Cal Alternatives
Looking for Cal alternatives? This guide compares 10 other scheduling tools, analyzing features and use cases to inform your decision.
Cal.com is a popular choice for scheduling. Many users appreciate its straightforward approach to booking meetings, its clean design, and its ease of use. For individuals or those needing a simple, open-source tool, it often gets the job done well.
But like any tool, it has limits. Some users note booking issues, missing features, or limited customization. This might lead you to seek an alternative. We've analyzed top alternatives based on G2 reviews to help you shortlist your options. Let's get started.
For Sales Automation, Consider 11x
For teams focused on sales, 11x provides digital workers to automate parts of the sales cycle. They can manage outreach and qualify leads. If you want to add automation to your sales efforts, this tool is worth a look.
11x is a unified go-to-market platform that uses AI agents to handle the sales process. Its agent, Alice, identifies promising prospects, conducts outreach via email and LinkedIn, and maintains CRM data. Another agent, Julian, qualifies inbound leads and schedules meetings.
The platform consolidates tools for data enrichment, outreach, and email warmup. This approach removes the need for multiple separate software solutions within a traditional GTM stack.
Cal Alternatives
Here is a detailed look at the main alternatives to Cal.com. We compare each option on pricing, features, and its specific strengths and weaknesses relative to Cal.com.
1) Calendly
Calendly is a scheduling automation platform that replaces email exchanges to set up meetings. Users share availability via personalized links or embedded widgets. It connects to multiple calendars and integrates with over 100 business apps, with automated reminders and follow-ups.
Common uses include sales qualification, recruiting interviews, and customer check-ins. The platform is built for individuals, teams, and large enterprises, offering specific features for security and administration.
Calendly's Main Features
Connects with up to six calendars, including Google, Outlook, and Microsoft 365, to show real-time availability.
Automates workflows by sending SMS or email reminders and post-meeting follow-ups without manual effort.
Uses routing forms to qualify and direct leads from a website before booking times are presented.
Offers team scheduling options like round-robin to pool calendars and maximize open slots or co-host calls.
How Calendly Compares to Cal.com
Average Review Score: 4.7/5 stars based on 2,399 G2 reviews.
Calendly provides advanced routing forms to direct leads to the correct salesperson based on their responses, a feature more developed than in Cal.com.
The tool offers more extensive automation workflows. For instance, you can create multi-step sequences with follow-up emails, which goes beyond Cal.com’s basic reminders.
It connects with over 100 business applications out of the box. This provides broader native integration options compared to Cal.com, which may require more custom setup for some tools.
For team use, Calendly has more polished scheduling options like round-robin distribution. This feature automatically balances meeting loads across a team more smoothly than in Cal.com.
Calendly's Limitations Compared to Cal.com
Calendly provides fewer customization options compared to Cal.com. As Cal.com is open-source, users can modify its code for deep branding, a level of control not available on Calendly’s platform.
The tool operates as a cloud-only service, so user data is stored on Calendly's servers. This differs from Cal.com, which offers a self-hosting option for companies that need full data control for security or compliance.
Some users note that accessing Calendly's advanced features can become costly. In contrast, Cal.com's self-hosted version may be more economical for teams with the technical resources to manage it.
Pricing and Plan Comparison
| Cal.com | Calendly | |
|---|---|---|
| Free Plan | Available | Available |
| Standard Plan | Pricing not publicly listed, but noted as cheaper per user. | $10 per user/month |
| Teams Plan | Pricing not publicly listed. | $16 per user/month |
| Enterprise Plan | Custom pricing. | Starts at $15,000 per year |
Both tools offer a free plan for individuals. For paid tiers, Calendly’s Standard plan is $10 per user, and its Teams plan is $16. While Cal.com does not list its prices, it is often cheaper, especially for teams that can use its self-hosting option.
2) Microsoft Bookings
Microsoft Bookings is an appointment app included in Microsoft 365. Organizations create web pages for customers to self-schedule appointments. It uses real-time Outlook availability and integrates with Microsoft Teams for virtual meetings.
Common uses include client consultations, patient visits, and parent-teacher conferences. The tool helps teams transition from manual email coordination to an automated system.
