So here’s the deal: if you’re constantly saying “I forgot,” the problem might not be your memory. It’s probably your calendar. Or lack of one.
I have already lost count of the times I have double-booked myself in meetings, missed phone calls or been struck by the unpleasant realization that way too late I have understood that something important was going to happen that day. This is what propelled me to go to the extent of testing calendar apps not because I enjoy doing so, but because I need to do so to make it as a survivalist.
Some were too fancy. Some were too dumb. A few actually helped. So here’s a list that skips the fluff and gives you 12 options that actually make life easier—especially if you’ve got more on your plate than you can handle.
1. Google Calendar
If you’re using Gmail, chances are this is already running in the background. And yeah, it’s basic—but sometimes, basic works.
You can share events, get email reminders, set recurring stuff like weekly team calls or gym time. Works on your phone, laptop, whatever. I’ve used it for years. Not perfect, but reliable.
2. Outlook Calendar
This is the one most companies force you to use. But it’s not all bad.
If your emails and meetings are already in Outlook, this keeps everything in one place. You can check your coworkers’ free times too, which is a lifesaver when planning meetings. Bit clunky, though. Especially on phone.
3. Apple Calendar
I didn’t plan to like this one, but here we are. It’s clean, does the job, and plays nicely with Siri.
If you’re an iPhone or Mac user, this is already there. Syncs with your Apple stuff automatically. Nothing to brag about—but it’s quiet and efficient.
4. Fantastical
If you’ve got a thing for sleek design, Fantastical is a nice upgrade from Apple Calendar. You can literally type “Dinner with Sami next Friday at 7” and it turns into a proper calendar event.
Downside? It’s not free, and it’s only for Apple users. But hey, if you’re spending your life in meetings, might as well enjoy the view.
5. Calendly
This one isn’t a calendar exactly. More like a smart assistant.
You send people a link. They pick a time that fits your schedule. That’s it. No email tennis. Works with Google, Outlook, and Apple. Great if you're tired of saying "what time works for you?"
6. Any.do
I used this one when I needed both a to-do list and a calendar in one place.
You can add tasks, block time for them, and see your day at a glance. Clean interface. Good for people who plan day-by-day instead of week-by-week.
7. Timepage
This is from Moleskine, and yeah, it looks pretty. But it also works well.
It’s got little things like weather and travel time built in. Makes your day look like a well-organized magazine page. If you want an app that feels less like a spreadsheet and more like a planner, try this.
8. Zoho Calendar
If you’re using Zoho for CRM, email, or projects, this just makes sense.
It enables you to coordinate calendars on your teams, reserve rooms and arrange things with your colleagues. It is ugly and in vogue but it is functional.
9. ClickUp
ClickUp is more of a project tool, but its calendar view is solid—especially if you’re working on deadlines.
You can see your tasks, drag them around, and keep track of projects without opening 10 tabs. Not a pure calendar, but useful if your days revolve around task lists.
10. Reclaim.ai
This one is clever. It connects to Google Calendar and starts blocking out time for focus work, breaks, lunch, even habits like reading or gym.
You don’t have to micromanage your calendar—it does it for you. Not perfect, but worth trying if you keep losing your whole day to meetings.
11. Trello Calendar Power-Up
If you already use Trello, there’s a calendar view you can turn on.
Great for content planning or launches. You can drag cards onto specific days and visually see your week or month. Not a full calendar, but it works.
12. Notion Calendar
Brand new. Still being improved.
If you already use Notion for notes, databases, or tracking stuff, this fits right in. Now you don’t need to switch apps to check your schedule.
Final Word
Honestly, don’t overthink it.
Just try one. Stick with it for a week. If it clicks, good. If it sucks, delete it and try the next one. You’re not looking for perfect—you’re looking for something that makes your life just a little less hectic.
I’m using Google Calendar most days, with Calendly plugged in to schedule stuff. It works. Not fancy, not trendy. But my days run smoother, and that’s the point.
You deserve a calendar that helps, not one that gets in your way.
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