Running an appointment-based business today is in many ways different than it used to be just a decade ago. For starters, unlike before, the majority of appointment bookings today happen online. This means that if you want to provide the best user experience, you need a reliable scheduling software to take the load off your work and manage your appointments for you.
It does not matter if you need a class scheduling software or job scheduling software; there are many awesome scheduling apps that are great for both. We can help you understand further what you should look for in a good scheduling app, here are some of the characteristics of exceptional scheduling tools:
The best scheduling app is automated
This means that your scheduler app should do the majority of the heavy lifting for you. It should send out automated notifications, reminders, and cancellation alerts, track appointments and accept online bookings, and keep you up to date with all changes in your schedule automatically.
A good scheduling program is mobile-friendly
Class schedule for students, teachers and parents. Features:. Multiple schedules at once. Rotating schedule support. Schedules for 1, 2, 3, or 4 weeks. Today widget with activity timer. iCloud schedule synchronization. Lesson and assignment notifications. Photos, videos, audio for your. The above screenshot displays the main window of the Mac Scheduler App in which 3 different tasks have been scheduled. With this Mac Scheduler you can Schedule Applications or Files to be launched automatically at pre-configured date and time. Note that the right click menu of this Scheduler allows you to add, edit and delete scheduled tasks. With Bobclass you can schedule a class (also recurring) and add clients to it. You can do this upfront or on the spot (drop-in). When a client is added to a class, they will receive a confirmation email or text message. Native Mac App. You can run Bobclass on a native Mac app, which is currently in beta. Please contact us if you want to. Learn, create, and be inspired in hands-on sessions at your Apple Store. Find out what’s going on near you with Today at Apple. . Reservations can only be made online or on the NAC app. You can no longer make reservations at the front desk. An automatic wait list will automatically sign members up as another one cancels. Cycling classes have 33 spots available for sign-up online/app (25 hours prior to class). Pilates classes have 12 spots available for sign-up.
Mobile devices are the number 1 devices for online bookings and this means that having a mobile-friendly scheduling system is an absolute must. The users have to be able to book their appointment 24/7 and from all devices they have access to during the day.
Best schedule app supports multiple payment methods
Online payments have to be as smooth as possible if you want your users to actually complete the payment instead of giving up halfway. This means that the best scheduling software supports multiple payment options and allows the users to choose one that works best for them.
A good schedule software is easy to use
Using a class scheduling software that is not intuitive or easy to use is a big no-no. The users have to be able to book their appointments even if they aren’t exactly great with the newest technologies. Making the booking process as simple as possible is essential.
Keep in mind these important characteristics when choosing your new free scheduling software and stick to the scheduling programs that are easy to use and reliable.
That being said, let’s take a look at some of the best meeting scheduler apps currently available for download:
Amelia
If you are looking for a great meeting booking software, Amelia should be one of your first picks. This class scheduling software was built using the latest technologies, user experience techniques, and modern design.
Here is what makes Amelia a services scheduling software worth choosing:
- Customizable design – With Amelia, your schedule system will become a recognizable part of your brand thanks to the wide variety of great customization options.
- Custom fields for booking forms – Amelia allows you to construct the booking form to match your business best.
- SMS notifications – Stay in touch with your users and employees at all times via text messages.
- WooCommerce integration – With Amelia’s WooCommerce integration, you can take care of all your payments, taxes, and invoices easily.
- Step-by-step Booking Wizard – The easiest way of booking appointments by choosing one parameter such as service, employee, or date at each step.
- Insightful dashboard – Amelia allows you to easily track the most important financial and conversion-related KPIs through charts in the dashboard.
- Automated notifications –Stay up to date with all changes in your schedule thanks to Amelia’s automated notifications.
- Multiple payment methods – Amelia supports some of the world’s most popular payment methods such as PayPal and Stripe.
vCita
vCita is an all-in-one schedule program that helps you manage all of your business, all in one place. It comes with a variety of useful features that make it one of the most popular meeting scheduling software.
