Calendly vs Acuity Scheduling
A detailed, unbiased comparison to help you choose the right scheduling software for your needs. Updated for 2026.
Key Takeaways
- Calendly excels at: Very easy to set up and use
- Acuity Scheduling excels at: Powerful features for service businesses
- Both tools are evenly matched overall
- Calendly is best for: Individuals and sales teams needing simple meeting scheduling
- Acuity Scheduling is best for: Service businesses, salons, and consultants who collect payments
Quick Overview
Calendly
Calendly is the most popular scheduling tool, known for its simplicity and ease of use. Best for individuals and small teams who need quick meeting scheduling.
Pros
- Very easy to set up and use
- Clean, modern interface
- Great for simple scheduling needs
- Strong video conferencing integrations
- Good free plan for individuals
Cons
- Limited customization on free plan
- Gets expensive for teams
- No native payment processing on free plan
- Limited intake form options
Acuity Scheduling
Acuity Scheduling (owned by Squarespace) is a powerful scheduling tool for service businesses. Best for businesses that need appointments, classes, and payment collection.
Pros
- Powerful features for service businesses
- Built-in payment processing
- Good for classes and group scheduling
- Strong intake forms and customization
- Integrates with Squarespace natively
Cons
- Steeper learning curve
- Interface feels dated
- No free plan available
- Can be overwhelming for simple needs
Feature-by-Feature Comparison
| Feature | Calendly | Acuity | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Free Plan | Yes (1 event type) | No | Calendly |
| Ease of Use | Very Easy | Moderate | Calendly |
| Payment Collection | Paid plans only | All plans | Acuity |
| Class Scheduling | Limited | Excellent | Acuity |
| Intake Forms | Basic | Advanced | Acuity |
| Video Integrations | Excellent | Good | Calendly |
| Team Features | Good | Good | Tie |
| Pricing Value | Good for small teams | Better for solo | Tie |
| Customization | Limited | Extensive | Acuity |
| Modern Design | Excellent | Dated | Calendly |
“I evaluated both Calendly and Acuity for my therapy practice. Calendly was easier to set up, but Acuity's intake forms and payment collection were essential for our needs. After spending weeks comparing, I found SchedulingKit offered the best of both worlds.”
Our Verdict
Choose Calendly if you need simple meeting scheduling with a modern interface. Choose Acuity if you're a service business that needs payment collection and class scheduling. Or choose SchedulingKit for the best of both worlds - easy setup, powerful features, and affordable pricing.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Calendly or Acuity Scheduling better for small businesses?
It depends on your specific needs. Calendly is best for individuals and sales teams needing simple meeting scheduling. Acuity Scheduling is best for service businesses, salons, and consultants who collect payments. Consider your budget, required features, and technical comfort level when choosing.
Which is more affordable, Calendly or Acuity?
Calendly pricing: Free (1 event type) / $10-16/seat/month. Acuity Scheduling pricing: $16-49/month (no free plan). Compare your expected usage and required features to determine the best value for your situation.
Can I switch from Calendly to Acuity?
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 Calendly and Acuity?
The key differences are in their target users and feature focus. Calendly's strengths include: Very easy to set up and use, Clean, modern interface. Acuity Scheduling's strengths include: Powerful features for service businesses, Built-in payment processing. Review the comparison table above for a detailed breakdown.
Is there a better alternative to both Calendly and Acuity?
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.
Get the simplicity of Calendly with the power of Acuity
Try SchedulingKit free and see why thousands of businesses are switching.
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