The best software choice depends on the workflow, data requirements and total cost over its useful life. Test the choice described in “Which calendar app is better for business use: Google or Apple?” against current terms and your own measurements. Features and prices change, so use an older comparison as a starting point and verify current product information with each vendor.
Google Calendar and Apple Calendar support personal and business scheduling, but differ in collaboration, device integration and administration. The better choice depends on the existing ecosystem, team requirements and privacy rules. This 2020 comparison needs a current feature check.
The most important differences
Apple Calendar backs up right into your iCloud, giving you a sense of security. It also makes it easy to use as many services as possible from a single provider. On the other hand, Google Calendar can be opened on any device, which is a plus when you want to open or edit your calendar on another devices. In addition, it is clear there a major distinction between types of appointments, reminders and to-dos.
Google Calendar wins for business use
When you use your iPhone calendar for business appointments as well as social appointments, Google Calendar offers more options. This app provides a clear weekly overview where you can see at a glance whether an appointment is private, work and/or social related. In addition, you can easily share appointments with colleagues via Whatsapp, who in turn can add them directly into their own calendar. Shared calendars within teams also get a clear overview thanks to different colours.
Switching?
Do you use Apple Calendar, but are you curious if you like the Google Calendar? Easily create an ICS file from your Mac or iOS device and import it into Google Calendar. The same applies for the other way around. To get your Google Calendar to Apple Calendar, simply create an export to ICS and import it into iCloud.
Apps, apps and more apps
To make things even more difficult, there are other agenda options on the market besides the two discussed apps, that might also be worth a try. There are also agenda apps that are especially useful when you like to work from a to-do list as you might do in the office. Fantastical 2 is a very good alternative for task lists! And there are apps that fit in well when you’re studying alongside your work, such as Week Calendar or Easy Calendar.
Test real workflows
Test scheduling, shared calendars, rooms, external invitations, mobile use, delegation and recovery. Consider existing devices, identity management, privacy requirements and support. Features change, so confirm critical requirements in current vendor documentation.
Test software against real work
Recreate two or three frequent team tasks and record time, errors and manual steps. Test integrations, data export and permissions with representative data. Include implementation, training and paid extensions because the lowest subscription price does not necessarily produce the lowest total cost.
