Calenso and Microsoft Bookings are two leading providers in the field of online appointment booking. At first glance, both providers seem quite similar - after all, their aim is to make day-to-day business more efficient.

What functions exactly do Calenso and Microsoft Bookings offer and what makes the two providers special? 

In this overview, we highlight the specific strengths of both systems to provide you with a sound basis for your decision when choosing the right online appointment scheduling software.

Would you like to experience the difference first hand? Arrange a free product demo. 

What is Calenso?

Calenso is an innovative online appointment booking software that specializes in optimizing appointment management and customer interaction for businesses and service providers. As part of the modern digital landscape, Calenso supports your users in making their appointments more efficient and customer-friendly.

What is Microsoft Bookings?

Microsoft Bookings is an appointment booking solution that is part of the extensive Microsoft 365 ecosystem. This software is aimed at small teams and individuals who are looking for a simple and integrated solution to manage their appointments.

What are the differences between Calenso and MS Bookings?

Calenso offers a wide range of customization options and is ideal for companies looking for an easily scalable and customizable online appointment scheduling solution. Microsoft Bookings, on the other hand, is tightly integrated into the Microsoft ecosystem and is ideal for teams that need a seamless connection with other Microsoft applications.

Download the full whitepaper for an in-depth comparison →

Before you decide on a scheduling software, you should ask yourself the following questions:

  • How big is your budget?
  • How many people should use the online appointment system?
  • What are the functions you don't want to do without?
  • How important is a uniform appearance/branding for your company?

Calenso's functions

Calenso shines with in-depth personalization and automation that revolutionizes appointment management. The cloud software integrates seamless omni-channel appointment booking, flexible workflows and a variety of integrations that go beyond the typical spectrum.

With servers in Switzerland and strict compliance with the GDPR and the nDSG, Calenso offers not only advanced features but also the highest security standards. Of particular note is the ability to personalize the customer experience through customizable booking pages that directly reflect the company's branding.

Seamless integration and management during growth

This function is ideal for growing companies as it enables central coordination of staff and branches. With just one admin account, you can manage and coordinate the team and locations. You can react flexibly to changes by revising settings, adapting user profiles, integrating new locations or setting company holidays.

Calenso also assists with the implementation of marketing campaigns, so you can be sure that your brand is communicated consistently as your business grows.

ERP and CRM integration options with Calenso

Discover the integration possibilities of Calenso 

Personalized booking experience for your stores

Calenso enables its users to create customized booking pages for each of their service offerings and branches. This not only enhances the customer experience through customized services, but also significantly simplifies the management of different locations. Users can define their own parameters for each branch and service, creating an efficient and well-organized booking structure.

CalensoMicrosoft Bookings
Possible use cases
  • Versatile (1-1, 1-n appointment scheduling, group appointments, courses)
  • Standardized appointment booking (individual appointments, meetings)
Booking processes
  • Landing pages
  • Booking widgets
  • Zip code search
  • Date qualification
  • Intelligent scheduling in teams
  • Smart widgets for campaigns
  • Only the simple appointment booking process possible
Features
  • Flexible booking processes and room planning
  • Multichannel appointment scheduling
  • Customer satisfaction surveys
  • Customer service evaluations
  • Basic appointment booking in the Microsoft ecosystem
Branding
  • Logo
  • Elements: Button, calendar, font, cards, forms
  • Font
  • Font size
  • CSS
  • Text
  • Basic branding with the option to customize:
  • Logo
  • rough color schemes
Integration options
  • CRM systems
  • Email marketing platforms
  • Payment systems
  • CMS systems
  • Only within the Microsoft ecosystem
Settings management
  • Central management and coordination of teams and locations via an admin account
  • Each employee must be configured individually
  • Settings must be defined per user
Support and training options
  • Comprehensive support and training options
  • Personal advice
  • Specific instructions
  • Standardized Microsoft support options

Microsoft Bookings functions

Microsoft Bookings can be integrated into the Microsoft 365 ecosystem and offers a familiar environment for those who already use Microsoft products. With automated booking processes and direct synchronization with Outlook, it makes it easier to manage and organize appointments. Teams can benefit from the integration with Microsoft Teams, which improves collaboration.

Microsoft Bookings is a reliable choice for companies looking for a simple solution within the Microsoft ecosystem. However, individual access must be configured for each employee, which means that the settings cannot be managed centrally and each adjustment must be made manually. This can be a disadvantage for teams looking for an uncomplicated solution.

Comparison table of functions between Calenso and MS Bookings.

Calenso prices and plans

Calenso offers a clear and simple pricing structure that allows companies to optimize their scheduling without complicated rate plans. With packages specifically tailored to different company sizes and needs, Calenso flexibly adapts to your business model. Pricing options are designed to provide value to businesses of all sizes, with a focus on scalability and user-centric features.

Click here for the prices. 

Microsoft Bookings prices and plans

Microsoft Bookings is part of the Microsoft 365 Business Premium subscription, which starts at 22 dollars per user per month with annual billing. 

Calenso customer service, reviews and integrations

Calenso attaches great importance to customer satisfaction and offers comprehensive support. Customers benefit from a range of support options designed to provide fast and effective solutions. For integrations, Calenso offers flexible options that allow the platform to be linked to a variety of existing systems and applications, enabling personalized and extended use.

What customers say about Calenso 

Microsoft Bookings customer service, reviews and integrations

Microsoft Bookings integrates effortlessly into the Microsoft ecosystem and benefits from the wide range of Microsoft support options, including dedicated customer service channels. Integrations are primarily tailored to other Microsoft 365 applications and provide a consistent user experience within this ecosystem.

Calenso or Microsoft Bookings

Microsoft Bookings might be the right choice for teams deeply entrenched in the Microsoft ecosystem, but Calenso offers a comprehensive solution that goes beyond just booking appointments. Calenso stands out for its customizability and ease of use, making it suitable for a wide range of industries, not just technical teams.

Calenso is the choice for teams looking for a versatile, powerful and seamlessly integrated platform that can grow with their business.

With Calenso you get:

  • Simple setup
  • Powerful, personalized automation of tasks
  • Limitless integration options
  • Round-the-clock customer support
  • Extensive analysis and reporting functions
  • Robust authorization structures and governance
  • Individual customization options for a uniform corporate branding
  • Specialized booking sites for services and branches
  • Centralized management and coordination of teams and locations
  • Quick adaptation to company-wide changes via an admin account
  • ...and much more

Discover Calenso - your solution for efficient appointment scheduling!


Simplify your appointment organization with Calenso. Benefit from our user-friendly platform that helps you save time and optimize your daily work routine.

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