Microsoft Bookings's Main Features
Integrates with Microsoft Teams to automatically generate meeting links and allows for managing schedules from within the Teams app.
Creates separate booking calendars for different departments or locations, each with its own staff, services, and policies.
Defines specific appointment types with set durations, buffer times, prices, and custom intake questions.
Provides industry-specific templates for sectors such as financial services, healthcare, and education.
How Microsoft Bookings Compares to Cal.com
Average Review Score: 3.7/5 stars based on 32 G2 reviews.
Microsoft Bookings integrates directly into the Microsoft 365 ecosystem. This provides native connections with Outlook and Teams, which is different from Cal.com's approach as a standalone tool.
It comes at no extra cost for businesses that already subscribe to Microsoft 365. This contrasts with Cal.com, which requires a separate subscription for its paid features.
The tool offers ready-to-use templates for specific industries like healthcare and finance. This provides a more structured setup compared to Cal.com's general-purpose, highly customizable framework.
You can create distinct booking pages for different departments, each with its own staff and policies. This is slightly more structured for large organizations than Cal.com's team scheduling features.
Microsoft Bookings's Limitations Compared to Cal.com
Microsoft Bookings primarily connects with apps inside the Microsoft ecosystem. This is different from Cal.com, which offers a broader marketplace of integrations for tools like Slack, Hubspot, and more.
The tool provides limited options for visual customization. Because Cal.com is open-source, users can change its code for deep branding, which is not possible with Bookings.
It operates as a cloud-only service, storing data on Microsoft's servers. Cal.com offers a self-hosting option, giving companies full control over their data for compliance or security needs.
Pricing and Plan Comparison
Microsoft Bookings is included at no extra cost for businesses that already subscribe to Microsoft 365, making it a highly cost-effective option for teams in that ecosystem. Cal.com requires a separate subscription for paid features but may be more economical for companies that can use its self-hosting option.
3) Doodle
Doodle is an online platform to arrange meetings. Users create invitations or booking pages, and participants choose a time that works for them. It is used for recruitment interviews, sales calls, and board meetings.
The service supports individuals, teams, and large enterprises with enterprise-grade security. Over 70,000 companies use the platform, which schedules more than two million meetings per month.
Doodle's Main Features
Offers multiple scheduling workflows, including group polls to find the best time for everyone and sign-up sheets for events.
Collects payments at the time of booking through a direct integration with Stripe.
Automatically creates calendar events and video conference links for Zoom, Microsoft Teams, and Google Meet.
How Doodle Compares to Cal.com
Average Review Score: 4.4/5 stars based on 2,064 G2 reviews.
Doodle includes group polls that let participants vote on the best time to meet. This approach is different from Cal.com, which primarily offers direct booking from an individual's or team's available slots.
It provides a sign-up sheet feature for organizing events or volunteer shifts. This allows many people to claim specific time slots, a workflow not standard in Cal.com.
The platform connects with Stripe to handle payments when someone books a meeting. This built-in payment collection is more direct compared to Cal.com, which may rely on marketplace integrations.
Doodle supports several scheduling methods, including group polls and sign-up sheets. This gives users more flexibility for different meeting types than Cal.com's primary focus on direct booking pages.
Doodle's Limitations Compared to Cal.com
Doodle provides branding options on its paid plans. Cal.com, as an open-source tool, offers deeper customization because users can directly modify the source code to fit their specific brand needs.
The platform is a cloud-only service, so it stores all user data on its servers. This differs from Cal.com, which has a self-hosting option for companies that require full control over their appointment data for compliance.
While Doodle connects with popular apps, its integration options are predefined. Cal.com's open-source nature means teams with development resources can build custom workflows and connections beyond the standard marketplace offerings.
Pricing and Plan Comparison
| Cal.com | Doodle | |
|---|---|---|
| Free Plan | Available | Available |
| Pro/Standard Plan | Pricing not publicly listed | Starts at $6.95 per user/year |
| Teams Plan | Pricing not publicly listed | Starts at $8.95 per user/year |
Both tools offer a free plan. Doodle’s paid tiers start at a low price point, with its Pro plan at $6.95 per user/year. While Cal.com does not list its prices, its self-hosting option can be more economical for teams with the technical resources to manage it.
