tools and a mobile app that makes scheduling easier.
Integrations
TidyCal has 6 direct integrations and connects to thousands more via Zapier. Calendly offers 118 direct integrations, plus Zapier support for even more connections.
Team Features
TidyCal has no team features—it’s built for solo users. Calendly is ideal for teams with options like round-robin scheduling, routing forms, and team
Analytics & Reporting
TidyCal does not have built-in analytics and reporting, while Calendly includes these tools for tracking booking trends.
Custom Branding
Custom branding is available in TidyCal’s paid plan but is more extensive in Calendly’s higher-tier plans.
Mobile App
TidyCal does not offer a mobile app, whereas Calendly provides a mobile app for on-the-go scheduling.
Languages Supported
TidyCal supports over 30 languages, while Calendly offers support for seven languages.
Advanced Features
TidyCal covers the basics, including paid bookings, but lacks advanced features like automations. Calendly offers custom automations, advanced workflows, and flexible booking options.
Pros and Cons
Both tools receive positive feedback, but users have different experiences depending on their needs. Here are some of the pros and cons of Calendly and TidyCal based on reviews.
TidyCal Reviews
Pros:
- Affordable, one-time payment.
- Simple interface and easy setup.
- Good for individuals and small teams.
Cons:
- Limited integrations compared to Calendly.
Fewer automation features.
Calendly Reviews
Pros:
- Powerful integrations with other tools.
- Advanced scheduling features.
- Great for businesses with complex booking needs.
Cons:
- More expensive due to subscription fees.
- Some users find it overwhelming with too many features.
Which Scheduling App Suits You Best?
Choosing TidyCal instead of Calendly can save you over a hundred dollars a year, but it comes with trade-offs. You’ll need to consider what features matter most to you.
Pick TidyCal if you’re a solo user seeking an affordable option. It covers the basics and lets you pay once for lifetime access. Choose Calendly if you work with a team or need advanced scheduling tools. Its workflows, event types, and routing features can help streamline your scheduling and improve efficiency.