Efficient scheduling software can dramatically reduce administrative burden, improve client experience, and help small businesses grow. While Acuity Scheduling has long been a popular choice, many small businesses are exploring alternatives that offer better integration, pricing flexibility, or niche-specific features.
In this post, we’ll walk you through why you might want to switch, what features to look for, and introduce the top 7 Acuity Scheduling alternatives that small businesses should consider.
Why Look for Acuity Alternatives?
While Acuity Scheduling offers robust features like calendar sync, payment integrations, and client reminders, it’s not without limitations. Small businesses may seek alternatives due to:
- Pricing constraints: Acuity’s feature-rich plans may not be budget-friendly for solopreneurs or startups.
- Complexity: Some users find the interface overly complex for simple scheduling needs.
- Limited branding/customization: Branding options can be restrictive compared to more modern tools.
- Lack of niche features: Industries like healthcare, wellness, or education may need specialized tools.
Key Features SMBs Need in Scheduling Software
Before choosing an alternative, small businesses should prioritize tools that offer:
✅ Ease of use – Simple, intuitive interfaces for both clients and staff
✅ Calendar syncing – Two-way sync with Google, Outlook, Apple Calendar
✅ Customization – Branded booking pages, flexible availability settings
✅ Automated reminders – SMS or email confirmations and follow-ups
✅ Payment integration – Built-in support for Stripe, PayPal, or Square
✅ Mobile accessibility – Fully functional mobile apps or mobile-friendly platforms
✅ Team scheduling – Multi-user or staff calendars for growing teams
✅ Industry-specific features – Like HIPAA compliance for healthcare or group bookings for education
Top 7 Alternatives to Acuity Scheduling
1. iMeetify
Best for: Solopreneurs and small teams looking for a clean, modern interface
iMeetify is an All rounder, feature-rich appointment and event scheduling platform that balances affordability with powerful integrations. It supports calendar sync, buffer times, custom branding, and meeting types.
Key Features:
- Google & Outlook Calendar sync
- Fully branded booking pages
- Automated reminders and follow-ups
- Supports both 1:1 and group scheduling
Pros: Clean UI, generous free plan
Cons: Less known; fewer third-party integrations than mainstream tools
2. Calendly
Best for: Professionals and teams that need seamless integrations
Calendly is one of the most widely-used scheduling tools and a direct competitor to Acuity. Known for its intuitive design and integration capabilities, it’s ideal for businesses wanting to automate client bookings without friction.
Key Features:
- Multiple meeting types (1:1, group, collective, round robin)
- Integration with Zoom, Teams, HubSpot, Salesforce
- Smart time zone detection
- Workflow automation with email/text follow-ups
Pros: Easy to use, excellent third-party integrations
Cons: Advanced features require paid plans
3. Doodle
Best for: Scheduling with groups and teams
Doodle focuses on simplifying group meeting coordination. It eliminates the back-and-forth by letting participants vote on preferred meeting times. While not as feature-dense for individual bookings, it’s perfect for collaborative environments.
Key Features:
- Scheduling polls
- 1:1 booking pages
- Time zone detection
- Integration with Zoom and Google Meet
Pros: Great for group scheduling
Cons: Limited use for client-facing businesses requiring payments or reminders
4. SimplyBook.me
Best for: Service-based businesses like salons, spas, and consultants
SimplyBook.me offers extensive customization and industry-specific features. From intake forms to memberships and POS support, it’s a robust solution for businesses that rely heavily on appointments.
Key Features:
- Branded booking websites
- Customizable intake forms
- Payment gateway support (Stripe, PayPal, Square)
- Marketing tools (coupons, gift cards)
Pros: Feature-rich, highly customizable
Cons: Steeper learning curve; some features require add-ons
5. Square Appointments
Best for: Retailers, salons, and brick-and-mortar businesses
Square Appointments combines scheduling with Square’s powerful payment ecosystem. It’s a strong fit for small businesses that want an all-in-one tool for booking, payments, and POS.
Key Features:
- Integrated POS and payments
- Free plan for individual users
- No-show protection with prepayment options
- Calendar sync and automated reminders
Pros: Seamless for Square users
Cons: Best suited for service providers with in-person clients
6. Appointy
Best for: Education, fitness, wellness, and public sector services
Appointy is a versatile scheduling platform designed for high-volume appointment environments. It supports multiple staff, locations, and appointment types with robust reporting and analytics.
Key Features:
- Automated scheduling and rescheduling
- Role-based access for team members
- CRM integrations and Google Meet support
- Multi-location support
Pros: Ideal for multi-staff setups
Cons: UI can feel dated; limited third-party integrations
7. HubSpot Meetings
Best for: Sales and marketing teams using HubSpot CRM
HubSpot Meetings is part of the HubSpot CRM suite, allowing seamless scheduling and lead capture. It’s perfect for teams that want to tie appointments directly into sales pipelines or email workflows.
Key Features:
- Embed booking links in emails or websites
- Automatic CRM data capture
- Group availability scheduling
- Free tier with HubSpot’s CRM tools
Pros: Excellent for sales and lead gen
Cons: Less suited for client-facing services like salons or clinics
How to Choose the Right Scheduling Alternative
When deciding on a scheduling solution for your small business, consider the following:
- Your industry: Do you need industry-specific features (e.g., intake forms, HIPAA compliance, or POS)?
- Team size: Will multiple team members be booking simultaneously?
- Budget: Can you get by on a free tier or is a premium plan justified?
- Ecosystem compatibility: Does it integrate with tools you already use (CRM, payments, calendar)?
- Client experience: Is it mobile-friendly and easy to book from your website or social media?
Make a checklist of your top priorities, test out a few tools using free trials, and evaluate the long-term scalability of each platform.
Conclusion
Acuity Scheduling is a solid tool, but it’s not the only option—and in many cases, not the best fit for small businesses with specific needs or tighter budgets. Whether you’re a solopreneur needing a no-fuss scheduler like iMeetify, a team manager using Doodle, or a sales rep leaning on HubSpot Meetings, there’s an ideal tool waiting to optimize your calendar.
Each of these 7 alternatives offers something unique—take the time to test a few and find the one that works best for your business model.
