Calendly vs. Google Calendar: 2026 Comparison

According to user reviews, Calendly and Google Calendar offer several common features and benefits with their calendar management features:

• Integration with other calendars: Both Calendly and Google Calendar offer integration capabilities with other calendars, such as iCal and Microsoft Outlook, allowing users to sync appointments and avoid scheduling conflicts.

• Management of multiple calendars: Users of both tools appreciate the ability to manage multiple calendars, whether for different aspects of life, such as personal and professional, or for different purposes like shared calendars.

• Ease of scheduling: Users of both platforms find it easy and straightforward to set up meetings and manage their time efficiently.

Some Google Calendar users complain about limited color choices when customizing their calendars, as well as the lack of alerts when double-booking time slots. 

That said, both tools offer effective calendar management features that help users stay organized. 

Calendar management for Calendly:

Of the 261 reviewers who gave detailed accounts of their use of Calendar Management, 93% rated this feature as important or highly important.

Calendar management for Google Calendar:

Of the 587 reviewers who gave detailed accounts of their use of Calendar Management, 98% rated this feature as important or highly important.

Calendly and Google also have similar, highly-rated calendar sync features, which allow each platform to prevent scheduling conflicts and ensure real-time updates are sent across devices and platforms. Both tools are able to synchronize schedules from other third-party calendar tools, including Outlook and iCal. That way, when a colleague or client books a meeting or appointment on your Outlook or iCal calendar, Calendly and Google Calendar will reflect your new availability so you don’t get double-booked for the same time slot. Users find it helpful to have all their events and appointments in one place so they can stay organized. 

Calendar sync for Calendly:

Of the 354 reviewers who gave detailed accounts of their use of Calendar Sync, 97% rated this feature as important or highly important.

Calendar sync for Google Calendar:

Of the 499 reviewers who gave detailed accounts of their use of Calendar Sync, 93% rated this feature as important or highly important.

Calendly allows users to receive customizable reminder notifications via email, SMS, and push notifications on their devices. Reviewers say this automated feature helps users stay organized and is crucial for improving attendance rates and reducing no-shows. The ability to customize reminder messages and include necessary details like Zoom links is highly appreciated, as is the flexibility to set multiple reminders. 

Similarly, Google Calendar offers email, SMS, and push notifications through its calendar reminder system. Google’s reminders offer similar functionality, such as customizability and the ability to set multiple reminders for different times, which helps users stay organized and avoid missing important events. Some reviewers mention the need for louder or more noticeable notifications, especially on iOS devices, to ensure they don't miss reminders. 

Overall, both tools offer highly-rated reminder features that keep users up to date on booked meetings and appointments. 

Reminders for Calendly:

Of the 329 reviewers who gave detailed accounts of their use of Confirmations/Reminders, 94% rated this feature as important or highly important. With automated reminders for paid subscribers, Calendly is an affordable option for businesses that want to simplify client communications.  

Reminders for Google Calendar:

Of the 442 reviewers who gave detailed accounts of their use of Google Calendar’s reminder system, 97% rated this feature as important or highly important. Google Calendar is a great option for existing Google Workspace users who want a scheduling tool that offers notifications.