Introduction
Calendly is a popular meeting scheduler known for its simplicity in booking one-on-one appointments. However, class organizers and instructors often find Calendly falls short for group sessions, multi-person classes, and complex course schedules. Calendly’s focus on basic scheduling means it lacks features like robust class roster management, recurring multi-session bookings, and multi-attendee registration. If you run classes, courses, clubs, or camps, you may need a more powerful alternative that can handle multiple participants per session and advanced admin controls.
Below, we explore the top 10 Calendly alternatives. We’ve included a mix of free and paid options, noting which are best for general appointment scheduling and which shine for classes and group events.
Comparison Table: Calendly Alternatives at a Glance
Name | Best For | Free Plan | Pricing (Paid Plans) |
---|---|---|---|
Pembee | Classes & group sessions | Free trial (30 days) | From $45/month |
Acuity Scheduling | 1:1 appointments & services | Free trial (7 days) | From $20/user/mo |
Doodle | Group meeting polls | Yes (basic) | From $14.95/user/mo |
HubSpot Meetings | Sales meetings, CRM users | Yes (CRM Free) | Free (upgrade for CRM features) |
Bookwhen | Classes, workshops, events | Yes (150 bookings/mo) | From $15/mo (300 bookings) |
Bookeo | Classes, tours, appointments | Free trial (30 days) | From $14.95/mo |
Mindbody | Fitness studios & gyms | No (trial only) | $129–$699/mo |
Sawyer | Children’s class providers | Free trial | $109–$199/mo |
Setmore | Small businesses, tutors | Yes (up to 4 users) | From $12/user/mo |
SimplyBook.me | 1:1 appointments & services | Yes (50 bookings/mo) | From $9.90/mo |
1. Pembee – A Class & Course Booking Powerhouse
Pembee Overview
Pembee is an online booking system purpose-built for group classes, courses, clubs, and camps. It stands out as an alternative to Calendly by offering features specifically designed for organizing sessions where multiple people join each event. Pembee supports complex scheduling scenarios that Calendly can’t handle, such as enrolling many attendees into a class, managing multi-session courses, and tracking registrations across a term.
Pembee Pricing
Pembee offers a 30-day free trial for new users. Paid plans start at $45 per month for the Standard package (Pembee Pricing). This investment delivers advanced functionality for group scheduling and class management that basic schedulers lack. Pembee is highly rated by users (4.9/5.0 on Capterra), especially among small education businesses and clubs.

Key Features
Pembee provides automated group scheduling, letting you set up classes or courses with defined capacities and schedules. It handles online payments (one-off or subscriptions) and supports class packs and installment plans. Organizers get powerful admin tools like attendance rosters, customizable registration forms, and a centralized calendar of all sessions. Integration with Stripe for payments is built-in, and Zapier integration (to connect with CRMs, email marketing, etc.) further extends its capabilities. These features are tailored to class organizers who need more than a simple meeting link.
Pros
- Built for group bookings: Unlike Calendly, Pembee was designed for classes and group events. It supports multiple attendees per session and even multi-session course bookings out of the box. This makes it ideal for after-school program coordinators, fitness instructors, or any class/ course organizers.
- Robust feature set: Pembee offers class-specific tools such as waitlists, attendance tracking, and flexible payment options (bundles, discounts) that streamline the running of a program.
- User-friendly and great support: Class organizers often praise Pembee’s ease of use and responsive customer service. For example, one reviewer noted the system is super easy to use compared to older booking software, and “the customer service is excellent…always quick to respond with help and advice” (Pembee Reviews on Capterra). Such support is invaluable for non–tech-savvy users.
- Advanced admin controls: Pembee allows multiple admin accounts (up to 5 on Standard) and customization of settings, which is useful for managing staff access as your program grows.
Cons
- No forever-free tier: Pembee’s lack of a free plan means it’s a paid solution after the 30-day trial. This could be a drawback if your budget is zero; however, the feature set often justifies the cost for those needing its capabilities.
- More complicated than simple schedulers: Because Pembee offers more advanced features, it may take slightly longer to configure all settings compared to a basic tool like Calendly. However, the interface is designed for non-technical users and the support resources help flatten this curve. Compared with other class management software, the scheduling process is more user-friendly.
User Feedback
Overall, Pembee is highly recommended by class organizers who need a “game changer” solution for group bookings. Users report that it “has made our booking process so much easier” and appreciate that it listens to feature requests and updates frequently. Many switched to Pembee after finding other systems either too expensive or not attentive to smaller organizations. It has a 4.9 out of 5.0 rating on Capterra (Pembee Reviews).
If you run group sessions and Calendly isn’t meeting your needs, Pembee is a top alternative to consider for its specialized focus and strong customer satisfaction.
2. Acuity Scheduling (Squarespace Scheduling) – Advanced Appointments for Businesses
Acuity Scheduling Overview
Acuity Scheduling is a well-established online scheduling tool now part of Squarespace. It’s geared toward service-based businesses (therapists, salons, consultants, etc.) that need a robust appointment system with client management features. Like Calendly, Acuity handles one-on-one bookings well, but it also supports group events (you can set up classes with a max number of attendees). However, it does not automate complex course scheduling or recurring group sessions in the way a class-specific platform might (see more in-depth comparison in Acuity vs Calendly: Which Scheduling Tool is Right for Your Business). Acuity is often chosen by users who need more customization and business tools than what Calendly provides.
Pricing
Acuity offers no free plan (only a 7-day free trial). Paid plans are tiered by features, starting at $20 per month per user. Higher tiers unlock features like multiple calendars/staff, packages, memberships, and gift certificates. While not the cheapest, many find Acuity’s value reasonable given its breadth of features. It’s rated 4.8 out of 5 on Capterra based on thousands of reviews.
Key Features
Acuity’s strengths lie in appointment management and customization. You can offer clients a self-service booking page, intake forms to gather information, and even upsells like add-ons or packages during booking. It syncs with Google, Outlook, iCloud calendars to avoid double-booking. You also get automated email/SMS reminders, and the ability to accept payments via Stripe, PayPal, or Square. Businesses with a website can embed the Acuity scheduler directly into their site for a seamless booking experience. For those scheduling classes or group events, Acuity lets you define a class type with a set capacity (e.g. a yoga class that maxes at 10 students) and accept bookings until the limit is reached. It’s a versatile platform that can handle appointments, workshops, and simple group sessions.
Pros
- Comprehensive scheduling features: Acuity is feature-rich – it supports not only basic appointments but also packages, gift certificates, subscriptions, and group appointments. These are useful for service businesses offering multi-session packages or classes. Users often praise the extensive customization and client management tools (custom intake forms, client notes, etc.) that go beyond Calendly’s capabilities.
