For consultants, coaches, and service-based professionals, every hour spent on back-and-forth emails to schedule a call is an hour you're not earning. In 2026, automated scheduling tools have become essential, but with so many options, choosing the right one can be overwhelming.
This comprehensive comparison pits Calendly against Acuity Scheduling—two of the most popular platforms. We'll analyze features, pricing, integrations, automation capabilities, and real-world use cases so you can pick the tool that best fits your business and saves you 10+ hours a week.
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📋 Table of Contents
Why Automated Scheduling Matters in 2026
In a world where clients expect instant responses, manual scheduling creates friction. Automated tools eliminate the email tennis, prevent double bookings, and let clients book directly on your calendar based on your real-time availability. For consultants charging $200+/hour, reclaiming just 5 hours a month pays for the software many times over.
💡 Key Benefits of Modern Scheduling Tools:
- Time savings: Eliminate 10+ emails per meeting
- Professionalism: branded booking pages, intake forms, automated reminders
- Payment collection: accept deposits or full fees at booking
- 24/7 availability: clients book when convenient for them
- Analytics: track no-shows, busy times, revenue
Calendly at a Glance
Calendly
Best for SimplicityFounded in 2013, Calendly has become the go-to scheduling tool for individuals and teams who value simplicity and speed. It focuses on one thing: eliminating the back-and-forth of scheduling meetings. With a clean interface and powerful integrations, it’s ideal for consultants who need a straightforward booking link.
🎯 Best For:
Solo consultants, coaches, and small teams who want a no-fuss scheduling link that works out of the box.
Acuity Scheduling at a Glance
Acuity Scheduling
Best for Full CustomizationAcuity (now part of Squarespace) has long been the choice for service providers who need more than just a booking link—they need a mini CRM. With robust client management, intake forms, package sales, and gift certificates, Acuity is a powerhouse for coaches and consultants with complex offerings.
🎯 Best For:
Coaches, consultants, and wellness professionals who need advanced client management, intake forms, and the ability to sell packages directly through the scheduler.
Feature-by-Feature Comparison (2026)
| Feature | Calendly | Acuity Scheduling |
|---|---|---|
| Ease of Setup | ⭐ 5/5 (minutes) | ⭐ 4/5 (more options) |
| Unlimited Event Types | ✅ Yes | ✅ Yes |
| Calendar Sync (Google, iCal, Outlook) | ✅ Yes | ✅ Yes |
| Time Zone Detection | ✅ Yes | ✅ Yes |
| Custom Branding (White Label) | ❌ Limited (paid plans) | ✅ Yes (all plans) |
| Intake Forms & Custom Questions | ✅ Basic (paid) | ✅ Advanced (free-form, conditional logic) |
| Payment Processing (Stripe, PayPal, Square) | ✅ Yes (deposits, full) | ✅ Yes (full, packages, gift certs) |
| Packages / Subscriptions | ❌ No | ✅ Yes |
| Gift Certificates | ❌ No | ✅ Yes |
| Automated Reminders (Email & SMS) | ✅ Yes | ✅ Yes |
| Group & Class Scheduling | ✅ Yes (paid) | ✅ Yes |
| Resource Management (rooms, equipment) | ❌ No | ✅ Yes |
| Client Management / CRM | ❌ Basic contact list | ✅ Detailed client profiles, history |
| Reporting & Analytics | ✅ Basic (paid) | ✅ Advanced (revenue, appointments) |
| API & Webhooks | ✅ Yes (paid) | ✅ Yes (higher plans) |
| Mobile App | ✅ Yes | ✅ Yes |
| Free Plan | ✅ Yes (1 event type) | ✅ Yes (limited features) |
Pricing & Plans (2026)
- ✓ Free: $0 – 1 event type, basic integrations
- ✓ Standard: $10/month – unlimited events, workflows, payments
- ✓ Teams: $16/user/month – group scheduling, Salesforce integration
- ✓ Enterprise: custom pricing – advanced security, SSO
- ✓ Emerging: $15/month – 1 calendar, basic forms, payments
- ✓ Growing: $25/month – 3 calendars, packages, gift certs
- ✓ Powerhouse: $35/month – unlimited calendars, advanced features, API
- ✓ Enterprise: custom – HIPAA, concierge setup
All prices annual billing; month-to-month slightly higher.
💰 Value for Money:
If you only need basic scheduling and payment deposits, Calendly's $10 plan is a steal. If you need client management, packages, and advanced intake, Acuity's $25 plan offers far more depth for a similar price.
Integrations & Ecosystem
Both tools connect with the apps you already use, but there are differences.
- Calendly: Natively integrates with Zoom, Google Meet, Microsoft Teams, Salesforce, HubSpot, Mailchimp, Stripe, PayPal, and 1,000+ apps via Zapier/Make.
- Acuity: Built-in integrations with Zoom, Google Meet, QuickBooks, Mailchimp, Constant Contact, Stripe, Square, PayPal, and also Zapier/Make. As a Squarespace company, it integrates seamlessly with Squarespace websites.
Both support webhooks for custom automation.
Which Tool for Which Use Case?
Solo Consultant – Quick Discovery Calls
If you mostly do one-on-one sales calls and don't need complex forms or packages, Calendly's simplicity wins. You can set up a branded link in minutes and start booking.
Coach with Packages & Intake Forms
For a life coach who sells 6-session packages and requires clients to fill out a detailed intake form before the first call, Acuity is the clear choice. It handles package payments, appointment limits, and stores client history.
Small Consulting Firm – Team Scheduling
Both support round-robin and collective team scheduling. Calendly's team features are slightly simpler; Acuity allows more customization (e.g., different services per team member). Evaluate based on your specific routing needs.
Wellness Professional – Classes & Workshops
Acuity has robust class scheduling, waitlists, and resource management (e.g., rooms, equipment). Calendly supports group events but lacks resource booking. Acuity wins for class-based businesses.
Frequently Asked Questions
Yes, both integrate with Stripe and PayPal to collect deposits or full payments at the time of booking. Acuity also supports Square and can sell packages and gift certificates.
Calendly is famously easy: sign up, connect your calendar, create an event type, share the link. Acuity has a steeper learning curve due to its many options, but it's still manageable within an hour.
Absolutely. Both automatically detect the invitee's time zone and show availability in their local time.
Calendly allows logo, colors, and custom domain on paid plans. Acuity offers extensive customization even on lower plans, including custom CSS and full white-label on higher plans.
Acuity wins hands-down. It stores client profiles, appointment history, intake forms, and allows you to add internal notes. Calendly only keeps a contact list with minimal info.
Both have free plans. Calendly's free plan is generous for one event type. Acuity's free plan is limited but lets you test core features. Paid plans typically offer 14-day trials.
Final Verdict: Calendly vs Acuity (2026)
Choosing between Calendly and Acuity ultimately depends on the complexity of your business.
Choose Calendly if:
- You need a simple, elegant scheduling link for one-on-one calls.
- You don't sell packages or require detailed client intake forms.
- You value speed of setup and a clean interface over deep features.
- You're a solo professional or small team with basic scheduling needs.
Choose Acuity if:
- You need to sell packages, subscriptions, or gift certificates.
- Your clients must complete detailed intake forms before booking.
- You want a built-in CRM with client history and notes.
- You run classes, workshops, or need resource management.
- You prefer extensive customization and white-label options.
Both tools are excellent and will save you hours. Start with their free plans to see which interface feels right for your workflow. For most coaches and consultants with recurring clients and complex offerings, Acuity is the more powerful choice. For quick, no-frills scheduling, Calendly is unbeatable.