Top calendar apps to choose in 2024

In a fast-paced world where time is a critical asset, the right calendar app can be a game-changer for maintaining balance and achieving goals.

Modern calendar apps go beyond basic scheduling to offer a range of advanced features designed for professionals. They integrate with other productivity tools, enable team collaboration, and often include customizable notifications, task management, and time-blocking options.

Here’s a rundown of the top calendar apps to consider this year

1.Google Calendar :

Google Calendar remains one of the most popular and versatile calendar apps. As part of the Google Workspace suite it’s widely used in both personal and professional settings. Thanks to its simplicity, powerful features, and easy integration with Google Workspace.

Features:

• Create events with details like date, time, location, and description; can be set as one-time or recurring
• Organize events and categories with color-coding, which helps to visually distinguish between different types of activities
• Automatically adjusts event times based on the participant’s time zone
• One-click integration with Google Meet enables users to create video meeting links directly from the event.
• Allows you to create tasks and reminders within the calendar
• For Google Workspace users, the “Focus Time” feature lets you block out periods for focused work, helping you reduce interruptions
• View multiple calendars in a single, layered view to quickly see the availability of team members.

Pros :

• Easy integration and User friendly.
• Real-time synching and shared calendars; Customisable notifications.

Cons:

• Limited functionality and task management features.
• Privacy concerns and limited customisation.

Pricing :

• Business Starter - ₹ 137/ user/ month
• Business Standard - ₹ 736/user/month
• Business Plus - ₹1380/user/month

👍🏻Best for - Individuals, Professionals, Teams and hybrid businesses

🌟 Rating - 4.6/5 as per google play store | 4.5/5 as per App Store 

2. Microsoft Outlook Calendar -   Outlook Calendar is perfect for professionals who are part of the Microsoft ecosystem. It integrates well with Microsoft 365 and provides a reliable, feature-rich experience for both individuals and teams.

Features:

• Outlook Calendar is tightly connected to the Outlook email client, allowing users to manage emails, appointments, and tasks from one interface.
• Events automatically adjust for different time zones, which is especially useful for global teams.
• Display multiple calendars side by side for better comparison and planning.
• Assign access to an assistant or colleague, allowing them to schedule or edit events on your behalf
• Schedule and join Teams meetings directly from the calendar, complete with a one-click “Join” button.
• Set specific permissions for shared calendars, ensuring that only authorized individuals can view or modify events.
• Automatically decline meeting invitations and notify attendees of your unavailability during vacations or breaks.

Pros :

• Works well with all MS plans and offers Shared calendars, meeting polls.
• Full offline functionality and ideal for business with tools like resource booking.

Cons :

• Requires MS365 subscription for full features and desktop app can consume heavy resources.
• No standalone desktop app and complexity for new users.

Pricing :

• Free plan
• Microsoft 365 for individuals and families
• Microsoft 365 for families
• Microsoft 365 for enterprise
• Stand alone outlook plan

Add-On Costs -

• Additional Storage: If you need more OneDrive storage, standalone upgrades are available starting at $1.99/month for 100 GB.

• Third-Party Integrations: Some external apps, like Zoom or CRM tools, may require separate subscriptions.

👍🏻Best for - Microsoft Ecosystem users, Remote teams.

🌟 Rating - 4.7/5 as per google play store | 4.8/5 as per App Store 

3. Apple Calendar : Apple Calendar (formerly iCal) is Apple’s built-in calendar app, designed for macOS, iOS, and iPadOS devices. It’s a powerful, user-friendly tool for managing schedules, setting reminders, and coordinating events. Here’s an in-depth look at its features, integrations, benefits, and tips for maximizing its potential.

Features -

• Get reminders before events with customizable alert times.
• Switch between day, week, month, or year views and Color-Coded calendar for easier organizaton.
• Add or check events via voice commands, Manage permissions (view only or full edit access).
• Automatically calculates travel time based on location and suggests when to leave and links to Apple calendar for navigation.
• Supports external calendar integrations, such as Google Calendar, Microsoft Outlook, and Exchange
• Extracts dates and times from emails (works especially well with Apple Mail).
• Use multiple calendars to segregate work, personal, and family schedules.