- Website integration and branding: Because it’s part of Squarespace, Acuity integrates smoothly with Squarespace websites. Even without Squarespace, you can embed the scheduler on any site and customize the look and feel to match your branding (logo, colors). This provides a more professional appearance than Calendly’s basic pages.
- Strong calendar and workflow integrations: Acuity connects with video conferencing platforms like Zoom (for automatic video meeting links), QuickBooks, CRM systems, and Zapier for anything else. It also can send follow-up emails and even integrate with email marketing. Businesses appreciate that Acuity can be a central hub for appointment workflows.
- Client self-service and management: Clients can reschedule or cancel their appointments through Acuity’s links, taking admin burden off the organizer. The system also handles time zone conversion automatically – a plus for virtual service providers.
Cons
- Not specialized for complex classes: While Acuity can handle simple group events, it lacks some capabilities needed for managing ongoing classes or courses. For example, there is no built-in concept of enrolling someone in a multi-session course with one signup. You would have to set up each session or use workarounds, as “no automated group scheduling” is available. This makes it less ideal for, say, a semester-long class registration compared to a tool like Pembee.
- Per-user pricing can get expensive: Acuity’s pricing is on a per-seat basis. As your team grows (additional instructors or staff calendars), costs can increase notably.
- Limited customer support channels: Acuity primarily offers support via an online ticket system (via email). They don’t have live chat or phone support for immediate help. Some users have noted that while responses are helpful, the lack of real-time support can be inconvenient in urgent situations.
- Interface slightly dated: The Acuity interface, while powerful, has a lot of options and settings that can feel a bit overwhelming to new users. It’s functional rather than flashy. Some small business users mention it takes some time to get the hang of all features. However, once configured, daily use is straightforward.
User Feedback
Acuity Scheduling is often lauded for being a reliable, all-in-one scheduling solution for small businesses. Users appreciate how Acuity handles all their appointment booking needs and saves them time. The ability to manage client info and appointments in one place is a big plus. The common complaints are around the cost for larger teams, lack of custom reports and occasional desires for more modern UI touches. Overall, if you need a step up from Calendly for appointment-centric scheduling and don’t mind paying for premium features, Acuity can be a good choice.
(Note: Squarespace Scheduling is the same product as Acuity, just rebranded. You might see it referred to by either name.)
3. Doodle – Easiest Way to Schedule Group Meetings
Doodle Overview
Doodle is a well-known scheduling app that takes a different approach from Calendly. Instead of a static booking page, Doodle specializes in poll-based scheduling. You propose multiple time options, and invite participants to vote on what works for them. This makes Doodle fantastic for coordinating meetings or meetups with large groups who need to agree on a time. It’s commonly used for volunteer schedules, team meetings across organizations, or any scenario where you aren’t just presenting your availability but need to find a mutually agreeable slot among many people.
Doodle has also added a feature called “Booking Page” for one-on-one scheduling (similar to Calendly’s links) and “1:1 invitations,” but its core strength remains group polls. Individual class organizers might use Doodle’s Sign-Up feature to let people sign up for limited slots (e.g. private sessions), but be aware it’s not a class registration system with rosters – it’s more of a scheduling coordination tool.
Pricing
Doodle offers a free plan. The basic Doodle is free and allows unlimited scheduling polls and even a single booking page with some limits. The free version is ad-supported and lacks custom branding. DoodlePro starts at $14.95 per user/month (billed monthly), which removes ads and unlocks calendar integrations, reminders, and multiple booking pages. There’s also a higher Team plan at $19.95/month for up to 5 users for organizations needing more management features. For many casual users, the free version suffices.
Key Features
With Doodle, creating a meeting poll is as simple as suggesting dates/times and sending out a link. Participants don’t even need an account – they can click their availability preferences, and Doodle will highlight the best time option. Doodle supports calendar syncing (so your poll availability can avoid busy times if you connect your Google/Outlook calendar – note this is a paid feature). It also has a useful feature for webinars or classes called Doodle Sign-Up: you propose multiple time slots and set a limit on how many people can sign up per slot. Invitees then choose one slot to attend. This isn’t as full-featured as a dedicated class booking system, but in a pinch, it can manage simple multi-session sign-ups (for example, offering 3 workshop times and allowing 10 people per session).
For one-on-one meetings, Doodle’s Booking Page lets you share a link like Calendly, though this is more rudimentary in the free version. Pro users get features like custom subdomain, logo branding, and automatic reminders to participants.
Pros
- Excellent for coordinating groups: Doodle is arguably the best tool for finding a meeting time if many people are involved. Calendly doesn’t handle this scenario (Calendly assumes you are inviting others to your available slots individually, not polling a group). Doodle’s simple interface for voting on time options eliminates endless email threads. It’s a “straightforward and efficient scheduling tool that simplifies organizing meetings”, as one reviewer put it (Doodle Reviews - Capterra).
- Quick and easy to use: The learning curve with Doodle is extremely low. Creating a poll takes minutes, and participants often find it intuitive. There’s no complex setup. This makes it friendly for non-tech-savvy users. One review noted the interface is “user-friendly” and self-explanatory.
- Free version available: Doodle’s free plan is quite functional – you can use it indefinitely without paying, which is great for occasional scheduling needs or personal use. Many class organizers on a budget appreciate that they can use Doodle’s core features for free (albeit with some ads and limitations).
- Sign-up sheets for slots: The ability to have people reserve slots via Doodle (with the first-come-first-served sign-up sheet) is handy for simple event registrations. For example, you could list each date of a class and how many spots are open, and let participants put their name down. It’s not robust registration management, but it’s a quick solution for small classes or free events.
Cons:
- Limited use for formal class bookings: Doodle isn’t a full booking system – it won’t manage payments, detailed attendee information, or rosters. If you need to collect participant data or offer a series of classes with one registration, Doodle won’t handle that. It’s best for choosing a time or letting people pick one session out of many. For anything beyond that, you’d need a more specialized tool.
- Ads and lack of branding on free plan: The free Doodle polls will display advertisements and Doodle branding. This can look less professional if you’re using it in a business context (for example, parents signing up for a class might see unrelated ads). Upgrading removes ads.
- Reliability of notifications: Some users have reported that invitation or notification emails occasionally go to spam or aren’t received. A Capterra review mentioned “half of the time the poll does not get sent to the people you send it to”. While not a universal experience, it suggests you may need to manually remind participants to respond if they don’t see the Doodle email.
