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
Which is better overall, Calendly or Acuity?
They tied in our comparison — each won 4 of 10 categories with 2 ties. Calendly is stronger for individuals and sales teams needing simple meeting scheduling, while Acuity Scheduling is better for service businesses, salons, and consultants who collect payments. The right pick depends on which workflow matters more to you.
What does Calendly cost compared to Acuity?
Calendly pricing: Free (1 event type) / $10-16/seat/month. Acuity Scheduling pricing: $16-49/month (no free plan). Watch for extras — SMS reminders, payment processing, and additional team seats often add 30-50% to headline prices on both platforms.
What are the biggest drawbacks of Calendly?
Users commonly cite limited customization on free plan and gets expensive for teams. If individuals and sales teams needing simple meeting scheduling is not your primary need, those limitations may outweigh its strengths.
What are the biggest drawbacks of Acuity?
The most frequent complaints about Acuity Scheduling include steeper learning curve and interface feels dated. For teams that need very easy to set up and use, these gaps can be deal-breakers.
Can I switch from Calendly or Acuity to SchedulingKit?
Yes. You will need to recreate your event types and update booking links on your website and email signature, but calendar connections carry over through standard integrations. Most users complete the switch in under an hour. Our migration guides cover the process step by step.
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