Pros :

• Works flawlessly across all apple devices and clean, intuitive design with easy navigation.
• Calculates travel time for events and adheres to apple’s strong privacy policies.

Cons :

• Best suited for Apple users; lacks advanced productivity tools like task dependencies.
• Occasional delays or glitches while synching with non-apple calendars.

Pricing -

Apple Calendar is completely free and comes pre-installed on all Apple devices, including:

iPhone (iOS), iPad (iPadOS), Mac (macOS), Apple Watch (watchOS

There is no standalone cost for downloading, using, or maintaining the app.While the app itself is free, some features might incur indirect costs as follows-

iCloud Storage

• Apple Calendar uses iCloud to sync events across devices.

• Free iCloud storage is limited to 5 GB, shared with other Apple services (e.g., Photos, Files).

• Paid iCloud+ plans for additional storage:

• 50 GB: $0.99/month

• 200 GB: $2.99/month

• 2 TB: $9.99/month

👍🏻Best for - Apple users who want a simple, free, and integrated scheduling solution.

🌟 Rating - 4.4/5 as per google play store | 4.8/5 as per App Store 

4. Fantastical : Fantastical is a premium calendar app designed to enhance scheduling, task management, and productivity. Developed by Flexibits, it offers advanced features, a sleek interface, and seamless integration with various devices and services, making it a favorite among professionals and productivity enthusiasts.

Features -

• Recognizes and auto-populates fields like time, location, and attendees.
• Available for macOS, iOS, iPadOS, and watchOS and Syncs seamlessly across all devices via iCloud.
• Daily, weekly, monthly, and quarterly views, Toggle between dark and light themes.
• Integrates with Apple Reminders, allowing you to manage tasks alongside calendar events.
• Suggest multiple meeting times, and attendees can vote for their preferred slot.
• Automatically creates links for virtual meetings and supports scheduling across multiple time zones.
• Displays current weather and forecasts for event locations.

Pros :

• Clean,modern design and time zone support with weather integration.
• Meeting proposals make scheduling with teams or clients efficient.

Cons :

• Advanced features require subscription and no native app for android or windows.
• Free version lacks many of features and only exclusive to macOS and iOS.

Pricing -

• Free Plan - $0
• Individual plan- $6.99/month or $ 56.99/year
• Family Plan - $ 10.49/month(upto 5 members) or $ 89.99/year
• Team Plan- $6.99/user/month or $56.99/ user/year

👍🏻Best for - Professionals and business users who need advanced scheduling tools.

🌟 Rating - 3.5/5 as per App Store 

5. And.do :  Any.do is a popular productivity app that combines task management, calendar scheduling, and reminders in one platform. It’s designed to help individuals and teams stay organized and productive across various devices and platforms.

Features -

• Break down larger tasks into smaller, actionable items and Set daily, weekly, or custom recurring tasks.
• Built-in calendar syncs with Google Calendar, Outlook, and Apple Calendar.
• Drag-and-drop scheduling to easily move tasks between days, One-time, recurring, or location-based reminders.
•  Focus Mode helps users concentrate on their tasks without distractions.
• Assign tasks to team members, Comment and chat within tasks and Shared lists for collaborative project management.
•  Integrates with productivity apps like Slack, Google Drive, Zoom, and more.
• Works with virtual assistants like Alexa and Google Assistant for voice commands.

Pros :

• Combines Tasks, calendar and reminders; location-based and recurring reminders.
• Ideal for term projects with task delegation and shared lists.

Cons :

• Free version is basic and reports delays when synching.
• Premium plan might not appeal to users who need simple task management.

Pricing - 

• Free Plan - $0
• Premium Plan - $ 7.99/month or 4.99/month(billed annually at $ 59.99)
• Team Plan - $ 7.99/user/month or $4.99/user/month(billed annually at $ 59.99)
• Family Plan - $9.99/month(upto 4 users) or $8.33/month(billed annually at $ 99.99)

👍🏻Best for - Individuals looking for an all-in-one productivity app, Small teams needing simple task.

