Google Calendar Alternatives (2026): 10 Apps Compared

Google Calendar is the default for millions of people, but it's not the only way to run your diary. Some people want more privacy, some want a family calendar that everyone uses, and some want their to-do list and meetings in one place.

Here are ten Google Calendar alternatives in no particular order, sorted alphabetically, from Apple's built-in app to privacy-first calendars. Each description comes from the vendor's own website, re-checked today. If you're curious about AI helpers, my explainer on whether Gemini can add events to Google Calendar covers what works.

Decide what you're really after. Privacy, family sharing, task planning and booking links are different jobs, and few apps do all of them well.

And check who you share calendars with. If your team or family stays on Google, you'll want an app that can still show their shared calendars.

Google Calendar alternatives at a glance

In the free plan column, Yes means the tool's own site describes a free version or free plan, Trial only means a time-limited trial, and No means neither is stated. Free versions often come with limits, so check what's included before you rely on one.

Tool	Type	Good for	Free plan
Amie	Calendar and to-do app	Tasks and meetings in one view	Trial only
Apple Calendar	Apple's calendar app	Calendars across Apple devices	Yes
DigiCal	Android calendar app	A feature-rich Android calendar	Yes
Fantastical	Calendar and tasks app	Natural-language event entry	Yes
Morgen	Calendar and planning app	Planning your day from tasks	Trial only
Notion Calendar	Connected to Notion pages	Calendars linked to Notion pages	Yes
Proton Calendar	Encrypted calendar	Private, encrypted scheduling	Yes
Thunderbird	Email and calendar app	Desktop email with a calendar	Yes
Tuta Calendar	Encrypted calendar	Encrypted calendar with email	Yes
Zoho Calendar	Online calendar	Team and personal calendars	Yes

Ten Google Calendar alternatives to try

Amie

Best for: People who want their to-do list and calendar together, with scheduling help.

Apple Calendar

Best for: Apple users who want a built-in calendar that also shows Google and other accounts.

DigiCal

Best for: Android users who want detailed calendar views and widgets beyond the default app.

Fantastical

Best for: Mac and iPhone users who want to type events in plain English and see tasks alongside.

Morgen

Best for: Busy professionals who want to plan time blocks from their task lists across calendars.

Notion Calendar

Best for: Notion users who want meetings and project pages connected in one place.

Proton Calendar

Best for: People who want an end-to-end encrypted calendar from a privacy-focused company.

Thunderbird

Best for: People who want a free desktop app with email, calendar and contacts together.

Tuta Calendar

Best for: People who want a free encrypted calendar alongside a private email account.

Zoho Calendar

Best for: Individuals and small teams who want a free online calendar on web and mobile.

The export catch on the Google Calendar app

Here's the snag people hit when they try to switch. Google Calendar Help says you can export your events as an .ics file to import into other calendar apps, but you can't export from the Google Calendar app on your phone. You can only export on a computer, and you need permission to make changes to each calendar you export.

So plan the move from a laptop, not your phone. Export each calendar you care about, import it into the new app, and check a few events before you stop using the old one.

What to check in a Google Calendar alternative

• Sync: can it still show Google calendars your team shares?
• Privacy: is your calendar encrypted, and who can see the data?
• Sharing: can family or colleagues see and edit shared calendars?
• Devices: does it work on every phone and computer you use?
• Booking: does it offer booking links, or will you need a separate tool?

How to move your calendar without losing events

1. Export your calendars from a computer as .ics files.
2. Import them into the new calendar app.
3. Check recurring events and time zones look right.
4. Update shared calendars and invite links for others.
5. Keep the old calendar for a month before deleting anything.

Calendar switching mistakes

• Moving from your phone. Export on a computer.
• Forgetting shared calendars. Export each one.
• Ignoring time zones. Check before and after import.
• Deleting too soon. Keep the old calendar for a while.

If clients book time with you, my guide to the best online scheduling software pairs well with a new calendar.

Do you make calendar apps? Tool makers can ask to be considered for a featured place on this list.

My plain advice on Google Calendar alternatives

Pick based on the one thing that bothers you about your current calendar, whether that's privacy, family sharing or planning. Trying to fix everything at once usually means switching twice.

And move from a computer, slowly. Recurring events and time zones are where things go wrong, and they're easy to spot if you check before you switch off the old calendar. Tell anyone who books time with you about the change, so invites keep arriving in the right place.

Frequently asked questions

What's the best alternative to Google Calendar?

It depends on your goal, such as privacy, family sharing or task planning.

Can I move my Google Calendar to another app?

Yes. Export .ics files from a computer and import them into the new app.

Can I export from the Google Calendar phone app?

No. Google says exporting only works on a computer.

Is there a private calendar app?

Yes. Some calendars are end-to-end encrypted.

Can I still see shared Google calendars?

Many apps can connect to Google accounts and show shared calendars.

What's an .ics file?

It's a standard calendar file that most calendar apps can import.

Are there free calendar apps?

Yes. Several have free plans or are built into your devices.

Can I combine work and personal calendars?

Most apps show several accounts in one view.

Do calendar apps offer booking links?

Some do. Others pair with separate scheduling tools.

Will my recurring events transfer?

Usually, but check a few after importing.

What about time zones?

Check your time zone settings in the new app before and after importing.

Can my family share one calendar?

Yes. Family calendar apps and shared calendars make this easy.

Will people still see my availability?

If they book through a link or a shared calendar, update it to the new app so they see the right free times.