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Time management is an essential skill for everyone, and a good calendar scheduler can help us stay on top of our daily schedules and tasks. On a Mac, the built-in Calendar app can be useful, but sometimes we need more features and flexibility to handle our busy lives. In this article, we will introduce the best 9 calendar schedulers for Mac, helping you streamline your time management and boost productivity.
Video Tutorial:
What is a Calendar Scheduler?
A calendar scheduler is an application that helps users manage their daily schedules and tasks. It allows users to create and organize events, set reminders, invite attendees, and sync across multiple devices. A good calendar scheduler can save you time, reduce stress, and increase productivity by giving you a clear overview of your upcoming events and tasks.
Top 9 Best Calendar Scheduler for Mac
Top 1: Fantastical 2
Fantastical 2 is one of the best calendar schedulers for Mac, offering a streamlined, intuitive interface and powerful features. It supports natural language input, so you can type or dictate your events and reminders in plain English, which is a huge time saver. You can easily create events, set alarms, and invite attendees, and it also integrates with various services such as iCloud, Google Calendar, and Exchange. Other features include a full-screen mode, a menu bar widget, a map view, and a time zone support.
Pros:
- Natural language input
- Integrates with various services
- Full-screen mode and menu bar widget
Cons:
- Expensive compared to other options
- No dark mode
- Some users report syncing issues
Top 2: BusyCal 3
BusyCal 3 is another excellent calendar scheduler for Mac, focusing on power users who need more customization and control. It offers a customizable calendar view, multiple time zones, live weather forecasts, and rich text notes. You can also sync with various services such as iCloud, Google Calendar, and Exchange, and share calendars with other people or devices. BusyCal also has a natural language input feature, and a built-in to-do list manager, which is convenient for keeping track of your tasks.
Pros:
- Customizable calendar view
- Live weather forecasts and rich text notes
- Sync with various services and share calendars
Cons:
- Expensive compared to other options
- Complex interface for beginners
- No iOS app for mobile devices
Top 3: Apple Calendar
Apple Calendar is the default calendar application for Mac, and it does its job well for most people. It has a clean and simple interface, with various views such as day, week, month, or year. You can create events, set reminders, and invite attendees, and it also integrates with iCloud, Google Calendar, and Exchange. It also supports natural language input, and you can quickly switch between multiple calendars or create new ones.
Pros:
- Free and built-in on Mac
- Clean and simple interface
- Integrates with various services
Cons:
- No advanced features or customization
- No Windows or Android version
- No integration with popular task managers
Top 4: Google Calendar
Google Calendar is a popular online calendar application, and it also has a Mac version that can be accessed through a web browser. It offers real-time sync with your other devices and services, including Gmail, Google Drive, and Google Meet. You can create events, set reminders, and invite attendees, and also enable email or mobile notifications. Google Calendar’s interface is clean and straightforward, with various themes and colors to choose from.
Pros:
- Free and cross-platform
- Real-time sync with other Google services
- Clean and straightforward interface
Cons:
- No offline mode or desktop version
- Browser-dependent and can be slow
- Somewhat limited compared to other options
Top 5: Microsoft Outlook
Microsoft Outlook is a popular email client and personal information manager, but it also has a calendar function that is compatible with Mac. It offers a unified view of your emails, calendar, contacts, and tasks, which can be helpful if you use Microsoft Office or Exchange at work. You can create events, set reminders, and invite attendees, and also schedule meetings or calls with others. Outlook’s interface is customizable, with various views and options to choose from.
Pros:
- Integrated with Microsoft Office and Exchange
- Unified view of emails, calendar, contacts, and tasks
- Customizable interface and views
Cons:
- Expensive for the Pro version
- No natural language input feature
- Windows-oriented and can be clunky at times
Top 6: Any.do Calendar
Any.do Calendar is a free calendar application for Mac, with a focus on simplicity and ease-of-use. It offers a clean and modern interface, with various views such as day, week, or month. You can create events, set reminders, and invite attendees, and also sync with Any.do’s task manager app. Any.do Calendar’s unique feature is the "moment" mode, which shows you your upcoming events and tasks and suggests the best times to complete them.
Pros:
- Free and easy-to-use
- Clean and modern interface
- Sync with Any.do’s task manager app
Cons:
- No natural language input feature
- Some users report syncing issues
- Limited customization and advanced features
Top 7: Informant 5
Informant 5 is a cross-platform calendar and task manager app, with a Mac version and iOS app. It offers a feature-rich interface, with various views such as day, week, or month, and customizable tabs and fonts. You can create events, set reminders, and invite attendees, and also sync with Apple Calendar, Google Calendar, or Outlook. Other features include a built-in task manager, natural language input, and location-based alerts.
