Acuity Scheduling vs Cal.com: Which is Better in 2026?
Choosing between Acuity Scheduling and Cal.com comes down to understanding what each tool does best. This comparison breaks down the key differences so you can make an informed decision based on your specific needs, not marketing claims.
Bottom line: Cal.com wins this matchup. Google Calendar is our overall Meeting Scheduling pick. Google Calendar is our free Meeting Scheduling pick. Pick Acuity Scheduling if you need its specific feature set.
Short on time? Here's the quick answer
We've tested both tools. Here's who should pick what:
Acuity Scheduling
Appointment scheduling by Squarespace
Best for you if:
- • You want payment integration
- • You want client portal
Cal.com
Open-source scheduling infrastructure you can customize and own
Best for you if:
- • You want a free tier before you commit
- • You want open-source and free to self-host
- • You want full control over data
| At a Glance | Cal.com | |
|---|---|---|
Starts at | $16/moEmerging | FreeFree tier available |
Best For | Meeting Scheduling | Meeting Scheduling |
Rating | 4.7/5 | 4.6/5 |
Free plan | No | Yes |
Choose Acuity Scheduling or Cal.com?
Choose Acuity Scheduling if
Appointment scheduling by Squarespace
- You want payment integration
- You want client portal
Choose Cal.com if
Open-source scheduling infrastructure you can customize and own
- You want a free tier before you commit
- You want open-source and free to self-host
- You want full control over data
| Feature | Acuity Scheduling | Cal.com |
|---|---|---|
| Pricing Model | Paid | Freemium |
| User Rating | ★4.7/5 6,173 reviews | ★4.6/5 154 reviews |
| Categories | Meeting SchedulingForm Builders | Meeting SchedulingProductivity |
In-Depth Analysis
Acuity Scheduling
Appointment scheduling by Squarespace
Acuity's pricing is fair, offering a good range of features across its tiers.
Strengths
- +Payment integration
- +Client portal
- +Customizable
Weaknesses
- -No free tier
- -Complex setup
Key features
Cal.com
Open-source scheduling infrastructure you can customize and own
Cal.com's pricing is quite generous, especially with its robust Free tier offering unlimited bookings and integrations.
Strengths
- +Open-source and free to self-host
- +Full control over data
- +Good feature set
- +No vendor lock-in
Weaknesses
- -Self-hosting requires technical skills
- -Smaller ecosystem
- -Less polished than Calendly
Key features
Pricing: Acuity Scheduling vs Cal.com
| Plan | Acuity Scheduling | Cal.com |
|---|---|---|
| Tier 1 | $16 Emerging | 0 Free |
| Tier 2 | $27 Growing | 15 Teams |
| Tier 3 | $49 Powerhouse | 37 Organization |
| Tier 4 | Free Enterprise | Contact sales Enterprise |
Pricing verified from each vendor's public pricing page. Compare in detail on Acuity Scheduling pricing and Cal.com pricing.
Who Should Use What?
On a budget?
Cal.com has a free tier. Acuity Scheduling is paid only.
Go with: Cal.com
Want the highest-rated option?
Acuity Scheduling: 4.7/5 (6,173 reviews). Cal.com: 4.6/5 (154 reviews).
Go with: Acuity Scheduling
Value user reviews?
Acuity Scheduling: 6,173 reviews (4.7/5). Cal.com: 154 reviews (4.6/5).
Go with: Acuity Scheduling
3 Questions to Help You Decide
What's your budget?
Acuity Scheduling is paid. Cal.com is freemium. Cal.com lets you start free.
What's your use case?
Both are meeting scheduling tools. Compare their specific features to decide.
How important are ratings?
Acuity Scheduling is rated higher: 4.7/5 vs 4.6/5.
Key Takeaways
Cal.com
- Free tier available
- Our pick for this comparison
Acuity Scheduling
- Higher user rating: 4.7/5 vs 4.6/5
- Larger review base (6,173 reviews)
The Bottom Line
Cal.com wins this matchup. Google Calendar is our overall Meeting Scheduling pick. Google Calendar is our free Meeting Scheduling pick.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Acuity Scheduling or Cal.com better?
Cal.com is rated in our evaluation. Acuity Scheduling is paid and Cal.com is freemium.
What are Acuity Scheduling and Cal.com used for?
Acuity Scheduling: Appointment scheduling by Squarespace. Cal.com: Open-source scheduling infrastructure you can customize and own.
What does Acuity Scheduling cost vs Cal.com?
Acuity Scheduling is a paid tool. Cal.com is freemium (free tier + paid plans). Visit their websites for detailed pricing.