Let’s face it: nobody likes the back-and-forth of scheduling appointments or the absolute chaos of an unmanaged calendar. That’s where online appointment scheduling tools come into play.
These tools aren’t just about scheduling appointments — they’re often all-in-one solutions that sync calendars, process payments, and streamline your bookings.
Whether you’re a creator entrepreneur selling coaching and consulting services, or a business owner trying to tame your schedule chaos, the right appointment scheduler can make a world of difference.
In this article, we explore the top appointment scheduling tools — from simple schedulers to feature-packed solutions, there’s something for everyone here.
Use The Leap to offer micro-consulting and sell coaching sessions. It’s free!What are appointment scheduling tools?
Appointment scheduling software helps entrepreneurs and businesses organize and manage their bookings without the hassle of back-and-forth communication.
Essentially, these tools streamline the process of scheduling meetings, appointments, or consultations by letting clients or customers book directly through a customizable online interface.
In its most basic form, the best appointment scheduling platform allows you to set your availability, sync your calendar, and share a booking link. Clients choose a time that works for them, and the system automatically updates your schedule.
Many tools offer unique features like automated reminders, time zone detection, and buffer times to keep everything running smoothly.
Businesses often use appointment scheduling software to handle customer bookings, reduce no-shows, and improve productivity. Some more meeting-centric appointment tools offer features like the ability to host virtual meetings or integrate with customer relationship management (CRM) systems.
The best online appointment scheduling app will offer features like the ability to accept payment at the time of booking, automated email reminders, and the ability to offer multiple event types and event durations.
Whether you’re a creator, entrepreneur, or running a service-based business, online appointment scheduling software saves you time and eliminates the chaos that is an unmanaged calendar.
By automating the booking process, appointment scheduling software makes managing your schedule easy, efficient, and that much more professional. Whether you want a simple tool or an all-in-one platform where you can do it all, there’s an option for everyone.
Read on to learn more about the 10 best appointment scheduling software.
Use The Leap to offer micro-consulting and sell coaching sessions. It’s free!10 Best online appointment scheduling tools
- The Leap
- Calendly
- Square Appointments
- Acuity Scheduling
- Zoho Bookings
- Zoom Scheduler
- Doodle
- Google Workspace
- Book Like A Boss
- Setmore
Online appointment scheduling software comparison
| Platform | Pricing and key features |
| The Leap | Price: Free! Calendar booking landing page: ✅ Accept payment: ✅ Generative AI: ✅ Email automation: ✅ Digital product builder: ✅ AI-powered digital product builder for creating mini-courses, tutorials, challenges, and more. |
| Calendly | Price: Free – $16/month per user Calendar booking landing page: ✅ Accept payment: ✅ (paid plans only) Generative AI: ❌ Email automation: ✅ (paid plans only) Digital product builder: ❌ |
| Square Appointments | Price: Free – $85/per month Calendar booking landing page: ✅ Accept payment: ✅ Generative AI: ❌ Email automation: ✅ Digital product builder: ❌ |
| Acuity Scheduling | Price: $16 – $49/month Calendar booking landing page: ✅ Accept payment: ✅ Generative AI: ❌ Email automation: ✅ Digital product builder: ❌ |
| Zoho Bookings | Price: Free – $9/month per user Calendar booking landing page: ✅ Accept payment: ❌ Generative AI: ❌ Email automation: ✅ Digital product builder: ❌ |
| Zoom Scheduler | Price: $5.99/per month Calendar booking landing page: ❌ Accept payment: ❌ Generative AI: ❌ Email automation: ✅ Digital product builder: ❌ |
| Doodle | Price: Free – $7/month per user Calendar booking landing page: ❌ Accept payment: ❌ Generative AI: ✅ Email automation: ✅ Digital product builder: ❌ |
| Google Workspace | Price: Free – $14/month per user Calendar booking landing page: ✅ Accept payment: ✅ (paid plans only) Generative AI: ❌ Email automation: ✅ (paid plans only) Digital product builder: ❌ |
| Book Like A Boss | Price: Starts at $10/month Calendar booking landing page: ✅ Accept payment: ✅ Generative AI: ❌ Email automation: ✅ Digital product builder: ❌ |
| Setmore | Price: Free – $5/month per user Calendar booking landing page: ✅ Accept payment: ✅ Generative AI: ❌ Email automation: ✅ Digital product builder: ❌ |
1. The Leap
Best free platform for selling appointments and monetizing your expertise: The Leap is a free link-in-bio store that helps creators monetize their knowledge by creating, selling, and marketing their digital products. Among The Leap’s many monetization features is its built-in appointment scheduling feature, Book My Time, which allows creators to schedule appointments like 1:1 calls, consultations, discovery sessions, coaching sessions, and more.
