Calendly vs. Acuity - Which Online Scheduler is Better?

technology recommendations
Written By Sarah Berkeley
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Calendly

Pros:

  • Cost $8-12 per month

  • Integrates with Zoom meetings

  • Integrates with GoToMeeting

  • 2-way sync with Google Calendar

  • Has buffer time option

  • Confirmation page is customizable and can contain links

  • Easy to create forms to collect contact info for person booking

  • Is a Black-owned business

  • Integrates with Paypal to collect payment when people book a meeting (pro version)

  • Text and email confirmations (pro version)

Cons:

  • Only integrates with Squarespace sites at the Business Level or above

  • User interface is not as intuitive or feature-rich as Acuity

Acuity

Pros:

  • Integrates seamlessly with Squarespace websites

  • Integrates with Zoom meetings

  • 2-way sync with Google Calendar

  • User interface easy to navigate

  • Integrates with MailChimp so people who schedule appointments can be automatically added to your mailing list

  • Option to ‘look busy’ by making a certain percentage of appointments unavailable

  • Client list is easy to find to schedule another appointment

  • Easy to customize appearance with your logo

  • Can offer bundles and coupons

Cons:

  • No buffer time option (so someone might end up booking you right before or after another meeting, which does not allow for travel time or preparation)

  • Costs $15 per month

 

So, in conclusion - Calendly and Acuity are both great tools for online scheduling. Personally, the buffer time feature on Calendly is a huge selling point since I do meetings in person and online. I need to make sure that I can get to the meeting on time. If it weren’t for that and the cheaper price point I would go with Acuity. The User Experience of Acuity is much more pleasant and the integration with Squarespace is handy.

I hope this helps you streamline your workflow and eliminate some busywork!

Sarah Berkeley

I am a front-end web designer, photographer, and conceptual artist. I hold an MFA in Art & Design from the University of Michigan and a BFA in Studio Art from the University of Nebraska-Lincoln. I started my career as a UI/UX designer in New York City. Later, I moved to Berlin, Germany to pursue my art career and live a more bohemian lifestyle. After three years in Berlin, I returned to the United States for graduate school. Following my MFA, I began teaching web and graphic design, photography, and video the School of the Art Institute of Chicago, Nebraska Wesleyan University and Metro Community College.

In 2018 I left my tenure track position at Nebraska Wesleyan University, to pursue The Unknown! That year I did my first triathlon, founded an artist residency program at a state park in Iowa, performed in Seattle and hiked the 273 mile Vermont Long Trail. In the subsequent years I hiked the Pacific Crest Trail, Colorado Trail and half of the Continental Divide Trail. Following clues that appeared during the downtime led me to founding Expansive Media. I am super excited to be able to combine my tech and art skills through Expansive Media. I am also able to incorporate my passion for well-being and community by working with clients who make the world a better place.

https://www.expansivemedia.co
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