4) Acuity Scheduling
Acuity Scheduling is an online appointment platform for service-based businesses. It provides a self-service portal for clients to book appointments from a real-time calendar. Common uses are client consultations, classes, and private sessions. The system automates appointment management to reduce administrative tasks.
Acuity Scheduling's Main Features
Gathers client information upfront through custom intake forms and stores it in client profiles.
Collects payments through Stripe, Square, or PayPal, with options for deposits, tipping, and checkout add-ons.
Offers tools to build client loyalty, such as coupons, gift cards, subscriptions, and appointment packages.
Provides built-in HIPAA compliance on its premium plan for businesses that handle sensitive health information.
How Acuity Scheduling Compares to Cal.com
Average Review Score: 4.7/5 stars based on 404 G2 reviews.
Acuity Scheduling integrates directly with Stripe, Square, and PayPal for payments. This offers more native options for collecting deposits or tips compared to Cal.com, which often uses marketplace apps for payment processing.
The platform includes client loyalty tools like gift cards, coupons, and appointment packages. These features are built-in, while Cal.com would require custom development or third-party apps for similar functionality.
It offers a HIPAA-compliant plan for businesses that handle sensitive health data. This is a specific feature that differs from Cal.com, where compliance is managed through its self-hosting option.
The tool uses custom intake forms to gather detailed client information before appointments. This is slightly more focused on creating client profiles than Cal.com's general-purpose booking questions.
Acuity Scheduling's Limitations vs. Cal.com
Acuity Scheduling offers predefined branding options. In comparison, Cal.com is open-source, which lets a company modify the code for complete visual control. This allows for deeper brand integration than Acuity's platform permits.
It stores all appointment data on its own servers. For companies that need to manage their own data for compliance, Cal.com offers a self-hosting option that provides full data control, a feature not present in Acuity.
The platform connects with many third-party apps through a fixed set of integrations. Cal.com, however, has an open marketplace and API. This allows development teams to build custom connections to internal or specialized software, offering more flexibility.
Pricing and Plan Comparison
| Cal.com | Acuity Scheduling | |
|---|---|---|
| Free Plan | Available | Not Available |
| Emerging Plan | Pricing not publicly listed | $16 per month |
| Growing Plan | Pricing not publicly listed | $27 per month |
| Powerhouse Plan | Pricing not publicly listed | $49 per month |
Acuity Scheduling’s paid plans start at $16 per month, with higher tiers at $27 and $49. While Cal.com does not list its prices, it provides a free plan and a self-hosting option that can be more economical for teams able to manage their own infrastructure.
5) SimplyBook.me
SimplyBook.me is an online booking system for service businesses. It provides a customizable booking page for clients to schedule appointments around the clock. The platform supports individual sessions, classes, and events.
It is used by consultants, schools, and health clinics. The system can also accept online payments and send automated notifications to clients.
SimplyBook.me's Main Features
Supports omnichannel booking through a mobile-friendly website, widgets, or directly via Facebook, Instagram, and Google.
Accepts a wide range of online and in-store payments, including Stripe, PayPal, POS systems, QR codes, and Tap & Pay.
Offers over 50 custom features, such as coupons, gift cards, memberships, packages, and a loyalty system.
Includes a built-in marketing suite to schedule social media posts and launch ad campaigns on Google and Meta platforms.
How SimplyBook.me Compares to Cal.com
Average Review Score: 4.4/5 stars based on 105 G2 reviews.
SimplyBook.me provides more booking channels, including direct integrations with Facebook and Instagram. This is different from Cal.com, which focuses on shareable links and website embeds.
The tool accepts a wider range of payment methods, such as POS systems and QR codes, in addition to online gateways. This offers more flexibility for in-person and online payments compared to Cal.com's integration-based approach.
It includes built-in client loyalty features like memberships and gift cards. Cal.com does not have these native tools, which would require custom development or third-party apps.
The platform has a native marketing suite to manage social media posts and ad campaigns. This provides a built-in way to attract clients, a feature not found in Cal.com.
SimplyBook.me's Limitations Compared to Cal.com
SimplyBook.me offers branding through predefined templates. This is different from Cal.com, which is open-source. A company can change Cal.com's code to create a fully custom booking experience that matches its brand.
