ActiveCampaign vs Calendly
ActiveCampaign
CalendlyWe may earn a commission from links on this page, at no extra cost to you. It never changes our picks. How we make money.
Quick verdict
Calendly edges it overall, winning 1 of 4 rating categories. Calendly is cheaper to start ($12 vs $15).
Choose ActiveCampaign if…
You’re small businesses that rely on automated email sequences. Email marketing with the most powerful automation builder in its class, plus a CRM for small sales teams. Starter now begins at $15/mo for 1,000 contacts.
Visit ActiveCampaignChoose Calendly if…
You’re anyone who books meetings with people outside their company. The scheduling link everyone recognizes: share your availability, let people book, and Calendly handles time zones, reminders and video links.
Visit CalendlySide by side
| ActiveCampaign | Calendly | |
|---|---|---|
| Our rating | 4.4/5 | 4.5/5 |
| Value | 4.2/5 | 4.2/5 |
| Features | 4.7/5 | 4.4/5 |
| Ease of use | 4/5 | 4.9/5 |
| Output quality | 4.5/5 | 4.4/5 |
| Category | Email marketing | Automation & scheduling |
| Free plan | No: 14-day free trial | Yes: one event type and one calendar |
| Cheapest paid plan (monthly) | $15/mo | $12/mo |
| Same plan billed yearly | - | $10/mo |
| Top plan | Starter: $15/mo | Teams: $20/mo |
| Seats | Users by plan | Per seat |
| Trial / refund | 14-day free trial, no card | Free plan; trial of Teams |
| Platforms | Web, iOS, Android | Web, iOS, Android, browser extension |
| Best for | Small businesses that rely on automated email sequences | Anyone who books meetings with people outside their company |
ActiveCampaign: pros & cons
- Excellent visual automation builder
- Built-in CRM on higher tiers
- Starter price cut to $15/mo
- No free plan
- Price climbs with contacts
- Learning curve for complex automations
Calendly: pros & cons
- Dead simple for you and your invitees
- Integrates with Google, Outlook, Zoom and CRMs
- Free plan for one meeting type
- Free plan is very limited
- Team features need the Teams plan
Questions from readers
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