TidyCal vs Calendly
A detailed, unbiased comparison to help you choose the right scheduling software for your needs. Updated for 2026.
Key Takeaways
- TidyCal excels at: Lifetime deal available
- Calendly excels at: Full-featured platform
- Calendly wins 5 out of 6 categories
- TidyCal is best for: Budget-conscious individuals with basic needs
- Calendly is best for: Professionals and teams needing reliability
Quick Overview
TidyCal
TidyCal is a lifetime-deal scheduling tool from AppSumo, offering basic scheduling at a one-time price.
Pros
- Lifetime deal available
- Simple and focused
- Good for basic needs
- Affordable one-time payment
Cons
- Limited features
- Uncertain long-term support
- Basic integrations
- No team features on cheap plans
Calendly
Calendly is the industry standard for professional scheduling with a full feature set.
Pros
- Full-featured platform
- Professional appearance
- Reliable and established
- Strong team features
- Extensive integrations
Cons
- Monthly subscription required
- Expensive for teams
- Limited customization
Feature-by-Feature Comparison
| Feature | TidyCal | Calendly | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Price | Cheapest (lifetime) | Monthly subscription | TidyCal |
| Features | Basic | Comprehensive | Calendly |
| Reliability | Unknown long-term | Established | Calendly |
| Integrations | Limited | Extensive | Calendly |
| Team Features | Limited | Excellent | Calendly |
| Support | Basic | Professional | Calendly |
“After comparing TidyCal and Calendly, I found SchedulingKit offered a better balance of features and pricing for my business needs.”
Our Verdict
TidyCal is great for solo users on a budget who just need basic scheduling. Calendly is better for professionals and teams needing reliability. SchedulingKit offers a free-forever plan with more features than both.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is TidyCal or Calendly better for small businesses?
It depends on your specific needs. TidyCal is best for budget-conscious individuals with basic needs. Calendly is best for professionals and teams needing reliability. Consider your budget, required features, and technical comfort level when choosing.
Which is more affordable, TidyCal or Calendly?
TidyCal pricing: $29 lifetime / $9/month. 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 TidyCal 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 TidyCal and Calendly?
The key differences are in their target users and feature focus. TidyCal's strengths include: Lifetime deal available, Simple and focused. Calendly's strengths include: Full-featured platform, Professional appearance. Review the comparison table above for a detailed breakdown.
Is there a better alternative to both TidyCal 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.
More features than TidyCal, more affordable than Calendly
Try SchedulingKit free and see why thousands of businesses are switching.
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