Calendly
Calendly is an automated scheduling platform that eliminates back-and-forth emails by allowing others to book meetings directly on your calendar based on your real-time availability and custom preferences.
SimplyBook.me
SimplyBook.me is a versatile online appointment scheduling software providing service-based businesses with a professional booking website, automated notifications, and integrated payment processing to streamline client management and operations.
Quick Comparison
| Feature | Calendly | SimplyBook.me |
|---|---|---|
| Website | calendly.com | simplybook.me |
| Pricing Model | Freemium | Freemium |
| Starting Price | Free | Free |
| FREE Trial | ✓ 14 days free trial | ✓ 14 days free trial |
| Free Plan | ✓ Has free plan | ✓ Has free plan |
| Product Demo | ✓ Request demo here | ✓ Request demo here |
| Deployment | ||
| Integrations | ||
| Target Users | ||
| Target Industries | ||
| Customer Count | 0 | 0 |
| Founded Year | 2013 | 2008 |
| Headquarters | Atlanta, USA | Limassol, Cyprus |
Overview
Calendly
Calendly simplifies the way you schedule meetings by removing the frustrating back-and-forth of email chains. You simply set your availability preferences, share your personal link, and let invitees pick a time that works for everyone. It automatically syncs with your existing calendars to ensure you are never double-booked and sends instant confirmations to all parties involved.
You can use it for everything from simple one-on-one check-ins to complex group sessions and round-robin sales calls. The platform handles the time zone conversions and reminder notifications automatically, so you can focus on the actual meeting rather than the logistics of setting it up. It scales easily from individual freelancers to large global enterprises requiring advanced security and team routing.
SimplyBook.me
SimplyBook.me provides you with a complete booking solution designed specifically for service-based businesses. You can create a professional, custom-branded booking website where clients can view your availability and schedule appointments 24/7. It eliminates the back-and-forth of manual scheduling by syncing with your personal calendars and sending automated reminders via email or SMS to reduce no-shows.
You can manage everything from simple one-on-one consultations to complex class schedules and memberships. The platform also handles your financial transactions by allowing you to accept deposits or full payments online through various processors. Whether you are a solo practitioner or manage a large team across multiple locations, you can scale the system with custom features like coupons, gift cards, and intake forms.
Overview
Calendly Features
- Calendar Sync Connect up to six calendars per user to automatically check your real-time availability and prevent any double-bookings.
- Automated Workflows Send automated thank-you notes, meeting reminders, and follow-up emails to your invitees to reduce no-shows and save time.
- Round Robin Scheduling Distribute incoming meetings automatically among your team members based on availability, priority, or equal distribution logic.
- Meeting Polls Vote on preferred times for large group meetings and let the majority decide the best slot without endless email threads.
- Custom Branding Remove the Calendly logo and add your own branding to booking pages for a professional, cohesive client experience.
- Payment Integrations Collect payments via Stripe or PayPal directly at the moment of booking to streamline your billing process.
SimplyBook.me Features
- Custom Booking Website. Create a professional standalone booking page or embed a widget directly into your existing website for seamless scheduling.
- Automated Notifications. Reduce costly no-shows by sending automated appointment confirmations and reminders to your clients via SMS and email.
- Online Payments. Secure your revenue by accepting deposits or full upfront payments through integrated processors like PayPal, Stripe, and Square.
- Client App. Offer your customers a dedicated mobile app so they can book, cancel, and manage their appointments directly from their phones.
- Intake Forms. Collect important client information or medical history during the booking process so you are fully prepared for every session.
- Membership Management. Sell recurring memberships and packages to your loyal clients to ensure steady cash flow and repeat business.
- Marketing Tools. Boost your sales by creating custom coupons, gift cards, and 'book soon' reminders to keep your calendar full.
- Admin App. Manage your entire business on the go with a dedicated admin app that lets you view and edit schedules.
Pricing Comparison
Calendly Pricing
- 1 calendar connection
- Unlimited one-on-one events
- One event type
- Automated event notifications
- Mobile app access
- Everything in Free, plus:
- Connect 2 calendars per user
- Unlimited active event types
- Group and collective events
- Reminders and follow-ups
- Custom branding on booking pages
SimplyBook.me Pricing
- 50 bookings per month
- 1 custom feature
- 5 providers
- Booking website
- Booking widget
- Directory listing
- Everything in Free, plus:
- 100 bookings per month
- 3 custom features
- 15 providers
- Client app
- Sales POS
- Coupons and gift cards
Pros & Cons
Calendly
Pros
- Eliminates repetitive back-and-forth emails effectively
- Automatic time zone detection works flawlessly
- Clean and intuitive interface for invitees
- Seamless integration with major calendar providers
Cons
- Free version limited to one event type
- Customization options restricted on lower tiers
- Workflows can be complex to set up initially
SimplyBook.me
Pros
- Extremely flexible system with modular custom features
- Professional looking booking pages that build trust
- Excellent customer support via live chat
- Affordable entry-level pricing for small businesses
- Robust mobile apps for both admins and clients
Cons
- Setup interface can feel overwhelming initially
- Custom feature limits on lower tiers are restrictive
- SMS credits require an additional purchase