The platform operates as a cloud-only service, storing data on its servers. For companies that need full data control for compliance, Cal.com provides a self-hosting option not available with SimplyBook.me.
The tool's integration options come from a predefined list. This is different from Cal.com's open API, which allows developers to build custom connections to any internal or specialized business tool.
Pricing and Plan Comparison
| Cal.com | SimplyBook.me | |
|---|---|---|
| Free Plan | Available | Available |
| Basic Plan | Pricing not publicly listed | $9.90 per month |
| Standard Plan | Pricing not publicly listed | $30 per month |
| Premium Plan | Pricing not publicly listed | $59 per month |
Both tools provide a free plan. SimplyBook.me offers paid tiers at $9.90 (Basic), $30 (Standard), and $59 (Premium) per month. While Cal.com does not list its prices, its self-hosting option can be more economical for teams with the technical resources to manage it.
For Sales Automation, Try 11x
If you want to automate parts of your sales cycle, consider 11x. Its digital workers handle lead qualification and outreach, which frees up your sales team to focus on high-value activities. Explore the platform to see how its AI agents can support your GTM strategy.
At 11x, we use AI to manage the sales process. Our agent Alice finds accounts and starts outreach, while Julian qualifies leads and books meetings. The platform consolidates tools for data, outreach, and lead qualification, replacing multiple GTM software.
Book a demo to see how it works.
6) ScheduleOnce (OnceHub)
OnceHub, formerly ScheduleOnce, is a platform for scheduling and lead generation. It helps businesses capture, qualify, and connect with leads. The tool is often used by sales and customer success teams to automate appointment booking throughout the customer lifecycle.
OnceHub's Main Features
Uses a chatbot to qualify website visitors and book meetings directly within the chat conversation.
Supports various meeting types, including one-on-one sessions, group meetings, and collective events with multiple team members.
Connects with major calendars and video conferencing tools like Zoom, Microsoft Teams, and Google Meet.
Provides enterprise-grade security features, including single sign-on (SSO) and compliance controls for large organizations.
How OnceHub Compares to Cal.com
Average Review Score: 4.5/5 stars based on 1,270 G2 reviews.
OnceHub includes a native chatbot for lead qualification and booking. This provides a more interactive way to engage website visitors compared to Cal.com's standard booking forms.
The platform is designed to manage the entire lead lifecycle, from capture to meeting. This is a broader scope than Cal.com, which focuses primarily on the scheduling step.
It offers robust security and compliance features aimed at enterprise customers. This is a more built-in approach than Cal.com, where security is often managed via a self-hosted installation.
OnceHub provides advanced routing to connect leads with the right person or team based on their needs. This is more developed than Cal.com's basic team scheduling options.
OnceHub's Limitations Compared to Cal.com
OnceHub is a proprietary platform, so it offers less customization than Cal.com. As an open-source tool, Cal.com allows users to modify its code for deep branding and functionality.
The tool is a cloud-only service, with data stored on OnceHub's servers. This differs from Cal.com, which offers a self-hosting option for companies requiring full data control.
While OnceHub has many integrations, they are from a predefined list. Cal.com's open API may offer more flexibility for developers to build custom connections to specialized software.
Pricing and Plan Comparison
| Cal.com | OnceHub | |
|---|---|---|
| Free Plan | Available | Available |
| Growth/Standard Plan | Pricing not publicly listed | Starts at $10 per user/month |
| Enterprise Plan | Custom pricing | Custom pricing |
Both platforms offer a free starter plan. OnceHub’s paid Growth plan starts at $10 per user per month. While Cal.com does not list its prices, its self-hosting option can be a cost-effective choice for teams with available technical resources.
ScheduleOnce (OnceHub) is a platform for lead generation and appointment automation. It helps businesses capture, qualify, and connect with leads. Sales and customer success teams use the tool to set up appointments throughout the customer lifecycle. The system handles the process from lead capture to the final appointment.
ScheduleOnce (OnceHub)'s Main Features
Uses AI-driven chat flows to triage a meeting's urgency, participants, and purpose before showing booking options.
Provides workload controls such as meeting-load balancing and room coordination for teams across multiple locations.