By using The Leap to schedule your appointments, you also get access to its monetization toolkit, with features like email marketing automation, an email list builder, analytics, and an AI-powered authoring tool for creating digital products like mini-courses, challenges, guides, and tutorials.
If you’re a creator entrepreneur looking to monetize your expertise, then The Leap is for you. Not only can you use its Book My Time feature to offer multiple session types — from coaching sessions and personal readings, to audits and critique sessions –The Leap even offers features for micro-consulting with its Ask Me Anything (AMA) response form.
The Leap enables you to schedule, manage, and sell your calendar availability directly within the platform — for free. If you’re subscribed to one of The Leap’s paid plans, you also have the option to sync appointments to your Google Calendar.
You can also easily accept payments at booking and even offer your clients flexible payment options, like Buy Now, Pay Later plans, one-click payment, or discount and coupon codes.
To make things even easier for you, The Leap also has generative AI to quickly whip up the perfect landing pages to help convert your audience into paying customers.
The best part about The Leap? All of its features are 100% free to use.
Key features
- Book and sell appointments: The Leap’s Book My Time feature allows you to offer and schedule one-on-one calls with your clients and get paid easily.
- Free to use: While many online appointment scheduling platforms charge a monthly subscription or transaction fees, The Leap is 100% free to use.
- Offer micro-consulting: The Leap’s Ask Me Anything feature lets your followers ask you questions directly through the platform. All you need to do is set your fee and record your response.
- Email marketing automation: Use The Leap’s pre-made email templates for setting up automated email flows and sending one-off broadcasts easily.
- Flexible payment options: The Leap creators have access to flexible selling and payment options, like Buy Now, Pay Later payment plans via Klarna, Afterpay, and Affirm. Plus, discount/coupon codes and one-click payments via digital wallets like Apple Pay.
- AI-powered digital product builder: The Leap’s digital product builder is the only of its kind powered by generative AI. It can produce a draft for a mini-course, guide, tutorial, and more in just minutes.
- Lead generation: The Leap’s digital product builder can help you create effective lead magnets (aka freebies), which help you grow your email list and boost your sales.
- Referral program: The Leap’s unique referral program operates on a tiered commission system, offering creators the ability to make up to 40% recurring commission.
Pricing
The Leap is 100% free to use, with zero monthly subscription or transaction fees. Once you start making sales, the only fee you’ll see is the standard 2.9% Stripe fee.
Want to get paid for your time and expertise? Create your free account on The Leap to start selling one-on-one calls.
Offer micro-consulting and sell coaching sessions with The Leap.
2. Calendly
Best for hassle-free scheduling: Calendly remains one of the top online appointment scheduling tools today. Its sleek, user-friendly design makes it a great choice for creators, entrepreneurs, and businesses looking to simplify the booking process. Calendly makes it easy to book time with just a few clicks, so you can eliminate all those back-and-forth emails.
This appointment scheduling tool integrates seamlessly with calendars like Google, Microsoft Outlook, and Apple. It also offers advanced features like automated reminders, buffer times between meetings, and time zone detection. For businesses, the platform supports team scheduling and analytics to optimize workflows.
While Calendly offers a free plan, its features are limited. Most of the platform’s advanced features such as payment processing and the ability to offer multiple event types require a paid plan. Still, its ease of use has kept Calendly consistently as a top choice for online scheduling.
Key features
- Free plan with basic scheduling tools
- Automated email reminders and buffer times
- Calendar sync with Google, Outlook, and Apple
- Payment integrations with Stripe and PayPal
- Team scheduling and analytics for businesses
Pricing
Calendly offers a free plan with limited scheduling features. For more advanced features, you’ll have to upgrade to its Standard plan for $10/month per user, or its Teams plan for $16/month per user. Its Enterprise plan starts at $15k/year.
3. Square Appointments
Best for all-in-one scheduling and payments: Chances are you’re already familiar with Square, the point-of-sale (POS) system favored by a growing population of small businesses. Square Appointments is intended to be an addition to the company’s POS system, however, anyone can use it. But if you’re already using Square’s payment system, you’ll especially love how seamlessly this tool integrates scheduling with payments.
This platform simplifies appointment booking with features like automated reminders, real-time availability updates, and a user-friendly booking page. Plus, it’s not just about scheduling — Square Appointments lets you accept payments, manage cancellations, and even track no-shows.