🌟 Rating - 4.4/5 as per Google play Store  |  4.6/5 as per App Store

6. Motion - Motion Calendar is an AI-powered productivity tool that automates scheduling, task prioritization, and time management. It’s designed to help busy professionals and teams optimize their workflows by dynamically managing calendars and to-do lists.

Features - 

• Automatically schedules tasks, meetings, and events based on priorities and deadlines.
• Combines a calendar, task list, and project planner in one platform.
• Assigns priority levels to tasks based on deadlines and importance.
• Share calendars with team members to coordinate schedules, assign tasks to colleagues and track their progress.
• Uses AI to allocate time blocks for deep work, meetings, and breaks, ensures a balanced schedule without overloading your day.
• Syncs with Google Calendar, Microsoft Outlook, and task management apps like Trello and Asana.
• Instantly updates schedules to accommodate new priorities or last-minute changes.

Pros :

• Automates scheduling and intuitive dashboard with drag and drop functionality.
• Helps users dedicate focused time for deep work

Cons :

• Per month price is expensive when compared to low-cost alternatives and mobile experience is not so robust.
• Rigid strap tire may not be suitable to everyone and no offline access.

Pricing -

• Individual Plan - $ 34/month or $ 19 /month(billed annually at $228)
• Team Plan - $ 20/user/month or $12/user/month(billed annually at $ 144 per user)
• Enterprise Plan

 👍🏻Best for - Professionals who need help managing packed schedules, teams with complex projects.

🌟 Rating - 3.8/5 as per Google play Store  |  4.2/5 as per App Store

7. Time page - Timepage, developed by Moleskine Studio, is a beautifully designed calendar app known for its minimalist aesthetic and intuitive interface. It combines event planning, weather forecasting, and task management to create a seamless experience for personal and professional use.

Features -

• Signature Moleskine-style design with smooth animations and a clutter-free interface.
• Integrates seamlessly with Google Calendar, iCloud, Outlook, and other major calendar services.
• Add events using phrases and displays current weather and forecasts for event locations.
• Highlights the busiest days in a month to provide a quick overview of your schedule.
• Offers various color schemes and design options to personalize the app’s look.
• Syncs with Actions, Moleskine’s task management app, for unified productivity.
• Tasks and events appear together in your schedule.

Pros :

• Highly visual layout and simple navigation; Flexible themes and colors to suit.
• Works with all major calendar services, quick overview of your busiest days.

Cons :

• No free version; Lacks robust team collaboration and doesn’t offer advanced tools.
• Available only on iOS and macOS, does not include AI scheduling.

Pricing - 

• Free plan - $0
• Monthly plan - $ 1.99/ month
• Annual plan - $ 11.99/ year

Tips for Maximizing Timepage -

1. Use Heatmaps: Quickly identify and plan around your busiest days.
2. Sync with Actions: Combine tasks and events for a unified productivity workflow.
3. Leverage Themes: Customize the app to make scheduling more enjoyable.
4. Set Travel Time Alerts: Ensure you’re always on time for meetings or events.
5. Add Weather-Based Notes: Plan outdoor activities based on integrated forecasts.

👍🏻Best for - Individuals who loves simplicity, minimalism and aesthetics.

🌟 Rating -  4.5/5 as per App Store

8. DigiCal - DigiCal is a highly customizable and feature-rich calendar app for Android devices. It stands out with its versatility, ease of use, and powerful integration capabilities, making it suitable for personal and professional use.

Features -

• 7 calendar views as Agenda, day, week, week grid, month, month text, and year views.
• Global weather forecasts integrated into the calendar view.
• Powerful search functionality to locate past, current, or upcoming events.
•  Offers 6 customizable widgets for quick access to your calendar - List, grid, or agenda widgets to display on your home screen.
• Automatic time zone adjustment for international travel or remote work.
• Color-coded events for easy identification and Invite attendees and manage RSVPs directly.
• Integrates with Google Maps for location-based event planning.

Pros :

• Offers various calendar views and one time purchase for premium features.
• Supports offline view and weather forecasts in calendar views.

