For independent consultants and freelancers, efficient time management is essential. With meetings, client sessions, follow-ups, and administrative tasks all vying for your attention, the last thing you want is to waste time coordinating appointments manually. Fortunately, modern scheduling software can streamline this process, eliminate back-and-forth communication, and enhance your client experience.
In this guide, we explore the top 7 scheduling tools for consultants and freelancers in 2025, comparing their features, pricing, and suitability. Whether you’re running a solo consultancy or managing multiple client projects, these tools will help you stay organized, professional, and efficient.
What Features Should Scheduling Software Offer for Consultants?
Not all scheduling tools are created equal, especially when it comes to the needs of consultants and freelancers. When selecting scheduling software, here are the key features to look for:
- Calendar Syncing: Seamless integration with Google Calendar, Outlook, iCal, and others to avoid double bookings.
- Custom Booking Pages: Professional and branded booking interfaces that reflect your services and brand.
- Flexible Availability Settings: Control over appointment durations, buffer times, cancellations, and rescheduling rules.
- Automated Notifications and Reminders: Reduce no-shows with email and SMS alerts to clients.
- Payment Integration: Collect payments upfront or post-meeting via Stripe, PayPal, or other gateways.
- Multiple Event Types: Support for 1:1 meetings, group sessions, virtual consultations, and in-person bookings.
- Client Intake Forms: Gather information before meetings to prepare in advance.
- Workflow Automation: Automatically send follow-ups, feedback forms, or onboarding messages post-appointment.
- Mobile Access: Ability to manage appointments on the go via mobile apps.
Best Scheduling Tools for Freelancers and Consultants in 2025
Below are seven top-rated scheduling platforms suitable for independent professionals, each offering unique features and pricing options.
1. imeetify
Best for: Solo consultants and coaches who want customizable booking workflows and a mobile-friendly solution.
Overview:
imeetify is a modern scheduling platform designed with independent professionals in mind. It offers an all-in-one solution for managing appointments, automating workflows, and improving client communication.
Key Features:
- Personalized booking links with multiple event types (phone, video, in-person).
- Integrated calendar syncing with Google and Outlook.
- Workflow automation for reminders, confirmations, and post-session follow-ups.
- Feedback collection and Google Reviews integration.
- Mobile app for managing appointments anywhere.
Automated Reminders: Yes (via email and app notifications)
Pricing: Free plan available; paid plans start at approximately $8–$15/month depending on features.
2. Calendly
Best for: Professionals seeking a widely recognized, user-friendly scheduling solution with strong integrations.
Overview:
Calendly is one of the most popular scheduling platforms and is ideal for consultants who want a no-fuss solution that clients already know and trust.
Key Features:
- Intuitive interface with easy setup.
- Group events, round-robin, and team scheduling support.
- Integration with Zoom, Teams, Stripe, and major CRMs.
- Custom branding and workflows in premium plans.
Automated Reminders: Yes (customizable reminders via email/SMS in premium plans)
Pricing: Free basic plan; Premium starts at $10/month, Pro at $16/month.
3. Acuity Scheduling
Best for: Freelancers offering multi-session services, packages, or recurring appointments.
Overview:
Acuity, owned by Squarespace, provides detailed scheduling options and is especially suitable for service providers who need flexibility and customization.
Key Features:
- Package bookings and subscription support.
- Custom intake forms and pre-session questionnaires.
- Payment collection (PayPal, Stripe).
- Multi-time zone support.
Automated Reminders: Yes (email and SMS reminders are included)
Pricing: Plans start at $16/month, with advanced features in higher tiers.
4. Setmore
Best for: Freelancers and small teams looking for a cost-effective and simple scheduling system.
Overview:
Setmore provides an easy-to-use platform with a generous free plan, ideal for early-stage freelancers.
Key Features:
- Self-booking calendar for clients.
- Integrations with Zoom and Teleport for virtual meetings.
- Free SMS reminders and desktop/mobile apps.
- Website and social media integrations.
Automated Reminders: Yes (email in free plan; SMS in premium plans)
Pricing: Free for basic use; Premium plans start at $12/user/month.
5. Appointy
Best for: Professional service providers who want a scalable scheduling platform with analytics.
Overview:
Appointy is suited for consultants offering individual sessions, workshops, or multi-location services. It’s scalable, making it a good fit for growing practices.
Key Features:
- Real-time appointment booking with buffer settings.
- Social media integration for bookings via Instagram and Facebook.
- Client history tracking and business performance analytics.
- Built-in payment processing.
Automated Reminders: Yes (via email and SMS)
Pricing: Free for one user; paid plans begin at $19.99/month.
6. Book Like A Boss
Best for: Freelancers who want a branded booking page with integrated e-commerce and content.
Overview:
Book Like A Boss combines appointment booking with mini-website features. It’s great for professionals who want to showcase their services in a polished and client-friendly format.
Key Features:
- Personalized booking microsite with service descriptions and testimonials.
- Payment collection via Stripe and PayPal.
- Integration with video tools like Zoom.
- Supports multiple meeting types and recurring bookings.
Automated Reminders: Yes (email notifications and follow-ups)
Pricing: Starts at $9/month for solopreneurs.
7. Dubsado / HoneyBook (tie)
Best for: Consultants managing full client workflows, from scheduling to contracts and invoicing.
Overview:
These platforms go beyond scheduling—they offer full client management solutions with proposals, contracts, and payment tracking.
Key Features:
- All-in-one CRM with scheduling, forms, payments, and workflows.
- Branded proposals, automated onboarding, and client portals.
- Integration with Google Calendar, Stripe, QuickBooks, and more.
Automated Reminders: Yes (fully customizable workflows)
Pricing:
- Dubsado: Starts at $20/month
- HoneyBook: From $19/month (billed annually)
How Much Does Scheduling Software Cost?
Here’s a quick comparison of pricing tiers:
| Tool | Free Plan | Paid Plans Start At |
| imeetify | ✅ | $8–15/month |
| Calendly | ✅ | $10/month |
| Acuity Scheduling | ❌ | $16/month |
| Setmore | ✅ | $12/month |
| Appointy | ✅ | $19.99/month |
| Book Like A Boss | ❌ | $9/month |
| Dubsado | ❌ | $20/month |
| HoneyBook | ❌ | $19/month |
Most tools offer monthly and annual billing options, and some may provide discounts for students, educators, or nonprofits.
Can Scheduling Tools Send Automated Reminders?
Yes — virtually all leading scheduling platforms in 2025 include automated reminders to help reduce no-shows. These can be delivered via:
- SMS/text
- Push notifications (for apps like imeetify and Setmore)
Some platforms allow customization of timing (e.g., 24 hours before the meeting) and format. Tools like Dubsado, Acuity, and Calendly Pro even let you create entire follow-up workflows after the appointment.
Final Thoughts
For consultants and freelancers, adopting the right scheduling tool can significantly streamline operations, boost client satisfaction, and reduce administrative burden. The best choice depends on your unique workflow, branding needs, budget, and desired level of automation.
Here’s a brief recap:
- Choose imeetify or Setmore for budget-friendly, mobile-first scheduling.
- Opt for Calendly for wide compatibility and client familiarity.
- Go with Acuity if you offer packages or multi-session plans.
- Try Book Like A Boss if you want a sleek, service-first online presence.
- Consider Dubsado or HoneyBook if you’re managing full project lifecycles.
By investing in the right scheduling software, you’re not just booking meetings — you’re building a more professional and productive business.
