I also use the Week Cal app on iPhone and iPad since ages and my wife as well. We can both see our Google calendars perfectly. The best thing of the app is the travel time (in minutes) and the option to open a map app such as Google Maps to navigate as well. I do miss the option to see the travel time in the widget as well though. The best iOS apps of January 2021 1. Don't Break The Chain!: Stick to your 2021 resolutions. For the most part, the apps I bring up on these lists are ones that I've recently discovered. DBTC!, however, is one that I've been using for five years now. That's as long as I've been an iPhone owner. Calendars is the most elegant and easy to use calendar application available on the App Store. It works perfectly with Google Calendar and built-in iOS Calendar. Calendars allows you to manage events both online and offline. Thanks to the unique interface you can move events simply with Drag & Drop. The best calendar apps on the Mac and iOS are Fantastical, BusyCal, Calendars 5 and Timepage. Special mention to Informant 5: it's an app for handling a busy schedule and so includes a calendar. Calendars 5 for iPhone and iPad (App Store link), currently at version 5.2, is a very good upgrade to Readdle's venerable Calendars+ app.Though released prior to iOS 7, the new $7 app fits right.
Our days are often occupied doing numerous other things or even sitting idle but lost in our world. Under both scenarios, it's common to forget important dates, appointments, etc. Missing them might even cost you a relation or your job. Having said this, it's better to keep track of them. Here are the best calendar apps for the iPhone and iPad.
Factors Determining the Best Calendar App For iPhone
- Simple Interface: A calendar app doesn't only work as a reminder; it also helps you keep track of time and manage it efficiently. This application must have an easy to use interface. A few taps and you are done with setting your day's schedule.
- Sync Capabilities: Better the sync capabilities, the more you save time and effort. Your chosen app should sync nicely with standard calendars like Google, Exchange, iCloud, and other third-party apps to align your entire schedule by itself. This can be of excellent help auto-scheduling your day by picking your travel plans, appointments, and events.
- Setting Expectations: Don't miss the app description section before deciding to install. Also, consider going through reviews – especially three-star and four-star. A quick overview will help you set expectations. There are odd times that few apps fail to meet specific features listed in the description. You should know what to expect before installing an app on your device.
- Features: The best part of technology advancement is that you get something new every day. This is why app developers keep updating their applications. Scroll through the features offered and also check when was the last time the app got upgraded. The closer the date, the better are the chances of having better features and experience. This portrays the sincerity of the team towards their calendar app and user satisfaction.
- Sharing Possibilities: What if you have a travel plan or an event you aim to celebrate with your near and dear ones? This is where sharing an calender event comes into the picture. Ensure that your calendar app lets you share your schedule at commonly used platforms. It will help you in keeping all the essential people updated on the go.
- Compatibility: Is your calendar app compatible with iPhone, iPad, Mac, and Apple Watch? Not all apps may support each of the mentioned devices. Still more, the merrier. Having said this, if your selected app is compatible with other devices you own, you can stay updated no matter where you are and which device is close to you.
- Siri-Friendly: The best thing about Siri is that she acts as your command. Won't it be great to have your calendar app schedule an event after you command Siri to do so? Indeed a big yes!! Hence, though last in this list, but not least. Ensure your app is as friendly with Siri as she is with you.
1. Google Calendar
This one's the most organized Calendar app by Google, which means you are sure to have numerous friendly features and sync options. The app offers you three viewing options, namely, Month, Week, and Day. It auto-syncs with your Gmail account and adds events like travel plans, hotel bookings, restaurant reservations, etc. Besides, the app works seamlessly with all calendars installed on your device, including iCloud and Exchange.
Price: Free
2. Calendars: Planner & Reminders
The application has gained quite a good user base since its launch. The credit goes to its intuitive interface, allowing you to sync it with your Google Calendar and drag and drop the events directly. It also comes with the ease of managing the event online and offline. Finally, it comes with special keyboards that enable you to define appointments and time reminders twice faster than the in-built iOS calendar.
Price: Free (In-app Purchases start from $6.99)
3. PocketLife Calendar
This one comes loaded with a range of useful and modern features. The first thing that I liked about the app is that it easily syncs with Google, Outlook, iCal, Yahoo, and iCloud. Also, you get to switch your view from options like List, Day, Week, Agenda, Year, and Month. The app is compatible with AirDrop & AirPrint and comes with Touch ID and Face ID protection.
