Cal.com vs Calendly
A detailed, unbiased comparison to help you choose the right scheduling software for your needs. Updated for 2026.
Key Takeaways
- Cal.com excels at: Open source and self-hostable
- Calendly excels at: Extremely easy to use
- Calendly wins 4 out of 7 categories
- Cal.com is best for: Technical teams wanting control and customization
- Calendly is best for: Non-technical users wanting ease of use
Quick Overview
Cal.com
Cal.com is an open-source scheduling platform offering self-hosting options and developer-friendly features.
Pros
- Open source and self-hostable
- No vendor lock-in
- Developer-friendly API
- Free self-hosted option
- Active community
Cons
- Complex setup for self-hosting
- Cloud version is expensive
- Steeper learning curve
- Less polished UX
Calendly
Calendly is the market leader in easy-to-use scheduling, perfect for individuals and teams who want simplicity.
Pros
- Extremely easy to use
- Polished, modern interface
- Large integration ecosystem
- Reliable and trusted
- Great customer support
Cons
- Proprietary platform
- Limited customization
- Gets expensive at scale
- No self-hosting option
Feature-by-Feature Comparison
| Feature | Cal.com | Calendly | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Ease of Use | Moderate | Excellent | Calendly |
| Open Source | Yes | No | Cal.com |
| Self-Hosting | Yes | No | Cal.com |
| Developer API | Excellent | Good | Cal.com |
| Polish & UX | Good | Excellent | Calendly |
| Support | Community | Professional | Calendly |
| Integrations | Growing | Extensive | Calendly |
“After comparing Cal.com and Calendly, I found SchedulingKit offered a better balance of features and pricing for my business needs.”
Our Verdict
Cal.com is great for technical teams who want control and self-hosting. Calendly wins for ease of use and polish. SchedulingKit offers the best balance - easy setup like Calendly with self-hosting options like Cal.com.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Cal.com or Calendly better for small businesses?
It depends on your specific needs. Cal.com is best for technical teams wanting control and customization. Calendly is best for non-technical users wanting ease of use. Consider your budget, required features, and technical comfort level when choosing.
Which is more affordable, Cal.com or Calendly?
Cal.com pricing: Free (self-hosted) / $12-30/seat/month (cloud). Calendly 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 Cal.com 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 Cal.com and Calendly?
The key differences are in their target users and feature focus. Cal.com's strengths include: Open source and self-hostable, No vendor lock-in. Calendly's strengths include: Extremely easy to use, Polished, modern interface. Review the comparison table above for a detailed breakdown.
Is there a better alternative to both Cal.com 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.
Easy like Calendly, open like Cal.com
Try SchedulingKit free and see why thousands of businesses are switching.
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