Cal.com vs Acuity Scheduling: Which is Better in 2026?
Choosing between Cal.com and Acuity Scheduling 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. Our overall Meeting Scheduling pick is Google Calendar. Our free Meeting Scheduling pick is Google Calendar. 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:
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
Acuity Scheduling
Appointment scheduling by Squarespace
Best for you if:
- • You want payment integration
- • You want client portal
| At a Glance | Cal.com | |
|---|---|---|
Starts at | FreeFree tier available | $16/moEmerging |
Best For | Meeting Scheduling | Meeting Scheduling |
Rating | 4.6/5 | 4.7/5 |
Free plan | Yes | No |
Choose Cal.com or Acuity Scheduling?
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
Choose Acuity Scheduling if
Appointment scheduling by Squarespace
- You want payment integration
- You want client portal
| Feature | Cal.com | Acuity Scheduling |
|---|---|---|
| Pricing Model | Freemium | Paid |
| User Rating | ★4.6/5 154 reviews | ★4.7/5 6,173 reviews |
| Categories | Meeting SchedulingProductivity | Meeting SchedulingForm Builders |
In-Depth Analysis
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
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
Pricing: Cal.com vs Acuity Scheduling
| Plan | Cal.com | Acuity Scheduling |
|---|---|---|
| Tier 1 | 0 Free | $16 Emerging |
| Tier 2 | 15 Teams | $27 Growing |
| Tier 3 | 37 Organization | $49 Powerhouse |
| Tier 4 | Contact sales Enterprise | Free Enterprise |
Pricing verified from each vendor's public pricing page. Compare in detail on Cal.com pricing and Acuity Scheduling 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?
Cal.com: 4.6/5 (154 reviews). Acuity Scheduling: 4.7/5 (6,173 reviews).
Go with: Acuity Scheduling
Value user reviews?
Cal.com: 154 reviews (4.6/5). Acuity Scheduling: 6,173 reviews (4.7/5).
Go with: Acuity Scheduling
3 Questions to Help You Decide
What's your budget?
Cal.com is freemium. Acuity Scheduling is paid. 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. Our overall Meeting Scheduling pick is Google Calendar. Our free Meeting Scheduling pick is Google Calendar.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Cal.com or Acuity Scheduling better?
Cal.com is rated in our evaluation. Cal.com is freemium and Acuity Scheduling is paid.
What are Cal.com and Acuity Scheduling used for?
Cal.com: Open-source scheduling infrastructure you can customize and own. Acuity Scheduling: Appointment scheduling by Squarespace.
What does Cal.com cost vs Acuity Scheduling?
Cal.com is freemium (free tier + paid plans). Acuity Scheduling is a paid tool. Visit their websites for detailed pricing.