The modern world no longer relies so heavily on phone calls and emails to schedule meetings and appointments. Suddenly, it’s been overtaken by contemporary open-source scheduling software. Long gone are the days of hours spent playing phone tag or emailing back and forth to set an appointment time. Instead, there is software out there to do it all for you.
However, it’s of vital importance that you select the open-source scheduling software that’s right for your business. This will ensure that efficiency and productivity remain high for yourself and your team. An all-in-one open-source planning and scheduling software can make your scheduling dreams come true.
Getting a business off the ground is a challenging and expensive undertaking, particularly if you’re new to the business world.
It’s vital that you manage your business with the utmost attention to detail, as if, when you falter, it can all come crashing down around you. This is especially true if you are a startup owner. Every startup owner has an overwhelming number of things to get done at any point in time. You need to manage your time efficiently and stick to a schedule to make sure you get everything done.
We’ve compiled a list of 18 best open-source scheduling software to use in 2024. Ready? Let’s see them in action!
List of 18 Best Open-Source Scheduling Software in 2024
Before we dive deeper into details and unique features each of these open-source scheduling software solutions offers, let’s see the list:
- Amelia Lite
- Booked Scheduler
- mHelpDesk
- Easy!Appointments
- Setster
- Classroombookings
- Bitrix24
- Doodle
- Bookero
- TimeForge
- BUK
- Rally
- Availability Booking Calendar PHP
- ServiceMax
- TimeTap
- ApPHP Calendar
- BookedIN Online Appointment Scheduling
- BirchPress Scheduler
How Do You Choose the Right Open-Source Scheduling Software?
When you’re checking out the vast array of open-source scheduling software available, it’s hard to distinguish between them. Most have the basic features of automated reminders and online scheduling, but there is software out there that offers a much more complex array of options.
So, what features should you be looking for when choosing an open-source scheduling software? Take the below into account when you’re choosing your perfect solution.
Features and functionality
The features the open-source scheduling software offers should be relevant and useful to your business. This seems simple, but you’d be surprised by how many people overlook this obvious aspect.
Scalability
Hopefully, your business will grow and expand as you become more successful. It’s important that the software you select will be able to manage this.
Security
The software you choose will contain lots of confidential data. This may include online payment information from your customers. Therefore, it’s essential that you choose safe and secure open-source scheduling software.
Cost
The cost will be an essential factor for any startup. Keep in mind that the more expensive ones are likely to have more additional features.
Integration
Your company may be using other tools such as CRMs, email providers, and calendars. It’s useful if you choose an open-source scheduling app that integrates seamlessly with these.
Support
The software should offer prompt and helpful support, which can be very handy if you’re new to open-source scheduling software.
Amelia Lite
If you want to opt for the free version rather than the premium plugin of Amelia, you’ll still find it amazingly helpful. The free option gives you plenty of great features and will support your booking needs.
If there is a change in appointment status, Amelia sends the customer an email notification to let them know right away. You’ll see a handy calendar on your end. Here you can see all the appointments that have been made with your company in one easy visual.
Amelia Lite has been designed with both the user and the customer in mind for the best experience possible. It utilizes the latest enterprise-level technology to ensure smooth business transactions. Plus, the ability to be used on mobile has been prioritized. Your customers will enjoy being able to book from anywhere with their phones.
Pricing: Free
Ratings:
- 4.9 on Capterra
If you want to discover how Trafft and Amelia stack up against each other, delve into our in-depth Trafft vs. Amelia comparison.
Booked Scheduler 2.5k
Booked Scheduler 2.5k is an open-source employee scheduling software. It lets you book time slots and create statistics and reports, as well as provide email notifications. In addition, it has a check-in and check-out functionality.
It integrates Paypal and Stripe payment systems since the Booked Scheduler 2.7 Beta system was released. Users can buy credits and then spend the credits when making books on the platform.
Pricing: From $15 per month, or $500 per month for the license.
Ratings: /
mHelpDesk
mHelpDesk helps you perform the time-draining tasks of creating estimates, quotes, and new jobs. It has the functionality to show you your staff’s schedule which will help you better manage appointments. It’s a great time saver which can improve the efficiency of your business.
mHelpDesk’s open-source scheduling software is compatible with Google Calendar so you have all your appointments in one place only. It doesn’t require internet access to function, but it offers online functionality as well. This can come in especially handy when you’re on the go.