Includes smart routing to match inquiries with the best-fit team member or calendar based on predefined rules.
Maintains enterprise-grade security with compliance certifications including GDPR, SOC 2, HIPAA, and PCI.
How ScheduleOnce (OnceHub) Compares To Cal.com
Average Review Score: 4.3/5 stars based on 52 G2 reviews.
OnceHub uses a chatbot to qualify leads on a website before booking. This is a more interactive approach compared to Cal.com's use of static booking forms.
It supports the full lead management process, from capture to conversion. Cal.com, in comparison, focuses mainly on the appointment scheduling part of the process.
The tool offers advanced routing rules to match leads with the correct team member. This is a more detailed system than the basic team scheduling options available in Cal.com.
OnceHub provides built-in security features like SOC 2 and HIPAA compliance. This is different from Cal.com, where similar compliance levels often require a self-hosted setup.
ScheduleOnce (OnceHub)'s Limitations vs. Cal.com
Some users find OnceHub's customization options to be limited. Unlike Cal.com's open-source framework that allows full code changes, OnceHub users must work within the platform's set design templates.
It does not offer a self-hosting option. This means all appointment data resides on OnceHub's servers, unlike Cal.com, where companies can host the software on their own infrastructure for maximum data privacy.
The platform's setup can feel complex for some users. Its focus on the entire lead lifecycle adds features that may require more time to learn compared to Cal.com's straightforward scheduling interface.
Pricing and Plan Comparison
| Cal.com | OnceHub | |
|---|---|---|
| Free Plan | Available | Available (for up to 3 users) |
| Growth/Standard Plan | Pricing not publicly listed | Starts at $10 per user/month |
| Enterprise Plan | Custom pricing | Custom pricing |
Both platforms offer a free plan, with OnceHub's supporting up to three users. OnceHub's paid Growth plan starts at $10 per user per month, while Cal.com does not list its prices but is often a more cost-effective choice for teams that can use its self-hosting option.
7) YouCanBook.me
YouCanBook.me is an online tool for appointments that connects to a user's calendar. It creates a public page for customers to book a time. The platform is used for customer meetings, interviews, and service sessions.
It shows real-time availability from the connected calendar. This allows clients to self-select a time and removes the need for email coordination.
YouCanBook.me's Main Features
Offers branded booking pages with custom logos and colors, and provides availability controls like buffer times and minimum notice periods.
Automates communications with confirmation and reminder emails or SMS, and includes features for no-show tracking.
Processes payments through a Stripe integration that supports Apple Pay, Google Pay, and credit cards.
Integrates with analytics tools like Google Analytics and tracking pixels for LinkedIn, Facebook, and Instagram.
How YouCanBook.me Compares to Cal.com
Average Review Score: 4.7/5 stars based on 1,923 G2 reviews.
YouCanBook.me connects with analytics tools like Google Analytics and tracking pixels. This provides more data on booking page performance compared to Cal.com's standard setup.
The platform includes a feature for no-show tracking. This helps businesses manage client attendance more directly than Cal.com, which may need a custom solution for this function.
It processes payments through Stripe with support for Apple Pay and Google Pay. This offers more built-in payment flexibility for clients than Cal.com's marketplace-dependent integrations.
The tool allows branding with custom logos and colors directly in its interface. This is a simpler approach to customization than Cal.com, which requires code changes for similar branding control.
YouCanBook.me's Limitations Compared to Cal.com
YouCanBook.me offers less customization for branding. Unlike Cal.com's open-source framework that allows full code changes, its users must work within the platform's set design templates.
It does not provide a self-hosting option. This means all data stays on the company's servers, which is different from Cal.com, where businesses can host the software themselves for complete data control.
The tool's integration capabilities can be less flexible. While it connects to many apps, Cal.com's open API allows developers to build custom connections to internal or specialized software.
Pricing and Plan Comparison
| Cal.com | YouCanBook.me | |
|---|---|---|
| Free Plan | Available | Available |
| Individual Plan | Pricing not publicly listed | $7.20 per month |
| Teams Plan | Pricing not publicly listed | $14.40 per month |
Both platforms provide a free plan. YouCanBook.me offers paid plans starting at $7.20 per month for individuals and $14.40 for teams. Cal.com does not list its prices, but its self-hosting option can be a more cost-effective choice for technically proficient teams.
