Setmore vs Calendly: Which Should You Choose in 2026?
Choosing between Setmore 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.
Short on time? Here's the quick answer
We've tested both tools. Here's who should pick what:
Setmore
Free appointment scheduling
Best for you if:
- • You need free appointment scheduling
- • You want to start free and upgrade later
Calendly
Scheduling automation platform
Best for you if:
- • You want the higher-rated option (8.8/10 vs 0.0/10)
- • Meeting scheduling automation
- • Calendar integrations
| At a Glance |  Calendly | |
|---|---|---|
Price | Free + Paid | Free + Paid |
Best For | Meeting Scheduling | Meeting Scheduling |
Rating | —/100 | 88/100 |
| Feature | Setmore | Calendly |
|---|---|---|
| Pricing Model | Freemium | Freemium |
| Editorial Score | — | 88 |
| Community Rating | No ratings yet | No ratings yet |
| Total Reviews | 0 | 0 |
| Community Upvotes | 218 | 0 |
| Categories | Meeting SchedulingWorkflow Automation | Meeting SchedulingCalendar |
Understanding the Differences
Both Setmore and Calendly solve similar problems, but they approach them differently.Setmore positions itself as "free appointment scheduling" while Calendlyfocuses on "scheduling automation platform". These differences matter depending on what you're trying to accomplish.
When to Choose Setmore
Setmore makes sense if you're looking for a budget-friendly option with a free tier solution.
When to Choose Calendly
Calendly is worth considering if you need a flexible option with both free and paid tiers tool. Scoring 88/100, it edges ahead in our evaluation.
Who Should Use What?
Bootstrapped or small team?
When every dollar counts, Setmore lets you get started without pulling out your credit card.
We'd pick: Setmore
Growing fast?
Your team doubled last quarter and you need tools that won't break when you add 50 more people. Calendly is built for teams that are leveling up.
We'd pick: Calendly
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: Calendly
Still not sure? Answer these 3 questions
How much can you spend?
Tight budget? Start free with Setmore, 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 Calendly higher (88/100). But the community has upvoted Setmore more (218 votes). Pick your source of truth.
Key Takeaways
What Calendly Does Better
- Higher overall score (88/100)
- Our recommendation for most use cases
Consider Setmore 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 Calendly (88/100). But the honest answer is that "better" depends on your situation. Calendly scores higher in our analysis, but Setmore 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 Setmore or Calendly better?
Based on our analysis, Calendly scores higher with 88/100. Setmore isfreemium while Calendly 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 Setmore to Calendly 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 Setmore and Calendly offer free trials?
Most software in this category offers free trials or free tiers. Setmore is freemium with a free tier.Calendly is freemium with a free tier. Visit their websites for current trial offers.