Need to coordinate schedules with a group? Whether you're planning family activities, organizing a team project, or coordinating with friends, a free online calendar can make group scheduling effortless. We've tested the best free options to help you find the perfect solution for your group.
What Makes a Good Group Scheduling Calendar?
When choosing a free online calendar for group scheduling, look for these key features:
- Easy sharing - How quickly can you get everyone on the same calendar?
- Low barrier to entry - Do all members need accounts or app downloads?
- Real-time updates - Do changes sync instantly for everyone?
- Cross-platform access - Can everyone access it from any device?
- Collaborative editing - Can multiple people add and modify events?
- Truly free - Are the features you need available without payment?
Our Top Recommendations for Free Group Calendars
BCalendar
Top PickThe fastest way to create a shared group calendar
BCalendar is our top recommendation for group scheduling because it eliminates every obstacle to getting started. There's no signup process, no app to download, and no invitations to manage. Create a calendar, share the link, and your entire group can start adding events immediately.
Why We Recommend It
- Zero accounts required - nobody needs to sign up
- Instant sharing via a simple link
- Everyone can add, edit, and view events
- Color-coded members to see who added what
- Works on any device with a browser
- Real-time synchronization
- Completely free - no premium tier needed
Perfect for: Friend groups, families, hobby clubs, volunteer organizations, and any group that wants to start scheduling together in under a minute.
Google Calendar
The go-to choice for Google users
Google Calendar is a powerful free option if your entire group already uses Gmail. You can create shared calendars, see everyone's availability, and integrate with Google Meet for video calls. The mobile apps are excellent.
Pros
- Excellent mobile apps
- Integration with Gmail and Meet
- Multiple calendar views
- Free with any Google account
Cons
- Everyone needs a Google account
- Sharing permissions can be confusing
- Setup takes more time
Best for: Groups where everyone already has and actively uses Google accounts.
TimeTree
Social calendar with built-in messaging
TimeTree offers a friendly interface designed specifically for shared calendars. It includes chat functionality for each event and supports multiple separate calendars for different groups.
Pros
- Built-in chat for events
- Multiple calendars for different groups
- Good mobile apps
- Memo and to-do features
Cons
- Requires account creation
- App download required for best experience
- Can feel cluttered with features
Best for: Groups who want event-specific discussions alongside their calendar.
Doodle
Best for finding meeting times with polls
Doodle takes a different approach - instead of a shared calendar, it uses polls to find the best time for group events. Participants vote on available times, and you pick the winner. Great for one-off scheduling.
Pros
- Simple polling interface
- No account needed to vote
- Automatic time zone detection
- Calendar integration options
Cons
- Not a full shared calendar
- Best for one-time events, not ongoing
- Limited free tier features
Best for: Finding a single meeting time that works for a large group.
Teamup
Flexible permissions and sub-calendars
Teamup offers powerful organizational features with multiple sub-calendars and 9 levels of access permissions. It's more complex but highly flexible for groups with specific access requirements.
Pros
- Granular permission controls
- Multiple sub-calendars
- Viewers don't need accounts
- 11 different calendar views
Cons
- Interface feels dated
- More complex setup
- Free tier has limitations
Best for: Organizations needing complex permission structures across multiple calendars.
Outlook Calendar
Microsoft's calendar for Outlook users
Outlook Calendar works well for groups already using Microsoft products. The free Outlook.com version offers basic shared calendar functionality, though advanced features require Microsoft 365.
Pros
- Integrates with Microsoft ecosystem
- Familiar interface for Outlook users
- Good mobile apps
- Free basic version available
Cons
- Microsoft account required
- Best features need paid subscription
- Complex for simple group scheduling
Best for: Groups already invested in the Microsoft ecosystem.
Apple Calendar
Seamless for all-Apple groups
Apple Calendar works beautifully across iPhone, iPad, and Mac. If your entire group uses Apple devices, the built-in sharing via iCloud is smooth and reliable.
Pros
- Beautiful, clean interface
- Seamless across Apple devices
- Free with Apple ID
- Family Sharing integration
Cons
- Requires Apple devices/iCloud
- Android users excluded
- Limited web access
Best for: Families and groups where everyone uses Apple devices.
Quick Comparison: Free Group Calendars
| Calendar | No Account Needed | Completely Free | Any Device | Real-time Sync |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| BCalendar | ||||
| Google Calendar | ||||
| TimeTree | ||||
| Doodle | ||||
| Teamup | ||||
| Apple Calendar |
Which Free Calendar Should You Choose?
For Fastest Setup
Choose BCalendar if you want to create a group calendar and start using it within 60 seconds, with zero friction for any group member.
For Google Users
If everyone in your group already uses Gmail daily, Google Calendar integrates seamlessly with your existing workflow.
For One-Time Events
Use Doodle when you need to find a single meeting time that works for a large group with varying availability.
For Apple Families
Apple Calendar is the obvious choice if everyone in your group uses iPhones and Macs - it just works.
Our Recommendation
For most groups looking for a free online calendar, BCalendar offers the best experience. Here's why:
- No barriers: Nobody needs to create an account, download an app, or remember a password
- Instant onboarding: Share a link and everyone's in - it takes seconds
- True collaboration: Everyone can add and edit events, not just view them
- Visual organization: Color-coded members make it easy to see who scheduled what
- Genuinely free: All features are free forever - no upsells or premium tiers
The biggest challenge with group calendars isn't finding features - it's getting everyone to actually use them. BCalendar solves this by removing every possible obstacle to participation.