8) Setmore
Setmore is an online appointment scheduling platform for service-based businesses. It provides a public booking page where clients can self-schedule appointments. The system is used by salons, consultants, and healthcare providers to manage bookings and payments.
The platform connects to a user's calendar to show real-time availability. It automates the booking process to reduce manual coordination and administrative work.
Setmore's Main Features
Accepts online payments through Square, Stripe, and PayPal, including in-person payments via Square POS integration.
Allows clients to book directly from a business's Facebook page, Instagram profile, or website.
Offers a built-in, one-click video meeting tool called Teleport, in addition to integrations with Zoom and Google Meet.
Includes a customer review system that automatically requests and displays client feedback on the booking page.
How Setmore Compares to Cal.com
Average Review Score: 4.6/5 stars based on 1,011 G2 reviews.
Setmore offers a native integration with Square for both online and point-of-sale payments. This provides more built-in payment options than Cal.com, which relies on its app marketplace for payment gateways.
The platform allows direct booking from social media profiles like Facebook and Instagram. This is a more direct channel for B2C businesses compared to Cal.com's focus on shareable links and website embeds.
It includes a free, one-click video conferencing tool called Teleport. This is an alternative to third-party apps, whereas Cal.com integrates with external video services but does not have its own native tool.
Setmore has a built-in feature to collect and display customer reviews. This helps businesses build social proof directly on their booking page, a function not native to Cal.com.
Setmore's Limitations Compared to Cal.com
Setmore provides limited branding options within its templates. In contrast, Cal.com is open-source, so users can modify its code for deep customization that matches a company's brand identity.
The platform is a cloud-only service, so all data is stored on Setmore's servers. This differs from Cal.com, which has a self-hosting option for businesses that require full data control for compliance.
While Setmore integrates with many apps, its options come from a predefined list. Cal.com's open API gives development teams the flexibility to build custom connections to internal or specialized software.
Pricing and Plan Comparison
| Cal.com | Setmore | |
|---|---|---|
| Free Plan | Available | Available |
| Pro/Standard Plan | Pricing not publicly listed | $5 per user/month |
| Team Plan | Pricing not publicly listed | $5 per user/month (2+ users) |
Both platforms offer a free plan. Setmore's paid plans are priced at $5 per user per month for both Pro (1 user) and Team (2+ users). While Cal.com does not list its prices, its self-hosting option can be more economical for teams with technical resources.
Setmore is an online appointment platform for service businesses. It provides a public page where clients book appointments based on real-time availability from a user's calendar. Salons, consultants, and healthcare providers use the system to manage appointments and payments, which reduces manual coordination.
Setmore's Main Features
Adds a ‘Book now’ button to Facebook and Instagram and integrates with Reserve with Google.
Accepts online and in-person payments through Square, Stripe, PayPal, and LawPay.
Offers a HIPAA-compliant version with additional data security features.
Provides external APIs for enterprise teams to build custom scheduling solutions.
How Setmore Compares To Cal.com
Average Review Score: 4.5/5 stars based on 267 G2 reviews.
Setmore adds a ‘Book now’ button to social media like Facebook and Instagram and integrates with Reserve with Google. This gives clients more channels to book appointments directly, compared to Cal.com's focus on website embeds and links.
The tool accepts a wider range of payments, including in-person options through Square and specialized gateways like LawPay. This provides more built-in payment flexibility than Cal.com, which relies on its app marketplace.
It offers a specific HIPAA-compliant version for businesses that handle sensitive health data. This is a ready-made solution, while Cal.com requires a self-hosted installation to manage compliance.
The platform provides external APIs for enterprise teams that want to build custom scheduling solutions. This is a structured offering for large businesses, different from Cal.com's open-source framework that requires self-managed development.
Setmore's Limitations Versus Cal.com
Setmore provides simpler automation for reminders. In comparison, Cal.com allows users to build more complex workflows, like automatic follow-up emails after a meeting, which offers greater customization for post-appointment communication.
