# 9 Best Scheduling Software for Small Businesses 2026 | Capterra > Find and compare the 2026 best Scheduling software for small businesses, using our interactive tool to quickly narrow your choices based on businesses like yours. Source: https://www.capterra.com/scheduling-software/s/small-businesses --- # Best Scheduling Software for Small Businesses in 2025 Last updated on July 18, 2025 Written by [Molly Burke](https://www.capterra.com/resources/author/mburke/) Writer Edited by [Caroline Rousseau](https://www.capterra.com/resources/author/caroline-rousseau/) Editor Small businesses often have trouble staying on top of their busy schedules. [Scheduling software](https://www.capterra.com/scheduling-software/) is a broad category of tools that help businesses schedule and manage events, internal meetings, client appointments, projects, and employee shifts, often through a shared calendar. With automation and integration, scheduling software improves the online booking experience, and supports recruiting, marketing, and payroll workflows.  To help you find the right scheduling software for your small business, we analyzed over 41,000 user reviews to identify the most important features and benefits. ## 9 best scheduling software for small businesses [ Homebase ](#bdf69753-9231-4242-bf87-a6d200b7d5db) Highly rated for Customer Support 4.6 (1142) [ When I Work ](#7ead8fdf-807a-4d97-adc9-a6d200b77ff8) Highly rated for Real-Time Updates 4.5 (1270) [ Weave ](#be53ba6d-2525-4dac-a286-a6d200b77224) Highly rated for Functionality 4.3 (666) [ Calendly ](#338729cf-fbf8-407b-95cc-a6d200b30c3a) Highly rated for Ease of Use 4.7 (4082) [ Clockify ](#d0fcb59b-e01f-4cd0-b481-a82d005f8b1d) Highest Rated 4.8 (9234) [ Acuity Scheduling ](#75e7c663-154a-4acd-8032-a6d200b29051) Highly rated for Real-Time Scheduling 4.8 (5739) [ Google Calendar ](#d21b7cd3-66d4-4aee-90ea-a78a00b5b44d) Highly rated for Value for Money 4.8 (4008) [ Jobber ](#803cb64d-c013-48ac-afa1-a6d200b4bc5b) Highly rated for Mobile Access 4.6 (1420) [ Doodle ](#32071365-eefc-4a17-a4fe-a6d200b38fc6) Highly rated for Calendar Management 4.6 (1837) [Explore our full Scheduling solutions](https://www.capterra.com/scheduling-software/) ### How we picked the software on this list All the tools listed below are featured in the [2024 Capterra Shortlist for Scheduling](https://www.capterra.com/scheduling-software/shortlist/). The listed tools have received at least 20 reviews in the past two years from small and midsize businesses, with ratings of 4 and above. Our analysis of thousands of user reviews highlights key insights about user experiences with these platforms, offering valuable feedback on functionality, ease of use, customer support, and value for money. * * * [### Clockify](https://www.capterra.com/p/169607/Clockify/) [4.8 (9234)](https://www.capterra.com/p/169607/Clockify/reviews/) Highest Rated Highest Rated [View Profile](https://www.capterra.com/p/169607/Clockify/) Starting Price: $4.99 Per User, Per Month Free Trial Free Version Top rated feature: Timesheet Management Based on 125 reviews User rating: 78% of reviewers rated it 5 stars Clockify helps simplify scheduling for businesses that need to monitor project milestones and track assignees, assigned hours, and task length. Data for individual team members can be viewed so project managers can manage project capacity. Reviewers mention the ease of drag-and-drop schedule adjustment. Over 900 reviewers give Clockify a rating of 4.8 out of 5 stars, making it the best-rated option. Features Features reviewers most value **Online time tracking** Reviewers appreciate Clockify's online time tracking capabilities for its ease of use and flexibility, rating the feature 4.6 out of 5. They report that it allows for accurate time tracking spent on tasks and projects, which is needed for billing and productivity analysis. Users find the integration with Google Calendar and the Chrome extension particularly helpful. They also value the ability to track time across multiple devices and locations, making it ideal for remote work. Some users mention the need for improvements in the timer functionality and interface. **Real-time scheduling** Reviewers give this feature a rating of 4.4 out of 5. They report that Clockify's real-time scheduling feature provides up-to-date information on project timelines and resource allocation. They find it helpful for managing team workloads and avoiding duplication of effort. Reviewers indicate that it allows for easy adjustments to schedules and helps in meeting deadlines. They appreciate the ability to monitor potential setbacks and make informed decisions. Some users mention that it is user-friendly and accessible via mobile devices, although a few note limited real-time scheduling needs. **Reporting/project tracking** Reviewers give this feature a 4.3 out of 5 rating. They highlight Clockify's reporting/project tracking capabilities for providing detailed insights into time spent on tasks and projects. They appreciate the customizable reports and the ability to separate billable hours from fixed fees. Users find it useful for optimizing workflows, measuring project profitability, and ensuring deadlines are met. They also value the integration with other systems and the ability to share reports with clients. Some users mention occasional slow response times when generating reports. Pros & Cons BW Bradley W. Management Consulting, Self-employed Used the software for: 1-2 years "I use Clockify free to record all of my consulting time for customers, in order to charge for hours worked, and I have to say this is one product where I don’t NEED to upgrade to access features, but I feel I will anyway, because the developers DESERVE the payment." SJ Sarah J. Information Services, Self-employed Used the software for: 1-2 years "You can switch from "stop watch" mode to manual entry really easy and you can also label the different projects for each time recorded too which makes it easier to keep track if you are someone who clocks into multiple different projects like me." KM Karen M. Publishing, 1-10 employees Used the software for: 2+ years "AWe have encountered the odd bug with syncing time entries and reports, and customer support can be slow regarding billing or payment issues." Yasith P. Information Technology and Services, 1-10 employees Used the software for: 2+ years "The UI looks a bit old school, and it lacks some of the modern time tracking functionalities of other platforms like Toggl." Pricing Clockify has a forever-free plan that allows unlimited users, projects, and tracking. Paid plans include extra features like billing and timesheeting. The Basic plan offers unlimited seats for $3.99 per month billed annually. The Standard plan has unlimited seats for $5.49 per month when billed annually, while the Pro plan offers unlimited seats at $7.99 per month when billed annually. [Learn more about Clockify pricing plans](https://www.capterra.com/p/169607/Clockify/pricing/) Integrations **Popular Integrations** - **Trello** is a doc-sharing, slide stack, and collaboration platform that integrates with Clockify to add a time tracker to Trello boards.  - **Jira** is a project management and teamwork app that integrates with Clockify to add time tracking and generate reports.  - **Basecamp** is a document storage and team communication tool that integrates with Clockify and allows project leaders to organize team documents, manage chats, and create to-do lists. [Learn more about Clockify](https://www.capterra.com/p/169607/Clockify/) * * * [### Google Calendar](https://www.capterra.com/p/213340/Google-Calendar/) [4.8 (4008)](https://www.capterra.com/p/213340/Google-Calendar/reviews/) Highly rated for Value for Money Highly rated for Value for Money [View Profile](https://www.capterra.com/p/213340/Google-Calendar/) Starting Price: Not provided by vendor Free Trial Free Version Top rated feature: Calendar Management Based on 1255 reviews User rating: MR 81% of reviewers rated it 5 stars Google Calendar is a scheduling tool that helps businesses of any size create shareable calendars and schedule team meetings at a low price point. It works well for teams that need an easy way to communicate information about meetings, allowing for notes, attachments, and notifications. Google Calendar has 4.8 out of 5 stars with over 3,300 user reviews and is the best value for money in its category. Features Features reviewers most value **Calendar management** Reviewers appreciate Google Calendar's calendar management capabilities, rating them a 4.7 out of 5. They find it easy to view and schedule events, color-code tasks, and manage multiple calendars for personal and professional use. Users report that sharing calendars with others and setting reminders helps them stay organized. They also highlight the integration with other calendars and devices, making it accessible from anywhere. Some users mention the limited color options for events as a minor drawback. **Real-time scheduling** Users report that Google Calendar's real-time scheduling is highly efficient and convenient; they give the feature a 4.7 out of 5 rating. They appreciate the ability to quickly schedule meetings and appointments, with updates delivered across all devices. Reviewers indicate that this capability is particularly useful for coordinating with colleagues and managing time zones. They also value the notifications and reminders that help them stay on track. Some users mention the need for more advanced scheduling options. **Calendar/reminder system** Reviewers highlight the effectiveness of Google Calendar's calendar/reminder system, rating it 4.6 out of 5. They appreciate the customizable reminders that can be set for specific times and frequencies, helping them stay organized and on schedule. Users report that the reminders sync across all devices, ensuring they never miss an important event. They also value the ability to set multiple reminders for a single event. Some users suggest improvements for louder and more noticeable notifications. Pros & Cons Elena T. Marketing and Advertising, 1-10 employees Used the software for: 2+ years "With shared calendars, time zone support, and smooth integration with Google Workspace, it has become essential for managing my time (which is a huge win for someone as disorganized as me)" CA Christopher A. Glass, Ceramics & Concrete, 11-50 employees Used the software for: 2+ years "I manage our schedules in our territory with this and it is inextricably connected to our daily email management and internal chat and communication tools, which is critical to our operations." NH Nikki H. Sports, 11-50 employees Used the software for: 2+ years "I'm not able to use bullet points when making edits from the mobile app, which is my primary way of organizing notes in the description section of Calendar events." Bill T. Marketing and Advertising, 11-50 employees Used the software for: 2+ years "As with much of Google Workspace, Google Calendar can have issues with sharing of events on a calendar, both to internal and external invitees." Pricing Google Calendar offers a forever-free plan, but businesses would benefit from paid Google Workplace plans that offer access to many Google utilities. Pricing for all plans requires a one-year commitment. The Business Starter plan has 30 GB of pooled storage at $6 per user, per month. The Business Standard plan offers 2 TB of pooled storage at $12 per user, per month. The Business Plus plan offers 5 TB of pooled storage at $18 per user, per month. Enterprise users should contact Google for pricing. Integrations **Popular Integrations** - **Google Meet** is a communication tool that integrates with Google Calendar to help businesses collaborate and host live-streamed meetings.  - **Google Keep** is a note-taking tool that integrates with Google Calendar to allow all team members to view tasks across custom time periods and store notes about tasks. [Learn more about Google Calendar](https://www.capterra.com/p/213340/Google-Calendar/) * * * [### Calendly](https://www.capterra.com/p/148036/Calendly/) [4.7 (4082)](https://www.capterra.com/p/148036/Calendly/reviews/) Highly rated for Ease of Use Highly rated for Ease of Use [View Profile](https://www.capterra.com/p/148036/Calendly/) Starting Price: $10.00 Per User, Per Month Free Trial Free Version Top rated feature: Online Booking Based on 410 reviews User rating: CJ 73% of reviewers rated it 5 stars Calendly is a meeting automation and scheduling tool that helps businesses of all sizes seamlessly schedule meetings with coworkers, teammates, and vendors. This tool can analyze the availability of every individual on a team and choose compatible meeting times for clients and teammates. More than 3,800 reviewers have given Calendly a 4.7 out of 5 star rating, making it best for ease of use. Features Features reviewers most value **Online booking** Reviewers appreciate Calendly's online booking capabilities for simplifying the scheduling process; they rate this feature 4.7 out of 5. Users report that it eliminates back-and-forth communication by allowing clients to select their preferred time slots based on availability. Users value the integration with Google Calendar and other platforms like Zoom, which keeps everything up to date. They highlight the customization options and automatic reminders, which reduce no-shows. Some users mention mixed feedback on ease of use, but overall, they find it a time-saving and efficient tool. **Calendar/reminder system** Reviewers give this feature a rating of 4.7 out of 5. They report that Calendly's calendar/reminder system is helpful for keeping track of appointments. They appreciate the automated email and text reminders, which help prevent missed meetings. Reviewers indicate that the system syncs well with existing calendars, providing timely notifications. They find the customization options valuable, although some note that advanced personalization requires a higher subscription. Overall, users feel that the reminder system boosts productivity and ensures they stay on top of their schedules. **Scheduling** Reviewers feel that Calendly's scheduling capabilities are highly efficient and user-friendly; they give the feature a 4.7 out of 5 rating. They highlight the ability to avoid double-booking and manage different time zones seamlessly. Users appreciate the integration with third-party apps like Zoom and Google Calendar, which simplifies the scheduling process. They find it convenient to set availability and let others book time slots without back-and-forth emails. Some users mention occasional issues with calendar syncing, but overall, they find the scheduling feature essential for managing appointments and meetings. Pros & Cons AS Andrea S. Marketing and Advertising, Self-employed Used the software for: 1-2 years "The many features that are offered, integrations, its ability to double check other calendars to prevent repeat/over bookings and that they offer a free subscription albeit extremely limited." FK Farman K. Information Technology and Services, 11-50 employees Used the software for: 2+ years "Calendly enables seamless sharing of availability with clients or teammates to book time without back-and-forth emails, while its integration to popular calendars and video tools like Zoom or Teams works particularly well." CK Cara K. E-Learning, 51-200 employees Used the software for: 2+ years "Otherwise, I had to arbitrarily offer them only part of the list of possible times, so as not to overlap, and then they wouldn't find what they needed. If I offered students a window (anytime between 4 and 8), they would choose awkward times (such as 5:30) that meant I could fit fewer total sessions in. If students forgot to come to sessions, I had no proof that they had scheduled, which meant I couldn't hold them accountable." Tehreem G. Telecommunications, 11-50 employees Used the software for: 1-2 years "Occasionally, syncing issues with external calendars can occur, and customer support on lower-tier plans is not as responsive as expected. While the core features are strong, the pricing structure and limited flexibility at lower levels can be frustrating." Pricing Calendly offers a forever-free plan with one-on-one meetings and scheduling tools ideal for one team member. Business owners who want all team members to use Calendly can upgrade to a paid plan. The standard plan is $10 per seat, per month for comprehensive scheduling. The Teams plan is $16 per seat, per month and offers advanced reporting features. The Enterprise plan is $15k per year and is designed for large teams that need additional security controls. [Learn more about Calendly pricing plans](https://www.capterra.com/p/148036/Calendly/pricing/) Integrations **Popular Integrations** - **PayPal** is a payment processing platform that integrates with Calendly to provide invoicing and payment collection capabilities.  - **Slack** is a team communication platform that integrates with Calendly so teammates can coordinate meeting times and collaborate on projects.  - **Salesforce Sales Cloud** is a sales tracking and recording platform that integrates with Calendly to automatically update Salesforce meeting and sales records. [Learn more about Calendly](https://www.capterra.com/p/148036/Calendly/) * * * [4.6 (1142)](https://www.capterra.com/p/153076/Homebase/reviews/) Highly rated for Customer Support Highly rated for Customer Support Starting Price: $30.00 Usage Based, Per Month Free Trial Free Version Top rated feature: Mobile Access Based on 51 reviews User rating: KO 72% of reviewers rated it 5 stars Homebase is a scheduling tool designed for small businesses with hourly teams. Business owners use Homebase for time tracking, sending scheduling reminders, running payroll, and supporting compliance. Reviewers frequently mention Homebase's low pricing, ease of use, and comprehensive customer service. Over 1,000 reviewers rate it 4.6 out of 5 stars and rate HomeBase as the best for customer support. Features Features reviewers most value **Online time tracking** Reviewers appreciate Homebase's online time tracking capabilities, giving them a 4.7 out of 5 rating. They highlight the convenience of clocking in and out from any device, including the web portal and smartphone app. Users report that it is easy to track hours, make time clock adjustments, and receive notifications for shifts and breaks. They find it helpful for managing overtime and ensuring accurate time records. They also mention the added security of photo verification to prevent buddy punching. **Timesheet management** Reviewers give the timesheet management feature a 4.6 out of 5 rating. Users report that Homebase simplifies timesheet management by making it easy to clock in and out and review/edit timesheets. They appreciate the ability to manage timesheets from any device and communicate directly within the system. Reviewers find it straightforward to correct missed clock-ins and view detailed work hours. They mention the integration with payroll systems, although some have faced issues with QuickBooks integration. **Employee scheduling** Reviewers indicate that Homebase's employee scheduling is user-friendly and efficient, rating the feature 4.4 out of 5. They appreciate the drag-and-drop functionality, the ability to create templates, and the ease of adjusting schedules. Users find it helpful for managing shift trades, tracking PTO, and sending instant schedule updates. They also value the visibility of coworkers' schedules and the ability to check schedules on any device. Some mention challenges with making changes on mobile devices. Pros & Cons CG Chancey G. Automotive, 1-10 employees Used the software for: 1-2 years "This app took all the chaos of scheduling my entire team and turned it into a easy open way to communicate as a team or individually which in turn increased the entire morale and productivity of my business." Stenie O. Food & Beverages, 11-50 employees Used the software for: 1-2 years "It is secure for management to make their schedule, and for employees to access it on their mobile devices." JP Janna P. Food & Beverages, 11-50 employees Used the software for: 6-12 months "The mobile app can be a bit glitchy or slow at times, and more useful features are only available on the paid plans." Davinder T. Restaurants, 11-50 employees Used the software for: 1-2 years "There are features that would be helpful but are not included lower tier plans, but don't warrant the change in pricing to go to a higher tier. " Pricing Homebase offers a forever-free Basic plan that is designed for new businesses with fewer than 20 employees. Growing and established businesses may want to upgrade to a paid tier. The Essentials plan is $24.95 per month, per location and includes advanced scheduling. The Plus plan is $59.95 per month, per location and includes PTO and time-off controls and enhanced compliance tools. The All-in-One plan is $99.95 per month, per location and provides a complete labor management solution. [Learn more about Homebase pricing plans](https://www.capterra.com/p/153076/Homebase/pricing/) Integrations **Popular Integrations** - **Ziprecruiter** is a job board and hiring platform that integrates with Homebase to create and post job ads.  - **ADP Workforce Now** is a payroll and HR suite that integrates with Homebase to support the export of hourly workforce records and run payroll.  - **Gusto** is a payroll utility that integrates with Homebase to support workforce records and run payroll. [Learn more about Homebase](https://www.capterra.com/p/153076/Homebase/) * * * [4.3 (666)](https://www.capterra.com/p/141842/Weave/reviews/) Highly rated for Functionality Highly rated for Functionality Starting Price: Not provided by vendor Free Trial Free Version Top rated feature: Mobile Access Based on 44 reviews User rating: MM 62% of reviewers rated it 5 stars Weave is an all-in-one scheduling and customer experience platform for small- and medium-sized healthcare businesses. Practice managers use Weave to manage the customer journey from the initial phone call to every consultation in between. Weave supports streamlined scheduling and invoicing. Weave has a 4.3 out of 5 rating from nearly 600 Capterra reviewers and is rated the best scheduling software for functionality. Features Features reviewers most value **Confirmations/reminders** Reviewers appreciate Weave's confirmations/reminders capability for its time-saving automation and effectiveness in reducing no-shows; they give the feature a 4.2 out of 5 rating. They find it valuable for sending automated reminders via text and email, which patients prefer over phone calls. Users report significant time savings and reduced employee costs. They highlight the customization options and integration with systems like NexTech and Eaglesoft. However, some users mention issues with early morning reminders and difficulties in managing specific appointment types or exceptions. **Real-time notifications** Reviewers give this feature a rating of 4.1 out of 5. They report that Weave's real-time notifications are helpful for instant communication with patients via text. They appreciate receiving immediate alerts for incoming messages, faxes, and missed calls, which enhances responsiveness. Reviewers indicate that this capability supports efficient remote work and quick patient interactions. However, some users experience occasional delays and issues with the mobile app logging them off unexpectedly. They find it beneficial for maintaining real-time patient communication and filling cancellations promptly. **HIPAA compliance** Reviewers highlight Weave's HIPAA compliance capability for ensuring patient privacy and security, giving it a 4.1 out of 5 rating. They feel confident using Weave for sensitive communications, knowing it meets privacy standards. Users appreciate the secure handling of patient information, which is essential in the medical and dental industries. They indicate that this compliance eases operations and ensures trust in the platform. Some users note that HIPAA compliance is not required in veterinary medicine, but they still value the security features. Pros & Cons AJ Amanda J. Medical Practice, 1-10 employees Used the software for: 6-12 months "Weave was a helpful tool for our practice for a while, offering solid communication features like phone integration, texting, and appointment reminders." SE Sandra E. Hospital & Health Care, 1-10 employees Used the software for: 2+ years "I love that it is customizable to the needs of the office in terms of setting types and frequencies of appointment reminders, as well as the ability to separate messages as actionable so patients' questions and messages don't get forgotten." SC Sarah C. Medical Practice, 1-10 employees Used the software for: Less than 6 months "The phones have to be reset at least a bi weekly, customer service is difficult to communicate with and closes out problems without fixing them." HB Henry B. Veterinary, 1-10 employees Used the software for: Less than 6 months "What I actually experienced was the system was glitchy when in motion and actually froze up the phone where I had to frequently restart the phone for it to start working again." Pricing Weave offers three pricing tiers: Essentials, Pro, Elite, and Ultimate. Pricing information is not published on Weave's website. Interested healthcare businesses should contact Weave directly for a price quote. [Learn more about Weave pricing plans](https://www.capterra.com/p/141842/Weave/pricing/) Integrations **Popular Integrations** - **Booker** is a scheduling and client management platform for medical practices that integrates with Weave to meet their specialized needs.  - **Curve Dental** is a cloud-based dental practice management platform that integrates with Weave to support patient scheduling.  - **DaySmart Vet** is a cloud-based practice management and collaboration tool for veterinary practices that integrates with Weave for appointment scheduling. [Learn more about Weave](https://www.capterra.com/p/141842/Weave/) * * * [### Acuity Scheduling](https://www.capterra.com/p/191978/Acuity-Scheduling/) [4.8 (5739)](https://www.capterra.com/p/191978/Acuity-Scheduling/reviews/) Highly rated for Real-Time Scheduling Highly rated for Real-Time Scheduling [View Profile](https://www.capterra.com/p/191978/Acuity-Scheduling/) Starting Price: $20.00 Flat Rate, Per Month Free Trial Free Version Top rated feature: Online Booking Based on 129 reviews User rating: Md 81% of reviewers rated it 5 stars Acuity Scheduling is a scheduling tool that allows business leaders to centralize customer scheduling and communication. Small- to medium-sized business owners use this tool to deliver automated booking confirmations, text reminders, and payment links to their clients. With a rating of 4.8 out of 5  from almost 6,000 reviews, Acuity Scheduling is the best for real-time scheduling. Features Features reviewers most value **Scheduling** Reviewers appreciate Acuity Scheduling's scheduling capabilities, rating them 4.7 out of 5. They report that it allows for easy customization of appointment types, reminders, and notifications. Users indicate that it integrates well with calendars, including Google Calendar, ensuring no double bookings. They find it user-friendly for both clients and businesses, with features like embedding links on websites and syncing across devices. They say it saves time and keeps everyone organized, with the ability to attach forms and track client history. **Appointment scheduling** Reviewers highlight Acuity Scheduling's appointment scheduling capabilities; they rate this feature 4.6 out of 5. They report that it offers a user-friendly interface and customizable availability settings, making it easy for clients to book appointments. Users indicate that it reduces scheduling conflicts and eliminates the need for back-and-forth communication. They find it integrates well with personal calendars, like Google Calendar, and provides automated reminders. They say it helps manage time better and keeps everything organized, enhancing productivity and client satisfaction. **Real-time scheduling** Reviewers appreciate Acuity Scheduling's real-time scheduling capabilities, giving the feature a rating of 4.6 out of 5. They report that it allows clients to see and book available times instantly, reducing the hassle of manual confirmations. Users indicate that it provides immediate updates and notifications, ensuring accurate and up-to-date scheduling. They find it helpful for managing appointments across different time zones and preventing overbooking. They say it saves time and improves efficiency, making it easier to handle frequent schedule changes. Pros & Cons KR Kevin R. Logistics and Supply Chain, 1-10 employees Used the software for: 2+ years "I love that clients can book themselves online, it automatically adjusts for time zones, and it sends reminders, which saves me so much time and reduces no-shows" RR Riley R. Legal Services, 501-1,000 employees Used the software for: I used a free trial "You can set availability, buffers, intake forms, and automated reminders, which makes everything feel organized and professional." BM Brazola M. Cosmetics, 1-10 employees Used the software for: Less than 6 months "Some cons for Acuity Scheduling are it can be expensive for small businesses and it has no free tier like other apps." Eric T. Automotive, 501-1,000 employees Used the software for: 2+ years "The only real issue that we ran into is the inability for an Admin to manage the actual configurations for the end-users. " Pricing Acuity Scheduling offers four pricing levels. The Emerging plan is $20 per month and supports one bookable calendar. The Growing plan is $34 per month and supports up to six bookable calendars and global text reminders. The Powerhouse plan is $61 per month and supports up to 36 bookable calendars and HIPAA compliance. Discounts for annual billing are available. [Learn more about Acuity Scheduling pricing plans](https://www.capterra.com/p/191978/Acuity-Scheduling/pricing/) Integrations **Popular Integrations** - **Google Workspace** is a business productivity suite that integrates with Acuity Scheduling to sync calendars and empower accurate scheduling.  - **Basecamp** is a team collaboration and file storage platform that integrates with Acuity for schedule synching.  - **Microsoft 365** is a workplace productivity suite that integrates with Acuity to ensure accurate scheduling and calendar synching. [Learn more about Acuity Scheduling](https://www.capterra.com/p/191978/Acuity-Scheduling/) * * * [### Doodle](https://www.capterra.com/p/142620/Doodle/) [4.6 (1837)](https://www.capterra.com/p/142620/Doodle/reviews/) Highly rated for Calendar Management Highly rated for Calendar Management [View Profile](https://www.capterra.com/p/142620/Doodle/) Starting Price: $6.95 Per User, Per Month Free Trial Free Version Top rated feature: Calendar Management Based on 158 reviews User rating: LC 68% of reviewers rated it 5 stars Doodle is a meeting scheduling tool that helps business owners streamline meeting scheduling and organization. Doodle features a booking page tool that allows clients to schedule meetings directly from a team member's calendar. Reviewers frequently mention that Doodle is easy to use. More than 1,800 reviewers have given Doodle 4.6 out of 5 rating, making it best for calendar management. Features Features reviewers most value **Confirmations and reminders** Reviewers appreciate Doodle's confirmations and reminders capabilities; they give the feature a rating of 4.6 out of 5. They find it valuable for keeping track of important meetings and appointments, especially when dates are set far in advance. Users report that reminders help prevent missed meetings and ensure timely preparation. They say Doodle's reminders reduce the need for manual follow-ups and cut down on email clutter. They also highlight the ability to customize reminder frequency and receive real-time notifications of responses to meeting requests. **Group scheduling** Reviewers give this feature a 4.5 out of 5 rating. They report that Doodle's group scheduling capabilities make it easy to find suitable meeting times for large groups. They find it helpful for coordinating schedules across different organizations and time zones. Reviewers indicate that it simplifies the process of polling availability and reduces the need for back-and-forth emails. They say it is intuitive and easy to use, allowing everyone to see who is attending and track progress. Some users mention occasional issues with screen optimization. **Scheduling** Reviewers rate this feature 4.5 out of 5. They highlight Doodle's scheduling capabilities as essential for organizing meetings with multiple participants. They find it convenient for managing time and avoiding scheduling conflicts. Users report that it provides a clear overview of availability and allows for easy customization of meeting times. They appreciate the ability to add notes to schedules and the intuitive interface for suggesting new times. They say it helps streamline the scheduling process and reduces stress associated with coordinating appointments. Pros & Cons Nora D. Broadcast Media, 11-50 employees Used the software for: 1-2 years "This integration ensures that once a meeting time is agreed upon, it can be seamlessly added to everyone's calendar, minimizing the chance of misunderstandings or missed appointments." Nora D. Broadcast Media, 11-50 employees Used the software for: 1-2 years "Doodle also offers additional features like reminders and notifications, which help ensure that participants are kept informed about upcoming meetings." LC Laura C. Child Day Care Services, 51-200 employees Used the software for: 2+ years "Many features are paid and there are many ads on the screen, which can make it a little bit difficult to create and read invitations." K F. Education Management, 1-10 employees Used the software for: 2+ years "Probably just the ads. But I use the free service so I'm not sure what to expect. And sometimes integrating it is a little clunky." Pricing Doodle offers a forever-free plan that supports one use and one booking page. Businesses that need more robust scheduling capability may want to upgrade to the Pro or Team plans. The Pro plan is $6.95 per user, per month when billed annually and includes unlimited booking pages. The Team plan is $8.95 per user, per month when billed annually and includes an admin console, activity reports, and co-hosting capabilities. [Learn more about Doodle pricing plans](https://www.capterra.com/p/142620/Doodle/pricing/) Integrations **Popular Integrations** - **Zoom** is a team and client meeting platform that integrates with Doodle to set up meetings and  send out automatic meeting reminders.  - **Microsoft Teams** is a team communication and collaboration platform that integrates with Doodle to enable automatic conferencing links.  - **Webex** is a collaboration and communication suite that integrates with Doodle to add conference links to all meetings booked through Doodle. [Learn more about Doodle](https://www.capterra.com/p/142620/Doodle/) * * * [4.5 (1270)](https://www.capterra.com/p/121248/When-I-Work/reviews/) Highly rated for Real-Time Updates Highly rated for Real-Time Updates Starting Price: $2.50 Per User, Per Month Free Trial Free Version Top rated feature: Mobile Access Based on 78 reviews User rating: JO 61% of reviewers rated it 5 stars When I Work is a scheduling, time tracking, attendance, and communication tool designed for small- to medium-sized businesses with hourly employees. Businesses use When I Work to update schedules in real-time and manage labor hours. Reviewers mention its comprehensive scheduling and update tools. When I Work has a rating of 4.5 out of 5 from over 1,000 reviews; it's best for real-time updates. Features Features reviewers most value **Employee scheduling** Reviewers appreciate When I Work's employee scheduling capabilities, rating them 4.6 out of 5. They highlight the ease of setting availability, copying shifts, and managing time-off requests. Users report that the auto-generate schedule feature, which considers vacation requests and special events, is particularly valuable. They find the different views, such as user, coverage, and position, helpful for planning. Reviewers indicate that the platform simplifies communication by allowing employees to see their schedules and availability, reducing the need for emails and improving overall efficiency. **Schedule distribution** Users report that When I Work's schedule distribution capabilities are clear and efficient; they give the feature a 4.3 out of 5 rating. They say employees receive notifications about new and changing schedules via email and text, ensuring everyone stays informed. Reviewers indicate that the system makes it easy to distribute schedules to large groups and confirm coverage needs. They find that the immediate notification upon schedule publication helps employees manage their shifts effectively, and the ability to access schedules on both laptops and mobile devices is highly appreciated. **Mobile access** Reviewers highlight the importance of When I Work's mobile access capabilities, rating them 4.1 out of 5. They find it convenient to check schedules, request time off, and make changes directly from their phones. Users report that the app is easy to use and works well on both Android and iOS devices. They appreciate the seamless experience between mobile and web versions, ensuring consistent access across devices. However, some users mention occasional issues with notifications and clocking in, which can require troubleshooting. Pros & Cons Stenie O. Food & Beverages, 11-50 employees Used the software for: 1-2 years "When I work is great for time tracking, team communication, and saving time on scheduling. Plus, you can make your business schedule ahead of time, and with its calendar and appointment options, employees can swap their schedule as well." GB Gareth B. Facilities Services, 11-50 employees Used the software for: 2+ years "Cost effective way of tracking our team, costs and time on sites, helping the PM's track performance and budgets." AG Adem Can G. Hospitality, 51-200 employees Used the software for: Less than 6 months "System is not quick enough to get bookings, there are many duplication issues, views are not clear enough it does not make sense to not have the option to change what i wanna see on the schedule screen" JR Jonathan R. Hospital & Health Care, 51-200 employees Used the software for: 6-12 months "No Auditing capability to see if unauthorized changes were made, and does not work for complex workflows." Pricing When I Work offers three paid subscription tiers. The Essentials plan is $1.50 per user, per month and supports auto-scheduling and forecasting tools for unlimited users. The Pro plan is $3 per user, per month and includes advanced scheduling tools and features for managing staff callouts. The Premium plan is $5 per user, per month and is designed for complex enterprises that need API key access and enhanced security. [Learn more about When I Work pricing plans](https://www.capterra.com/p/121248/When-I-Work/pricing/) Integrations **Popular Integrations** - **PayPal** is an online payment platform that integrates with When I Work to support invoicing and payment collection.  - **Google Workspace** is a business productivity suite that integrates with When I Work to support schedule sharing and team collaboration.  - **QuickBooks Online** is a payroll and accounting management platform that integrates with When I Work to support timesheet imports and payments. [Learn more about When I Work](https://www.capterra.com/p/121248/When-I-Work/) * * * [### Jobber](https://www.capterra.com/p/127994/Jobber/) [4.6 (1420)](https://www.capterra.com/p/127994/Jobber/reviews/) Highly rated for Mobile Access Highly rated for Mobile Access [View Profile](https://www.capterra.com/p/127994/Jobber/) Starting Price: $39.00 Flat Rate, Per Month Free Trial Free Version Top rated feature: Mobile Access Based on 222 reviews User rating: 72% of reviewers rated it 5 stars Jobber is a scheduling tool designed for small businesses in the home services industry. Business owners use Jobber to schedule field service jobs, plan routes effectively, and avoid booking mistakes. Reviewers mention the flexibility of handling scheduling and business management remotely. More than 900 reviewers give Jobber a 4.5 out of 5 rating, making it best for mobile access. Features Features reviewers most value **Confirmations and reminders** Reviewers give this feature a rating of 4.6 out of 5. They appreciate Jobber's confirmations and reminders capabilities for keeping customers informed about their appointments, which reduces missed appointments and increases customer satisfaction. They find the automatic confirmations and reminders via email and text save time and improve efficiency. Users report that this aspect helps eliminate empty appointment slots and provides proof of contact in case of disputes. They say it enhances customer service and follow-up, making the CRM process smoother and more effective. **Payment processing** Reviewers rate this feature 4.5 out of 5. They indicate that Jobber's payment processing capabilities allow businesses to securely and efficiently process payments, improving cash flow and customer satisfaction. They find it easy to collect deposits upfront and process payments on-site, which reduces outstanding invoices. Users report that the integration with QuickBooks is partially