Compare | Winner | |
user interface | ||
syncing options | ||
price | ||
integrations | ||
notifications | ||
sharing options | ||
customization | ||
ease of use | ||
mobile apps | ||
support | ||
FREE / PAID | Fantastical offers free basic version, Premium costs $4.99/month or $39.99/year | BusyCal is a one-time purchase of $49.99 |
Conclusion | Fantastical offers an intuitive interface and robust syncing options but comes with a high price tag 🤑🔄💻 | BusyCal provides a wealth of features with an affordable one-time payment – great for those on a budget! 💰📆👍 |
Fantastical Pros & Cons
Natural language parsing 👌
Flexible viewing options 👀
Excellent syncing options 🔄
Robust alerts system 🚨
Broad integration options ⛓
BusyCal Pros & Cons
Affordable pricing 💰
Useful weather integration 🌦
Flexible sharing options 👥
Convenient drag-and-drop feature 🖱
Built-in To-Do list and reminders 📋
Powerful search function 🔍
High price 💵
Limited features in the free version 🔒
No Windows support 🚫💻
Limited mobile app functionality 📱⛔
Less efficient for non-Apple users 🍏😕
Steep learning curve 📈
Outdated interface design 📟
No natural language input 🙅♂️🗣
Need manual configuration for iCloud syncing ⚙️🔄⛔
Limited mobile version 📱🚫
Lacks some integrations ✖️⛓
Other best calendar apps for mac
Apple Calendar, although basic, offers seamless integration with iOS and macOS at no extra cost 🍏🔄🆓
Microsoft Outlook Calendar impresses with its comprehensive features, but is best for those already in the Microsoft ecosystem 💼🤝💻
Google Calendar is a reliable free option, but may lack advanced features some users seek 🌐🆓⁉️
FAQ
What are some of the best calendar apps available for Mac?
Some of the top calendar apps for Mac include Fantastical, BusyCal, Google Calendar, Apple Calendar, Microsoft Outlook Calendar, and Any.do. Each of these apps offers unique features and capabilities, so the best one for you will depend on your specific needs and preferences.
What distinct features does Fantastical offer?
Fantastical provides some unique features including a natural language parser for easy event entry, weather forecasts within the calendar, interactive notifications, and flexible viewing options. It also allows for seamless integration with other applications like Google Calendar, Apple Calendar, and more.
Can BusyCal integrate with other apps and services?
Yes, BusyCal can easily integrate with other apps and services. It can conveniently sync with Google Calendar, iCloud, and Exchange, among others. This makes it an ideal app for those who use different calendar services.
What’s the cost to purchase Fantastical?
Fantastical is offered as a subscription-based service. The pricing starts at $3.33 per month for individuals and $6.66 per month for families. More details can be found on their website.
How much does BusyCal cost?
BusyCal costs $49.99 as a one-time purchase. More information can be found on their website.
Are there free trials available for both Fantastical and BusyCal?
Yes, both Fantastical and BusyCal offer free trials. Fantastical provides a 14-day free trial, while BusyCal offers a 30-day free trial.
Is it possible to manage reminders within Fantastical?
Yes, in Fantastical, you can manage your reminders alongside your calendar events. You can even use natural language input to create new reminders.
Does BusyCal provide task management features?
Yes, BusyCal presents an integrated to-dos list. The tasks in this list integrate smoothly with the calendar, enabling users to easily track their tasks and deadlines.
Where can these apps be downloaded?
Both Fantastical and BusyCal can be downloaded from either their respective websites or the Mac App Store.
Can I create repeating events in Fantastical?
Yes, Fantastical supports the creation of repeating or recurring events. This feature can be customized to repeat daily, weekly, monthly, or at any other regular intervals.
Can I use color-coding for events in BusyCal?
Yes, with BusyCal, you are able to use color-coding for your events. This can help organize your schedule and makes it easier to visually separate different types of events.
What languages does Fantastical support?
Fantastical supports multiple languages for its Natural Language Parsing feature, including English, French, German, Italian, and Spanish.
Does BusyCal support weather forecasting?
Yes, BusyCal supports weather forecasting. It provides a 10-day weather forecast and can even display phases of the moon.
Is it possible to sync Fantastical across multiple devices?
Yes, Fantastical offers syncing across multiple devices. This includes Mac computers, iPhones, iPads, and Apple Watches.
Can BusyCal sync with iOS devices?
Yes, BusyCal can sync with iOS devices allowing you to keep track of your events and tasks on the go.
Does Fantastical support attachments?
Yes, Fantastical supports attachments. You can add attachments to your events from either your Mac or from iCloud Drive.