The tool operates as a closed cloud platform, which might create challenges if a business decides to migrate its data. Cal.com, being open-source, provides complete data ownership and makes it easier to export or move information.
Customization on the platform often requires use of its external APIs, which is aimed at enterprise teams. This contrasts with Cal.com, where its open-source code lets developers directly alter the platform to add new, deeply integrated features.
Pricing and Plan Comparison
| Cal.com | Setmore | |
|---|---|---|
| Free Plan | Available | Available |
| Team Plan | Pricing not publicly listed | $9 per month |
| Pro Plan | Pricing not publicly listed | $12 per month (for 2 users) |
Both platforms offer a free plan. Setmore’s paid tiers include a Team plan at $9 per month and a Pro plan for two users at $12 per month. While Cal.com does not list its prices, its self-hosting option can be a more economical choice for teams with the technical resources to manage it.
9) Chili Piper
Chili Piper is a scheduling and routing tool for revenue teams. It helps qualify and route leads to the correct sales representative in real time. The platform is designed to book meetings instantly from web forms, which reduces lead drop-off and shortens the sales cycle.
Chili Piper's Main Features
Provides an Instant Booker tool that allows qualified leads to book a meeting or start a call immediately after submitting a web form.
Uses advanced routing rules to distribute leads to the correct sales representative based on territory, account ownership, or other criteria.
Integrates with Salesforce to update records and manage lead assignments automatically, keeping CRM data current.
Supports one-click booking from emails and marketing campaigns, which simplifies scheduling for both prospects and sales teams.
How Chili Piper Compares to Cal.com
Average Review Score: 4.6/5 stars based on 1,000+ G2 reviews.
Chili Piper is built for revenue teams, with a focus on lead conversion. This is different from Cal.com, which is a general-purpose scheduling tool for a wider range of uses.
It offers advanced, real-time lead routing from web forms. This is more sophisticated than Cal.com’s team scheduling, which distributes meetings but does not qualify leads in the same way.
The platform’s core function is its Instant Booker for web forms. This differs from Cal.com, where scheduling is typically done through shared links or embedded calendars rather than form submission.
Chili Piper has deep integration with Salesforce for lead management. Cal.com connects with many apps but may not offer the same level of native CRM workflow automation.
Chili Piper's Limitations Compared to Cal.com
Chili Piper is a proprietary platform, so it offers less customization than Cal.com. As an open-source tool, Cal.com allows users to modify its code for deep branding and functionality.
The tool is a cloud-only service. This differs from Cal.com, which offers a self-hosting option for companies that require full control over their data for security or compliance reasons.
Its focus on sales teams may make it less suitable for general, company-wide scheduling. Cal.com’s flexible design works well for a broader variety of internal and external meeting types.
Pricing and Plan Comparison
| Cal.com | Chili Piper | |
|---|---|---|
| Free Plan | Available | Not Available |
| Paid Plans | Pricing not publicly listed | Starts at $15 per user/month (plus platform fee) |
| Enterprise Plan | Custom pricing | Custom pricing |
Chili Piper does not offer a free plan, and its paid tiers start at $15 per user per month with an additional platform fee. This positions it as a premium tool for revenue teams. Cal.com provides a free plan and a self-hosting option that can be more economical.
Chili Piper is a tool for revenue teams to manage lead qualification and distribution. It directs prospects to the correct sales representative in real time. The platform's main function is to book meetings instantly after a person submits a web form, which can shorten the sales cycle.
This focus on lead conversion makes it a specialized tool for sales and marketing departments, rather than a general appointment application.
Chili Piper's Main Features
Qualifies, routes, and books meetings instantly from any inbound web form.
Routes leads to the correct representative automatically using a no-code interface for distribution.
Allows representatives to schedule meetings on behalf of other team members to hand off leads.
Provides one-click scheduling to book meetings and logs all activities in your CRM automatically.
How Chili Piper Compares To Cal.com
Average Review Score: 4.6/5 stars based on 688 G2 reviews.
Chili Piper qualifies and books meetings for leads instantly after they submit a web form. This is a more direct process than Cal.com, which typically requires a separate step to visit a booking page.
The tool uses advanced, no-code rules to distribute leads to the correct representative automatically. This offers more granular control compared to Cal.com's basic team routing options.
