When is Timetree still the best choice?
TimeTree works best when you need a shared calendar without extra features. The app focuses entirely on scheduling appointments and events with others, without distraction from to-do lists, grocery planners, or other tools. You create a calendar, invite people, and everyone can immediately see what’s scheduled. For families who only want to keep track of who needs to be where and when, that’s often enough.
The free version offers an unlimited number of calendars and users, which sets TimeTree apart from many competitors. You can create separate calendars for work, family, sports club, and friend group without paying. The app syncs quickly between phones and tablets, and the color coding per calendar makes it easy to overview when you’re managing multiple schedules. The chat feature for each event is convenient for quick coordination without having to switch to WhatsApp.
When is a Timetree alternative better?
The increase in ads in the free version of TimeTree is bothering more and more users. Banners appear between your calendar items and pop-ups interrupt adding appointments. If you open the app daily, these interruptions become annoying. Alternatives like Google Calendar remain completely ad-free, while FamilyWall and Cozi display their ads more sparingly or remove them for a lower price than TimeTree Premium.
Many families need more than just a calendar. The need for integrated meal planning and recipes often comes up, especially on busy weekdays. TimeTree offers nothing for this, while Cozi has a built-in meal planner where you can save recipes and directly generate a shopping list. FamilyWall goes even further with a combination of calendar, task list, location sharing, and family calendar in one app. For couples who mainly want to coordinate their individual schedules, Cupla offers a clearer interface with clear visualization of overlapping free time.
The desire for better desktop support and synchronization is a frequently heard complaint. TimeTree has a web version, but it feels like an afterthought with limited functionality. Google Calendar works identically on desktop and mobile, with full access to all features. For people who work a lot on a laptop and want to quickly schedule appointments without grabbing their phone, that’s an important difference. TimeTree’s synchronization sometimes lags when changes are made on different devices simultaneously, which almost never happens with Google Calendar.
In conclusion
Stick with TimeTree if you only need a shared calendar and find the ads acceptable. Choose Google Calendar if you want a reliable free option with good desktop support. Families who also want to plan meals and groceries are better off with Cozi or FamilyWall. Couples with busy schedules will find a clearer overview of shared free time in Cupla, while Howbout is better suited for friend groups making spontaneous plans.
