Rise Calendar vs Clockwise: Which Should You Choose in 2026?
Choosing between Rise Calendar and Clockwise 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.
Short on time? Here's the quick answer
We've tested both tools. Here's who should pick what:
Rise Calendar
Calendar built for teams
Best for you if:
- • You need calendar built for teams
- • You want to start free and upgrade later
Clockwise
AI calendar optimization
Best for you if:
- • You want the higher-rated option (8.3/10 vs 0.0/10)
- • Clockwise is an AI calendar assistant that automatically finds time for focused work
- • It reschedules meetings, protects focus time, and optimizes team schedules intelligently
| At a Glance |  Clockwise | |
|---|---|---|
Price | Free + Paid | Free + Paid |
Best For | Calendar | Calendar |
Rating | —/100 | 83/100 |
| Feature | Rise Calendar | Clockwise |
|---|---|---|
| Pricing Model | Freemium | Freemium |
| Editorial Score | — | 83 |
| Community Rating | No ratings yet | No ratings yet |
| Total Reviews | 0 | 0 |
| Community Upvotes | 92 | 0 |
| Categories | CalendarMeeting Scheduling | CalendarMeeting Scheduling |
Understanding the Differences
Both Rise Calendar and Clockwise solve similar problems, but they approach them differently.Rise Calendar positions itself as "calendar built for teams" while Clockwisefocuses on "ai calendar optimization". These differences matter depending on what you're trying to accomplish.
When to Choose Rise Calendar
Rise Calendar makes sense if you're looking for a budget-friendly option with a free tier solution.
When to Choose Clockwise
Clockwise is worth considering if you need a flexible option with both free and paid tiers tool. Scoring 83/100, it edges ahead in our evaluation.
Who Should Use What?
Bootstrapped or small team?
When every dollar counts, Rise Calendar lets you get started without pulling out your credit card.
We'd pick: Rise Calendar
Growing fast?
Your team doubled last quarter and you need tools that won't break when you add 50 more people. Clockwise is built for teams that are leveling up.
We'd pick: Clockwise
Enterprise with complex needs?
You need SSO, compliance certifications, and a support team that picks up the phone. Both have enterprise tiers—compare their security features.
We'd pick: Clockwise
Still not sure? Answer these 3 questions
How much can you spend?
Tight budget? Start free with Rise Calendar, upgrade when you're ready.
Do you care what other users think?
Both have similar review counts. Read a few before you commit.
Expert opinion or crowd wisdom?
Our team rated Clockwise higher (83/100). But the community has upvoted Rise Calendar more (92 votes). Pick your source of truth.
Key Takeaways
What Clockwise Does Better
- Higher overall score (83/100)
- Our recommendation for most use cases
Consider Rise Calendar If
- You want to start free and scale later
- Its specific features better match your workflow
- You prefer its interface or design approach
The Bottom Line
If we had to pick one, we'd go with Clockwise (83/100). But the honest answer is that "better" depends on your situation. Clockwise scores higher in our analysis, but Rise Calendar might be the right choice if its specific strengths align with what you need most. Take advantage of free trials to test both before committing.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Rise Calendar or Clockwise better?
Based on our analysis, Clockwise scores higher with 83/100. Rise Calendar isfreemium while Clockwise is freemium. The best choice depends on your specific needs and budget. We recommend testing both with free trials if available.
Can I switch from Rise Calendar to Clockwise easily?
Migration difficulty varies. Check if both tools support data export/import in compatible formats. Some tools offer migration assistance or have integration partners who can help with the transition.
Do Rise Calendar and Clockwise offer free trials?
Most software in this category offers free trials or free tiers. Rise Calendar is freemium with a free tier.Clockwise is freemium with a free tier. Visit their websites for current trial offers.