Acuity for Coaches vs Calendly for Coaches
A detailed, unbiased comparison to help you choose the right scheduling software for your needs. Updated for 2026.
Key Takeaways
- Acuity for Coaches excels at: Payment collection built-in
- Calendly for Coaches excels at: Very easy setup
- Both tools are evenly matched overall
- Acuity for Coaches is best for: Coaches selling packages and subscriptions
- Calendly for Coaches is best for: Coaches wanting simple scheduling
Quick Overview
Acuity for Coaches
Acuity is a powerful scheduling tool for coaches. Best for coaches who need payments and packages.
Pros
- Payment collection built-in
- Package and subscription sales
- Intake forms
- Client management
- Session notes
Cons
- No free plan
- Steeper learning curve
- Interface feels dated
- Can be overwhelming
Calendly for Coaches
Calendly is easy scheduling for coaches. Best for coaches wanting simplicity over features.
Pros
- Very easy setup
- Clean booking experience
- Good free plan
- Works quickly
Cons
- Payment on paid plans only
- No native packages
- Basic client management
- Limited session features
Feature-by-Feature Comparison
| Feature | Acuity | Calendly | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Free Plan | No | Yes | Calendly |
| Payment Collection | All plans | Paid only | Acuity |
| Package Sales | Built-in | Not native | Acuity |
| Ease of Use | Moderate | Very Easy | Calendly |
| Intake Forms | Advanced | Basic | Acuity |
| Setup Time | Longer | Quick | Calendly |
“After comparing Acuity for Coaches and Calendly for Coaches, I found SchedulingKit offered a better balance of features and pricing for my business needs.”
Our Verdict
Coaches selling packages should use Acuity. Coaches wanting simplicity should use Calendly. SchedulingKit offers payment collection on the free plan—perfect for coaches at any stage.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Acuity for Coaches or Calendly for Coaches better for small businesses?
It depends on your specific needs. Acuity for Coaches is best for coaches selling packages and subscriptions. Calendly for Coaches is best for coaches wanting simple scheduling. Consider your budget, required features, and technical comfort level when choosing.
Which is more affordable, Acuity or Calendly?
Acuity for Coaches pricing: $16-49/month. Calendly for Coaches pricing: Free / $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 for Coaches's strengths include: Payment collection built-in, Package and subscription sales. Calendly for Coaches's strengths include: Very easy setup, Clean booking experience. 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.
Coaching scheduling with payments included free
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