Here are some of vCita’s best features:
- Client Management – Build long-lasting customer relationships with a CRM solution designed exclusively for small businesses.
- Calendar Management – Manage your business schedule, appointments and events, all insync with your existing calendar.
- Billing & Invoicing – Issue estimates, invoices and receipts, track payment status, send automated payment reminders, collect credit card payments & create coupons.
- Online Scheduling – Invite clients to set appointments, book services and register for events & classes online from any device.
- Online Payments – Let clients pay for your services online, accept any credit card or PayPal and issue branded invoices.
- Client Portal – Keep clients engaged with a 24/7 personal client portal where they can book, reschedule, pay, fill forms, share files and more.
- Marketing Campaigns – Keep clients engaged with a 24/7 personal client portal where they can book, reschedule, pay, fill forms, share files and more.
- Lead Capturing – Enhance your website with an actionable widget that captures more clients and increases customer satisfaction.
- Your Business Page – Generate more interaction and revenue with a beautiful, mobile-friendly landing page to showcase your services and engage clients.
Simplybook.me
Simplybook.me is a free scheduling app suitable for a business of any size. This scheduling software is free of charge, but there are paid plans available as well if you require some of the more advanced features.
Here are the key benefits of this free scheduling tool:
- Accept online bookings – Your own, personalized, mobile optimized booking website or integrate with your existing site and even Facebook page!
- Notifications via SMS/Email – Send out reminders to staff and clients whenever appointments are booked, canceled or rescheduled.
- Top-notch security – Secure communication and all data backed up daily.
- Online payments – Accept online payments through a range of payment processors like PayPal, Stripe and more or accept cash or card onsite via the POS system.
- Integration & API – You can use booking widgets for Facebook, WordPress and other CMS systems or use the system’s API to build your own custom integrations.
- Custom features – Various features to fit your business; Coupons & gift cards, the sale of products, membership, classes, promotion system, HIPAA, SOAP, Intake forms, Packages, POS and more.
Checkfront
Checkfront is an amazing class scheduling software and a simple solution to complex booking problems. If you are looking for the best free scheduling software, try out the free trial to see if this online booking system meets your requirements.
Here is what makes Checkfront special:
- Self-service bookings – Allow customers to view availability and book directly from your own website.
- Instant payment processing – Accept payments in full, or part at the time of booking with over 30 different payment providers.
- Automated billing & invoicing – Instantly send customers customizable receipts and booking invoices.
- Gift certificates & vouchers – Sell gift certificates and import vouchers for your clients.
- Always online – Never lose a booking due to lost emails or missed phone calls.
- Real-time dashboard
- Manage availability – Set min/max thresholds and intelligently allocate shared resources so that you’re always prepared for your guests.
- Custom form builder – Customize information collected at the time of booking.
Calendly
Calendly is an automated scheduler software and one of the most popular meeting scheduling apps. Here are some of Calendly’s best features that make this free scheduler one of our favorites:
- Hold all types of meetings – Choose the type of meetings that best fits your business style and a specific situation (one-on-one, round robin, collective, group).
- Notifications – Send confirmation and reminder emails and texts to improve no‑show rates.
- Buffers – Add extra time before or after events.
- Daily limits – Cap the number of meetings per day.
- Minimum scheduling notice – Avoid last-minute meetings and give yourself enough time to prepare.
- Time zone detection – Display availability in your invitee’s time zone with intelligent time zone detection.
- Customizations – Deliver an experience that aligns with your brand by removing Calendly branding and customizing your profile.
- Team pages – Offer a single view of varying event types, allowing invitees to schedule with the relevant person, topic, or event.
10to8
10to8 is a cloud-hosted scheduling app free of charge with the so-called Free Forever Plan. However, if you feel like you would benefit from some added features, there are numerous paid-for plans available for you to choose from to ensure that your personal scheduling app meets all your needs and requirements.
Let’s take a look at some of the features of this popular class scheduling software:
- 24/7 Appointment Booking – The users can book appointments anytime, anywhere
- Automated Reminders – Get email or text reminders to stay up to date with all changes in your schedule. Keep your employees and the users informed of everything they need to keep their minds on.