This software offers a user-friendly invoicing system. With just one click you can invoice a client. It develops reports and eliminates data entry for you.
Pricing: It’s not transparent, you have to get a quote.
Ratings:
- 4.3 on Capterra
- 4 on G2
Easy!Appointments
Open-source appointment booking systems are the way of the future. Easy!Appointments is one such system, and it offers a WordPress plugin. However, it does have limited functionality compared to some of its counterparts. It is aimed at providing an open-source meeting scheduler for booking appointments for services, such as a doctor or a hairdresser.
Easy!Appointments give your clients the option of online appointment booking. It syncs with Google Calendar so you can manage all your appointments in one place. No more double bookings!
Pricing: Easy!Appointments is 100% free open-source scheduling software. Professional users can benefit from the available premium services and get a free quote.
Ratings:
- 4.7 on Capterra
Setster
Setster focuses on managing tasks and risks for companies of any size. Scheduling is an important part of crisis management and Setster gives you a way to do this quickly. It can sync your calendars and give you access to them on your mobile. With appointment reminders and confirmations, it’s packed full of useful features.
Online services keep your data secure when you choose Setster. It has all the basic functions of an open-source scheduling software, plus it has the added ability to manage much larger organizational demands.
Pricing: From $48 per month up to $1230 monthly.
Ratings:
- 4.2 on Capterra
- 3.7 on G2
Classroombookings
Classroombookings is a room scheduling software that’s open-source. It was designed for use in schools and was released in 2006. It’s been a lifesaver for teachers worldwide, mostly for managing computer room availability. The backend utilizes MySQL and it was written in the CodeIgniter PHP framework.
It has the ability to create recurring appointments that always occur at the same time and place on a regular schedule. It’s user-friendly and easy to read at a glance. It connects bookings to specific people and reserves room for them at the chosen time.
Pricing: Free if self-hosted, or $179 annually.
Ratings: /
Bitrix24
More than 4 million organizations are now using Bitrix24 as their open-source meeting scheduler. It offers open-source, mobile, and cloud variations.
It doesn’t only set appointments but can perform all client management functions for you. Bitrix24 features a call center which means that you’ll see your interaction history when a client calls you. What could be more useful? If you miss the call, it will be added to the CRM to follow up on.
If, like most companies, you’ve had clients come and go, Bitrix24 will help you reconnect with past clients. Schedule a call with them or send them an email invitation with Bitrix24. Track time, invoice, and much more with this fantastic tool!
Pricing: Starting from $61 per month for up to 5 members.
Ratings:
- 4.1 on Capterra
- 4.1 on G2
Doodle
With Doodle, you can create polls online or schedule meetings. You don’t even need to register for this open-source scheduling software!
Doodle makes it easy to view the availability of your team to easily set up appointments. It integrates seamlessly with many calendar providers; Google Calendar, Office 360, and iCal are all on the list. No more emailing back and forth for hours or days, just send a shareable Doodle to anyone you want to make an appointment with.
Pricing: Doodle offers a free plan, and pricing starts from $14.95 per month per user.
Ratings:
- 4.6 on Capterra
- 4.4 on G2
Bookero
Bookero is a great open-source appointment booking system option because it integrates well with other websites. Don’t send your customers off to another site to book an appointment. With Bookero, they will be able to do it through your own company’s website. Key features of this open-source scheduling app include reservation history, text notifications, and automatic bookings. The website wizard lets you join up your business’s Facebook to it, too.
Bookero lets you have payment accounts at no cost. There are five plugins on offer to help with all your scheduling and meeting booking needs.
Bookero has been optimized to work with Joomla! and WordPress. It even offers a mobile app where customers can cancel or confirm their appointments easily.
Pricing: Bookero offers basic, standard, and premium plans. They go from 4EUR monthly to up to 32EUR.
Ratings: /
TimeForge
TimeForge is a great solution if you’re looking for open-source employee scheduling software. It’s especially great if your business covers multiple locations or is a franchise. It’s a complete labor management system that can integrate with your Point of Sale System. This simplifies your payroll processes and keeps staff in sync. Plus, it makes it easy to expand your business from one location to many without all the hassle.