Square offers a free plan (with transaction fees) for one location with fairly robust features, making it a popular option among small businesses. For multiple locations, you’ll have to upgrade to a paid plan.
While Square Appointments is packed with features like calendar sync, customization options, and social media integrations, it ultimately has its own POS system in mind — that means Square is the only supported payment processor. Compared to other platforms, some other features are limited, too. For example, Google Calendar is the platform’s only calendar integration. But if you’re a small business with a physical location, Square is a standout appointment scheduling tool.
Key features
- Integrated scheduling and payment processing
- Free plan for one location
- Automated reminders and no-show tracking
- Customizable booking page
- Syncs with Google Calendar
Pricing
Square Appointments offers a Free plan for a single location. For more advanced features and multiple locations, you’ll have to upgrade to its Plus plan for $35/month or its Premium plan for $85/month. All of the Square Appointment plans come with credit card transaction fees and Interac pin, chip, or tap fees.
4. Acuity Scheduling
Best for client-centric scheduling: Acuity Scheduling is a user-friendly online appointment scheduling tool tailored for users who prioritize client booking experiences. This platform is ideal for service-based professionals, and offers advanced customization and automation features to streamline scheduling.
Acuity lets users create branded booking pages, manage multiple staff calendars, and accept payments for appointments. With integrations for Google Calendar, Zoom, and payment platforms like Stripe, it’s a comprehensive solution for client-facing workflows.
For entrepreneurs, professionals, and businesses focused on creating a polished, client-friendly scheduling process, Acuity Scheduling is a great choice. Keep in mind though that while Acuity is feature-rich, it’s quite expensive compared to other platforms, and its advanced capabilities may feel a bit excessive for users needing simple scheduling.
Key features
- Customizable, branded booking pages
- Integration with Zoom, Google Calendar, and payment platforms
- Automated reminders and follow-ups
- Support for group classes and multi-staff scheduling
- Built-in payment processing for seamless transactions
Pricing
Acuity Scheduling’s Emerging plan offers basic scheduling features and one bookable calendar for $16/month. For more bookable calendars and advanced features, you’ll have to upgrade to its Growing plan for $27/month, or its Powerhouse plan for $49/month. Customized pricing is available for Enterprise plans.
5. Zoho Bookings
Best for comprehensive business scheduling: Zoho Bookings is a robust online appointment scheduling platform ideal for businesses that need an all-in-one scheduling solution. It integrates seamlessly with the Zoho ecosystem. So if you’re already in the Zoho sphere, Zoho Bookings may be a smart option.
Zoho Bookings features include automated reminders, custom booking pages, and support for multiple staff and services. Platform setup is straightforward, especially if you already work within Zoho, and it integrates with calendars like Google and Microsoft Outlook.
For business professionals seeking a comprehensive scheduling tool, Zoho Bookings is a flexible and feature-rich option. While it offers a wide range of features, its interface may feel overwhelming for users seeking a simpler scheduling tool, unless you’re already familiar with Zoho.
Key features
- Integration with the Zoho ecosystem and third-party apps
- Custom booking pages for a polished client experience
- Automated email and SMS reminders
- Support for multiple staff, locations, and services
- Syncs with Google and Outlook calendars
Pricing
Zoho Bookings offers a free plan for one user. For more users, or more advanced features, you’ll have to upgrade to its Basic plan for $6/month per user or its Premium plan for $9/month per user.
6. Zoom Scheduler
Best for Zoom meeting scheduling: Zoom Scheduler is one of the best online appointment scheduling app for users who rely on Zoom for virtual meetings. This scheduling tool integrates directly with your Zoom account and calendar, automatically generating Zoom meeting links for every appointment. It keeps everything centralized, saving time and simplifying the entire scheduling process.
Setting up Zoom Scheduler is quick and easy — all you have to do is connect your calendar, customize your availability, and share your scheduling link with clients or colleagues. Invitees can book appointments that sync seamlessly with your schedule. The platform isn’t completely Zoom-centric either, it also integrates easily with popular calendar tools like Google Calendar and Microsoft Outlook.
While Zoom Scheduler is great for Zoom workflows, it may not offer the same versatility for scheduling non-Zoom events. This platform can be used for appointments but is designed primarily for meetings, not necessarily for selling digital services like consultation and coaching calls that may require the ability to accept payment.
For Zoom users seeking a simple, integrated scheduling solution, Zoom Scheduler is an effective and reliable tool to keep your meetings organized and efficient.
Key features
- Auto-generated Zoom meeting links
- Integration with Google Calendar and Outlook
- Customizable availability settings
- Shareable scheduling links for invitees
- Optimized for Zoom-centric workflows
Pricing
Zoom Scheduler costs $5.99/month and comes with a 14-day free trial.
