Looking for the best shared calendar app? Whether you need to coordinate a busy family, manage a team, or plan events with friends, the right calendar can make all the difference. We've tested and compared the top free options to help you choose.
What Makes a Great Shared Calendar App?
Before diving into specific apps, let's look at what features matter most for shared calendars:
- Easy sharing - How simple is it to add people to your calendar?
- Cross-platform access - Does it work on all devices?
- Real-time sync - Do changes appear instantly for everyone?
- Account requirements - Does everyone need to sign up?
- Edit permissions - Can everyone add events, or just view?
- Cost - Is it truly free, or are key features paywalled?
Top Free Shared Calendar Apps Compared
BCalendar
Best OverallThe simplest shared calendar - no accounts required
Pros
- No signup or account required
- Share via simple link
- Everyone can view AND edit
- Color-coded members
- Works on any device
- 100% free forever
Cons
- No native mobile app (web-based)
- Anyone with link can access
Best for: Families, friend groups, small teams, and anyone who wants the simplest possible calendar sharing without forcing others to create accounts.
Google Calendar
The standard for personal calendar management
Pros
- Excellent mobile apps
- Deep Google ecosystem integration
- Video call integration (Meet)
- Robust reminder system
Cons
- Everyone needs Google account
- Complex sharing permissions
- Privacy concerns for some users
Best for: Groups where everyone already has and uses Gmail/Google accounts.
Microsoft Outlook Calendar
Enterprise-grade calendar for business teams
Pros
- Integrates with Microsoft 365
- Powerful scheduling assistant
- Teams integration
- Enterprise security features
Cons
- Requires Microsoft accounts
- Best features require paid subscription
- Can be overwhelming for simple use
Best for: Corporate teams already using Microsoft 365.
Apple Calendar
Clean and simple for Apple users
Pros
- Beautiful, intuitive interface
- Seamless iPhone/iPad/Mac sync
- Family Sharing integration
- Privacy-focused
Cons
- Limited to Apple ecosystem
- Android users can't participate easily
- Requires iCloud accounts
Best for: Families where everyone uses iPhones and Macs.
Cozi Family Organizer
Family-focused with extra features
Pros
- Built specifically for families
- Shopping lists included
- To-do lists feature
- Recipe box
Cons
- Ads in free version
- Account required for all members
- Premium features cost $29.99/year
Best for: Families who want an all-in-one organizer beyond just calendar.
TimeTree
Social calendar with chat features
Pros
- Built-in chat for each event
- Memo and note sharing
- Nice mobile apps
Cons
- Everyone needs an account
- App download required
- Can feel cluttered with features
Best for: Groups who want event-specific discussions alongside their calendar.
Quick Comparison Table
| App | No Account Needed | Everyone Can Edit | Free | Any Device |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| BCalendar | ||||
| Google Calendar | ||||
| Outlook Calendar | ||||
| Apple Calendar | ||||
| Cozi | ||||
| TimeTree |
How to Choose the Right Shared Calendar
The best shared calendar depends on your specific situation:
For Families
If grandparents or non-tech-savvy members need access, choose BCalendar - no accounts means no barriers.
For Corporate Teams
If everyone already uses Google Workspace or Microsoft 365, stick with those ecosystems.
For Friend Groups
BCalendar or TimeTree work well - choose based on whether you need chat features.
For Couples
If you're both on iPhone, Apple Calendar is elegant. Otherwise, BCalendar keeps it simple.
The Bottom Line
After comparing all options, BCalendar stands out for its simplicity. It's the only shared calendar that truly requires nothing from participants - no accounts, no app downloads, no email invitations. Just share a link and everyone can collaborate.
For groups already embedded in Google or Microsoft ecosystems, those platforms make sense. But for everyone else - especially families, friend groups, and casual teams - BCalendar removes all friction from calendar sharing.