- No payment or monetization features: Unlike Calendly (which on paid plans can collect payments for meetings via Stripe/PayPal), Doodle has no facility for charging for bookings. This is a drawback if you want to use it for paid classes or appointments – you’d have to invoice separately or use another system for payments.
- Basic feature set: Doodle is intentionally simple. Power users might find its features too basic. For instance, you can’t automatically send follow-up emails through Doodle, there’s no built-in CRM or marketing integration (aside from syncing events to a calendar). It does one thing well – schedule meetings – but doesn’t try to be an all-in-one platform.
User Feedback
Doodle remains extremely popular for what it does. Many users love that “everybody is available to use [it] without needing an account”, making group scheduling frictionless. It’s often described as a lifesaver for committees, teams, or friend groups. On the flip side, business users sometimes remark that Doodle feels “outdated” in design or wish it had more professional features (the interface has improved in recent years, but it’s utilitarian). The pro plan is affordable, but some individuals stick to free because the added features are nice-to-have, not must-have. In summary, Doodle is an ideal Calendly alternative if your main challenge is scheduling multi-person meetings or events where you need consensus on timing. It won’t replace a class management system, but it complements one well by handling the scheduling logistics.
4. HubSpot Meetings – Free Meeting Scheduler with CRM Integration
HubSpot Meetings Overview
HubSpot Meetings is a scheduling tool that comes as part of HubSpot’s free CRM platform. It’s essentially HubSpot’s answer to Calendly, allowing you to create a personal booking link where people can pick a time to meet with you. The distinguishing factor is that it’s embedded in the HubSpot ecosystem – when someone schedules via your HubSpot meetings link, their contact info goes into the CRM, and you can leverage HubSpot’s sales and marketing features around that meeting. This makes it attractive for businesses that want scheduling tightly integrated with lead management or customer tracking.
For an individual class organizer not already using a CRM, HubSpot might be a bigger system than you need. But if you handle scheduling for, say, consultations or private lessons and want to manage contacts professionally (follow-up emails, tracking interactions), HubSpot’s free scheduler is a compelling alternative to Calendly’s free tier.
Pricing
Completely free. HubSpot’s meeting scheduler is included with the free CRM. You can create one scheduling link per user (more if you have paid Sales Hub seats, but for most, one link is enough). There is no cost to use the basic scheduling features – you just need a (free) HubSpot account. HubSpot makes its money if you choose to upgrade for advanced sales/ marketing tools, but pure scheduling functionality can be used without paying. This means unlimited meetings, unlimited users, and integration with your calendars at no charge, which is a big plus for budget-conscious users.
Key Features
HubSpot Meetings lets you set up booking pages for one-on-one meetings and group meetings. You can embed an embeddable calendar widget on your website or share a direct link. It syncs with Google Calendar and Office 365, so your availability is always up to date. You can customize your booking page with your photo, description, and meeting types (e.g. 15-minute intro call, 60-minute consultation, etc.).
A neat feature is the ability to do round-robin scheduling or group scheduling if you have a team: for example, automatically assign a booking to one of several instructors based on availability, or allow multiple team members to join the same meeting slot. (Some of these team features might require at least the Starter HubSpot subscription; HubSpot’s free tier allows one personal link per user, while team links come with paid plans).
When someone books a meeting, HubSpot will create a contact for them (if not already in the system) and log the meeting on your CRM timeline. You can then trigger HubSpot workflows or follow-ups (like sending a thank-you email, etc., though workflows are a premium feature). For a small business using HubSpot CRM, this tight integration is very handy.
Pros
- Truly free for core scheduling: Unlike Calendly, which limits free users to one event type and no team features, HubSpot’s free scheduler is quite generous. You get an unlimited scheduling link that you can use as much as you want, with no subscription fees. It’s a great option if you want to eliminate back-and-forth emails and keep costs at zero.
- CRM integration: All meeting data feeds into HubSpot CRM. If you’re already keeping your client/student list in HubSpot (or willing to start), this means you have one system for contacts and meetings. It’s easier to keep track of who booked and their history. For example, you might tag contacts who attended a trial class and then easily send them a follow-up newsletter via HubSpot. This is a level of integration Calendly doesn’t provide out-of-the-box (Calendly would need a Zapier integration to achieve similar).
- Easy to use and share: Setting up the meeting link is straightforward. HubSpot’s interface guides you through creating available hours, connecting your calendar, and publishing the link. Once live, it works just like a Calendly link – people click and book a slot. The scheduling page can be embedded on your site, which is great if you have a “Book Now” page on your class website.
- Group meeting links: HubSpot allows creating a scheduling page for a group meeting, where multiple participants can book the same time with you (useful for webinars or group consultations). This is similar to Calendly’s group event type. Additionally, if you have colleagues, you can set up round-robin links (assigning meetings evenly across a team). These features make it flexible for different scheduling needs.
- Professional appearance: The booking page is clean and ad-free (even on free plan) and can include custom questions for the person booking (for instance, “What would you like to discuss?”). It presents a polished image to clients. You can also integrate it with your email signature – HubSpot can generate a “Book a meeting with me” link/button for your emails to encourage bookings.
Cons
- Requires using HubSpot CRM: To use HubSpot Meetings, you have to sign up for HubSpot and work within its CRM environment. For some class organizers, this could be overkill if they don’t need a CRM. The interface and concept of a CRM might feel a bit complex if all you want is a scheduling tool. In other words, HubSpot Meetings isn’t a standalone app – it’s one feature of a larger platform.
- Limited class-specific features: HubSpot’s scheduler is aimed at scheduling meetings, not managing classes. There’s no concept of class rosters, session passes, or payments. You wouldn’t use it to let 10 students sign up for a yoga class (no built-in way to cap the meeting at 10 and then have a waitlist, for example, on the free plan). So, like Calendly, it’s best for appointments or small meetings, not for running course registrations.
- Customization constraints: While you can customize some aspects, you cannot heavily brand the booking page beyond basic color and logo settings. It also hosts the page on HubSpot’s domain (unless you are on a paid plan that allows embedding on a custom domain). For most, this isn’t a big issue, but it’s worth noting if branding is important.
- Advanced features tied to paid tiers: HubSpot will happily let you use the scheduler for free, but some useful automation (like setting up an automatic email sequence after someone books, or removing HubSpot branding completely) might require a paid upgrade to Marketing Hub or Sales Hub starter packages. However, these are optional – the core scheduling remains free.
- Less known outside business context: Clients or parents booking with you might not be as familiar with HubSpot scheduling links, whereas “Calendly” links have become fairly standard. This isn’t a functional con, but just an awareness point – you may have to assure people the link is safe and legit (which is generally not an issue, just as it isn’t with any other scheduler).