Does BusyCal offer smart filters?
Yes, BusyCal provides smart filters that allow you to create customized calendar views using a combination of calendar sets, tags, and location.
Is it possible to personalize the appearance of Fantastical?
Yes, Fantastical provides several options to personalize the appearance of the app. This includes light and dark modes, as well as several theme options.
Can I share events from BusyCal with others?
Yes, with BusyCal, you can share calendars with others across the web using Google, Exchange, and CalDAV servers.
Is customer support available for both Fantastical and BusyCal?
Yes, both Fantastical and BusyCal provide customer support through their websites. This includes FAQs, knowledgebases, and direct contact forms for further inquiries.
What are the top-rated calendar apps for Mac?
The best-rated calendar applications for Mac include BusyCal and the Fantastical app. Other popular options include Apple’s built-in Calendar app, Google Calendar, and Outlook.
Why is Fantastical considered a good calendar app for Mac?
Fantastical is acclaimed for its intuitive interface, natural language event creation, and robust feature set. It also allows seamless integration with other calendar services and provides an efficient reminder system.
How does BusyCal compare to other calendar apps for Mac?
BusyCal differentiates itself by offering advanced features like customizable views, integrated to-dos, and weather forecasts. Its flexibility and comprehensive features set it apart from many other Mac calendar apps.
What makes Fantastical different from other calendar apps?
The distinct feature of Fantastical is its natural language parsing ability. It understands and creates events when you input sentences like Lunch with Clara next Friday. Other premium features include time zone support, iCloud reminders, and a beautiful user interface.
What are some key features of BusyCal?
BusyCal comes with an array of features, such as customizable calendar views, a built-in weather forecast, To-Do list management, and native Google and iCloud sync, among others.
Can Fantastical be integrated with other apps?
Yes, Fantastical can be integrated with a wide array of other applications and services, including iCloud, Google Calendar, Outlook, Todoist, and more. This makes it a versatile tool for managing schedules and tasks.
Is BusyCal compatible with other calendar services?
Absolutely, BusyCal allows syncing with various accounts from Apple’s iCloud, Google Calendar, and Exchange, providing a unified view of all calendars.
Is Fantastical available on other platforms besides Mac?
Yes, besides Mac, Fantastical is also available on iOS and has a dedicated App for Apple Watch. The cross-platform availability ensures convenient access to your schedules from various devices.
What platforms are supported by BusyCal?
BusyCal supports Mac, iPhone, iPad, and Apple Watch. The application syncs across all these devices providing a seamless scheduling experience irrespective of the device used.
Is Fantastical a free or paid app?
Fantastical has a freemium model. It offers a set of basic features for free, but premium features are only available in the paid version via a subscription-based model.
Is there a cost involved with BusyCal?
Yes, BusyCal is a paid app, it offers a free trial but after that, it becomes a paid service. However, once purchased, you can use it on all your devices without incurring additional costs.
Do I need an account to use Fantastical?
Yes, you need to create a Fantastical account to use the app. Having an account allows the app to sync data across all your devices and ensures you have access to your information whenever required.
Can I personalize my calendar view with BusyCal?
Customization is a key feature of BusyCal. You can choose from a variety of calendar views, including Day, Week, Month, Year, and List. You can also adjust the number of weeks shown in the Month view or the number of days in Week view.
How can I add events quickly in Fantastical?
You can add events in Fantastical by simply typing in natural language. For example, typing Meeting with John at 3 PM will create the event within the app. The feature saves time and makes event addition hassle-free.
How can I manage tasks in BusyCal?
In BusyCal, tasks can be managed using the To-Do list feature. You can create, edit, and delete tasks and also set due dates.
What is the maximum number of calendars I can track with Fantastical?
With Fantastical, there is no limit on the number of calendars you can track. You can add as many calendars as you want from various services, allowing for comprehensive schedule management.
Can I share my BusyCal with other users?
Yes, BusyCal supports calendar sharing with others via iCloud, Google Calendar or other CalDAV Servers. This feature is handy for teamwork, family planning or coordinating with others.
Is Fantastical available in different languages?
Yes, Fantastical supports multiple languages including English, French, German, Italian, Spanish, and Japanese, making it a globally accessible calendar app.
Does BusyCal offer customer support?
Yes, BusyCal provides customer support through their website. They offer detailed guides, FAQs, and an option to reach out if you’re facing severe issues or have specific queries.
Can I use Fantastical without an internet connection?
Yes, you can use Fantastical without an internet connection. The app stores data locally on your device, so you can view and manage your calendar offline. Synchronization will occur once the device re-establishes an internet connection.