Price: Free (In-app Purchases start from $0.99)
4. Calendars 5 by Readdle
The app undoubtedly serves you with the best calendar experience on mobile. It comes with some great features like natural language input, offline support, task manager, event-centric interface, custom reminders, alerts, and much more. However, you might find it a bit expensive in comparison to other apps. The reason being, after buying the app, you'll have to have a subscription after a free trial for three days.
Price: $6.99
5. Fantastical – Calendar & Tasks
The app is free to install and offers some commendable features like DayTicker and a 3-day weather forecast. However, you'll have to opt for a subscription to unleash other premium components, including a 10-day weather forecast powered by AccuWeather, event and task templates, response to event invitations, and much more. You can also browse and subscribe to calendars like holidays, TV shows, sports, and much more.
Price: Free (In-app Purchases start from $4.99)
6. Planner Pro
If you are the one who likes to live a managed life, the app can be a perfect fit for you. While the app is free to install, it comes with a Pro version that requires you to pay. In that, you get to sync your events with the iOS calendar, manually time slot, support for all-day/cross-day events, system reminder for each task, and much more. However, the essential feature is the notes functionality, which lets you unlimited notes for each day.
Price: Free (In-app Purchases start from $2.99)
7. Calendar Op.2
Design specifically for iPhone users, the application comes with a range of features like month/day view with the event title, mini popup window sharing daily events, etc. It features a vertical interface that lets you scroll through a monthly/daily list of events. The app syncs seamlessly with the built-in iOS calendar and Google Calendar.
Price: Free (In-app Purchases start from $2.99)
8. Tiny Calendar
The application is undoubtedly infused with some creative integrations. It comes with intriguing features like natural language input, gestures, drag, and drops, etc., to serve you with ease of access. Some other features that make it worth space on your iPhone include sync and manage tasks, real-time sync, offline support, an advanced reminder system, ease of access wherever you are, etc.
Price: Free (In-app Purchases start from $1.99)
9. Informant 5 Calendar
This one's not just another calendar app; instead, it is much more than that. The first thing you'll love about the app is the button interface to input your event's time. It also comes with a new weather feed and support commands from Siri. You also get to use customizable features like emojis, colors, tags, etc. Besides, there are a lot of other features that will undoubtedly make you addicted to the app.
Price: Free (In-app Purchases start from $2.99)
10. Awesome Calendar
The application comes with a wide array of features to customize your experience. Selecting a preferred font size to start your week gives you complete command over how you use the calendar app. To further enhance your experience, it comes with a security feature that allows you to unlock the app with a code. Other notable features include daily wise quotes to begin your day, sharing a note via email, theme color, lots of stickers, etc.
Price: $9.99
11. 24me
If I had to applaud the app in a single sentence, I'd borrow the words said by Apple. It mentioned, 'Best of App Store to manage your calendar, to-do list, notes, and personal accounts.' If this doesn't compel you to try it, here are few features that it offers. The app serves as a single destination for all your tasks, calendars, personal accounts, and notes. You can also give it voice commands to add your events and further customize it to match your taste.
Price: Free (In-app Purchases start from $5.99)
12. Calendar Z
Though last in our list, but in no way the least. It offers you a simple interface, which eventually allows you to set up complicated repeating events. It's designed in a manner that you can view all your events listed in a day without any error. Rounding it all, the app offers many more features that make you streamline your day with much ease.
Price: Free (In-app Purchases start from $1.99)
Signing Off
I hope the list served its purpose. Just in case you are using the default calendar app and finding issues in adding an event, here's a quick guide to fix the same.
You may also like to read these:
Mayank is a published author and a tech-blogger with over ten years of writing experience for various domains and industries. At iGeeks, he mostly writes about blogs that solve user-problems and guide them on unleashing the full potential of their Apple Device. He can often be found with his headphones on, typing to the rhythm of some country song.
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Utilities • Updated on Feb.29, 2020
IIt has been a while since the dawn of 2020 and we have been wondering how your productivity is coming along. Perhaps you are still figuring out what's awesome about Calendar apps?