User Feedback
HubSpot’s meeting scheduler often gets positive feedback from sales professionals and entrepreneurs who already use HubSpot. They love that “it helps schedule meetings faster and forget the back-and-forth emails” (Hubspot Meeting Scheduler Customer Reviews - SoftwareReviews). The integration with calendar and CRM is highlighted as a strong point. On SoftwareReviews, HubSpot Meetings earned a 8.8/10 composite score, indicating high user satisfaction in the appointment scheduling category. Users particularly appreciate the unlimited nature of the free offering and its reliability.
Some criticisms come from those who find HubSpot’s overall platform to be more than they need just for scheduling, or who ran into occasional syncing issues (which can happen with any calendar sync if not set up correctly). But there’s broad agreement that HubSpot Meetings is a top free alternative to Calendly, especially if you want something that scales with your business as you grow (since it’s part of a full CRM).
Ideal Use Case: If you primarily need a free appointment scheduler and like the idea of having all your contacts and meetings in one CRM system, HubSpot Meetings is an excellent choice. For a solo class organizer, unless you plan to utilize the CRM for marketing (e.g., track leads from free trials, send emails to no-shows, etc.), you might not use all its power – but it’s nice to have the option as your operation grows. Those who are not tech-savvy can still manage with HubSpot’s scheduler due to its good UI, but keep in mind you’ll be navigating a CRM menu to get to your meetings tool.
(The next section of alternatives focus more on class and course scheduling solutions, which provide richer features for managing group sessions. These are particularly relevant if your scheduling needs go beyond individual appointments.)
5. Bookwhen – Affordable System for Classes and Workshops
Bookwhen Overview
Bookwhen is an online booking system tailored to classes, courses, workshops, and events. It’s a UK-based platform that has gained a global user base due to its simplicity and affordable pricing. Bookwhen is ideal for class organizers who need a step up from something like Calendly or Doodle, but find enterprise systems like Mindbody too expensive or complex. It allows multiple attendees per session, handles ticketing and registrations, and even supports different ticket types (e.g., drop-in vs full course). If you run community classes, fitness sessions, kids clubs, or similar activities, Bookwhen is a strong Calendly alternative with more suitable features.
Pricing
Bookwhen stands out for its generous free plan and low-cost paid plans. The free plan allows up to 50 bookings per month. This is great for small-scale class organizers or those just starting out. Paid plans start at £9/month (about $12/month) for the “Lite” plan, which includes 300 bookings per month and 2 admin user. Notably, Bookwhen’s free plan is functional enough for many small classes – it’s not just a trial, but a free forever option with limited capacity.
Key Features
Bookwhen provides a public booking page where you can list all your upcoming classes or events. Customers can easily browse dates and make bookings online. You can set different ticket types (for example: a single class ticket, a series ticket covering multiple dates, or a membership pass). Bookwhen handles payment integration (via Stripe/PayPal) if you want to charge online, or you can record offline payments. It supports setting capacity for events and will automatically enable waitlists when a session is full.
For courses that span multiple dates, Bookwhen can allow someone to register once and get signed up for all sessions in the block – a crucial feature for course scheduling. It also sends out confirmation and reminder emails that you can customize. On the admin side, you have a dashboard to manage bookings, see attendee lists, and check people in. Bookwhen also supports discount codes, and you can export attendee data easily (useful for printing a sign-in sheet or doing email follow-ups).
Another important feature is multi-session bookings: for instance, you can create a term of 10 classes and let people book the whole term, or let them choose a subset of dates. This flexibility is something Calendly cannot do at all.
Pros
- Free plan for small organizers: Bookwhen’s free tier (up to 50 bookings/month) is a big plus for those starting out. This low cost of entry, combined with rich features, is frequently praised by users: “A great little booking tool and all for free!” as one user noted.
- Designed for classes/events: Unlike general schedulers, Bookwhen was built with classes in mind. Features like group bookings, ticket types, schedules, and waitlists are available out-of-the-box. It excels at things like managing drop-in attendees vs course enrollments, offering flexible ticket bundles, etc. Organizers find that it covers most of their needs without requiring workarounds.
- Multiple bookings and passes: Bookwhen allows customers to book multiple sessions in one go (e.g., select several classes and check out once). This cart-like functionality is great for, say, someone signing up two kids for various classes. Additionally, you can sell class passes (e.g., 10-class pass) and Bookwhen will manage the pass usage as people book. These are advanced features at a low price point.
Cons
- User interface is functional, not flashy: While Bookwhen is easy to use, its interface and booking pages are not as modern-looking or customizable as some higher-end systems. The design is clean but somewhat basic. Some users have commented that certain UI elements for admins (like setting up schedules or linking tickets to events) can be a bit confusing until you get used to it. There’s a learning curve in mastering all the features like ticket rules, but most find it manageable.
- Limited integrations: Bookwhen has the essentials (Stripe/PayPal for payments, Zoom integration for online classes). However, it doesn’t have deep integrations with marketing tools or CRMs. For example, you won’t find a direct integration with Mailchimp or Google Calendar two-way sync (admins get an iCal feed of bookings instead). If you need extensive automation beyond scheduling (CRM, email automation), you might need to export data or use Zapier (Zapier can connect Bookwhen to some apps, but the templates are limited).
- No built-in mobile app for admins: Bookwhen is mobile-responsive, so you can manage it from a phone browser in a pinch, but there’s no dedicated admin mobile app. Some on-the-go instructors might prefer an app to quickly check bookings or mark attendance. Attendees however can book from mobile easily via the responsive booking page.
- Primarily self-service support: Support is mainly through help articles or email. There’s no phone support. Given the simplicity of the system, this is usually fine, but during busy times (like registration opening for a term) you might wish for instant support if something isn’t working as expected.
User Feedback
Bookwhen enjoys a loyal following among yoga teachers, art class organizers, non-profits and community groups, and small businesses offering workshops. Many appreciate that it has allowed them to move from spreadsheets or manual booking to an online system at low cost. One reviewer mentioned “I’ve spent weeks searching for affordable software that actually does what I need. I’m loving it!” (Bookwhen Reviews - Capterra).
Users often highlight how it saves admin time – registrations are all in one place, payments are tracked, and reminders go out automatically. Attendees like being able to book at any time without calls. Complaints, when they arise, are usually about wanting even more features (like more integration or a slicker UI).
