The 5th best alternatives for Microsoft Bookings

If you're considering learning more about the best alternatives to Microsoft Bookings, this guide is for you. Good appointment scheduling software can make all the difference by streamlining processes, reducing administrative overhead and increasing customer satisfaction. While Microsoft Bookings is a popular choice, there are several alternatives that offer more powerful features and more flexibility.

In this blog we compare 5 alternatives to Microsoft Bookings: Acuity Scheduling, HubSpot Meetings, Calenso, Setmore and SimplyBook.me.

Why look for alternatives?

Although Microsoft Bookings offers a solid solution for online appointment scheduling, there are several reasons why companies may be looking for alternatives. These reasons mainly concern the customization options, integrations and security features that are crucial for many companies.

Customization options

Many companies require customized solutions that are specifically tailored to their individual needs. Microsoft Bookings only offers limited customization options, making it difficult to fully adapt the booking site to your own branding and specific requirements. Alternatives often offer:

• Advanced branding options: The ability to customize logos, colors, fonts and other visual elements.
• Individual booking processes: Flexibility to tailor booking processes and forms specifically to the company's services and internal processes.
• Omnichannel bookings: Few alternatives allow companies to offer their services across multiple channels, be it online, over the phone or in person. These omnichannel capabilities significantly improve accessibility and customer experience. Customers can conveniently book and manage appointments via their preferred communication channels.

Integration

Seamless integration into existing company systems is essential for the efficiency and automation of processes. Microsoft Bookings is heavily integrated into the Microsoft 365 suite, but offers limited integration options with other popular CRM, ERP and CMS systems. Some alternatives we will show you today:

• Wide range of integrations: Support for a wide range of third-party tools and platforms that can be connected via Zapier, API interfaces and native integrations.
• Specialized integrations: Support for industry-specific software solutions that are essential for certain business processes. For example, the option to integrate the scheduling software into HR, ATS & Recruiting, Marketing & Sales or CRM & CMS systems.

Security functions

Security and data protection requirements play a crucial role, especially for companies that process sensitive customer data. While Microsoft Bookings offers basic security measures, certain businesses may require enhanced security features. Alternatives may include:

• Enhanced security standards: Certifications such as ISO 27001, regular penetration tests and comprehensive security protocols.
• Data protection compliance: Compliance with strict data protection regulations such as the GDPR, including the ability to host data in countries with high data protection standards
• Additional security functions: Two-factor authentication (2FA), single sign-on (SSO) and detailed audit logs.

These factors are often decisive for companies looking for alternatives to Microsoft Bookings in order to find a solution that better suits their specific requirements and needs.

What is Microsoft Bookings?

Microsoft Bookings is an online appointment scheduling software offered as part of the Microsoft 365 Suite. It was developed to support companies in managing their appointment bookings and offers functions that make appointment scheduling efficient and user-friendly.

The main functions of Microsoft Bookings include

• • Integration with Microsoft 365: Seamless integration with other Microsoft 365 applications such as Outlook and Teams allows users to synchronize their appointment bookings directly with their existing calendars and communication platforms.
  • User-friendly interface: The intuitive user interface makes it easy for customers to book, change or cancel appointments.
  • Automated notifications: Automated email confirmations and reminders help reduce no-shows and improve communication with customers.

Weaknesses of Microsoft Bookings

Despite its many advantages, Microsoft Bookings has some weaknesses that could prompt users to look for more powerful alternatives.

• Limited customization options: Compared to some other appointment booking systems, Microsoft Bookings offers fewer options for customizing the booking page and notifications.
• Limited integrations: While integration with the Microsoft 365 suite is strong, there is a lack of comprehensive integration options with other CRM, ERP and CMS systems.
• Security and data protection concerns: Companies that have particularly high data protection and data security requirements could be bothered by Microsoft's data protection guidelines and data hosting locations, as these are sometimes opaque.
• Limited functions for more complex booking requirements: For businesses with specialized or complex booking requirements, such as group appointments or course bookings, Microsoft Bookings may not offer enough features and flexibility.