When used properly, they can be better than a real-life personal assistant. Consider this scenario:
You wake up one day without any idea about what lies ahead. In a single glance, you'd know what's ahead, how's your day and who you should wish Happy Birthday.
For professionals, there are more possibilities, such as having a Clear Agenda and making sure that you don't stay dizzy for the afternoon meeting you have.
But, wait, there's one condition:
You should be using one of the best calendar apps out there. Get on topwatermelon gaming.
If you're a Mac user and were thinking about using the default Calendar, you're at the wrong place.
Quick navigation:
What's wrong with the default Calendar app
Or, why did I leave one of the well-integrated apps on Mac?
Best Calendar App For Mac And Iphone 2015 Pro
There are many awesome built-in apps on macOS. But, Calendar isn't one of them.
Of course, it works well with iCloud and your Apple ID but that's it. It has an intuitive UI too. The moment you talk about customization and some innovative features, the fame of Apple Calendar starts to fade away.
I personally had used Apple Calendar for a few months after I got my Mac. Of course, I enjoyed the perks of native notifications and seamless integration with macOS, but it didn't last long.
Or, to be frank, it didn't last after I came across some awesome calendar apps for macOS.
The last time I checked, Apple Calendar in macOS isn't for everyone. And, don't even think about managing multiple profiles — say Work and College — using the same panel.
So, I figured, almost everyone needs one alternative to the default calendar app on Mac.
Picking the right calendar app for macOS — what to look for
There is no scarcity for macOS calendar apps. Regardless of who you are, there is one calendar app for you. However, while selecting the right calendar apps for Mac, we had a strong criteria in mind.
- Ease of use: As we said, a calendar app can be your personal assistant. But, it should be easy to use and access, right? So, we wanted the best calendar app to have an intuitive interface, with different viewing options and control.
- Performance: The next criteria was obviously how the calendar app performs. Of course, it must cater to the common user and the power user. Your 70-year-old grandma and 15-year-old daughter should find it easy to use.
- macOS integration: I mean, you can't expect the level of integration from default Calendar app. Still, the best calendar app should work fine with macOS. At least when it comes to on-time notifications, you should not have to use a third-party tool.
- Multi-device support: As it happens, many macOS calendars are available for other platforms such as iOS and Android. It's great to have a calendar app that syncs your events, anniversaries and all the agenda with multiple devices you own.
- Integrations: You may have accounts in other Calendar services apart from iCloud. The basic example would be Google Calendar. So, we made sure that our best calendar app offers support for some of the third-party calendar services as well.
- Extra features: We love additional features in every macOS app. So is the case of calendar apps also. We have chosen a Calendar app that brings some innovative features to the table.
Of course, we didn't want to choose an app that's highly expensive. So, all the great calendar apps you would find here are reasonable at the maximum level.
Now that you have an idea, shall we check out the best calendar apps out there for macOS users?
Just so you know, we have been using most of these calendar apps for over a year, and we love'em.
Best calendar app for most users: BusyCal
BusyCal is, hands down, the best calendar app you can find for macOS right now. It packs so many features that we wish the Apple Calendar had.
It doesn't stop there: bringing some innovative features, BusyCal is changing how you manage your agenda-planning, event-chronicling and of course the whole experience of using a calendar.
Without further ado, we will check out the various aspects of BusyCal you should know about.
The interface
BusyCal has one of the most intuitive Calendar interfaces we've seen. And, it's okay if you confuse BusyCal for macOS Calendar at the first glance. As it happens, BusyCal design has taken inspiration from what Apple had done.
We believe the UI of BusyCal is as professional as it gets. Let's take the case of sidebars: they are completely flexible. If you want a seamless view of the current month or week, you can hide the sidebars and enjoy it. On the other hand, if you prefer controls on each side, BusyCal has got you covered there too.
BusyCal offers five different viewing options. If you are a busy professional with too many appointments on a day, you can choose the Daily view. The other options include Week, Month, Year and List. I prefer Monthly Viewing Option for the clean looks.
Like icing on the cake, BusyCal offers support for graphical elements as well. You can include smileys, icons and other visual elements in event entries. The Month View looks just amazing when you're done. All in all, the UI of BusyCal has been kept as minimal as possible.
