The Best Free Microsoft Bookings Alternative
Microsoft Bookings isn't available as a standalone product — it requires a Microsoft 365 Business subscription starting at $6/user/month. If you don't use Microsoft 365, or want scheduling software without a Microsoft subscription, Schedly is the best free alternative.
6 reasons Schedly is the better free Microsoft Bookings alternative
No Microsoft 365 subscription required
Microsoft Bookings is included with Microsoft 365 Business Standard ($12.50/user/month) and Business Premium plans. It is not available as a standalone free product. Schedly is free regardless of which calendar system or business software you use.
Works with Google Calendar too
Schedly syncs with both Google Calendar and Outlook Calendar. You're not locked into the Microsoft ecosystem — use whichever calendar system already runs your business.
SMS reminders available
Microsoft Bookings does not include SMS reminders. Schedly Pro adds SMS text reminders at $24/month — significantly reducing no-show rates compared to email-only reminder systems.
Payment collection at booking
Microsoft Bookings cannot collect payment at the time of booking. Schedly Pro integrates with Stripe to collect deposits or full payment when clients book — eliminating late cancellation risk.
More modern booking experience
Schedly's booking pages are designed with a contemporary, mobile-first interface. Microsoft Bookings' pages have a utilitarian aesthetic that reflects their Microsoft 365 heritage rather than client-first design.
Free without enterprise requirements
Microsoft Bookings is designed for enterprise teams already on Microsoft 365. Schedly Free serves individual practitioners and small businesses with no enterprise prerequisites.
What you actually get for free
A feature-by-feature comparison of Schedly Free vs Microsoft Bookings's free offering.
Schedly FreeMicrosoft BookingsFree without Microsoft 365
Works with Google Calendar
SMS reminders available
Stripe payment collection
Unlimited bookings free
Calendar sync
Email confirmations
Teams meeting integration
Custom intake forms
HIPAA compliance available
The Real Cost of Microsoft Bookings
Microsoft Bookings is often described as free — but that's only true if you're already paying for Microsoft 365 Business Standard or Business Premium. For users on Microsoft 365 Business Basic or Personal plans, Bookings isn't included. And for anyone not on Microsoft 365 at all, there's no way to access Bookings as a standalone product.
When Schedly Is the Better Choice
If your business uses Google Workspace, or if you're an individual practitioner who doesn't need Microsoft 365's broader suite, Schedly Free delivers professional scheduling without any subscription requirement. You get unlimited bookings, calendar sync, email reminders, intake forms, and a professional booking page — everything Microsoft Bookings offers, plus SMS reminders and payment collection on the paid plan.
When Microsoft Bookings Makes Sense
Microsoft Bookings is genuinely the most seamless option for businesses already standardized on Microsoft 365 Business. The native Outlook calendar integration, Teams meeting generation, and Microsoft admin controls simplify deployment in enterprise Microsoft environments. If you're already paying for Microsoft 365 Business Standard or higher, using Bookings has zero incremental cost.
Start Schedly Free — No Credit Card
Unlimited bookings, unlimited event types, calendar sync, email reminders. Everything Microsoft Bookings's free plan should have included — and doesn't.
Create Free Account →Frequently Asked Questions
Stop Losing Bookings to
Scheduling Friction.
Schedly puts your calendar to work around the clock. Every lead, every client, and every meeting lands exactly where it should, automatically.