Today's bustling world demands impeccable time management. For macOS users, having an efficient calendar app is essential to prevent overlapping appointments or forgetting crucial events. While some might argue that using a non-native macOS calendar app could lead to inconsistent keyboard shortcuts, confusing notifications, and a dissatisfying user interface, others find them indispensable for their unique features and advanced functionalities.

In this comprehensive guide, we will delve into the top five best calendar apps for macOS, dissecting their features, pros, cons, and pricing to help you find the perfect match for your scheduling needs.

Table of Contents

1. Apple Calendar

2. BusyCal

3. Fantastical

4. Microsoft Outlook

5. Calendar 366 II

6. Other Notable Mac Calendar Options

7. How to Automate Your Calendar

8. Conclusion

Note: All the calendar apps discussed sync with Google Calendar, offering the best of both worlds. They also work with Apple's iCloud Calendars, barring a few exceptions.

1. Apple Calendar (macOS, iPhone, iPad)

Apple's native Calendar app is a highly recommended option for Apple users due to its numerous advantages. One of its standout features is its clean and functional interface, which ensures a seamless user experience. Additionally, the app effortlessly syncs with both iPhones and iPads, allowing for easy access to appointments and events across devices. The straightforward appointment creation process and multiple viewing options further enhance the app's usability. While Apple's Calendar app is undoubtedly the best free calendar app for macOS, it is worth noting that some users may find its features to be somewhat limited in comparison to other options available in the market.

Price: Included with all Macs, iPhones, and iPads.

2. BusyCal (macOS, iPhone)

BusyCal is a highly versatile and customizable calendar application designed specifically for macOS. With its wide range of features, including weather forecasts, moon phases, and task integration, BusyCal offers users a comprehensive and flexible solution for managing their schedules. This app allows for extensive customization, enabling users to personalize their calendars to suit their individual preferences and requirements. Whether it's organizing appointments, tracking events, or staying up to date with the latest weather conditions, BusyCal provides a superb level of functionality and adaptability.

Price: $49.99 with a 30-day free trial. BusyCal for iPhone costs $4.99.

3. Fantastical (macOS, iPhone, iPad)

Fantastical lives up to its name by offering a truly fantastic user experience. From its intuitive design to its well-thought-out features, this calendar app for macOS truly stands out as the best-designed option available. However, it's important to note that these premium features do come at a steep price. While they may be worth it for those who heavily rely on their calendars, casual calendar users might find the cost to be a bit too high for their needs.

Price: Free for basic features, $6.99/month for Flexbits Premium.

4. Microsoft Outlook (macOS, Windows, Android, iPhone, iPad)

Microsoft Outlook is a versatile and feature-rich application that provides a wide range of functionalities, including email management, contact organization, task tracking, note-taking, and calendar scheduling. With its all-in-one approach, it serves as an excellent productivity tool for individuals who prefer a unified platform for their daily tasks. Moreover, Microsoft Outlook seamlessly integrates with other Microsoft Office applications, making it a preferred choice for users who are already familiar with the Office suite or are mandated to use it.

Price: Starting at $6.99/month as part of Microsoft 365 Personal or $6/user/month as part of Microsoft 365 Business Basic.

5. Calendar 366 II (macOS, iPhone, iPad)

Calendar 366 II is a highly versatile and user-friendly menu bar calendar application that seamlessly integrates with Apple's Calendar and Reminders apps. With its extensive range of features and functionalities, this calendar tool provides a comprehensive and efficient solution for managing your schedule. Whether you prefer to use it as a supplement to Apple's Calendar or as a complete replacement, Calendar 366 II offers a quick and convenient way to stay organized and on top of your appointments and tasks.

Price: $14.99 (with a 30-day free trial). Calendar 366 for iPhone and iPad costs $6.99.

Other Notable Mac Calendar Options

Apart from the five best calendar apps for macOS mentioned earlier, there are additional options available that might cater to your specific requirements. For example, you can utilize Google Calendar directly in your browser or explore various macOS to-do list apps that also offer calendar functionalities.

How to Automate Your Calendar

With the assistance of automation tools such as Zapier, you have the ability to effortlessly establish automated workflows that seamlessly integrate with your calendar applications. This means that you can conveniently generate Trello cards or Toggl time entries without any manual effort, as these actions will be automatically triggered by new events in your calendar. By leveraging the power of automation, you can streamline your productivity and enhance your efficiency.

Conclusion

Choosing the right calendar app can greatly enhance your productivity and streamline your schedule. With so many options available, it's important to find the one that best fits your needs. Whether you prefer a free, native app like Apple's Calendar, which offers a simple and straightforward interface, or a feature-rich and customizable one like BusyCal or Fantastical, which provide advanced functionalities and integration with other apps, there's a calendar app out there for everyone. So take your time, explore the options, and find the perfect app to help you stay organized and efficient.