When you enter the Preferences tab, though, things start changing.
Integration with macOS
BusyCal is one of the very few macOS calendar apps that integrate so well with the macOS system. Let's start with the notifications.
Notifications are available from the pane. In addition, BusyCal can show you dedicated pop-ups as well. That is, once you have created an event, you will get a prompt at the particular time. Suppose you had an event at 9 o' clock but you started the computer at 10, you'd still see the pop-up message.
BusyCal also offers options to Dismiss or Snooze the notification. Personally speaking, I use BusyCal as my to do list as well. Thanks to the wonderful notification/pop-up system it has, I almost never miss appointments (or exams) I have.
There's a DND feature too if you want your notifications to be snoozed out — works great for dates and sudden trip plans.
There are some additional features too. Suppose you want to be notified when you have to leave for office. Just set the location and select the travel time. BusyCal would calculate the estimated travel time and notify you promptly. Awesome, huh?
In short, BusyCal integrates very well with the macOS system. Even up to an extent that I never miss Apple's.
Syncing support
With BusyCal, you need a single calendar app for all your different calendar needs.
BusyCal offers complete support for services like Google Calendar, iCloud, Exchange, Office 365 and a few calDAV servers in use. Frux, Kerio and Zimbra are compatible with BusyCal.
Did we say that BusyCal has an iOS version too? It means all your calendar entries will be available via your iPhone too. It packs almost all the features you have seen in the macOS version — and something more too.
Altogether, the Sync and Multi-Device Support of BusyCal are just amazing.
Customizability
BusyCal also is one of the most customizable calendar apps for macOS. From the basic controls to how it is showing you minute details, everything in BusyCal can be changed. For instance, you can decide what should appear on the Info Panel.
Similarly, you can control how backups take place inside BusyCal. And, if you go to Advanced Settings, there are a bunch of options that you can explore and enable. We would give a 5-star rating for BusyCal as far as the aspect of customization is concerned.
While BusyCal provides a complete calendar experience, some of its features are well put into use by professionals who have to deal with a lot of tasks and event management. So if you are a professional, then we really recommend BusyCal to you. The customization option is also a handy addition for professionals as they can work around with every aspect of event creation.
Flaws but not dealbreakers
Okay, there's no doubt that BusyCal is the best calendar app you can find for. However, this does not mean that BusyCal is the perfect calendar app. As it happens, there are some issues with the app. They are not any deal-breakers though. So, if you are planning to purchase BusyCal, you should know about these issues.
While BusyCal offers complete support for accounts like iCloud, it's not really easy to set things up. You will have to create a third-party app password via Apple ID, which can take some time. For someone who's first to calendar apps, this process can be a pain in the ass.
Aesthetics of BusyCal isn't the best either. Just so you know, we love the UI — it's clean, minimal and does the job. However, there are people who prefer a rather colorful UI with dynamic effects and animations. You can't find any of these things in BusyCal.
Also, we are missing out some features that we have seen in other programs. For instance, BusyCal is not a great choice if you want to collaborate with your team or manage everything from the notification panel. It does not have widget support either.
The point is this: all these features are optional. These things are not going to affect how you use the calendar app for day-to-day purposes. I use BusyCal every single day and the lack of colors or the toughness of initial set-up doesn't bother me. I ain't a team-player, but you may be one. So, pay attention.
Availability & pricing
BusyCal is available for Mac and iOS. As we said earlier, multi-device sync helps you keep all the entries under control. Just so you know, BusyContacts — a sister app of BusyCal — can easily be integrated with this app. There is no word over Windows/Android versions, though.
BusyCal has been reasonably priced at $49.99 and it's available via Setapp as well. The best part is that you can try the full version of BusyCal for 30 days before actually purchasing it. Chances are, though, you will get the app once you've got the hang of it.
Best for power users: Fantastical 3
Are you looking for a rather colorful and powerful alternative to BusyCal? Fantastical 3 for Mac would be a great option for sure. It too is a worthy upgrade from the default calendar app. It brings features that are smart, convenient and flexible.
The UI of Fantastical looks just dope. Filled with colors and various viewing options, you will never get lost.