It includes a chat function to qualify website visitors and schedule appointments directly in the conversation. Cal.com does not have a native chat feature and uses static pages for booking.
A handoff feature lets sales reps book meetings on behalf of other team members to pass leads. While Cal.com has team scheduling, this function is built specifically for sales workflows.
Chili Piper's Limitations Versus Cal.com
Some users report a learning curve with Chili Piper due to its focus on complex sales workflows. Cal.com, in comparison, often presents a more straightforward setup for general appointment scheduling.
The platform does not offer a free plan, and some find its pricing model complex. This is different from Cal.com, which provides a free tier and a self-hosting option that can be more economical.
Some users note occasional issues with calendar integrations, which can sometimes lead to scheduling conflicts. Cal.com, built as a core scheduling tool, generally provides very reliable calendar synchronization.
Pricing and Plan Comparison
| Cal.com | Chili Piper | |
|---|---|---|
| Free Plan | Available | Not Available |
| Paid Plans | Pricing not publicly listed | Starts at $15 per user/month (plus platform fee) |
| Enterprise Plan | Custom pricing | Custom pricing |
Chili Piper has no free plan, and its paid options begin at $15 per user per month plus a platform fee, targeting sales teams. Cal.com offers a free version and a self-hosted option, which can be a more cost-effective solution for teams that can manage their own infrastructure.
10) Zoho Bookings
Zoho Bookings is an online appointment tool for businesses to manage customer meetings. It helps consultants and service providers automate appointment setup. The platform gives users a shareable page that shows real-time availability from connected calendars.
Clients can book appointments on their own, which reduces email exchanges. As part of the Zoho suite, it connects with other Zoho business applications.
Zoho Bookings's Main Features
It connects with other applications in the Zoho ecosystem, including Zoho CRM, to centralize business data.
The platform allows users to create workflows that automate business processes like sending personalized emails or updating CRM records.
It includes features for managing complex team schedules and appointments across an organization.
How Zoho Bookings Compares To Cal.com
Average Review Score: 3.8/5 stars based on 18 G2 reviews.
Zoho Bookings connects natively with other Zoho apps, such as Zoho CRM. This provides a more unified system for managing customer data compared to Cal.com, which operates as a standalone tool and needs separate integrations.
The platform lets you build custom workflows to automate tasks like sending personalized emails or updating CRM records after a meeting. This is slightly more integrated for business processes than Cal.com's general automation features.
It uses AI to help with the initial appointment setup, which can simplify creating customized booking pages. This is a different approach from Cal.com's manual configuration process.
For businesses already using the Zoho One suite, Zoho Bookings is often included at no extra cost. This makes it a more cost-effective option than Cal.com, which requires a separate subscription for its paid features.
Zoho Bookings's Limitations Compared to Cal.com
Zoho Bookings provides fewer options for customizing workflows. Because Cal.com is open-source, it allows developers to build more complex and tailored automation sequences beyond standard templates.
It operates as a cloud-only platform, which might present challenges for data migration. Cal.com is open-source and self-hostable, so it gives companies complete data ownership, making information easier to export.
Some users note that its integration capabilities can feel limited outside the Zoho ecosystem. Cal.com provides an open API and a broader marketplace, which offers more flexibility for developers to create custom connections with specialized software.
Pricing and Plan Comparison
| Cal.com | Zoho Bookings | |
|---|---|---|
| Free Plan | Available | Available |
| Basic Plan | Pricing not publicly listed | $6 per user/month |
| Premium Plan | Pricing not publicly listed | $9 per user/month |
Both platforms offer a free plan for one user. Zoho Bookings provides paid tiers at $6 per user for its Basic plan and $9 for its Premium plan. While Cal.com does not list its prices, its self-hosting option can be more economical for teams with the technical resources to manage it.
Which One Should You Go With?
The choice of a Cal.com alternative depends on your specific business needs, team size, and budget. This guide has provided a detailed comparison of the top options to help you make an informed decision.
If your focus is on sales automation, 11x offers a different approach. Its AI agents handle lead qualification and outreach. This allows your sales team to close deals and focus on high-value tasks, as it consolidates several GTM tools into one platform.