Pros:
- Cross-platform and feature-rich
- Customizable interface and views
- Sync with various services and devices
Cons:
- Expensive for the premium features
- Sync issues reported by some users
- Some features can be overwhelming for beginners
Top 8: Cozi Family Organizer
Cozi Family Organizer is a free calendar application for Mac, with a focus on family and shared schedules. It offers a colorful and easy-to-use interface, with various views and colors for each family member or event. You can create events, set reminders, and invite family members, and also sync with Cozi’s mobile app or website. Other features include a grocery list, a recipe box, and a journal for family memories.
Pros:
- Free and family-friendly
- Colorful and easy-to-use interface
- Sync with Cozi’s mobile app or website
Cons:
- Some features require a premium subscription
- No natural language input feature
- Some users report syncing issues
Top 9: Woven Calendar
Woven Calendar is a new and innovative calendar application for Mac, with a focus on smart scheduling and AI-driven features. It offers a modern and intuitive interface, with various views and options to choose from. You can create events, set reminders, and invite attendees, and also sync with various services such as Google Calendar and Apple Calendar. Woven Calendar’s unique feature is the "scheduling assistant", which uses machine learning to suggest optimal times for your meetings or events.
Pros:
- Free and AI-driven
- Modern and intuitive interface
- Sync with various services and devices
Cons:
- Some features require a premium subscription
- No natural language input feature
- Less established compared to other options
Comprehensive Comparison of Each Software
| Software | FREE TRIAL | PRICE | EASE-OF-USE | VALUE FOR MONEY |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Fantastical 2 | 14 days | $49.99 one-time | Very easy | Expensive but feature-rich |
| BusyCal 3 | 30 days | $49.99 one-time | Moderate | Expensive but powerful |
| Apple Calendar | N/A | Free | Very easy | |
| Google Calendar | N/A | Free | Very easy | |
| Microsoft Outlook | 30 days | $69.99/year for Pro | Moderate | Expensive but integrated |
| Any.do Calendar | N/A | Free | Easy | |
| Informant 5 | 14 days | $24.99/year for premium | Moderate to difficult | Expensive but feature-rich |
| Cozi Family Organizer | N/A | Free or $9.99/month for premium | Very easy | Good value for family use |
| Woven Calendar | 30 days | $6.99/user/month for Teams | Very easy | Good value for AI features |
Our Thoughts on the Best 9 Calendar Schedulers for Mac
In our opinion, the best calendar scheduler for Mac is Fantastical 2. Its natural language input and integration with various services make it very easy to use, and its powerful features such as full-screen mode and time zone support justify its high price. BusyCal 3 is also an excellent choice for power users who need more customization and control, but its complex interface and lack of mobile app may not be suitable for everyone. Apple Calendar and Google Calendar are solid options for casual users who need a basic and free calendar app, while Microsoft Outlook is more suitable for Windows users or business-oriented tasks. Any.do Calendar is a good free option for simplicity and ease-of-use, while Informant 5 is a premium choice for a cross-platform calendar and task manager. Cozi Family Organizer is a unique and family-friendly option for shared schedules and memories, while Woven Calendar is a new and innovative option with AI-driven features.
FAQs
Q1: Is Fantastical 2 worth the price?
A: It depends on your needs and budget. If you value natural language input and integration with various services, Fantastical 2 can be a great investment. However, if you only need a basic calendar app, there are cheaper or free alternatives.
Q2: Does Microsoft Outlook work well on Mac?
A: It depends on the version and your preferences. Some users report syncing issues or clunky interface, but others find it useful for integrated tasks and email. You can try the free trial or choose a more Mac-oriented alternative.
Q3: Can I use Cozi Family Organizer for work?
A: Yes, you can use Cozi Family Organizer for shared schedules and tasks. However, some features may be more suitable for family use, such as the recipe box or the journal.
Q4: Does Google Calendar have a desktop app for Mac?
A: No, Google Calendar does not have a desktop app, but you can access it through a web browser or third-party apps such as Shift or Wavebox.
Q5: Is Woven Calendar privacy-friendly?
A: Yes, Woven Calendar claims to be privacy-friendly and transparent about its data usage. It also allows you to control your data and delete it anytime you want.
Final Thoughts
A good calendar scheduler can make a significant difference in your time management and productivity. Whether you need a simple or powerful calendar app, there are various options available for Mac users. We hope this article helps you find the best calendar scheduler that suits your needs and preferences. Don’t forget to try the free trials or demos before making a purchase, and always backup your important data and events. Happy scheduling!