Simple app with intuitive features
There are quite a few extra features that we loved in Fantastical. It's a simple app which is easy to use. For instance, it has 100% support for natural language use and quick entries. Similarly, in-built Reminders will surely help you keep things under control.
It needs to be noted that Fantastical was a simple menu-bar app previously. When the developers maximized it into a full macOS app, there have surely been some performance boosts.
When it comes to compatibility, Fantastical does not let you down, either. You can use this calendar app to manage multiple accounts from services like Google, iCloud and others. Thanks to the colorful sidebar, it is very easy to take care of hundreds of to-dos or reminders you may have. Even if you are using the menu-bar version of the app, it provides proper insight to your upcoming days.
There are also a number of features to love in Fantastical. For instance, it integrates quite well with macOS system, especially when it comes to widgets. If you are a fan of the notification panel, you can bring in one widget too. Considering the Smart features, Fantastical lets you configure your events based on geo-fence as well.
Another feature we loved in Fantastical is Scheduling, if you have support for a mail server. That is, you can schedule a particular event by also considering the time-slots of your colleagues, which is great.
In addition to all this, Fantastical offers dedicated apps for iPhone, iPad and Apple Watch. Because the content is synced perfectly, you can keep everything under control.
In the long run, Fantastical will be offering a lot of features, but the question is different: do you need them all? Or, does it have features that you need? This is where all the differences are made.
For instance, unless you're working in a team, you won't need some of the features. In the same way, if you are not a fan of the system widgets, you lose one point there too.
Great to collaborate
One of the other features that we liked about Fantastical 3 is the option to collaborate with other individuals who are not even using the app. It lets you propose multiple dates for an event. So pick a date and pick another, send it across to you contact, and agree on a time.
Fantastical will send an email to the people you have invited, gathering their inputs for a preferred event slot. And don't worry, they don't have to download the app to pick a desired slot.
Interesting calendars
Calendars can be boring if they are just calendars. With Fantastical 3, you get the option to add Interesting Calendars to your main calendar. Interesting Calendars are calendar integrations that you can have with Fantastical. Have a favorite football team? Just look them up in Interesting Calendars and you will have their schedule integrated into your main calendar.
Some flaws, not dealbreakers
Well, Fantastical 3 — the newest version of this innovative calendar app — is quite cool, but there are a couple of places around product development where it could have a better say.
Fantastic 3 is a major overhaul over Fantastical 2, its predecessor, which means that users might have some trouble getting used to the new features, and might even miss some of the older features that are not present in Fantastical 3. We wished that the transition to the newest version was smooth, and that users did not have to complain about missing out on a few Fantastical 2 features such as push updates, fullscreen view, and time to leave notification, among other things.
Pricing
Fantastical for macOS moved to a subscription-based model with the release of Fantastical 3. You can get on an annual plan starting at $3.33 per month, and a monthly plan at $4.99 per month. If you just want to check things out, then you can start with a 14-day free trial.
Best for busy people: Woven
Woven advertises itself as the best calendar app for busy professionals. Woven claims that the features it has lets users sabe around two hours per month so that they can focus on things that matter to them the most.
Yes, this is one exciting calendar app that you would want to surely look at. With features such as templates, keyboard shortcuts, integration with Uber, auto timezone support, it really manages to find a way into our list of favorite calendar apps in 2020.
Here are some of our favorite features from Woven that you would want to look at.
Smart templates
Templates are designed to save you time while you are performing the same and regular functions, such as creating the same meeting events. The smart template feature on Woven learns from your habits and helps you schedule events on along familiar parameters.
For example, if you go to the same cafe for meetings, then you could have templates that automatically pick the meeting place for the chosen time slots.
Schedule events faster
Woven transforms the way you schedule your meeting links. You can create one-tie or public links that your guests can click on to choose a preferred time slot. Yes, this feature is quite similar to the event creation option in Fantastical.
Since this feature works mostly with links, you will be avoiding those extra emails in your inbox.
Availability sharing
Availability sharing is another cool feature of the Woven calendar app. It adds to the overall objective of saving time when deciding on schedules.
So someone sharing their availability with you means that you can have a precise look at what time you are free for a meeting. If you are worried about your privacy, then you can be assured that they never really get a loo what events you are attending.
You can choose who to share your availability with, request availability from others, and schedule your meeting faster.