effective, and some mention the processing time could be faster. They appreciate the low fees and the convenience of customers paying via credit card. **Scheduling** Reviewers highlight Jobber's scheduling capabilities for its ease of use and efficiency in managing appointments; they give this feature a 4.4 out of 5 rating. They appreciate the drag-and-drop functionality, color coding, and ability to set recurring jobs. Users report that it helps keep track of appointments, update job information, and communicate changes to field personnel. They find it beneficial for planning large workloads and maintaining organization. Some users mention the need for more flexible scheduling options and bulk deletion of jobs. Pros & Cons ZK Zachary K. Construction, 11-50 employees Used the software for: 2+ years "Jobber has streamlined our business in a lot of different ways in has made the process of meeting a client quoting a client and converting those into work orders for our team and invoices." LD Lorin D. Consumer Services, 1-10 employees Used the software for: 6-12 months "It helps manage scheduling, quotes, invoices, and client communication all in one place. As our company has grown and we’ve added employees and recurring routes, having a system like Jobber has made a big difference in keeping everything organized." BL Billy L. Accounting, 1-10 employees Used the software for: 1-2 years "The way the map function’s, is very confusing… and make scheduling a real challenge!It just shows my stops, and on the map, it looks like we play connect the dots… the map does not show the exact route, street by street. When adding my stops jobbers GPS software does not show me direct roots through bridges, one ways, or alternate routes… ideally what I wanna do is add all of my stops for the day click “optimize”" MD Mary D. Events Services, 1-10 employees Used the software for: 1-2 years "There are some flaws with uploading documents to emails and some features that don't always work 100% of the time slowing my daily tasks down. When I want to pull reports on tags that I have created for my clients, it's hard to quickly do that and not have to spend a large amount of time then editing the information." Pricing Jobber offers three paid subscription plans. The Core plan is $29 per month, billed annually and supports one user. The Connect plan is $89 per month, paid annually and supports up to five users. The Grow plan is $149 per month, billed annually and designed for growing businesses. [Learn more about Jobber pricing plans](https://www.capterra.com/p/127994/Jobber/pricing/) Integrations **Popular Integrations** - **PayPal** is a payment processing platform that integrates with Jobber for seamless client invoicing and payment collection.  - **Mailchimp** is an email marketing platform that integrates with Jobber to add new clients to email marketing lists instantly.  - **QuickBooks Online** is a business accounting and payroll management platform that integrates with Jobber to track invoices and process employee payroll. [Learn more about Jobber](https://www.capterra.com/p/127994/Jobber/) * * * ## Top scheduling software for small businesses at a glance Vendor Highly rated Starting Price [Homebase](https://www.capterra.com/p/153076/Homebase/)[4.6 (1142)](https://www.capterra.com/p/153076/Homebase/reviews/) Customer Support $30.00 Per Month [When I Work](https://www.capterra.com/p/121248/When-I-Work/)[4.5 (1270)](https://www.capterra.com/p/121248/When-I-Work/reviews/) Real-Time Updates $2.50 Per Month [Weave](https://www.capterra.com/p/141842/Weave/)[4.3 (666)](https://www.capterra.com/p/141842/Weave/reviews/) Functionality Not provided by vendor [Calendly](https://www.capterra.com/p/148036/Calendly/)[4.7 (4082)](https://www.capterra.com/p/148036/Calendly/reviews/) Ease of Use $10.00 Per Month [Learn More](https://www.capterra.com/p/148036/Calendly/) [Clockify](https://www.capterra.com/p/169607/Clockify/)[4.8 (9234)](https://www.capterra.com/p/169607/Clockify/reviews/) Highest Rated $4.99 Per Month [Learn More](https://www.capterra.com/p/169607/Clockify/) [Acuity Scheduling](https://www.capterra.com/p/191978/Acuity-Scheduling/)[4.8 (5739)](https://www.capterra.com/p/191978/Acuity-Scheduling/reviews/) Real-Time Scheduling $20.00 Per Month [Learn More](https://www.capterra.com/p/191978/Acuity-Scheduling/) [Google Calendar](https://www.capterra.com/p/213340/Google-Calendar/)[4.8 (4008)](https://www.capterra.com/p/213340/Google-Calendar/reviews/) Value for Money Not provided by vendor [Learn More](https://www.capterra.com/p/213340/Google-Calendar/) [Jobber](https://www.capterra.com/p/127994/Jobber/)[4.6 (1420)](https://www.capterra.com/p/127994/Jobber/reviews/) Mobile Access $39.00 Per Month [Learn More](https://www.capterra.com/p/127994/Jobber/) [Doodle](https://www.capterra.com/p/142620/Doodle/)[4.6 (1837)](https://www.capterra.com/p/142620/Doodle/reviews/) Calendar Management $6.95 Per Month [Learn More](https://www.capterra.com/p/142620/Doodle/) Explore our 883 Scheduling solutions[Browse Directory](https://www.capterra.com/scheduling-software/) ## Our methodology To be considered for this list, products had to: - Appear in the [2024 Capterra Shortlist for Scheduling](https://www.capterra.com/scheduling-software/shortlist/). - Meet our market definition for Scheduling. - Have more than 20 reviews from small and midsized businesses (SMBs) within two years of the evaluation period. We took the highest rated products in each of the listed parameters unless that product already appeared on our list, in which case we featured the next highest rated.  For each featured product, we included the following details based on verified reviews. **Most valued features selection:** Our research team analyzed verified project management software reviews on Capterra to identify each product’s highest rated features (minimum 5 reviews). We then summarized user sentiment using real reviews for each feature.  **Review excerpts selection:** Review excerpts are passages extracted from longer reviews written by verified reviewers. We obtain these excerpts by applying an algorithm that considers factors including, but not limited to, length, sentiment, topic coverage, and thematic relevance. Excerpts represent user opinion and do not represent the views of, nor constitute, an endorsement by Capterra or its affiliates. Excerpts are not edited for clarity or grammar. **Popular integrations selection:** We identified integrations from our internal database and selected products considered as “most popular” based on how often they were cited by users as integrating with products in the category. ## What is scheduling software? Scheduling software simplifies the process of scheduling and managing calendar events and helps prevent scheduling conflicts and no-shows by syncing multiple calendars to show users’ real-time availability and sending automatic booking notifications. Scheduling software commonly comes with features to help users book appointments online, manage their schedules and availability, and receive alerts. All scheduling software tools come with two core features: availability management, which manages and displays real-time availability for easier booking, and calendar management, which tracks schedules and meetings in a shared calendar. Other common features in this category that simplify the task of scheduling meetings include real-time alerts and notifications, reporting and statistics, mobile access, online booking, and calendar sync.  There are different kinds of scheduling tools for different industries and functions, including the following: - Appointment scheduling (used primarily for external guests/customers)  - Medical patient scheduling and medical employee scheduling - Warehouse and/or distribution center dock scheduling - Employee scheduling - Field service appointment scheduling - Construction scheduling - Production scheduling - Meeting scheduling  Scheduling software has many overlapping features with [appointment scheduling software](https://www.capterra.com/appointment-scheduling-software/). The main distinction is that appointment scheduling software is designed to facilitate scheduling and payment for customer appointments. Scheduling software, on the other hand, more broadly supports meetings both internal and external to the business using it. ## Importance of scheduling software for SMBs Small businesses often use outdated methods for managing their schedules, including pen and paper or multiple individual online calendars. This can make scheduling client appointments, internal meetings, and employee shifts complicated, opaque, and time-consuming. It’s critical for SMBs to upgrade to automated software, so they can do more with their time and improve both customer and employee experiences.  