With features that help you manage holiday requests, scheduling, and payroll, TimeForge is your new best friend. It integrates with many systems, including POS systems. This makes it so much easier to manage employee time, attendance, and scheduling. It will also help you with candidate tracking when you’re looking for a new employee. It’s never been easier to manage a complex team.
Pricing: TimeForge offers a free trial, but pricing isn’t transparent.
Ratings:
- 4.7 on Capterra
BUK
BUK offers all the functionality you need from an open-source booking app. It’s user-friendly and will streamline all your booking requirements. With BUK, your customers can make bookings around the clock and will receive automatic text reminders. It syncs with Google Calendar so you can easily keep track of your appointments and meetings. You can even create your own personalized booking page design. Your clients will love how easy it is to use.
Pricing: BUK offers a free plan for one staff member, and pricing starts from $6.99 monthly.
Ratings:
- 4.9 on Capterra
Rallly
Rallly simplifies team get-togethers. Stop emailing and asking: Are you available Monday? What about Thursday? I can only do Friday morning…. All that nonsense is behind you. Find a date more easily with Rallly (that’s not a typo – 3 ‘l’s!).
The best feature of this tool is poll creation for anonymous answering. Enter the times and dates that you’re available to meet and invite others to answer your poll. You just need to add their email, or you can send them the link to the poll. People can leave comments on the poll in the discussion box at the bottom. This free open-source scheduling software is best used in small companies, or within teams. It will revolutionize your meeting-scheduling process.
Pricing: They have a free plan and pricing starts from $5 per month.
Ratings:
- 4 on Capterra
- 4.1 on G2
Availability Booking Calendar PHP
PHP Availability Booking Calendar provides a way for you to get online bookings. It is developed with Javascript, PHP, and JQuery.
With many flexible features, you can add your prices, and discounts, and change calendar colors. You can also keep track of your reservations with this open-source scheduling software. You can even install more than one booking calendar on your site with only one install code. It gives you the ability to change its appearance to match your own branding requirements. Each calendar features its own prices and configuration.
Pricing: The User License is $39 and Developer License is $69.
Ratings: /
ServiceMax
GE Digital has released ServiceMax, the newest revolution in open-source scheduling software. It offers a range of products including Advanced Workforce Scheduling and Real-Time Schedule Optimization. This tool is aimed at organizations that specialize in providing services to clients.
It’s vital to make sure that when you’re sending a technician out to a job, you do it right. They’ll need the right parts, the right address, and the right skills. By simplifying this process, you’ll save money and end up with more happy customers. Route suggestions will reduce your time spent driving and increase the number of appointments you can take. This automated software uses cloud data storage to optimize your business processes. Try out ServiceMax if your business provides services. You’ll wonder how you ever lived without it!
Pricing: /
Ratings:
- 4.2 on Capterra
- 3.7 on G2
TimeTap
TimeTap is a popular way of scheduling appointments. It is favored by public organizations, as well as schools and businesses. Clients can make an appointment online at any time of day, which frees you up to focus on fantastic service delivery. Rather than being stuck answering a phone and taking appointments, just check your emails to see the booking updates. This will make your business processes much more efficient and effective.
Pricing: From $28.45 per month. They offer a free trial!
Ratings:
- 4.5 on Capterra
- 4.4 on G2
ApPHP Calendar
Another great open-source scheduling software. This PHP calendar script can be integrated with many PHP projects. These may include things such as event processors and schedulers. The ApPHP Calendar is also very easy to install and use. It is super user-friendly. You’ll love the simple navigation. Select whichever view you prefer – list, daily, weekly, monthly, or yearly.
This is no basic calendar by any means. This software has a full range of statistics, publishing, and viewing components. It will make event scheduling so much easier for your organization. You can even personalize access to different types of users. You won’t need another kind of calendar ever again!
Pricing: Free
Ratings: /
BookedIN Online Appointment Scheduling
If you find you’re often spending your day doing admin-heavy tasks, try out BookedIN. You’ll breathe a sigh of relief as it performs all these brain-draining functions for you! Waste no more time with emails and calls; enjoy seeing your customers and clients in person.
This open-source scheduling software allows your customers to book appointments online, which frees you up to focus on giving them the best customer experience possible.
Choose from two options:
- The calendar widget. This gives clients the option of booking and paying for their appointments on your website.