Woven is easy to set up, just download the app and log in through your favorite account and you will be good to go. You can connect more accounts on the go.
Flaw but not dealbreaker
In our Woven test, we realized that it is quite a wholesome app. It syncs well with Google and G Suite Calendars, but they are yet to offer sync support for Office 365. So if you are someone who uses Office 365 extensively, then you may have to wait for a future update.
Pricing and availability
Woven is available for iOS, Mac, Windows, and the Web. It's free to use during the beta period.
Other options we considered
We had actually considered 10+ calendar apps in total, but we think three other apps deserve the mention. If you think the three apps we've selected are not just what you are looking for, you can consider the following choices as well.
Calendar 366 II is a macOS calendar app that does not have a Windows view. In other words, it's a complete menu-bar-based calendar app for Mac. This is a great consideration if you need a calendar app with better views. Of course, because you don't have to shift to another window, there is less distraction too. although not comparable to our top picks, Calendar 366 II packs some features inside.
For instance, it feels really easy to find calendar entries from Calendar 366 II, thanks to support for Spotlight Search. You can also make use of the Touch Bar support if you have an applicable device. You can even go to the extent of using Calendar 366 II as a Clock Replacement on your macOS. Despite all these features — along with standard syncing options, Calendar 366 II lacks some Pro features everyone wants.
Calendar 366 II is available for macOS and iOS. It costs $14.99 in total, but 21-day free trial is also available.
Informant is yet another popular calendar app you can find for macOS. It does not have the most modern UI so to speak, but there is a lot to explore. Compared to many of our primary considerations, Informant has a clean way of arranging elements. You can not only choose between Viewing Modes but also customize how individual events appear.
However, we believe Informant compromises on the Performance aspect. While it's a cleaner alternative to default Apple calendar, there aren't many features for commons. We, however, loved the menu-bar app that Informant comes with. You can easily add events your calendar from the menu bar itself. It should be noted that Informant offers support for all the standard calendar actions, though.
Informant is available for macOS and iOS. It's priced at $49.99 but you can check out the free trial for 30 days. It's also available on Setapp.
InstaCal for Mac
InstaCal is a Mac menu bar app which stands affordable at $4.99.
It syncs well with Google Calendar, Office 365, and Outlook, and comes with features such as customizable calendars, useful menu bar options that can replace the system date, support for the Mac's Touch Bar. It also has a dark mode.
Google Calendar isn't technically a macOS calendar app, but rather a Web-based solution. However, if you're someone who uses a lot of Google products, we'd recommend it as an alternative to Apple Calendar. This is the point: all your activities will be synced all the time. And, in the course of time, Google Calendar has been adding a lot of features to the lot.
Of course, Google Calendar does not have a dedicated macOS app right now. You will have to keep a window open in your favorite browser. Just in case you don't know, Google Calendar has a cool way of arranging all the information. You would not have trouble in getting used to it. You can also get some G-Suite add-ons for Google Calendar if you're interested.
Google Calendar is free to use and you can access it from almost any device. Everything syncs well and it's wholesome prosperity if you are somehow linked to the Google ecosystem.
Outlook Calendar
Outlook users can power up — there's still time.
A lot of us are still hung to Outlook. Aren't their selection of pictures for web backgrounds great? If you like the Microsoft ecosystem, the Outlook Calendar should get things going for you. It's only for the web though.
Outlook Calendar for web lets you perform all the basic calendar tasks. The interface is crisp and well laid out with balanced colors. There's good design consistency across the app — Microsoft is known to carry themes across its products.
Outlook Calendar is free to use.
Best Calendar App For Mac And Iphone 2015 Download
The bottom line
So, after going through all the apps that topped our list, what do you think? We think you'd agree that getting BusyCal could get much of your work done at an apt price point.
Fantastical 3 is great if you are a power user, and would like to have more integrations with other calendars, such as calendars of your favorite music groups and sports teams.
In its Beta release, Woven also looks quite promising. They're definitely going to introduce some major updates with future releases that will add even more productivity tweaks to these neatly-designed apps.
On your journey to productivity, if you just need a calendar to get the most basic of events and tasks logged with little automation, then any of the free calendar apps could do the job.