In conclusion, Bookwhen is a top Calendly alternative for those running classes or events on a budget. It gives you the group scheduling features Calendly lacks, and even a free tier to try it out. While not as comprehensive as some pricier class management software, it covers the fundamentals well. If Calendly’s simplicity isn’t enough for your classes, Bookwhen might provide that next level of functionality without breaking the bank.
6. Bookeo – Comprehensive Booking System for Classes, Tours, and Appointments
Bookeo Overview
Bookeo is an online booking software that comes in three flavors: Bookeo Appointments (for 1:1 services), Bookeo Classes & Courses (for class-based bookings), and Bookeo Tours & Activities (for tour operators). It’s a versatile platform that has been around for over a decade, known for its robust feature set. As a Calendly alternative, Bookeo offers far more in terms of managing group events, taking payments, and customizing the booking experience. It’s suited for small to mid-sized businesses that need a professional booking system – examples include language schools, art studios, escape room venues, tour companies, and fitness class providers.
Bookeo’s class and course module specifically addresses scheduling multi-session courses, drop-in classes, and even appointments, all in one system. It might be more than needed for a single instructor, but for those expanding their offerings or needing advanced options (like customer logins, gift vouchers, etc.), Bookeo is a strong candidate.
Pricing
Bookeo operates on a flat monthly subscription (no per-booking fees). There’s no free plan, but a 30-day free trial is offered. Pricing depends on which module and scale: for example, Bookeo Appointments starts at $14.95/month for a solo user (basic features), whereas Bookeo Classes & Courses starts at $39.95/month (which includes up to a certain number of instructors and active bookings). The Classes module has tiers based on the number of teachers and users.
Key Features
For classes and courses, you can set up one-time classes, weekly recurring classes, multi-session courses (with a fixed start and end date), workshops, and even one-on-one lessons. It handles online payments (and even partial payments, deposits), and can offer promotions like early-bird pricing or coupon codes. Bookeo allows setting up membership or package deals – for example, customers can buy a package of 5 classes.
It provides a client portal where customers can log in, see their bookings, reschedule or cancel if allowed, and even see their remaining passes or payment balance. This is a more advanced client self-service aspect that most simpler tools lack.
Bookeo also supports group events where multiple people can join. For each class event, you can set a capacity, and it will show remaining spots. Waitlisting is available once full. For multi-session courses, Bookeo ensures once someone registers, all sessions in that series are reserved for them.
From an admin perspective, Bookeo offers a dashboard with calendar views, booking management, and a customer database. It has built-in email and SMS confirmations and reminders (SMS may require an add-on cost). You can connect Bookeo with your website via an embed or booking button. Integration-wise, it connects to Google Calendar, has APIs, and can link up with marketing tools (e.g., Mailchimp integration) and Zapier for broader integrations.
Pros:
- Multi-session bookings and recurring classes: Unlike Calendly, Bookeo is built to handle recurring classes and multi-session courses elegantly. For example, a dance school can set up a semester course, allow installment payments, and have students enroll in all sessions with one booking. This is a big advantage for those running structured programs.
- Online payments and revenue management: Bookeo not only lets you collect payments online, but also manages things like promotional codes, discounts for siblings or multi-bookings, and even point-of-sale features for on-site payments. If monetization of your classes is key, Bookeo gives you tools to maximize that (it even has marketing features like referral tracking and the option to embed reviews widgets).
- Customization and white-labeling: You can significantly customize the look of your booking widget/page to match your brand. Bookeo allows adding your logo, choosing theme colors, and even customizing email templates. This results in a more professional appearance to your clients compared to a generic Calendly page.
Cons
- Can be overwhelming for simple needs: The flipside of Bookeo’s rich features is complexity. There are many settings and configurations, which can overwhelm a new user who just “wants to let people book a slot.” It’s not as minimalistic as Calendly. There is definitely a learning curve to master all the features and to configure your account optimally. One SMB review gave it 8/10, noting the interface could be clunky and that it offers more than some might need (Bookeo Review).
- Limited live support channels: Bookeo’s support is via email. The “lack of telephone support” was pointed out as a downside by some. If you prefer hands-on guidance or quick fixes via a call, this could be frustrating. They do provide personalized support to an extent via email, but some users felt the tone was not always empathetic.
- UI could be fresher: While functional, Bookeo’s user interface isn’t the most modern or pretty. Some find the booking widget that clients see a bit outdated-looking (though it works well). Admin pages also prioritize function over form. It’s a minor gripe, but in an era of sleek SaaS design, Bookeo’s design could use a refresh to improve user experience.
User Feedback
Bookeo generally gets positive marks for reliability and depth. On Capterra it holds a 4.7/5 rating with many reviews, indicating most users are satisfied. Users commend that the system is “scalable” as their business grows. Many reviews highlight how switching to Bookeo streamlined their booking process significantly and saved them administrative headaches.
On the negative side, a few reviewers have mentioned that the interface feels dated and that initial setup took some time to configure to their needs. Another common theme is that Bookeo does a lot, so you have to invest time to make use of it fully.
In summary, Bookeo is a powerful Calendly alternative for those needing a more enterprise-like solution for classes and appointments without going into enterprise pricing. It delivers an impressive array of features for class scheduling, far beyond Calendly, but with that comes complexity. For a busy studio or school that is ready to automate their bookings and payments, Bookeo can be a one-stop solution that pays for itself in time saved and bookings gained. Just be prepared for a more involved setup and a monthly fee.
7. Mindbody – Industry-Leading Platform for Fitness Classes (at a High Cost)
Mindbody Overview
Mindbody is a heavyweight in the class scheduling world, particularly known in the fitness and wellness industry. Many gyms, yoga studios, Pilates and dance studios, and wellness centers use Mindbody for managing class schedules, memberships, and payments. It’s more than just a scheduling tool – it’s a comprehensive business management software. As an alternative to Calendly, Mindbody is overkill if you only need simple appointment booking. However, for those running a larger operation with multiple class offerings, instructors, retail sales, and want an all-in-one solution (and have the budget for it), Mindbody is often considered the gold standard.
Mindbody will handle everything from class sign-ups to membership billing, retail point-of-sale, payroll for staff, and marketing. It even offers a consumer-facing app (the Mindbody app) where the general public can discover classes at studios like yours. This can potentially bring new clients via the “Mindbody marketplace,” though it charges a fee for bookings made through the app marketplace.
Pricing
Mindbody is one of the most expensive options on this list. There is no free plan and no public free trial (demos are available). According to recent data, Mindbody offers tiered packages: Starter around $129/month, Accelerate around $279/month, Ultimate $499/month, and an Ultimate Plus even higher than that. These plans differ in the features provided – for example, Starter includes basic scheduling and point-of-sale, while Ultimate includes advanced marketing, branded mobile app, and more. Larger studios with multiple locations or extensive needs could be looking at several hundred per month.