Here’s some more detail on why scheduling software is important for SMBs: - **Provides visibility and flexibility to employees:** Shift workers increasingly demand online, mobile-friendly methods of scheduling their shifts—it’s easier to work with and offers a degree of autonomy that outdated methods can’t. By providing scheduling software, you can help employees find shifts that work best with their availability, which makes them more likely to want to continue working for you.  - **Makes teams more productive:** Teams can get more done when everyone’s on the same page about when meetings should happen. Using a tool that displays everyone’s availability in real time makes it easy to find a time that works.  - **Minimizes costly no-shows and cancellations:** Missed appointments cost businesses money and time. With automated booking confirmations and reminders, scheduling software improves attendance rates.  It’s critical for small businesses to get the most out of their busy employees’ time, and to make money and provide excellent customer service at every customer or client meeting. This means giving employees more visibility and flexibility in scheduling their shifts, easily finding a time to meet that suits every user’s schedule, and minimizing no-shows and cancellations. By upgrading from manual methods of scheduling to software that automatically keeps track of calendars and reminds invitees to show up to meetings, appointments, and shifts, businesses can get more meetings on the books, improve experiences for shift workers, and convert and keep more customers. ## Key features to look for in scheduling software for small businesses Scheduling software includes features that allow users to book and manage calendar events online, view and manage availability, and send or receive communications about bookings, including reminders and marketing emails. We asked users to rate how important different features are for scheduling software. The features listed below are those that the highest percentage of reviewers rated as “highly important” or “critical” over the past two years.   ### Simplified appointment booking   Scheduling software lets users book appointments and meetings online and on mobile devices at their convenience. By syncing user availability on a centralized calendar, users can instantly pick meeting times that align with everyone’s schedule, without the back-and-forth and confusion of manual methods. There are a few different features that facilitate easy booking with scheduling software, including: - **Real-time scheduling:** The software instantly confirms or denies booking requests based on users’ self-reported availability. 89% of reviewers say this feature is critical or highly important. - **Mobile access:** Users can access the software on mobile devices for on-the-go booking. 84% of reviewers say this feature is critical or highly important. - **Calendar sync:** The software synchronizes multiple calendars so users can view mutual availability. 78% of reviewers say this feature is critical or highly important. - **Online booking:** Users can book appointments online, without the hassle of a phone call, email thread, or in-person visit. 77% of reviewers say this feature is critical or highly important. ### Employee management capabilities   Some scheduling software includes employee management features that offer employees and managers more visibility into availability and performance. These include the following: - **Employee management:** Allows users to track employee schedules, availability, and performance across projects and tasks. 69% of reviewers rate the employee management feature as critical or highly important.  - **Employee scheduling:** Allows users to assign working shifts or tasks to employees based on their availability. 80% of reviewers rate the timesheet management feature as critical or highly important. ### Integration with existing systems   Integrating scheduling software with existing tools for HR, time tracking, and project management software helps businesses manage their calendars more efficiently as they interview job candidates, manage their employees, and work on projects. 59% of reviewers rate third-party integrations as a critical or highly important feature of scheduling software. ### User-friendly interface Scheduling software offers users a simple and straightforward user interface. One feature that makes scheduling software easy to use includes customizable fields, rated by 81% of reviewers as critical or highly important.  ## How to choose the scheduling software for your small team With over 1,000 scheduling software products here in Capterra’s product catalog, it can be tricky to know how to start narrowing down your options. To make a confident choice, consider your business’s critical needs, including desired features, integrations, and budget.  ### 1\. What key features and capabilities are you looking for? Your business has unique needs that can help you focus on a shortlist of options that include the key features that can support those needs. For example, if you need software specifically to manage employees’ availability, look for tools that include employee management and employee scheduling features. If your business has multiple locations, make sure the products you consider support multi-location scheduling and allow enough user seats to support your team. If you’re a medical practice, look for tools tailored to managing nurse or physician availability and shifts.   ### 2\. How much do you want to pay for scheduling software? As a small business, you may have a relatively limited budget for software purchases, so you need to find a tool that has the features and integration capabilities you need for the right price. When deciding on a budget, keep in mind not only the initial cost of the software, but also long-term or additional costs, such as subscription fees, upgrades, or maintenance fees.   Another factor that drives up the overall cost of software adoption is ease of use. If you buy software that your employees can’t easily learn to use, productivity and morale might take a hit during the implementation phase. That’s why it’s critically important to have real users test out products through vendor demo sessions and free trial periods. You should know how end users feel about using the software before you buy.  ### 3\. Do you plan to integrate your scheduling software with any existing tools?  Before you buy new software, confirm that it can integrate with desired tools in your existing tech stack, such as your HR software, website builder, email marketing tool, or project management software. ## Tips for implementing scheduling software It takes a few steps to successfully onboard your new scheduling software. To get the most out of your new system, keep these recommendations in mind.  ### 1\. Train your team To get maximum functionality from features like calendar sync, availability management, and automated reminders, you need your whole team to properly use the scheduling software as the primary mode of booking new meetings and appointments. Coordinate training sessions to get employees up to speed on how to use the tool.  ### 2\. Customize notifications Any communications sent through the scheduling tool should be customized with your branding. This is not just a marketing opportunity—it also lets recipients know booking notifications and reminders are authentic. Most scheduling tools offer customized templates for outgoing communications, allowing you to incorporate your logo, add fields for personalized messages, and use language that aligns with your brand's voice. ### 3\. Make it accessible  In today's digital landscape, customers anticipate the convenience of booking appointments online without the necessity of phone calls or emails. Minimize booking obstacles by integrating your appointment scheduling tool across all customer interaction points—such as embedding it as a widget on your website, linking it in your business's social media profiles, and including it in marketing emails. ## The future of scheduling software for small businesses ### New integration options offer users more granularity and customization for bookings Some vendors are designing scheduling tools that can easily integrate with software used for booking specific meeting rooms, wayfinding, and managing visitors. These integrations reduce friction in the customer experience, as visitors to a business can easily locate their meeting and verify their identity with building administrators.[\[2\]](#footnotes) This is particularly helpful for businesses operating in mixed-use spaces, those with many meeting rooms or floorplans that are difficult to navigate, and those who want more visibility on who is visiting their physical locations, and when.   ### AI improves the recruiting process for job candidates and employers  New AI-driven functionality allows job candidates to flexibly schedule interviews based on their availability, helping cut down on administrative workload for businesses and reduce friction during the recruiting process.[\[3\]](#footnotes) ## What does scheduling software for small business cost? Pricing for scheduling software for small businesses ranges from $2.50 to $6 per user, per month for basic functionality.[\[4\]](#footnotes) For more advanced features, such as activity tracking, customer database, and reporting, prices range from $7 to $10 per user, per month for premium products, and $10 per user, per month and up for advanced products. There are also free tools and free trials of paid tools available. ## What is the difference between scheduling software for small and large businesses? Scheduling software has benefits for businesses of all sizes. That said, small and large businesses use these tools differently to support their different needs.  For example, large businesses tend to have many more employees and multiple physical locations where employees, customers, or other visitors can book meetings. They are more likely to need features for resource allocation and wayfinding, and they tend to pay for more user seats as part of their subscription. They may also have more complex security or integration requirements.  Small businesses, on the other hand, tend to look for simpler, budget-friendly tools with more basic functionality and customization. Having a mobile-friendly tool is particularly important for lean teams, where each user has many responsibilities and needs to be able to access the software on the go. Encouraging customer loyalty is hugely important for small businesses, which tend to utilize personalized messages and reminders to communicate with clients through their scheduling tools. ## Common scheduling software pitfalls small businesses need to avoid ### Clunky user interface The visual appeal of scheduling software isn’t just an aesthetic concern—it’s an accessibility issue that can dramatically affect your employees’ and customers’ willingness to use the new tool. Intelligent design can make it easier for users to make sense of calendar availability and notifications, reducing friction in the booking process and making it easier for employees to keep track of their work schedules.  Unfortunately, not all scheduling tools are designed beautifully and easy to use, which makes adoption challenging. It’s important to have end users test out their options before purchasing one, so they can weigh in on the user experience.  ### Inconsistent use You’ll get the most out of your scheduling tool’s availability management and reminders features if you use it consistently as the primary method of booking new appointments. Continuing to book meetings and track availability on paper, in email or text threads, or over social media and then manually entering the bookings later will only continue your scheduling woes. Buying a tool that’s available on mobile devices makes it far more likely that employees and customers will use it.  ### Lack of customization Every business has different needs, so your scheduling tool should be customizable to display what your customers and employees need to see at a glance. You should be able to customize your tool’s dashboards, appearance, booking settings, and communications. ## FAQs What is the best scheduling tool for small businesses? According to our analysis of products with high market demand and reviews from Capterra Shortlist, [Clockify](https://www.capterra.com/p/169607/Clockify/) had the highest overall rating from verified small business reviewers. What is the best free scheduling app? According to our analysis of products with high market demand and reviews from Capterra Shortlist, [Clockify](https://www.capterra.com/p/169607/Clockify/) had the highest overall rating for free scheduling software tools from verified small business reviewers. What is the cheapest scheduling software? According to our analysis of products with affordable pricing, [WhenIWork](https://www.capterra.com/p/121248/When-I-Work/) is the most affordable scheduling software. What is the most commonly used scheduling system? According to our analysis of products with high market demand and reviews from Capterra Shortlist, [Clockify](https://www.capterra.com/p/169607/Clockify/) is the most commonly used scheduling software product. Capterra Shortlist identifies the top products in each software category based on a proprietary blend of user ratings and popularity. **Sources** 1. **Capterra reviews data:** Capterra reviews are collected from verified users for individual software products. For this report, we analyzed reviews from the past two years as of the production date. [Read the complete methodology.](https://www.capterra.com/resources/proprietary-data-research/#software-buyers-guides-methodology) 2. [Hype Cycle for Unified Communications and Collaboration, 2024](https://www.gartner.com/interactive/hc/5634991?ref=solrAll&refval=428689439), Gartner 3. [Innovation Insight: AI-Enabled Interview Technology to Improve Candidate Experience](https://www.gartner.com/doc/5144031?ref=solrAll&refval=399941299&), Gartner 4. **Capterra software pricing data:** Only products with publicly available pricing information and qualified software products within the category, as of the date of production, are included in the pricing analysis. [Read the complete methodology here](https://www.capterra.com/resources/proprietary-data-research/#software-buyers-guides-methodology). [Molly Burke](https://www.capterra.com/resources/author/mburke/) Molly Burke is a senior analyst and writer for Capterra. She covers customer experience and marketing in the retail and restaurant industries, with a focus on how emerging technology is transforming the way everyday people shop. Her research helps business owners make software investment decisions that will help them navigate the ever-shifting retail landscape.  Molly’s research and analysis is informed by more than 120,000 authentic user reviews on Capterra and nearly 8,000 interactions... [Caroline Rousseau](https://www.capterra.com/resources/author/caroline-rousseau/) Caroline Rousseau is a content editor at Capterra. A former content analyst, Caroline has, for the past five years, built, written, and edited research reports about technological trends, opportunities, and challenges with a small and midsize business audience in mind. Her content has been featured in French tier 1 media including Le Monde, L’Express, and Le Figaro, among other publications. Her previous experience as a graphic designer, translator, and LQA specialist in various industries... Related reading Best rated products on this list - [ Homebase](#bdf69753-9231-4242-bf87-a6d200b7d5db) - [ When I Work](#7ead8fdf-807a-4d97-adc9-a6d200b77ff8) - [ Weave](#be53ba6d-2525-4dac-a286-a6d200b77224) - [ Calendly](#338729cf-fbf8-407b-95cc-a6d200b30c3a) - [ Clockify](#d0fcb59b-e01f-4cd0-b481-a82d005f8b1d) - [ Acuity Scheduling](#75e7c663-154a-4acd-8032-a6d200b29051) - [ Google Calendar](#d21b7cd3-66d4-4aee-90ea-a78a00b5b44d) - [ Jobber](#803cb64d-c013-48ac-afa1-a6d200b4bc5b) - [ Doodle](#32071365-eefc-4a17-a4fe-a6d200b38fc6) Talk to a Capterra advisor for free and get results within 15 minutes.