7. Doodle
Best for group scheduling: Doodle is one of the best scheduling software for coordinating group meetings, events, or appointments. It’s known for its simplicity, allowing individuals and teams to find the best time for everyone without the hassle of endless emails.
Doodle also has a poll tool for teams to agree on the best time to meet, a unique feature for an appointment scheduler. To create a poll with Doodle, just propose a few time options, share the link with participants, and let them vote for what works best. Doodle integrates with Google, Outlook, and Apple calendars.
Since Doodle is ideal for group scheduling, its features for one-on-one bookings or more complex workflows are limited compared to other tools. However, its focus on collaboration makes it a good fit for teams and event organizers. Ultimately, Doodle is a simple, reliable, and effective top choice for effortless group scheduling and collaboration.
Key features
- Group polls to find the best meeting time
- Zoom and Google Calendar integrations
- Customizable polls with deadlines and reminders
- Automatic timezone detection for global participants
- AI-assisted meeting descriptions
Pricing
Doodle is free for one user with limited booking types. Upgrade to Doodle’s Pro plan for $7/month per user to access more advanced features.
8. Google Workspace
Best for integrated Google scheduling: For those already using Google tools, Google Workspace is probably one of the most natural scheduling software. Its scheduling features integrate directly with Google Calendar, making it easy to coordinate meetings and appointments.
With tools like appointment schedules in Google Calendar, you can share booking links, manage availability, and automatically generate Google Meet links. It’s an ideal solution for individuals and teams looking for a simple, streamlined solution within the Google ecosystem.
However, Google Workspace’s features are more basic compared to dedicated scheduling platforms. For example, its free plan has limited customization options and doesn’t offer the ability to accept payments. For those features, you’ll have to upgrade to Google’s Business Standard plan. But if you’re seeking a straightforward scheduling solution built into existing Google tools, then Google Workspace is a reliable and convenient option.
Key features
- Seamless integration with Google Calendar and Meet
- Shareable appointment scheduling links
- Automated Google Meet link creation
- Customizable availability settings
- Native functionality within Google Workspace
- Connect a Stripe account to accept payments (paid plan only)
- Meeting recordings (paid plan only)
Pricing
Google Workspace offers a free plan with limited scheduling features. For more advanced features, like the ability to accept payment or have multiple booking pages, you’ll have to upgrade to its Business Standard plan for $14/month per user (with a one-year commitment).
9. Book Like A Boss
Best for booking page customization: Book Like A Boss is a highly customizable booking page builder for entrepreneurs, coaches, creators, and small business owners who want more than just scheduling. This platform combines appointment booking with a customizable landing page to showcase your services, products, and availability in one space.
With Book Like A Boss, your clients can book and pay for appointments directly through the platform thanks to integrations with Stripe, PayPal, and Square. Book Like A Boss also handles reminders, cancellations, and rescheduling, saving you time on admin tasks.
While Book Like A Boss is great for entrepreneurs and small teams, it might feel a bit feature-heavy for those looking for a simple scheduling tool.
Key features
- Customizable booking page
- Payment integrations with Stripe, PayPal, and Square
- Automated reminders and rescheduling options
- Syncs with popular calendars like Google and Outlook
Pricing
Book Like A Boss offers several payment tiers for freelancers. Its most basic plan starts at $10/month and its highest tier plan is $25/month. Pricing for Teams is based on the amount of users, starting at $29.16 for three users.
10. Setmore
Best for small businesses on a budget: Setmore is designed to help small businesses and entrepreneurs streamline bookings without breaking the bank. It offers a free plan with fairly robust features for up to 200 appointments. For unlimited appointments and more advanced features, you’ll have to upgrade to Setmore’s paid tier.
That being said, Setmore is a budget-friendly appointment scheduling option for those just getting started in the appointment business. It offers 1-click Zoom or Google meetings and lets you create a professional booking page, sync calendars, and send automated reminders to reduce no-shows. You can also accept payments through Stripe or Square.
While Setmore is an excellent choice for cost-conscious users looking for a simple, effective scheduling solution, keep in mind that its more advanced features like custom branding or SMS reminders are only available in paid plans.
Key features
- Free plan with basic features
- Online payment integration with Stripe and Square
- Automated email reminders and calendar sync
- 1-click Zoom or Google Meet video
- Donates 1% payment to plant trees
Pricing
Setmore offers a Free plan with basic scheduling features for up to four users and 200 appointments. For more advanced features, you’ll have to upgrade to its Pro or Team plans, which are $5/month per user.