Key Features
It’s hard to list all features because Mindbody is packed. Key capabilities include:
- Class scheduling and enrollment, where clients can book classes (and join waitlists) via web or the Mindbody app
- Appointment scheduling for one-on-one services (if your business also offers personal training or spa services)
- Membership management – recurring billing for member plans, keeping track of visit counts, etc.
- Payments and POS - integrated payment processing for class purchases, in-person POS for selling merchandise or memberships at the front desk
- Staff management – scheduling instructors, tracking their hours, payroll reports
- Reporting and analytics – dozens of reports on sales, attendance, revenue per client, etc.
For the client, Mindbody provides a polished experience: notifications for bookings, the ability to sign up for a series of classes, and even a kiosk mode for self check-in at studios.
In short, Mindbody attempts to handle every aspect of running a fitness/wellness business, not just scheduling. This breadth is why many established studios choose it, despite the cost.
Pros
- All-in-One Solution: Mindbody can replace multiple systems (scheduling software, payment processor, marketing CRM, etc.). Everything is under one roof, which can streamline operations. For instance, when a client books, their payment is recorded, their membership status is checked, and their attendance is tracked, all automatically. Owners who want a unified platform appreciate this level of integration. It “handles memberships/scheduling very easily” and centralizes client info including purchase history.
- Comprehensive reporting: Businesses that are scaling appreciate the detailed analytics Mindbody provides. You can get reports on revenue, retention, attendance, and even see metrics like client visit frequency, etc. This data can help in making business decisions. Many competitors have basic reports, but Mindbody’s are very extensive.
- Support for complex business models: Multi-location studios, franchises, or those with many staff find that Mindbody has the necessary features (like centralized reporting across locations, or separate instructor logins, etc.). It also has an API for custom integrations. In essence, it can grow with your business to a very large size.
- Client Convenience: The experience for clients is refined: one account that can be used across any studio that uses Mindbody (if they use the app), ability to sign up for workshops or appointments, store credit card on file for easy payments, and even things like self check-in or digital forms. This professionalism can enhance client satisfaction, compared to a bare-bones scheduler.
Cons
- High cost: The obvious con is price. At a minimum of $129/month (and realistically more for most, as the $129 “Starter” is quite limited. Mindbody is a significant expense. Many small studios or independent instructors simply cannot justify this, especially when alternatives (though less powerful) cost a fraction. One user bluntly said, “Quite pricey for [the] functionality”. The cost has also risen over the years, which long-time customers have felt.
- Steep learning curve and complexity: With many features comes complexity. New users often find Mindbody overwhelming. Setting up your account with all your services, pricing options, and rules can take time and sometimes requires training. Operating the backend is akin to using an enterprise software – not always intuitive. A reviewer noted “both the learning curve and price tag have grown with those features”. For the non-tech-savvy, Mindbody can feel daunting and may have more than you’ll ever use.
- Customer support issues: Mindbody’s support reputation has been mixed. They do offer phone and email support, but some users report slow responses or support reps that just refer to help articles. Additionally, Mindbody has historically locked some support or training behind additional fees or higher plans. There have been “complaints from smaller business owners… for consistently increasing prices coupled with poor customer service”. Smaller clients sometimes feel less valued by Mindbody’s support.
- Long-term contracts for branded features: Some advanced features (like the branded app) might require annual commitments or additional fees. Also, if you ever consider leaving Mindbody, migrating data out can be challenging – data portability is not as easy as with simpler tools.
- Performance and updates: Some users mention that the software can run slowly at times, or that updates occasionally introduce bugs. Mindbody is a large system, and while generally stable, it’s not immune to technical hiccups. Also, certain functions like report generation can be slow if you have tons of data.
User Feedback
Mindbody often evokes a love-hate relationship. Many love that it “does everything I need and customer service is totally worth it”, especially long-time users who have invested in it (Mindbody Reviews - Capterra). They value stability and not having to juggle multiple systems. Studios often stick with Mindbody for years – partly because it works, partly because switching would be painful. On the other hand, some hate the cost and the feeling of being nickel-and-dimed. One reviewer stated: “Ultimately got priced out as the continual increases without more features didn't make sense.”.
All in all, if budget is no constraint and you need top-tier class management features, Mindbody is a powerful alternative. But for most class organizers reading a Calendly alternatives article, Mindbody will be far beyond what’s necessary. It’s included here as an option for those larger scale operations where Calendly or mid-level tools fail to meet complex needs. Just go in with eyes open about the costs and learning curve.
8. Sawyer – Specialized Scheduling for Children’s Activity Providers
Sawyer Overview
Sawyer (often referred to as “Sawyer Tools”) is an all-in-one class registration and management software specifically focused on businesses that offer children's activities – think kids’ camps, after-school programs, art/music classes for kids, tutoring programs, etc. If Calendly is too generic for your kid-focused programs, Sawyer might be a tailor-made alternative. It handles online registration, payments, and parent communications with features attuned to the needs of running children’s programs (like managing age groups, requiring guardian info, etc.).
Pricing
Sawyer is a premium product, though typically cheaper than Mindbody. Sawyer has a starting price of $129/month with more advanced plan “Grow” at $199/month, “Scale” at $399/month. In addition, sales via the Sawyer Marketplace incur a 20% fee.
Key Features
Sawyer’s feature set is geared towards class registration for sessions and camps:
- Online registration and payment: You can set up classes (single or semesters) and allow parents to register their children online. It collects necessary details like child’s name, age, parent/guardian contacts, any medical info or consent forms. Payments can be processed for drop-ins or full course fees, including payment plans for more expensive programs.
- Parent communication: Automated confirmation emails, reminder emails, and the ability to message the class (e.g., send an email to all attendees of an upcoming session) are built in.
- Flexible pricing options: Sawyer allows discount codes, sibling discounts, early registration discounts, etc. It can also sell packages or credits. For example, a parent could buy 10 class credits and then use them to sign up for specific dates later.
- Marketplace listing: Similar to Mindbody, Sawyer has a marketplace (hisawyer.com) where parents can search for activities by location or category. Providers can get extra visibility here, but a commission (20% for first-time customers you get through Sawyer Marketplace) is taken.
Pros
- User-friendly for both admins and parents: A recurring theme in reviews is how “incredibly user friendly” Sawyer is for managing classes and for parents registering. The interface is modern and clean. One teacher said, “Sawyer has allowed me to confidently market my classes and confirm registrations so much easier than using my old method of Google Forms.” Parents have an easy time booking and paying, which reduces friction and increases sign-ups.
