With the iPhone’s versatility and user-friendly design, calendar apps are vital in helping users stay organized. Whether managing a busy work schedule, planning personal events, or simply keeping track of your to-dos, having the right calendar app can make all the difference. Below, we review the 10 best calendar apps for iPhone, breaking down their pros and cons to help you choose the perfect one for your needs.
1. Apple Calendar
Apple Calendar is the default calendar app that comes pre-installed on every iPhone. Seamlessly integrated into the iOS ecosystem, it’s user-friendly and supports iCloud sync across Apple devices.
Pros:
- Integration: Syncs perfectly with other Apple services such as iCloud, Siri, and Apple Maps.
- Free: No need to purchase any app, as it’s pre-installed.
- Simple interface: Easy to use, clean design with daily, weekly, monthly, and yearly views.
- Works offline: Can be used without an internet connection.
Cons:
- Limited customization: It lacks advanced features like the color coding of events or deep customization of layouts.
- No built-in task management: It lacks a sophisticated to-do list system beyond simple event creation.
2. Google Calendar
A popular choice for those already in the Google ecosystem, Google Calendar offers a powerful tool for both personal and professional use. It supports cross-platform syncing and is available for free.
Pros:
- Cross-platform compatibility: Works seamlessly across devices, including Android, iOS, and the web.
- Event suggestions: Suggests events based on your emails and Google Assistant reminders.
- Shared calendars: Easily create shared calendars with colleagues, friends, or family.
- Rich customization: Allows color-coded calendars, recurring events, and time zone adjustments.
Cons:
- Occasional sync issues: Some users experience occasional delays when syncing between devices.
- Requires Google account: To fully use all features, a Google account is required, which may not appeal to non-Google users.
3. Fantastical
Fantastical is a feature-rich calendar app known for its natural language processing and intelligent event creation. It’s ideal for those seeking a powerful yet simple calendar experience.
Pros:
- Natural language input: Quickly create events or reminders using conversational language (e.g., “Lunch with Sarah at 1 PM”).
- Multiple calendar views: Offers day, week, month, and agenda views.
- Rich integrations: It integrates with third-party services like Zoom and Apple Reminders.
- Customizable widgets: Beautiful widgets for quick-glance views on your home screen.
Cons:
- Subscription model: Full access to all features requires a premium subscription (Fantastical Premium).
- Overwhelming for basic users: It may be feature-rich for those who only need a simple calendar.
4. Microsoft Outlook Calendar
As part of the Microsoft Outlook app, the Outlook Calendar is integrated with email and contact management, making it perfect for professionals who use Microsoft services.
Pros:
- All-in-one solution: Combines email, contacts, and calendar in one app.
- Integration with Office 365: Seamlessly syncs with Office 365, Microsoft Exchange, and Outlook.com.
- Focused view: It offers a “focused” inbox and calendar for more productivity.
- Free to use: No subscription is required for basic features.
Cons:
- Limited standalone use: Outlook Calendar is tied to the full Outlook app, so it’s not available as a standalone calendar.
- Clunky for personal use: More suited for corporate or professional environments than personal schedules.
5. Calendars by Readdle
Calendars by Readdle is a smart and beautifully designed calendar app offering powerful features such as task management and offline capabilities. It’s known for its intuitive design and flexible customization.
Pros:
- Offline mode: Allows you to create and manage events even when offline.
- Integrated task manager: Built-in to-do list and task management, which integrates with Apple Reminders.
- Natural language input: Quickly add events using simple phrases.
- Customizable themes: Personalize your calendar with various themes and color options.
Cons:
- Some features are behind a paywall: Advanced features require a paid Pro version.
- It can be overwhelming: Some users might find the extensive customization options too complex.
6. Timepage by Moleskine
Timepage by Moleskine is a beautifully designed, minimalist calendar app focused on aesthetics and ease of use. It’s great for users looking for a stylish, visual calendar experience.
Pros:
- Beautiful design: An Elegant, minimalist interface that’s visually appealing.
- Heat map feature: Displays a heat map of busy or free days at a glance.
- Weather integration: Shows weather forecasts for your events.
- Fluid navigation: Smooth and fast scrolling between dates and events.
Cons:
- Subscription required: The app requires a subscription to unlock all features.
- Limited power user tools: Not as feature-rich as some of the other options, making it less suitable for heavy calendar users.
7. Any.do
Any.do is an all-in-one productivity app that combines calendar, task management, reminders, and to-do lists. It’s perfect for people who want to manage their tasks and schedules in a single app.
Pros:
- Task integration: Combines your tasks, reminders, and calendar events in one place.
- Cross-platform: Syncs across devices, including Android, iOS, and the web.
- Customizable notifications: Set custom reminders and notifications for tasks and events.
- Smart assistant: It offers automatic task suggestions based on your routine.
Cons:
- Paid subscription: Some advanced features are only available with a premium plan.
- Overwhelming for casual users: Its wide array of features might be excessive for those just looking for a basic calendar.
8. BusyCal
BusyCal is a robust, customizable calendar app aimed at users who need more control over their schedules. It integrates with various calendar services and offers powerful time management features.
Pros:
- Customizable views: It offers detailed customization options for day, week, month, and year views.
- Weather forecasts: Includes weather forecasting alongside events.
- Travel time: Automatically calculates travel time to events based on location.
- Supports multiple accounts: Syncs with iCloud, Google, Exchange, and other services.
Cons:
- Price: BusyCal requires an upfront purchase, and there’s no free version available.
- Overwhelming for basic needs: The array of advanced features may be too much for casual users.
9. Cozi Family Organizer
Cozi is designed specifically for families, making it easy to organize shared schedules, grocery lists, and to-dos. It’s ideal for keeping everyone on the same page, especially in large households.
Pros:
- Family-focused: Great for managing multiple family members’ schedules in one place.
- Shared lists: Share grocery lists, to-dos, and calendars with the whole family.
- Color-coding: Each family member’s events are color-coded for easy identification.
- Free version: Offers many features for free, with optional premium add-ons.
Cons:
- Limited for non-family users: It is designed primarily for families, so it may not be ideal for individual use.
- Ads in the free version: The free version includes ads, which can be annoying.
10. Calendly
Calendly is a smart scheduling tool designed to help users manage appointments and meetings more efficiently. While it’s primarily used for scheduling, it integrates seamlessly with other calendars, making it a useful addition for professionals.
Pros:
- Simplified scheduling: Share your availability with others, allowing them to book meetings or appointments without back-and-forth emails.
- Integration: Works with Google Calendar, iCloud, Outlook, and other popular calendars.
- Custom meeting types: Create different meeting types with customizable durations and buffers.
- Cross-platform: Syncs with your calendar across all platforms, including iPhone.
Cons:
- Subscription needed for advanced features: Advanced features, such as custom branding and SMS notifications, require a premium subscription.
- Not ideal for personal use: Primarily designed for business professionals and may not be as useful for personal or family scheduling.
Conclusion
Each of these 10 calendar apps offers unique features tailored to different needs. Apple Calendar and Google Calendar are excellent free options for users who prefer simplicity and ease of use. On the other hand, Fantastical and Timepage stand out for their premium design and advanced features. Ultimately, your choice depends on whether you prioritize aesthetics, collaboration, or power-user tools.
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