- Online Payment Processing – Process payments quickly and easily.
- Custom Reporting
- Third-Party Integrations
- Multi-Language Support
- Configurable Working Hours
- Website Forms
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Keeping a calendar can change your life. A calendar will keep you from missing meetings and appointments, as well as make your life a lot less hectic. Plus, having all of your appointments on your calendar frees up your brain to work on more important tasks.
In our experience, digital calendars are far easier to manage than paper ones. Still, there are lots of calendar apps out there. Which one should you choose? In this article, we’ll help you decide.
Below, we’ve put together a list of the best calendar apps out there. Whether you’re looking for an app that gives you lots of control, or you just want a simple calendar that stays out of your way, there’s an app for you on this list.
Google Calendar
Overview: A dependable calendar app that integrates with most productivity apps.
Google Calendar is an excellent cross-platform calendar app. It’s the default calendar on Android phones, and it also works well on iPhones. It’s simple to create new events whether you’re on your phone or computer, and everything always stays synced no matter what time zone you’re in.
Plus, Google Calendar integrates with just about any other productivity app you can think of, so it will readily fit into your existing productivity system.
If you also use Gmail, then it gets even better, as Google Calendar can automatically create events based on emails you receive. This is a lifesaver when booking things like flights or concert tickets.
Price: Free
Platforms: Android, iOS, Web
Apple Calendar
Overview: A basic calendar app for Apple enthusiasts.
If you’re all in on Apple products, then Apple Calendar is an excellent choice. It keeps all of your events synced across your iPhone, iPad, Apple Watch, Mac, and whatever shiny device Apple will dream up next.
As far as calendar functionality, Apple Calendar offers all the features you’d expect, including a strong integration with Siri that allows you to add events with just a few words.
Price: Free
Platforms: iOS, Mac, Web
Outlook Calendar
Overview: A decent calendar app that’s likely the default at your office or school.
Love it or hate it, you’re probably familiar with Outlook Calendar. It’s more or less ubiquitous in large companies and institutions such as universities. In fact, this is the app’s main advantage: lots of people already have it and use it.
The app itself is certainly solid. You can create events and reminders, send meeting requests, and view multiple calendars at once.
There aren’t any additional “fancy” or otherwise noteworthy features, and that’s fine. If you just want a basic calendar for keeping track of your meetings and work events, Outlook Calendar is perfect for the job.
Price: $69.99/year as part of Office 365 Personal, though your employer or school probably provides free access.
Platforms: Android, iOS, Mac, Windows, Web
Woven
Overview: Flexible templates and built-in scheduling tools help you save time.
Moving beyond familiar calendar apps, we have Woven. The app markets itself towards “busy professionals,” and it has a lot of interesting features that you won’t find in basic calendar apps.
To start, Woven offers “Smart Templates” to help you save time when scheduling common types of events. For instance, if you regularly have lunch meetings at the same restaurant, you can create a template that includes the restaurant location.
Speaking of meetings, Woven also includes a built-in meeting scheduling tool. This can help eliminate the back and forth emails normally required to schedule a meeting. They even offer an integration with Zoom, allowing you to easily schedule and manage your Zoom meetings from within Woven. And they recently launched an iPad app as well.
Really, the only thing Woven lacks is an Android app, though the company reports that this is in development.
Price: Free
Free Apps For Mac
Platforms: iOS, Mac, Windows, Web
Meetingbird
Overview: Schedule meetings without endless email exchanges.
Whether you’re a student or professional, scheduling meetings is the worst. You can spend weeks sending emails back and forth trying to find a time that works for both of you, to the point that you forget why you wanted to meet in the first place.
Meetingbird aims to solve this problem. The app syncs with Outlook Calendar and Google Calendar so that your availability for meetings is always up to date.
When you want to schedule a meeting, all you have to do is send a link with a list of times you’re available. The recipient then picks the time that works best for them, and the meeting they schedule is automatically synced to both of your calendars.
