Google Calendar vs Calendly: Which Should You Choose in 2026?
Choosing between Google Calendar and Calendly 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.
By Toolradar Team · Last updated February 28, 2026 · Methodology
Short on time? Here's the quick answer
We've tested both tools. Here's who should pick what:
Google Calendar
Free calendar app by Google
Best for you if:
- • You need something completely free
- • You need task management features specifically
- • Free calendar app with built-in appointment scheduling that syncs across all devices and integrates with Gmail
- • Booking pages let anyone schedule time with you directly without extra apps or downloads
Calendly
Scheduling automation platform
Best for you if:
- • You want the higher-rated option (8.8/10 vs 8.7/10)
- • You need automation features specifically
- • Meeting scheduling automation
- • Calendar integrations
| At a Glance |  Google Calendar |  Calendly |
|---|---|---|
Price | Free | Free + Paid |
Best For | Task Management | Automation |
Rating | 87/100 | 88/100 |
| Feature | Google Calendar | Calendly |
|---|---|---|
| Pricing Model | Free | Freemium |
| Editorial Score | 87 | 88 |
| Community Rating | No ratings yet | No ratings yet |
| Total Reviews | 0 | 0 |
| Community Upvotes | 0 | 0 |
| Categories | Task ManagementCalendar | AutomationMeeting Scheduling |
How Google Calendar and Calendly Compare
Google Calendar
Free calendar app by Google
Free · 87/100 score
Calendly
Scheduling automation platform
Free tier available · 88/100 score
Google Calendar is a task management tool. Calendly is in automation.
Who Should Use What?
On a budget?
Google Calendar is free. Calendly is freemium.
Go with: Google Calendar
Want the highest-rated option?
Google Calendar: 87/100. Calendly: 88/100.
Go with: Calendly
Value user reviews?
Neither has user reviews yet.
Go with: Calendly
3 Questions to Help You Decide
What's your budget?
Google Calendar is free. Calendly is freemium. Go with Google Calendar if free matters most.
What's your use case?
Google Calendar is a task management tool. Calendly is in automation. Pick the category that matches your needs.
How important are ratings?
Calendly scores higher: 88/100 vs 87/100.
Key Takeaways
Calendly
- Higher score: 88/100 vs 87
- Free tier available
- Our pick for this comparison
Google Calendar
- Completely free
- Better fit for task management
The Bottom Line
Calendly (88/100) is our pick. That said, Google Calendar is free — hard to beat on price.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Google Calendar or Calendly better?
Calendly scores 88/100 in our evaluation. Google Calendar is free and Calendly is freemium.
What are Google Calendar and Calendly used for?
Google Calendar: Free calendar app by Google. Calendly: Scheduling automation platform.
What does Google Calendar cost vs Calendly?
Google Calendar is completely free. Calendly is freemium (free tier + paid plans). Visit their websites for detailed pricing.