Calendly vs Acuity Scheduling
Calendly and Acuity Scheduling are compared for appointment workflow design, payment handling, and client data collection.
Overview
Calendly is oriented to simple scheduling links and team booking pages. Acuity expands into client intake and appointment operations.
Comparison Snapshot
| Area | Calendly | Acuity Scheduling |
|---|---|---|
| Starting Price | USD 10/month | USD 16/month |
| Free Plan | Yes | No |
| Free Trial | Yes | Yes |
| Intake Forms | Basic questions | Advanced conditional forms |
| Payment Collection | Teams plan only | All paid plans |
| Team Scheduling | Supported | Supported |
| Recurring Bookings | Limited | Full support |
| Cancellation Policies | Basic | Configurable rules |
| Calendar Sync | Google, Outlook | Google, Outlook, iCloud |
Practical Differences
Booking Operations
Acuity includes built-in controls for appointment policies, cancellation rules, and service configuration. Calendly focuses on straightforward booking link workflows.
Payment Integration
Acuity offers native payment collection through Stripe, PayPal, and Square on all paid plans. Calendly reserves payment features for Teams and Enterprise tiers.
Client Workflow
Acuity centralizes client intake forms, appointment booking, and payment collection in a single flow. Calendly provides simpler forms without the same depth of client data capture.
Implementation Effort
Calendly setup is typically faster for standard meeting booking. Acuity requires more configuration but provides greater operational control.
Technical Specifications
| Specification | Calendly | Acuity Scheduling |
|---|---|---|
| API Access | Professional+ plans | All paid plans |
| Webhooks | Yes | Yes |
| Calendar Sync | Google, Outlook, iCloud | Google, Outlook, iCloud |
| Video Integrations | Zoom, Meet, Teams, Webex | Zoom, Meet, GoToMeeting |
| Payment Processors | Stripe, PayPal (Teams+) | Stripe, PayPal, Square |
| Embed Options | JavaScript, iframe | JavaScript, iframe |
| Mobile Apps | iOS, Android | iOS, Android |
| SSO | Enterprise | Not available |
| HIPAA Compliance | Enterprise | Available |
Data Handling
Calendly
- Cloud-hosted with SOC 2 Type II certification
- GDPR and CCPA compliant
- HIPAA compliance on Enterprise tier
- Data export available via API
Acuity Scheduling
- Cloud-hosted (Squarespace owned)
- GDPR compliant
- HIPAA compliance available
- Direct database export not available
Use-Case Fit
- Service businesses collecting payments: Acuity integrates booking and payment
- Simple meeting scheduling: Calendly provides faster setup with less configuration
- Client intake requirements: Acuity’s conditional forms capture detailed information
- Teams with budget constraints: Calendly’s free tier provides basic scheduling
Frequently Asked Questions
Does Calendly have a free plan?
Calendly offers a free plan with basic scheduling features suitable for individuals. Acuity Scheduling does not have a permanent free tier but offers a free trial.
Which tool is better for collecting payments?
Acuity includes native payment collection through Stripe, PayPal, and Square on all paid plans. Calendly reserves payment features for Teams and Enterprise tiers.
Can I collect client information before appointments?
Both tools support intake forms. Acuity offers more advanced conditional forms for detailed client data capture. Calendly provides simpler form options.
Which tool supports recurring appointments better?
Acuity provides full support for recurring bookings with configurable rules. Calendly has more limited recurring appointment features.
How do cancellation policies compare?
Acuity offers configurable cancellation rules with time limits and fees. Calendly provides basic cancellation settings without the same depth of policy controls.
Which tool has better API access?
Both offer APIs. Calendly restricts API access to Professional plans and above. Acuity provides API access on all paid plans for integration flexibility.
Can both tools handle HIPAA compliance?
Both offer HIPAA compliance. Calendly requires Enterprise tier. Acuity provides HIPAA compliance as an available option on paid plans.