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Not all popular scheduling tools provide a free plan. Some require payment right away or only offer a free trial, while others let you use core scheduling features at no cost with certain limits. This guide shows which tools include a free option, what restrictions apply, and why Doodle stands out with flexible features like unlimited group polls.
Choosing the right scheduling tool means understanding who offers a free plan and who only provides a free trial or paid access. Below you’ll find a large comparison of popular scheduling tools for 2026, including free plan availability and key limitations — so you can pick the right one for your workflow.
Why free plan availability matters
A free plan is helpful if you want to:
Start scheduling without upfront costs
Test features over time
Support simple workflows before upgrading
But many tools only give you a trial or require payment from the beginning. Knowing which tools fall into each category helps you plan your setup and budget for 2026.
Scheduling tools comparison: free plans and limitations
Tool | Free plan? | Free plan limitations | Notes |
Doodle | ✔ | very generous | Unlimited group polls, booking pages, calendar sync, reminders |
Square Appointments | ✔ | Solo only, payment fees | Free for 1 user |
Calendly | ✔ | Limited event types | Fewer automations on free |
Setmore | ✔ | Limited users | Fewer advanced workflows |
Cal.com | ✔ | Advanced features paid | Add-ons required for some features |
YouCanBook.me | ✔ | Limited bookings | Branding and feature restrictions |
SimplyBook.me | ✔ | Limited apps | Feature paywalls |
Xoyondo | ✔ | Basic polls only | Not full booking pages |
Appointlet | ✔ | Limited users | Basic automations |
CozyCal | ✔ | Limited event types | Paid upgrades available |
Framadate | ✔ | Very basic polls | No booking pages |
HowBout.app | ✔ | Limited customization | Simple scheduling |
Jotform (Bookings) | ✔ | Form-based workflow | Not full scheduler |
Koalendar | ✔ | Feature limits | Advanced features paid |
Kozalendar | ✔ | Feature limits | Basic features |
NeedToMeet.com | ✔ | Very simple | Poll-style only |
When2meet | ✔ | Basic grids | No booking link |
WhenAvailable | ✔ | Simple polls | No booking features |
WhenDoWeMeet | ✔ | Poll only | No booking features |
Zcal | ✔ | Basic features | Many limits |
Zoho Bookings | ✔* | Limited features | Free option with restrictions |
Acuity Scheduling | ❌ | Trial only | No free plan |
Chili Piper | ❌ | Paid only | Enterprise focus |
HubSpot Meetings | ❌ | Only within paid CRM | No standalone free plan |
Microsoft Bookings | ❌ | M365 paid only | No standalone free plan |
OnceHub (ScheduleOnce) | ❌ | Trial available | No free plan |
SavvyCal | ❌ | Paid only | No free plan |
TimeTrade | ❌ | Paid only | No free plan |
Why Doodle stands out
Among the tools that offer a free plan, Doodle stands out because it supports:
✔ Unlimited group polls ✔ Flexible booking pages ✔ Calendar sync and reminders ✔ Fewer restrictive limits compared to many alternatives
While many competitors restrict event types, users, or bookings on their free plans, Doodle makes both individual scheduling and group coordination accessible without heavy limitations.
Frequently asked questions
What’s the difference between a free plan and a free trial?
A free plan allows ongoing use at no cost with certain limits. A free trial provides temporary access before payment is required.
Are free scheduling tools enough for business use?
For many solo professionals and small teams, yes. As complexity grows, upgrading may be necessary.
Why do some tools not offer a free plan?
Enterprise-focused tools often rely on paid subscriptions to support advanced workflows and integrations.
Can I start for free and upgrade later?
Yes. Most tools with a free plan allow you to upgrade when you need more features.
Start with Doodle and simplify scheduling in 2026
If you’re looking for a scheduling tool with a flexible free plan and strong group coordination features, Doodle offers a practical starting point. You can begin at no cost and upgrade as your needs evolve — without switching platforms.
Start with Doodle and make scheduling simpler in 2026.
