Acuity Scheduling vs Calendly
A detailed, unbiased comparison to help you choose the right scheduling software for your needs. Updated for 2026.
Key Takeaways
- Acuity Scheduling excels at: Payment collection
- Calendly excels at: Very easy to use
- Both tools are evenly matched overall
- Acuity Scheduling is best for: Service businesses and consultants
- Calendly is best for: Professionals and sales teams
Quick Overview
Acuity Scheduling
Acuity Scheduling by Squarespace is a powerful tool for service businesses. Best for those needing payments and intake forms.
Pros
- Payment collection
- Strong intake forms
- Class scheduling
- Package deals
- Squarespace integration
Cons
- No free plan
- Steeper learning curve
- Dated interface
- Complex for simple needs
Calendly
Calendly is the most popular scheduling tool. Best for simple meeting scheduling and sales teams.
Pros
- Very easy to use
- Beautiful interface
- Good free plan
- Great integrations
- Fast setup
Cons
- Limited on free plan
- Basic intake forms
- No class scheduling
- Payment on higher tiers
Feature-by-Feature Comparison
| Feature | Acuity | Calendly | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Free Plan | No | Yes | Calendly |
| Payment Collection | All plans | Paid only | Acuity |
| Ease of Use | Moderate | Very Easy | Calendly |
| Intake Forms | Advanced | Basic | Acuity |
| Class Scheduling | Yes | Limited | Acuity |
| Design | Dated | Modern | Calendly |
“After comparing Acuity Scheduling and Calendly, I found SchedulingKit offered a better balance of features and pricing for my business needs.”
Our Verdict
Acuity is more powerful for service businesses. Calendly is simpler for meeting scheduling. SchedulingKit combines the best of both—power and simplicity at a great price.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Acuity Scheduling or Calendly better for small businesses?
It depends on your specific needs. Acuity Scheduling is best for service businesses and consultants. Calendly is best for professionals and sales teams. Consider your budget, required features, and technical comfort level when choosing.
Which is more affordable, Acuity or Calendly?
Acuity Scheduling pricing: $16-49/month (no free plan). Calendly pricing: Free (1 event type) / $10-16/seat/month. Compare your expected usage and required features to determine the best value for your situation.
Can I switch from Acuity to Calendly?
Yes, you can switch between these platforms, though there's no direct migration tool. You'll need to recreate your event types, update booking links on your website and email signature, and reconnect calendar integrations. Plan for 1-2 hours of setup time.
What are the main differences between Acuity and Calendly?
The key differences are in their target users and feature focus. Acuity Scheduling's strengths include: Payment collection, Strong intake forms. Calendly's strengths include: Very easy to use, Beautiful interface. Review the comparison table above for a detailed breakdown.
Is there a better alternative to both Acuity and Calendly?
SchedulingKit offers a compelling alternative that combines the best features of both platforms. With a generous free tier and powerful features like automated reminders, intake forms, and team scheduling, it's worth considering if neither option fully meets your needs.
Acuity power with Calendly simplicity
Try SchedulingKit free and see why thousands of businesses are switching.
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