These weaknesses can lead companies to look for alternative solutions that are better tailored to their specific needs and requirements.

1st HubSpot Meetings

HubSpot is a comprehensive CRM system that offers far more than just appointment scheduling functions. It integrates marketing, sales and customer service into a single platform, giving companies a centralized overview of all customer interactions.

Good to know: It should be noted that the use of HubSpot Meetings is only possible on the condition that the entire HubSpot CRM is used.

• Functions: While Microsoft Bookings is mainly focused on appointment scheduling and management, HubSpot offers a complete CRM solution that includes marketing, sales and customer service tools.
• Customization options: HubSpot offers advanced customization options that allow companies to customize their workflows, dashboards and reports. Microsoft Bookings, on the other hand, only offers limited customization options.
• Ease of use: Both platforms are user-friendly, but HubSpot is often praised for its intuitive interface and extensive training materials.
• Integration: HubSpot supports a variety of third-party integrations, while Microsoft Bookings is mainly integrated into the Microsoft 365 suite. This can be limiting for companies that use other tools and platforms.
• Security features: Both platforms offer basic security measures, but HubSpot has the advantage of more comprehensive data management and additional security features such as two-factor authentication and detailed audit logs.

In comparison with Microsoft Bookings

The comparison shows that HubSpot Meetings offers a more powerful and versatile solution, while Microsoft Bookings is a simple, integrated option for companies that are already heavily integrated into the Microsoft environment.
HubSpot impresses with its extensive CRM features that go far beyond appointment management. It allows companies to centrally manage their marketing, sales and customer service activities and offers advanced customization options and integrations. The appointment scheduling function of HubSpot Meetings can only be used in conjunction with the full CRM solution.

2. acuity scheduling

Acuity Scheduling is a simple online appointment scheduling tool that allows customers to book appointments independently under GDPR compliance. The software offers basic features such as appointment confirmations and reminders to facilitate the booking process. Here are some of the main features and benefits:

• Integrations: Acuity Scheduling enables integration with apps such as Google Meet, iCloud, Zoom and Microsoft 365, increasing flexibility and enabling seamless connectivity with these tools.
• Branding: Companies can display the logo, adjust the colors and texts of the scheduler, remove the "Powered by".
• Features: Acuity Scheduling offers features like online payments and detailed reporting that Microsoft Bookings lacks.
• Ease of use: Both platforms are user-friendly, but Acuity Scheduling offers a more intuitive setup and better mobile support.

In comparison with Microsoft Bookings

Acuity Scheduling offers several advantages over Microsoft Bookings. The scheduling tool impresses with its user-friendliness and integration options with third-party apps. It also integrates seamlessly with various applications such as Google Calendar, Zoom and Apple iCloud. In contrast, Microsoft Bookings is a simple and integrated solution, especially for existing Microsoft 365 users, which is seamlessly integrated into the Microsoft 365 suite.

3. setmore

Setmore is a straightforward online appointment scheduling tool that allows customers to book their own appointments. The software offers basic features such as confirmations and reminders to make the booking process efficient. Here are the main features and benefits of Setmore:

• Appointment managementSetmore enables the simple management of individual and group appointments as well as recurring appointments. However, the number of these is limited depending on the version.
• Calendar synchronizationThe platform synchronizes appointments with Google Calendar, Office 365 and Apple iCal to avoid double bookings.
• Online paymentsIntegration with payment platforms such as Square and Stripe allows companies to accept payments directly at the time of booking.
• Reminders and notificationsAutomated e-mail and SMS reminders reduce no-shows and improve communication with customers. The number of reminders is limited in the free version.