- Tailored to children’s classes: Little touches make a big difference – for instance, capturing the child’s birthdate to ensure they meet age requirements, handling waivers for minors, or allowing enrollment of multiple children by one account. Calendly or general tools would require awkward workarounds for these. Sawyer’s specialization means “it provides exactly what children’s activity businesses need”, according to many in that sector
- Parent experience and retention: Sawyer creates an account for each family, so parents can log in, see their schedule of all enrolled classes, and even find new ones via the marketplace. It’s convenient for them to manage all their kids’ activities in one place (if multiple providers use Sawyer). This can improve retention as well – e.g., parents get reminded to re-enroll for next semester, etc. One review from a business owner said, “Sawyer makes my business possible... it’s easy for busy parents, and that’s exactly what Sawyer provides.”
Cons
- Price, especially for small outfits: Sawyer’s cost can be a barrier for small or new programs. If you run just a single weekly class as a side gig, $100+ a month is steep. One user noted, “Very expensive. We are a small non-profit...”
- Transaction fees on marketplace bookings: If you opt into the Sawyer marketplace and get new customers through it, Sawyer takes a hefty cut (20% for first timers). If you rely heavily on their marketplace for discovery, you have to factor that cost in (though you can choose to use Sawyer just for your existing customer base and ignore the marketplace).
- Some missing integrations or minor features: While Sawyer covers most needs, a few users have wishlist items. For example, one review mentioned desire for Google Calendar integration for instructors (so classes show on personal calendars) – “I would love to see more email integrations” and an easier calendar sync. At the moment, instructors likely have to manually add their class times to personal calendars or use the .ics feed if provided.
- Learning curve on advanced features: Setting up complex term schedules or configuring unique discount rules can be a bit involved. Most find Sawyer intuitive, but if you have an unusual pricing model, it may take creativity to implement. The majority of common scenarios are well-handled though.
- Primarily for kids/family activities: If your classes are for adults or a different format, Sawyer still works, but some messaging and features are very kid-centric (e.g., the marketplace is clearly focused on children’s activities). For adult classes, a product like Bookeo or others might seem more directly targeted. That said, many of Sawyer’s tools apply generally to any classes with multiple attendees.
User Feedback
The sentiment around Sawyer is largely positive. Many small business owners credit it with transforming their registration process: “Sawyer makes what we do to keep the business moving forward much easier. They have amazing support and desire to grow their product offering.” (Sawyer Reviews - Capterra). On the cons side, cost is really the main gripe. A few also mention that they’d like even more features or refinements (e.g., better membership options, or a more detailed CRM aspect).
9. Setmore – Simple Appointment and Class Scheduler with a Free Tier
Setmore Overview
Setmore is an online scheduling software popular among small businesses, freelancers, and even community organizations. It combines ease-of-use with a freemium model, making it accessible to those who need scheduling without a big budget. Setmore supports both appointment scheduling and basic class/group event booking, which puts it on our list as a Calendly alternative that can handle classes in a simpler fashion.
Think of Setmore as a middle ground: more features than Calendly’s free version (and a more generous free plan), but not as specialized or comprehensive as high-end class booking systems. It’s well-suited for small studios, tutors, coaches, or clubs that want to allow online booking for both one-on-one sessions and group sessions (classes) in a user-friendly way.
Pricing
Setmore’s pricing is very competitive. They have a robust free plan that supports up to 4 users (staff) and unlimited appointments. On free plan, you get core scheduling, email reminders, and even Stripe integration for payments. The Pro plan is $12/user/month, which adds features like SMS reminders, recurring appointments, and removes the Setmore branding. They also have a Team plan for unlimited staff at $9/user. Essentially, Setmore can cost $0 for a small team or scale modestly as you add staff, remaining quite affordable.
Compared to Calendly (which charges per user as well), Setmore’s entry point is attractive because four staff calendars are free versus Calendly’s one user free. There is no long-term contract required; you can use free indefinitely or upgrade/cancel anytime.
Key Features
Setmore covers the basics thoroughly:
- Online Booking Page: You get a customizable booking page hosted by Setmore where clients can schedule appointments or register for classes you list. You can embed this on your website or share the link.
- Reminders and Notifications: Email notifications are standard for bookings. SMS text reminders and notifications are available on paid plans (including notifications to staff). This helps reduce no-shows.
- Payments: Integration with Stripe (and Square in some regions) to accept payments at booking. This way you can require prepayment for a class or appointment. Free plan includes payments, which is notable (Calendly makes you pay for payment integration).
- Apps and Integrations: Setmore offers desktop apps and mobile apps (iOS/Android) so you can manage your schedule on the go. There are direct integrations for Teleconferencing (Zoom, Teleport), social media booking (a Facebook plugin), and Slack. Zapier can connect Setmore to other tools for automation if needed.
- Customer Data: It maintains a customer list with contact info and appointment history. It’s not a full CRM, but you can see repeat customers and their past bookings, which is helpful for personalized service.
Pros
- Ease of use: Setmore is often highlighted for its simplicity. The interface is clean and not intimidating. A Capterra review notes, “This software is super simple and easy to use. It provides all the basic features necessary for booking appointments, taking payments and sending out reminders.”. This makes it friendly for non-tech-savvy organizers and for clients using the booking page.
- Class booking included: Unlike Calendly which focuses on individual meetings, Setmore’s class feature lets you host group sessions easily. For example, a dance instructor can set up a class at 6 pm for 10 students; once 10 sign up, it closes. This is perfect for small classes or workshops and is available even without paying.
- Reliable and improving: Setmore has been around for a while and has a stable platform. They continue to add features.
Cons
- Lacks some advanced class features: Setmore’s class scheduling is basic. It’s great for single-session group events, but if you need complex class management (recurring courses, passes, waitlists beyond a simple cap, etc.), it doesn’t do that. For instance, you can’t have someone sign up for a 8-week course as one booking – you’d have to list each class session or handle it externally. It’s not a dedicated class management system like others above.
- No built-in marketing or membership tools: It focuses on scheduling. You won’t get membership management, email campaigns, or detailed reporting. You can see appointment counts and such, but the analytics are fairly simple. If you want to do targeted marketing (like emailing people who haven’t come in a month), you’d need to export data or use Zapier to a Mailchimp, etc.
- UI/Branding customization limited: The booking page is Setmore-branded (though you can upload your logo and choose a color). To remove their branding, you need Pro. Also, you can’t extensively customize the client-facing interface beyond a point. It’s a standard look – clean but not highly brandable.
