Editorial Note: Opinions expressed here are author’s alone, not those of any bank, credit card issuer, hotel, airline or other entity. This content has not been reviewed, approved or otherwise endorsed by any of the entities included within the post. We may earn a commission from partner links on Newsweek, but commissions do not affect our editors’ opinions or evaluations.
Advertiser Disclosure
By
Christina Levandowski
Christina Levandowski
Contributor
Christina is a freelance editor and contributor with Newsweek’s small business team. With a passion for small business optimization and strategy, Christina has successfully launched her own business and now works to help others do the same. She has studied extensively at Arizona State University on the pre-medical track, and is now an entrepreneur, author, strategist and editor. She is based out of Los Angeles, CA.
Read Christina Levandowski's full bio
Reviewed By
Shannon Ullman
Shannon Ullman
Editor
Shannon is a freelance editor for Newsweek Vault. She has previously worked as an editor in the B2B space, primarily focusing on cryptocurrency and finance tools for small businesses. She does freelance review writing in the health space as a hobby. Some of her bylines can be found on sites like Business Insider and Shape.
Read Shannon Ullman's full bio
Scheduling appointments can be a time-consuming (yet necessary) part of business growth for many entrepreneurs. The good news? It doesn’t have to be. We’ve rounded up the best scheduling apps for small business owners, giving you a transparent look at what you’ll get with each scheduling app.
Read on to learn more about how you can streamline your online appointment scheduling apps, using the best scheduling software options available.
Our Methodology
Our research is designed to provide you with a comprehensive understanding of personal finance services and products that best suit your needs. To help you in the decision-making process, our expert contributors compare common preferences and potential pain points, such as affordability, accessibility, and credibility.
Our Picks
- Best Integration Library: Calendly
- Best for Service-Based Businesses: Square Appointments
- Best Overall User Experience: Doodle
- Best for Small Businesses: Setmore
- Best Automated Scheduling Solution: Appointy
Ideally, your scheduling app of choice will save you time and money and will boost your customers’ perception of your brand —giving them a simple and effective connection experience.
The experts at Newsweek have done a deep dive into the best scheduling apps for small- and mid-size businesses (SMBs), offering insight to help you maximize your value and save your most valuable resource: time. Read on to learn more.
Best Integration Library
Calendly
Price
$0-$20+ per seat, per month
Integration Capability
✔
Customer Support
✔
Free Trial
Free membership tier
Automatic Time Zone Conversion
✔
Why We Chose It
Calendly is one of the most integration-dense tools on the market, offering connection and integration for up to six calendars at a time. The platform also offers a robust third-party integration library featuring some of the biggest names in business. (Think Salesforce, Hubspot, Microsoft, Notion and Slack, to name a few!)
Key Features
- Calendly’s application programming interface (API) allows custom-built integrations: If you’re a fan of integrations, you’ll appreciate the opportunity tobuild your own in addition to pre-built third-party options.
- Over 115+ third-party integration options to choose from: Every option Calendly offers helps you scale and customize your business. Integrate with vendors that support every aspect of growth, including payment, analytics and messaging apps, and grow your business quickly.
- Time zone-cognizant meeting polls for simple scheduling: Leaders can send out meeting polls that allow invitees to vote on meeting times, choosing options that work for everyone’s time zone.
- Real-time availability feature avoids email-borne delays: Don’t miss a meeting again using Calendly’s real-time availability tool. Invitees can proactively hold slots for clients as they communicate via email, avoiding awkward run-ins and missed meeting opportunities.
Pros
- Multilingual interface keeps meeting scheduling simple
- PayPal and Stripe integrations make it simple to collect payment prior to bookings, if applicable
- Automated email and SMS reminders
Cons
- Users report that Calendly’s chatbot is limited compared to competitors
- Some support options (i.e., phone and Zoom calls) can only be accessed if requested via email.
- Limited branding options may not be suitable for some SMBs.
