Sunrise vs Google Calendar: Which is Better in 2026?
Choosing between Sunrise and Google Calendar 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: Google Calendar is our overall pick for productivity workflows. Pick Sunrise if you need calendar.
Short on time? Here's the quick answer
We've tested both tools. Here's who should pick what:
Sunrise
Unify your Google Calendar and Tasks in one clean interface
Best for you if:
- • You need calendar features specifically
- • Unifies Google Calendar and Google Tasks in one interface to reduce app switching.
- • Offers Today view, upcoming agenda, week calendar, and kanban board for planning.
Google Calendar
Organize your time with smart scheduling and seamless syncing
Best for you if:
- • You need something completely free
- • You need productivity 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
| At a Glance |  Sunrise |  Google Calendar |
|---|---|---|
Starts at | FreeFree tier available | FreeFree tier available |
Best For | Calendar | Productivity |
Rating | - | 4.8/5 |
Free plan | Yes | Yes |
Choose Sunrise or Google Calendar?
Choose Sunrise if
Unify your Google Calendar and Tasks in one clean interface
- Eliminates the need to switch between Google Calendar and Google Tasks
- Data remains in your Google account (privacy-focused client interface)
- Free tier includes all core features without a credit card
- Your work is calendar-shaped, not productivity-shaped
Choose Google Calendar if
Organize your time with smart scheduling and seamless syncing
- Free with Google account
- Good scheduling
- Integrates with everything
- You want a fully free tool (Sunrise requires payment)
- Your work is productivity-shaped, not calendar-shaped
| Feature | Sunrise | Google Calendar |
|---|---|---|
| Pricing Model | Freemium | Free |
| User Rating | No ratings yet | ★4.8/5 3,961 reviews |
| Categories | CalendarTask Management | ProductivityCalendar |
In-Depth Analysis
Sunrise
Unify your Google Calendar and Tasks in one clean interface
Strengths
- +Eliminates the need to switch between Google Calendar and Google Tasks
- +Data remains in your Google account (privacy-focused client interface)
- +Free tier includes all core features without a credit card
Weaknesses
- -Available only as a web app; native mobile apps are in development
- -Offline support is not yet available (planned for Pro tier)
Key features
Google Calendar
Organize your time with smart scheduling and seamless syncing
Strengths
- +Free with Google account
- +Good scheduling
- +Integrates with everything
- +Time zone handling
- +Multiple calendars
Weaknesses
- -Privacy concerns
- -Basic features vs paid tools
- -UI unchanged for years
- -Limited customization
- -Some sync issues
Key features
Pricing: Sunrise vs Google Calendar
| Plan | Sunrise | Google Calendar |
|---|---|---|
| Tier 1 | $0/mo Free | Free Free (Personal) |
| Tier 2 | Coming soon Pro | $7 Google Workspace |
Pricing verified from each vendor's public pricing page. Compare in detail on Sunrise pricing and Google Calendar pricing.
Who Should Use What?
On a budget?
Google Calendar is free. Sunrise is freemium.
Go with: Google Calendar
Want the highest-rated option?
Google Calendar is rated 4.8/5. Sunrise has no ratings yet.
Go with: Google Calendar
Value user reviews?
Sunrise: no ratings yet. Google Calendar: 3,961 reviews (4.8/5).
Go with: Google Calendar
3 Questions to Help You Decide
What's your budget?
Sunrise is freemium. Google Calendar is free. Go with Google Calendar if free matters most.
What's your use case?
Sunrise is a calendar tool. Google Calendar is in productivity. Pick the category that matches your needs.
How important are ratings?
Google Calendar is rated 4.8/5; Sunrise has no ratings yet.
Key Takeaways
Google Calendar
- Completely free
- Our pick for this comparison
Sunrise
- Better fit for calendar
The Bottom Line
Google Calendar is our pick.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Sunrise or Google Calendar better?
Google Calendar is rated in our evaluation. Sunrise is freemium and Google Calendar is free.
What are Sunrise and Google Calendar used for?
Sunrise: Unify your Google Calendar and Tasks in one clean interface. Google Calendar: Organize your time with smart scheduling and seamless syncing.
What does Sunrise cost vs Google Calendar?
Sunrise is freemium (free tier + paid plans). Google Calendar is completely free. Visit their websites for detailed pricing.