1
Fantastical
Best for: Mac natural language
Pros
- Mac native
- Natural language
- Templates
Cons
- Mac only
- Pricey
Google Calendar Alternatives
The 10 best Google Calendar alternatives in 2026 for scheduling.
10
Alternatives
Docs
Analysis
5
FAQs
Based on product documentation, 18 Google Calendar alternatives are compared. Google Calendar is convenient, but limited customization and Google tracking push some elsewhere.
Decision Summary
Google Calendar is free and convenient with weak customization and Google tracking. Switch when you want richer scheduling features or calendar data outside Google's ecosystem.
Why Switch Away From Google Calendar
- Limited customization and views
- Google tracking and ecosystem lock
- Free tier monetized via data
How Each Alternative Changes the Trade-off
Scheduling power
Google Calendar: Google Calendar covers basics well but lacks pro scheduling depth.
Alternative: Fantastical, Cron, and others add natural language and rich views.
When this matters: Matters for power schedulers.
Privacy and lock-in
Google Calendar: Calendar data lives in Google.
Alternative: Independent calendars keep data portable.
When this matters: Matters for users de-Googling.
Free convenience
Google Calendar: Google Calendar is free and everywhere.
Alternative: Pro calendars cost money.
When this matters: Keeps Google for cost-free basics.
Best For / Not For
Switch If
Users who want pro scheduling features or calendar data outside Google.
Stay With Google Calendar If
Users happy with free, universal Google Calendar basics.
What Switching Costs
ICS export moves events; recurrence quirks and shared calendars need checking.
Real-World Switching Scenarios
- Power scheduler wanting natural language — Busy professionals Pro calendars parse and schedule faster than Google's forms.
- User de-Googling — Privacy-minded individuals Independent calendars remove the ecosystem tie.
- Casual calendar user — Everyday users Staying keeps free, universal scheduling.
How This Was Researched
This guide is based on a structured review of official product documentation, published feature lists, current pricing, and community-reported limitations — the same methodology ToolStep describes on the /how-we-test/ page. We do not claim hands-on testing that did not happen.
Feature and privacy observations reflect Google's official documentation as of June 2026.
Alternatives Table
| # | Alternative | Best For | Rating | Pricing |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Fantastical | Mac natural language | ★★★★★ | $6/mo |
| 2 | Notion Calendar | Notion + calendar sync | ★★★★☆ | Free |
| 3 | Cron (Notion Calendar) | Clean modern calendar | ★★★★☆ | Free |
| 4 | Vimcal | Fast keyboard calendar | ★★★★☆ | $15/mo |
| 5 | Microsoft Outlook Calendar | Microsoft ecosystem | ★★★★☆ | Free / $6.99/mo |
| 6 | Apple Calendar | Apple users | ★★★★☆ | Free |
| 7 | Proton Calendar | Encrypted calendar | ★★★★☆ | Free / $3.99/mo |
| 8 | Morgen | Unified calendar + tasks | ★★★★☆ | Free / $9/mo |
| 9 | Any.do Calendar | Tasks + calendar | ★★★★☆ | Free / $5/mo |
| 10 | Thunderbird Calendar | Free desktop | ★★★★☆ | Free |
Pros & Cons by Alternative
2
Notion Calendar
Best for: Notion + calendar sync
Pros
- Notion sync
- Multi-account
- Free
Cons
- Limited features
3
Cron (Notion Calendar)
Best for: Clean modern calendar
Pros
- Clean UI
- Fast
- Time zones
Cons
- Acquired by Notion
4
Vimcal
Best for: Fast keyboard calendar
Pros
- Fast
- Keyboard
- Time zones
Cons
- Pricey
- Mac only
5
Microsoft Outlook Calendar
Best for: Microsoft ecosystem
Pros
- Office sync
- Scheduling
- Teams
Cons
- MS lock-in
6
Apple Calendar
Best for: Apple users
Pros
- Mac native
- Free
- Apple sync
Cons
- Less features
7
Proton Calendar
Best for: Encrypted calendar
Pros
- E2EE
- Open source
- Proton suite
Cons
- Newer
- Limited features
8
Morgen
Best for: Unified calendar + tasks
Pros
- Multi-account
- Tasks
- Clean UI
Cons
- Subscription
9
Any.do Calendar
Best for: Tasks + calendar
Pros
- Tasks
- Mobile
- Easy
Cons
- Less pro
10
Thunderbird Calendar
Best for: Free desktop
Pros
- Free
- Open source
- Desktop
Cons
- Dated UI
Pricing Comparison
- Fantastical $6/mo
- Notion Calendar Free
- Cron (Notion Calendar) Free
- Vimcal $15/mo
- Microsoft Outlook Calendar Free / $6.99/mo
- Apple Calendar Free
- Proton Calendar Free / $3.99/mo
- Morgen Free / $9/mo
- Any.do Calendar Free / $5/mo
- Thunderbird Calendar Free
Why Choose an Alternative
- You want a Mac-native calendar with natural language.
- You need a faster, keyboard-driven calendar.
- You want encrypted calendar events.
- You need multi-account calendar sync.
- You want tasks integrated with calendar.
FAQ
What is the best Google Calendar alternative?
Fantastical is the best Google Calendar alternative for Mac; Vimcal for keyboard power users.
Is Fantastical worth it?
Yes, Fantastical is worth it for Mac users wanting natural language input and templates.
What Google Calendar alternative is best for free?
Notion Calendar (formerly Cron) and Apple Calendar are the best free Google Calendar alternatives.
Is Proton Calendar encrypted?
Yes, Proton Calendar offers end-to-end encryption for full privacy of your events.
Can Vimcal replace Google Calendar?
Yes, Vimcal replaces Google Calendar for Mac power users wanting speed and keyboard control.
Related Alternatives
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- Notion Alternatives The 10 best Notion alternatives in 2026, ranked by features, pricing, and ease of use.
- Fantastical Alternatives The 10 best Fantastical alternatives in 2026 for Mac calendar.