Best for Service-Based Businesses
Square Appointments
Price
$0-$69 per month, per location
Integration Capability
✔
Customer Support
✔
Free Trial
Free membership tier for single location
Automatic Time Zone Conversion
Time zone-friendly booking options available
Why We Chose It
Square Appointments is a scheduling app that’s tailored to the needs of service-based businesses, and it can be used across multiple locations. The best part? The membership plans are designed to scale with your business needs. The service offers a Free tier for those in the startup phase or who are on a limited budget.*
Key Features
- Endless calendar integration opportunities: Square Appointments doesn’t have an employee or calendar limit, allowing you to connect as many staff members as you have on location.
- Waitlist options available for classes or appointments: Service-based businesses can use Square Appointments to open up waitlists for classes or services as needed.
- Multiple client-facing booking options available: Square Appointments allows you to use the Square Online booking site for your clients, or it can connect to client-facing websites of your choice via integrations.
- Manage bookings via your Android or iOS devices: Mobile app support is available on both the Apple App Store and the Google Play Store, allowing you to manage bookings on the go.
Pros
- Market, communicate, and confirm appointments with clients using Square Messaging
- Automated cancellation features enable auto-charges and fees for non-responsive clients
- Automated support via Square Assistant helps clients manage schedule needs seamlessly
Cons
- Some small businesses may find monthly fees or processing rates expensive
- More advanced features are buried in the Plus membership plan
- Users report occasional crashes or loss of service
Best Overall User Experience
Doodle
Price
$0-$19.95 per user, per month
Integration Capability
✔
Customer Support
✔
Free Trial
Free Forever membership tier
Automatic Time Zone Conversion
✔
Why We Chose It
Doodle is the most user-friendly scheduling software for SMBs, offering a visually appealing interface, easy-to-use integrations and a series of automated perks and systems to give you the best meeting experience yet. Enjoy automated video conference links, real-time collaboration using Microsoft and Google Suites and tailored booking pages that will impress your clientele. Doodle allows users to try the software at no cost—and you won’t need a credit card, either.
Key Features
- Group polling features for simple time selection: Create a beautiful poll in just a few clicks, cutting down on the time it takes to manually schedule.
- Advanced booking page settings personalize your invitation: Listed “Power Settings” include tailored booking intervals, buffer time between bookings, maximum bookings and minimum notice windows for a smoother scheduling experience.
- Custom invite fields help you to prepare for meetings: Client questionnaires include custom short- and long-form fields, kicking the meeting off well before anyone joins the room.
- Enjoy 3,000+ possible apps and integrations: This extensive library is made possible by the Doodle to Zapier connection pathway, allowing SMBs to tailor their scheduling experience using their favorite apps.
Pros
- Customer support is available when needed. Options include an extensive help center and support ticketing system
- 1:1 meeting settings support immediate meetings with members outside of Doodle
- Setup can be completed in seconds and has little-to-no learning curve compared to other platforms
Cons
- Some users report difficulties during setup due to a lack of phone support options
- Ads shown in the interface can slow site speed
- Users report difficulty when booking and using the app with multiple calendars
Best for Small Businesses
Setmore
Price
$0-$12 per user, per month
Integration Capability
✔
Customer Support
✔
Free Trial
Free membership tier
Automatic Time Zone Conversion
✔
Why We Chose It
Setmore is the best scheduling app for small businesses. Its affordable prices and comprehensive membership tiers allow small businesses to sustainably manage their scheduling needs. There is no compromise with Setmore despite their accessible price points, as users will enjoy unlimited appointments, a custom booking page, app management, integrations and more for just $12 per user per month. They also offer 24/7 live support across their membership tiers, which is ideal for business owners who need an extra hand during the setup process.
Key Features
- Discounted branding removal options to perfect your customer experience: Small businesses who want a branded look to their booking system will appreciate the inexpensive branded pathway that Setmore offers—which is available to both Pro and Team level users.
- Never lose a meeting with automated reminder systems: While other tools might charge more for this feature, Setmore doesn’t. Free tier members will get 500 complimentary email reminders per month, and Pro and Team members will enjoy SMS reminder options, unlimited reminder emails and customized notification tools.
- Smart device appointment management available in-app: Setmore offers convenient iOS or Android app management for calendar support on the go.