How to choose an online appointment scheduling tool
When sifting through the best online appointment scheduling tools, you want to look for a platform that works seamlessly for you and your clients.
The right tool should do more than just book appointments — it should make your entire workflow smoother, save time, and enhance your clients’ experience. It might even offer you multiple monetization options.
Let’s break down the essential features to look for in an outstanding online scheduling solution:
Pricing
A great appointment scheduling tool offers flexible pricing that fits within your budget and needs. Many platforms provide a free plan with basic features, perfect for those just starting out booking appointments or selling their services.
Paid plans typically unlock advanced tools like more calendar integrations, automated email marketing, and the ability to accept payment at checkout.
Ultimately, you want to look for software that gives you value for money. For example, if you’re running a business solo, you don’t want to overpay for features you won’t use. At the same time, avoid tools that cut costs by skimping on key capabilities.
If you’re looking for a scheduling tool that offers essential scheduling features at no cost, then The Leap may be your best option. However, platforms that have tiered pricing options can also be a good option as they allow you to upgrade over time as your business grows.
Use The Leap to offer micro-consulting and sell coaching sessions. It’s free!Calendar syncing
When it comes to appointment scheduling software, flawless calendar syncing is non-negotiable. A great scheduling tool syncs with your existing calendar — whether it’s Google, Outlook, Apple, or something else — to ensure you never double-book.
The software should always update in real time, reflecting new appointments and blocking off unavailable times. For those juggling multiple calendars, look for a tool that merges them all into a single view to help you and your clients stay on the same page.
If you’re looking for team scheduling solutions, some tools allow group scheduling by displaying team availability side-by-side. This type of feature is most useful for businesses managing multiple service providers or coordinating meetings across departments.
Payment processing
Payment processing is an important feature of appointment scheduling software because, ultimately, a smooth payment experience is what builds trust with your clients and ensures you get paid without any extra hassle.
Many businesses depend on scheduling software not just to book appointments, but also to handle payments. A great tool makes it easy for clients to pay when booking, saving time and reducing no-shows.
An even greater appointment scheduling app will offer clients flexible payment options like Buy Now, Pay Later plans, one-click payment, and coupons or discount codes.
Some other appointment scheduling apps will add another layer of convenience by offering automated invoicing and refunds. For secure payment, go with a platform that integrates with reliable payment processors like Stripe, PayPal, or Square.
Flexibility
Flexibility is what separates a good scheduling tool from a great one. Your scheduling software should adapt to your unique needs, not the other way around.
Whether you’re a creator entrepreneur, small business, or part of a large organization, you want to work with an appointment scheduling tool that offers customization options to suit your brand and workflow.
For example, a customizable booking page is a must. These allow you to showcase your brand, add fields to collect client information, and adjust appointment types and durations. Some tools like The Leap use AI to help you quickly and easily set up a booking page that aligns with your brand.
You also want flexible integrations. A top-tier tool like The Leap has essential features built-in, while other tools integrate seamlessly with other platforms you rely on, such as CRM systems, email marketing tools, and video conferencing apps like Zoom.
Offer micro-consulting and sell coaching sessions with The Leap.
Start scheduling appointments for free with The Leap
Scheduling doesn’t have to be a headache. The best appointment tools let you focus on what you do best — whether that’s running your business, coaching clients, or monetizing your expertise.
While there are several great options for online appointment scheduling software, only one tool offers essential scheduling and monetization features for free, and that’s The Leap.
The Leap isn’t just an appointment scheduler, it’s your all-in-one ticket to booking and managing appointments, selling digital services like 1:1 coaching calls and micro-consulting products, and even uses AI to generate high-converting booking pages.
Plus, to help you expand your offering, The Leap boasts an AI-powered digital product builder that creates digital products like mini-courses, challenges, tutorials, guides, and more, in just minutes.
Create your free account on The Leap to start booking and scheduling appointments.
Offer micro-consulting and sell coaching sessions with The Leap.
Follow The Leap on TikTok, Instagram, and YouTube for more monetization tips for creators. We also make a newsletter.
Further reading
- How To Sell Your Expertise and Services with The Leap’s Book My Time
- Calendly Pricing Review: Is the Scheduling Tool Worth It?
- The Leap vs. Calendly: Which Scheduling Platform is Best For You?
- 10 Best Calendly Alternatives for Scheduling Appointments
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- How To Create a Coaching Contract (+ Free Template)
- How To Use the Wheel of Life in Coaching (+ Free Template)
- Your Guide to Creating a 12-Week Coaching Program (+ Free Template)