Cons :

• Available only on android devices and interface may feel outdated when compared to many modern apps.
• Lacks advanced features and weather updates are not accessible offline.

Pricing -

• Free plan - $ 0
• Digital + premium - $ 4.99( one time purchase)

👍🏻Best for -Individuals looking for an affordable, non-subscription-based premium calendar.

🌟 Rating -  4.5/5 as per Play Store

9. Morgen - Morgen Calendar is a modern productivity app designed to centralize calendar management, task planning, and time blocking. It is ideal for professionals juggling multiple calendars and to-do lists, offering powerful integrations and cross-platform compatibility.

Features -  

• Consolidates multiple calendars into one interface and Syncs with Google calendar, Outlook, iCloud, Exchange.
• Built-in task manager lets you add tasks alongside calendar events, Schedule tasks with drag-and-drop ease.
• Drag tasks into your calendar to allocate time for focused work.
• Available on Windows, macOS, Linux, and web browsers ; Mobile app support is currently under development.
• Day, week, and month views with adjustable layouts and dark mode and personalization options.
• Share your availability for meetings via scheduling links.
• Minimize distractions by viewing only your tasks and meetings for the day.

Pros :

• Combines calendars and tasks into single platform ; works seamlessly on windows, macOS and Linux.
• Intuitive drag-and-drop functionality for scheduling tasks.

Cons :

• Lacks a mobile app and advanced features may be overwhelming. Free version only supports one calendar integration.
• Pricing for team plan an be high compared to competitiors.

Pricing -

• Free Plan - $ 0
• Pro Plan - $ 6/ month or $48/ year(billed annually)
• Team plan - Custom pricing for businesses

👍🏻Best for -Users looking for cross-platform support, especially on Linux.

🌟 Rating -  4.9/5 as per App Store |  4.4/5 as per Play Store

10. Vimcal - Vimcal, often referred to as the “fastest calendar app ever made,” is a calendar app designed for power users who prioritize speed, productivity, and remote work efficiency. It’s tailored for busy professionals with features like advanced shortcuts, timezone management, and quick scheduling tools.

Features - 

• Inspired by Vim (the text editor), Vimcal allows users to navigate and manage their calendar with lightning-fast shortcuts.
• Designed with remote teams in mind -  View multiple time zones side-by-side, Schedule meetings across time zones effortlessly.
• Available on macOS, iOS, and via a web app, ensuring seamless scheduling across devices.
• Generate one-off or reusable scheduling links to simplify meeting coordination without back-and-forth emails.
• Team Availability View: Easily see colleagues’ schedules to find mutually convenient meeting times.
• View and edit calendars even when offline, syncing changes once reconnected.
• Multiple calendar views (day, week, month) with a sleek and clean interface.

Pros :

• Best-in-class time zone management and eliminates back and forth emails by allowing others to book meetings directly.
• Focus on data security; keyboard shortcuts and natural language inputs.

Cons :

• Focuses solely on calendar functionality without native task and may require keyboard shortcuts practice.
• No robust free plan; access requires subscription.

Pricing -

• Free plan - $0
• Personal Plan -. $ 15/month or $150/year(billed annually)
• Team Plan - Custom pricing for businesses(based in team size)

👍🏻Best for - Remote workers managing meetings across multiple time zones ,Power users seeking speed and efficiency in scheduling.

🌟 Rating -  4.7/5 as per App Store 

Why i prefer this app over other apps?

The best calendar app for you depends on your specific needs, work style, and budget. Here’s a breakdown to help you choose:

Personalized Recommendation Based on Use Cases:

• General Recommendation: Start with Google Calendar or Apple Calendar if you’re unsure. They’re free, widely used, and reliable.

• Power Users and Professionals: Vimcal, Motion, or Fantastical offer advanced features tailored to demanding workflows.

• Creative or Android Users: Go for Timepage or DigiCal for unique designs and customization.

Conclusion

Investing in the right calendar app can transform how you organize your day, enhance your productivity, and even improve your work-life balance. Take the time to explore trial versions or free plans, and find the tool that works best for you. After all, the right calendar isn’t just about managing time—it’s about making the most of it.