The best calendar apps for Mac include Fantastical, BusyCal, Apple Calendar (iCloud Calendar), Microsoft Outlook, Calendar 366 II, and TickTick, depending on your needs for power features, ease-of-use, or cross-platform sync. These combine intuitive interfaces, deep integration with macOS, natural-language input, and multi-service support.
Why These Are the Best Calendars for Mac
- Native macOS integration — All apps above mesh well with macOS features (notifications, system calendar sync, menu bar access).
- Cross-service syncing — They support iCloud, Google Calendar, Exchange/Outlook, CalDAV, etc.
- Natural input & smart features — Many allow you to type “Lunch Friday at 1pm” and auto-create events.
- Customization & power features — Advanced views, reminders, time zones, templates.
Top Calendar Apps for Mac — Comparison Table
| App Name | Best For | Free / Paid | Standout Feature(s) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Fantastical | Power users & elegant UI | Freemium / subscription | Natural language parsing; video meeting integration |
| BusyCal | Customization lovers | Paid (with trial) | Highly configurable view layouts, smart filters |
| Apple Calendar (iCloud) | Default / no-fuss use | Free | Built into macOS, seamless iCloud sync |
| Microsoft Outlook | Business / email + calendar | Free (now for Mac) | Unified inbox + calendar, strong Exchange support |
| Calendar 366 II | Menu bar purists | Paid | Compact, elegant calendar in your menu bar (with reminders) |
| TickTick | Task-integration fans | Freemium | Combines calendar + to-do list in one app |
How to Choose the Best Calendar for Your Mac
- Decide your core need
- Want sleek UI & ease? → Fantastical
- Need heavy customization? → BusyCal
- Simplicity + iCloud sync? → Apple Calendar
- Check service compatibility
Ensure your app supports Google, Exchange, or CalDAV if you use those. - Evaluate pricing & upgrade path
Some start free but reserve advanced features for paid tiers (e.g., Fantastical). - Test daily workflow fit
Try scheduling, changing, reminders, time zones — see how natural the flow feels.
FAQS
1. What is the best calendar for Mac in 2025?
Fantastical and BusyCal lead among third-party options. But for many users, the built-in Apple Calendar already covers daily needs with zero extra cost.
2. Can I use Google Calendar on my Mac?
Yes — these apps support syncing with Google Calendar via account integration or CalDAV.
3. Do I need to pay for a calendar app for Mac?
Not always. Apple Calendar is free. Some apps (Fantastical, TickTick) offer basic free tiers, then charge for power features.
4. How many calendars can I sync simultaneously?
Most apps let you sync multiple accounts (iCloud, Google, Exchange) and view them together or separately.
5. Will my calendar events trigger macOS notifications?
Yes — all recommended apps support native macOS notification alerts, so you won’t miss meetings.
Remember to download our free printable calendar templates in high-quality PDF format for easy planning and organization.