We also like that Meetingbird integrates with Zoom, our video call tool of choice, as well as Zapier, Slack, Trello, and more.
Price: Free
Platforms: Web
Fantastical 2
Overview: A multilingual Mac/iOS calendar app with one of the best Apple Watch apps we’ve seen.
If you’re an Apple user looking for an alternative to the default calendar apps on Mac/iOS, you should check out Fantastical 2.
The main strength of Fantastical 2 is its deep integration with the Apple ecosystem. Whether you’re on your Mac, iPhone, iPad, or Apple Watch, Fantastical 2 offers a beautiful, simple calendar that always stays synced.
The app has especially strong natural language processing, letting you quickly create events whether you’re at your desk or on the go. You can even do some more sophisticated things such as setting geofenced reminders (allowing you to get reminders only when you’re in a particular location).
Finally, Fantastical 2 also integrates with iCloud, Google Calendar, Outlook Calendar, and a variety of other apps. And the app is fully localized for English, French, German, Italian, Spanish, and Japanese, making it great for multilingual users or workplaces.
Price:
- Mac: $49.99 (after a 21-day free trial)
- iPhone/Apple Watch: $4.99
- iPad: $9.99
Platforms: iOS, Mac
My Study Life
Overview: A calendar app built for the unique scheduling needs of students.
While most calendar apps target busy professionals, My Study Life is different. It’s a calendar app built specifically for students, and it has some features you won’t see in other calendar apps.
To start, My Study Life includes smart scheduling features to help you keep up with your classes and extracurricular activities. If your class schedule varies with the week, My Study Life can account for that, ensuring you don’t forget a class. There’s even a special section for scheduling your exams.
Plus, My Study Life syncs your schedule across devices and works offline. This means you’ll always be able to keep track of your classes and assignments no matter your location or internet access.
Price: Free
Platforms: Android, iOS, Web
Timepage
Overview: A beautiful calendar app with handy weather and travel information.
If you love the design of Moleskine notebooks and planners, then Timepage is the calendar app you’ve been waiting for. This iOS-only app is truly beautiful, featuring an elegant, uncluttered interface that you’d expect from Moleskine.
Beneath the aesthetics, however, Timepage is a powerful calendar app. It includes natural language processing to let you easily type in events, as well as a “heat-map” view that shows how busy your month is at a glance.
Best of all, Timepage integrates with a variety of other apps to show you weather alerts and travel times to events. This way, you’ll not only remember that you have to be somewhere, but you’ll also get there on time.
Price: $1.99/month or $11.99/year (after a 7-day free trial)
Platforms: iOS
Business Calendar 2
Overview: The best calendar app for customizing your calendar’s appearance.
I’ll admit, “Business Calendar 2” sounds like something straight out of Office Space (if they had calendar apps back then, that is). But while the name might be a bit weird, the app is anything but.
Business Calendar 2 is great if you want a lot of control over the way your calendar looks. In addition to the standard day, week, month, and year views, you can adjust the calendar view to show anywhere from 1 to 14 days. And you can quickly swipe between these views so you can always find what you’re looking for.
What really makes Business Calendar 2 shine, however, are its event scheduling features. You can easily drag events around on the calendar and quickly enter event details without excessive swiping.
Plus, the app’s natural language processing lets you enter events just by talking into your phone. The app will even learn your preferences over time, automatically suggesting common locations or attendees.
Price: Free (with ads). Upgrade to the Pro version for $6.99 to remove ads and get additional features such as file attachments and event templates.
Class Schedule App For Mac Windows 10
Platforms: Android
Calendar Apps Help Keep Your Life Organized
I hope this guide has helped you find the best calendar app for your needs. Whether you stick with a popular calendar app such as Google Calendar or go with a less conventional pick such as Timepage, keeping a calendar is just one part of being productive.
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Class Schedule App For Mac Computer
Image Credits: Outlook Calendar, Woven, Timepage, paper calendar