In comparison with Microsoft Bookings

Both Setmore and Microsoft Bookings offer good features for appointment management. Setmore stands out for its features such as calendar synchronization and online payments, which can make the entire booking process more efficient.
On the other hand, Microsoft Bookings is seamlessly integrated into the Microsoft 365 suite and offers the advantage of unlimited bookings, which is particularly beneficial for companies with a high volume of bookings.

4 SimplyBook.me

SimplyBook.me is a flexible and GDPR-compliant online appointment scheduling platform designed specifically for small businesses and sole traders. Here are some of its main features and benefits:

• Extensive industry supportSimplyBook.me supports a wide range of industries, including wellness, health, education and leisure. This makes the platform particularly versatile and adaptable to different business models.
• Online paymentsThe platform enables companies to accept payments directly when booking appointments, which simplifies the handling and payment process.
• Customizable booking pagesCompanies can customize their booking pages to reflect their branding and provide a consistent customer experience.
• Automated notificationsSimplyBook.me sends automated reminders and notifications to clients via email or SMS to reduce no-shows and improve communication.
• Integration with third-party providersThe platform integrates with various third-party apps and tools, including calendar applications, payment platforms and CRM systems.

In comparison with Microsoft Bookings

Overall, SimplyBook.me is a good choice for small businesses and sole traders looking for a flexible and cost-effective scheduling solution, while Microsoft Bookings remains a good option for companies that are deeply integrated into the Microsoft ecosystem and prefer a simple, integrated solution.

Want to know more about Simplybook.me? Read more here 

5. calenso

Calenso is a Swiss appointment scheduling software developed specifically for companies that value security, customizability and scalability. The main features include:

• Comprehensive appointment managementCalenso supports the management of individual and group appointments, conferences and courses. This enables companies to plan and manage all types of appointments efficiently.
• Omnichannel bookingCustomers can book appointments via various channels, be it online, by phone or in person on site. This flexibility significantly improves the customer experience.
• Advanced security featuresWith ISO 27001-certified servers in Switzerland and strict GDPR compliance, Calenso guarantees the highest security and data protection standards. Functions such as two-factor authentication and encryption technologies protect the data.
• Customization optionsCompanies can fully customize their booking pages and communication channelsto match their branding. This includes the logo, colors, fonts and all text fields. This flexibility enables a consistent customer experience.

In comparison with Microsoft Bookings

Calenso and Microsoft Bookings both offer efficient solutions for appointment scheduling, but with different focuses. Microsoft Bookings is particularly attractive for existing Microsoft users as it is seamlessly integrated into the Microsoft 365 suite. It offers a simple and effective solution for small businesses that already use Microsoft products such as Outlook and Teams. Calenso's advanced customization and security features are designed specifically for larger companies and regulated industries such as financial services, insurance and public administration. Calenso offers a scalable and secure solution that can be deeply integrated into existing business processes.

To summarize

Overall, the comparison of alternatives to Microsoft Bookings offers valuable insights for companies looking for the best appointment scheduling solution. While Microsoft Bookings impresses with its seamless integration into the Microsoft 365 suite and ease of use, there are numerous alternatives that offer advanced features, flexibility and specific benefits.

• Calenso stands out for its advanced customizationand security features as well as its scalability, which allows companies to grow with the software. This makes it an ideal solution for larger companies and regulated industries.
• HubSpot Meetings offers a comprehensive CRM integration that goes far beyond mere appointment scheduling. It is particularly useful for companies that already use the HubSpot ecosystem and want to benefit from the additional marketing and sales tools.
• Acuity Scheduling scores with its ease of use, flexible integrations and the ability to seamlessly connect different calendar and payment services. It is a good choice for companies looking for simple and efficient scheduling software.
• Setmore offers solid features and ease of use, but businesses with high volumes of bookings could benefit from the unlimited booking capabilities of Microsoft Bookings.
• SimplyBook.me is aimed specifically at small businesses and sole traders who need a flexible and cost-effective solution. The extensive customization options and support for different industries make it a versatile alternative.