- Seamless payment gateways collect payment from clients before you meet: Setmore offers convenient payment options through Square and Stripe to collect your appointment fees. They don’t charge additional fees beyond the partnered transaction fees from each vendor—and they also offer centralized bookkeeping systems and storage to take the stress out of your financial management process.
Pros
- Social media calendar integrations for streamlined, centralized management
- Analytics integrations available via Pro and Team tiers
- Setmore donates 1% of revenue from Pro and Team tiers to plant trees, allowing you to make an impact passively
Cons
- Setmore has fewer integration opportunities than competitor tools
- Users report little-to-no integration support during the setup
- Users report occasional sync issues between calendars
Best Automated Scheduling Solution
Appointy
Price
$0-$99 per month
Integration Capability
✔
Customer Support
✔
Free Trial
✔
Automatic Time Zone Conversion
✔
Why We Chose It
Appointy is an automated scheduling app that allows you to centralize your staff schedules, harvest appointments and bookings from social media outlets and reduce the back-and-forth that comes with online scheduling. It can be tailored to serve SMBs across segments and industries, and it has a fully customized front end that allows you to give your clients a fully-branded and immersive experience.
Key Features
- Robust Free tier offers everything small businesses need to start: Free tier features include web integrations, 1,000+ integration options via Zapier, mobile app access and 100 appointments per month, to name a few.
- Live chat and email support from the Growth tier onward supports small business setup steps: Users on the Growth plan tier and above can enjoy live chat and email support to simplify their launch and management process.
- Enterprise options are available for rapidly growing businesses: Enjoy affordable enterprise options that scale with your business as you grow, allowing for process consistency.
- Extensive free trial options across all plans give owners a transparent look at features: While many services limit their free pricing options, Appointy allows for free trials through their highest tier available (the Enterprise tier). These trials extend through 14 days and allow business owners to get a true look at what they can expect from the tool.
Pros
- Pay-as-you-go structure helps owners avoid cancellation fees or lengthy contracts
- Business owners retain ownership of data for extra privacy and security
- Exclusive Appointy-held sub-domains allow for bookings and use for businesses without a website
Cons
- No live chat or email support available on Free tier
- Limited customization options on Free tier
- Users report lack of user-friendliness when managing via the mobile app
Vault’s Viewpoint: Compare the Best Scheduling Apps of 2024
| Product | Price | Integration Capability | Customer Support | Free Trial | Automatic Time Zone Conversion |
| Calendly | $0-$20+ per seat, per month | ✔ | ✔ | Free membership tier | ✔ |
| Square Appointments | $0-$69 per month, per location | ✔ | ✔ | Free membership tier for single location | Time zone-friendly booking options available |
| Doodle | $0-$19.95 per user, per month | ✔ | ✔ | Free Forever membership tier | ✔ |
| Setmore | $0-$12 per user, per month | ✔ | ✔ | Free membership tier | ✔ |
| Appointy | $0-$6+ per user, per month | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ |
Scheduling App Introduction
Your scheduling app is a critical part of your business framework, allowing you to connect with teammates and clients in a frictionless way. It works on your behalf to build trust between you and your consumer base, and it can save you time and money as you go through your daily itinerary of meetings.
What Is a Scheduling App?
Scheduling apps work like automated assistants, helping clients and team members find time in your busy calendar. They do this via booking pages and links, which can be tailored to the needs of your business.
How Does a Scheduling Tool Work?
A scheduling tool works on your behalf, acting as a virtual assistant who can manage your calendar and connect you to your clients. It automates scheduling steps, finds time and sends invitations. It can be integrated with video conferencing services to pull unique links and help you manage your meetings.
Some scheduling tools can even take and centralize payments prior to the call, which is a great feature to look for if you charge for your time or have a service-based business.
Who Are Appointment Scheduling Services Best For?
Online appointment scheduling services are useful for businesses and freelancers, as well as anyone who wants to save time and money spent on their manual meeting setup process. The tools today are versatile enough to adapt to the needs of most who use them, and custom options are available for enterprises and industry leaders.
How To Choose a Scheduling App
There are plenty of scheduling apps out there. Here’s how to choose the best scheduling app for your needs.