User Feedback
Setmore tends to get positive reviews for value and simplicity. It’s often described as “easy to use”, “great value especially with the free version”, and that the support is helpful when needed. Users who switch from manual booking or from more expensive systems often feel Setmore gives them what they need without excess cost or complexity.
On the downside, as noted, a few mention occasional hiccups or features they wish were more robust (like recurring appointments or the rare SMS failure). But critical problems seem few. Given its free offering, people are generally pleased with what they get.
In conclusion, Setmore is a fantastic Calendly alternative for those who need a straightforward and popular scheduling tool with the ability to book classes, and who appreciate having a free option. It might not have all the bells and whistles for advanced class management with lots of customization options, but for many small individual users, it covers scheduling needs well. You can start free, see if it fits, and only pay a small fee to unlock extras like text reminders or deeper sync when you’re ready.
10. SimplyBook.me – Customizable Booking System with Free Option
SimplyBook.me Overview
SimplyBook.me is an appointment scheduling software known for its flexibility and broad set of features through an extensive plugin system. It’s a bit like a “build-your-own” scheduling solution: the core handles appointments and scheduling, and you can enable various add-on modules (“custom features”) for things like classes, memberships, coupons, etc., based on your business needs. This makes SimplyBook.me adaptable to many industries — from healthcare clinics to education to beauty salons.
As a Calendly alternative, SimplyBook.me offers a lot more in terms of customization and features, and it also has a free tier. It can certainly handle group classes (via a plugin for group bookings) and is suited for those who want more control over the booking process appearance and capabilities without writing code. However, the trade-off is that it can be a bit complex to configure due to so many options.
Pricing
SimplyBook.me operates on a freemium model. The Free plan allows up to 50 bookings per month and 1 custom feature/plugin. This free forever plan is great for starters or low-volume scheduling, though 50 bookings/month is a modest limit. Paid plans start at $9.90/month (Basic) for 100 bookings/month and up to 3 plugins, then $29.90 (Standard) for 200 bookings and more features, and $59.90 (Premium) for 500 bookings with all features enabled.
Key Features
SimplyBook.me’s feature list is extensive, thanks to its modular system. Some highlights include:
- Online Booking Website: Every account gets a customizable booking website (you can even connect your own domain). You can add your logo, images, and adjust the theme. This site can list your services, classes, operating hours, etc. It’s quite polished compared to basic booking pages of some competitors.
- Booking widgets: If you have your own site, you can embed a booking widget or use a “Book Now” button to integrate SimplyBook.me’s functionality.
- Custom Features (Plugins): This is the core of SimplyBook.me’s flexibility. There are plugins for accepting payments (Stripe, PayPal, etc.), for coupons/discount codes, for client memberships or packages (e.g., 5-session passes), etc., providing seamless integration with many popular tools.
- Admin Tools: On the admin interface, you have a dashboard with analytics (bookings, revenue, popular services), a client database (with notes and visit history), and scheduling management for staff. You can set working hours, add padding times, and use various rules (like prevent last-minute booking or allow booking X days in advance).
Pros
- Highly customizable and feature-rich: SimplyBook.me can be tailored to fit many complex scenarios. If you found Calendly too limited, SimplyBook.me likely has a feature for what you need.
- Great for client bookings & marketing: With membership, package, and loyalty system plugins, you can encourage repeat business (clients can log in, see their remaining sessions, etc.). The system can also send automatic “thank you” or “review us” emails post-appointment with the right plugin. It’s not a full marketing suite, but these touches help with customer engagement.
- Support and reliability: The company claims over 100,000 users, and has been around for quite some time. They have a live chat support that’s well-regarded, and an extensive help center. One user review: “the software is reliable and in case you need help, there is live chat that is very responsive”.
Cons
- Initial setup complexity: With so many plugin options, new users can feel overwhelmed. It may take a while to configure all desired plugins properly and design the booking site to your liking. Some features are hidden in custom plugin settings that are not obvious until you explore. A reviewer noted “It can be a little confusing as to how the extra features are charged for” and “so far I haven’t figured out how canceled appointments sync with Google Calendar”, indicating a learning curve.
- Interface could be more modern: The admin interface is functional but some have found it not as slick or intuitive as newer apps. Similarly, customizing the client-facing site beyond provided templates might be limited.
- Client app limited to certain industries: The client app is a relatively new addition and might not be widely used by all client bases yet.
- Integrations could be broader: While it has key integrations (payments, calendars, etc.), it doesn’t have as many native integrations as some others.
User Feedback
SimplyBook.me enjoys a strong reputation and appears often in “top scheduling software” lists. Users love that it’s “extremely potent” in functionality (SimplyBook.me Reviews - Capterra). They often praise how much can be done with it, once configured. “Clients appreciate how simple it is to book sessions... we appreciate the simplicity of setting up the service”.
Complaints or lower ratings tend to revolve around complexities or specific use-cases not met. Some users might find it “too much” if they needed just a quick scheduler. And a few have noted instances of needing support when something wasn’t obvious (like syncing cancellations to Google cal as in the cons above). There were rare mentions of service issues, but overall, it’s well-reviewed at 4.6/5 on Capterra.
Closing Thoughts
Choosing the right scheduling tool depends on your specific needs. Calendly is a great starter for simple meetings, but as we’ve seen, there are many alternatives that offer free options, advanced class scheduling, or industry-specific features that Calendly lacks.
- If you run group classes or courses, specialized platforms like Pembee, Bookwhen, Bookeo, Mindbody, or Sawyer will give you the management muscle you need – from handling multi-session enrollments to processing payments and tracking attendance. Among these, Pembee shines for class scheduling with its ease-of-use and tailored features for group classes, courses, camps or clubs. It’s a top recommendation if you need a powerful yet user-friendly class booking system without the enterprise price tag of Mindbody.
- If you primarily need basic appointment scheduling but want more than Calendly, consider Acuity Scheduling for its customization and client management, or SimplyBook.me for its rich features and flexibility (especially if you might expand into classes or memberships).
- For those on a tight budget or just starting out, Setmore and Doodle provide very useful functionality at low or no cost – Setmore for a traditional booking page with class support, and Doodle for coordinating group meeting times in a pinch.
- And let’s not forget HubSpot Meetings if you want a free solution integrated with a CRM for managing contacts and follow-ups.
We encourage you to explore the options above. And if your focus is classes, courses, or any group events, give Pembee a serious look – it’s built from the ground up for people like you, and as our users have noted, it can be a “game changer” in managing class bookings.