- Add a BookedIN button that sends your clients to a comprehensive online scheduler.
Pricing: From $36 per month. They offer a free trial!
Ratings:
- 4.6 on Capterra
- 4.7 on G2
BirchPress Scheduler
BirchPress Scheduler is a great open-source scheduling software. It can be easily added to your website for a seamless user experience. It lets your clients see your availability, and they can make appointments online if they wish to do so.
This software is very effective for hairdressers, photographers, spas, and gyms.
This is a WordPress plugin that offers a completely free and open-source version. It can be downloaded from the WordPress site.
Pricing: From $99 to $249 annually.
Ratings:
- 4.5 on WordPress.org
Final Thoughts About The Best Open-Source Scheduling Apps
You need to take care when choosing an open-source scheduling software. Once you choose one, it can be hard to change to another, so make sure you do your research before settling. We hope this description of some of your options has been useful for you. We do think that sometimes the best way to go is a complete SaaS solution.
FAQs about open source scheduling software
1. What is open-source scheduling software?
Open-source scheduling software is the solution that lets users maintain schedules and keep their appointments in line. As the source code for this program is open-source, anyone can see, alter and share it.
2. How does open-source scheduling software work?
Open-source scheduling software gives users an intuitive interface where they can enter details about appointments, such as date, time, location, and participants, and the software will produce a schedule based on this information.
3. What are the benefits of using open-source scheduling software over proprietary solutions?
In comparison to proprietary systems, open-source scheduling software has a number of advantages, including reduced prices, more flexibility, and more security. Users can modify open-source software to match their own needs, and it is frequently free or less expensive than proprietary software.
4. How can I customize open-source scheduling software to meet my organization’s specific needs?
The source code of open-source scheduling software can be changed, and plugins and extensions can also be added. However, modification calls for technical know-how and can need the assistance of programmers or IT specialists. Via a user-friendly interface, some open-source scheduling apps might also provide customization options.
5. Is open-source scheduling software easy to use and implement for non-technical users?
Depending on the software choice and the user’s level of technical competence, different open-source scheduling software has varying degrees of usability. While some open-source software alternatives are user-friendly and implemented with little technical know-how, others could be more difficult and need IT specialists to install and set up.
6. What level of technical expertise is required to set up and maintain open-source scheduling software?
Depending on the software option and the unique requirements of the user, different levels of technical competence are needed to install and maintain open-source scheduling software. Certain open-source alternatives may require the installation and upkeep of basic technical abilities, such as familiarity with databases, operating systems, and programming languages. Certain software choices might be created for non-technical users and call for little technical knowledge.
7. Can open-source scheduling software integrate with other software and tools that my organization uses?
Software used by an enterprise, such as project management, customer relationship management, and accounting software, can frequently be integrated with open-source scheduling software. Although many open-source software solutions offer APIs or plugins that make the process simpler, integration may still require technical expertise.
8. What types of organizations can benefit from using open-source scheduling software?
Using open-source scheduling software has advantages for businesses of all sizes and sectors. Open-source scheduling software is a desirable alternative for small enterprises and startups because it provides affordable solutions that can be tailored to fit particular demands. The adaptability and scalability of open-source software can also help large organizations.
9. What features should I look for when selecting open-source scheduling software for my organization?
Important aspects to take into account while choosing open-source scheduling software for a company include task management, resource allocation, collaboration tools, budget tracking, and customization choices. The simplicity of usage, security, and support choices are other considerations.
10. Is support available for open-source scheduling software, and if so, what types of support are available?
Depending on the software option and the developer community, support for open-source scheduling software varies. While some software alternatives may provide paid support options like email or phone help, technical support, or professional services, others may offer free support through forums or user communities. The popularity and size of the developer community may have an impact on the quantity and quality of support offered. Before choosing open-source scheduling software, it’s crucial to assess the level of support required and make sure the program provides the support alternatives the organization needs.
11. Why choose open-source scheduling software?
Choosing open-source scheduling software provides flexibility, customization options, and cost-effectiveness. You have the freedom to tailor the software to your specific needs and aren’t tied to proprietary solutions.
12. Is open-source scheduling software secure?
The security of open-source software depends on the community supporting it. Popular options usually have active communities that address security concerns promptly. Regularly updating the software is crucial for maintaining security.
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