Syncing and Integration Options
Popular integration options to look for in your scheduling software of choice are integration opportunities with other calendars, integration with social media platforms (for social media appointment setting) and analytics panels, if applicable.
While there are others out there, this suite of listed tools should be more than enough to get the average small business owner started strong with their calendar management.
Automations
Automations streamline your workflow—so much so, in fact, that 60% of surveyed team members believe that they could save at least six hours a week with automated solutions, possibly more.
The needs of every business are unique. However, most businesses benefit from AI-led automation that allows the software to function as a virtual assistant, seamlessly pulling links, organizing schedules and facilitating communication between the entity and the client.
Resource Management
Time is one of the most valuable resources for a small business. The best scheduling apps often have some element of resource management in their interface, whether it’s facilitating round-robin schedules or helping you track your resources using intuitive dashboards and summaries.
Custom Staff Permissions
Calendar apps with custom staff permissions are useful for rapidly growing SMBs, especially if you want your staff to have autonomous or structured management of their schedules.
Staff permissions allow for easier delegation and management of the schedule and can be changed at any time to meet the needs of your evolving business.
Other Scheduling Apps Alternatives
Simplybook.me
Simplybook.me is a favorite scheduling app for those who run service-based businesses. The service offers in-store or virtual payment processing in just a few clips, a robust API for further optimization, and specialized booking options—such as booking options based on memberships, packages and service categories.
Connecteam
Connecteam is a strong scheduling software option for shift workers and allows managers to build schedules in just a few clicks. You can fill in assignments based on team member qualifications and preferences, set regulatory limitations (which is ideal for those in stricter states) and ensure equal distribution of time across all team members.
Zoho Bookings
If you’re looking for an automated, autonomous option for your clients to use, consider Zoho Bookings. The service auto-customizes based on the needs of your industry, giving your customers the best experience possible. You can also integrate with the most popular apps and services, including Zoho and Microsoft Suites, PayPal, Salesforce and others.
Frequently Asked Questions
How Much Do Scheduling Apps Cost?
The best scheduling apps are ones that are sustainably affordable for your business. Scheduling software and services average between $0-$20 per person per month. Some scheduling apps on this list (such as Doodle or Calendly) offer Free membership tiers if you’re looking to schedule on a budget.
What’s the Best Scheduling App for Small Businesses?
Setmore is our top choice of scheduling software for small businesses. It can be used for product- and service-based businesses and can be managed either in-office or on the go. The service also offers 24/7 support with live agents if you run into any roadblocks.
What Are the Benefits of Scheduling Apps?
Scheduling apps help your business to run as effectively as possible, connecting you with your clients in a reliable way. While this might seem like a simple perk, it can play a large role in building your customer’s trust in your brand.
Can I Use Calendly for Free?
Yes, business owners can use Calendly for free using the site’s Free membership tier. The scheduling app also offers a 14-day free Teams subscription plan for first-time users. Interested business owners can sign up for Calendly’s Free tier in seconds using their Google or Microsoft accounts.
What’s the Best Appointment Booking App?
The best scheduling app can vary based on your business’s unique needs. Ideally, you should look for an option that is sustainably affordable, comprehensive and reliable.
Other considerations include extra automated features, such as AI support, automated client messaging and automated time zone conversion. You might also check for other key features—such as extensive integration libraries or an API if needed.
Related Articles
- Best Free Project Management Software
- Best Task Management Software
- Best Inventory Management Software
Editorial Note: Opinions expressed here are author’s alone, not those of any bank, credit card issuer, hotel, airline or other entity. This content has not been reviewed, approved or otherwise endorsed by any of the entities included within the post. We may earn a commission from partner links on Newsweek, but commissions do not affect our editors’ opinions or evaluations.
Christina Levandowski
Contributor
Christina is a freelance editor and contributor with Newsweek’s small business team. With a passion for small business optimization and strategy, Christina has successfully launched her own business and now works to help others do the same. She has studied extensively at Arizona State University on the pre-medical track, and is now an entrepreneur, author, strategist and editor. She is based out of Los Angeles, CA.
Read more articles by Christina Levandowski
