Whether you are a regular user, power user, or a business person, you must be using the default Calendar app one way or another. This is the place to go to keep track of events, birthday parties, reminders, upcoming sporting events and more. The default Apple Calendar is quite capable on iPhone. Still, it misses out on cross-platform availability and number of features compared to built-in competitors like Outlook Calendar, Fantastical, and Google Calendar.
Speaking of Google Calendar, Google is updating its calendar offering with new designs and functionality. On the other hand, Fantastical has already consolidated its place among iPhone users in the App Store. But if you had to choose between the two, which would you choose? This is not clear.
In this post, we compare Google Calendar to Fantastic. The comparison will cover the UI, functions, themes, third-party calendar support, price, and more. Lets start.
Cross-Platform Availability
There is no competition here. Google Calendar is available on Android, iOS and Web. The app integrates nicely with other Google services as well. Fantastical is exclusive to Apple’s software platforms, meaning it’s only accessible on iOS and macOS.
On the face of it, cross-platform usability might not seem that important in a calendar app. But the goal is to expect a consistent experience across supported platforms.
user interface
Since 2018, Google has been updating its apps and services with what is unofficially called Material Design version 2.0. Google Calendar was recently refreshed for iOS and I have mixed feelings about it. I appreciate how it uses a white theme throughout the interface and it looks just as beautiful as it is consistent. However, the hamburger menu is out of place on the iPhone.
Fantastical knocked it out of the park with a flawless user interface. It looks like Sunrise Calendar style when swiping up. And the app supports both dark and light theme nicely.
UX has a different story. The search menu, calendar switcher, and notification toggles are at the top, which is hard to reach on taller iPhones.
Supported Calendar Accounts
Besides the usual reminders, events, and holidays from the Google account, the Calendar app also supports iCloud and Outlook. Go to Settings > Accounts and press the toggle buttons for iCloud or Outlook.
Unfortunately, there is no way to add TV shows and sports events to the app.
A fantastic step ahead. From the home screen, tap on the all calendar option and select manage calendar. Google supports Outlook events and tasks, and even iCloud events and tasks from the Apple Reminders app.
The app also supports interesting calendars like holidays, sports and finance. Schedule your regional holidays, Tennis, Football, Basketball etc. You can add the schedule of your favorite sports, including the NASDAQ 100 and the Nikkei 225, and the financial calendar.
Adding a New Event
When adding an event, you can define the location of a meeting, add invitees, notes, and even attach files from Google Drive. The app also lets you add reminders that sync with Google Tasks.
Fantastical has added a touch of AI here. The app has an integrated number line when adding an event. So, you can just type ‘3pm Lunch’ and it will create an hour of event for lunch. Tap on add more to add more details and mention additional information like location, URL and notes.
Another useful function is templates. Long press any event and select create template. I converted my most used events into templates so that I can add them to the calendar with a single tap.
Additional features
Google has implemented the Goal functionality in the Calendar app. With it, you can form a habit, meditate, free time for your family, friends and even yourself. The app will ask the frequency of a goal during the week and adjust the activity to your busy schedule for the month.
The function is derived from smart scheduling software called Timeful, which the search giant bought in 2015. I found it less functional. There is no way to customize the habit for weekdays. For example, I set a goal of cleaning my room for 30 minutes once a week. Google created the event for cleaning on weekdays, I want it on weekends. There is no way to set this.
Google Calendar supports iOS widgets and long-tap functions to quickly add new events, reminders, and goals.
Fantastical is packed with customization options. You can change the theme and play with app icons and badge.
Major functions include iOS widgets, Accuweather support, long tap functions on app icon and home UI. I like to long press the activity and view details, duplicate, hide and delete tasks.
Price
Google Calendar is completely free to use. Fantastical was a one-time purchase on iOS and Mac. Recently, however, the app has switched to a subscription model (which pisses off existing users) and now costs $5 a month.
Organize Your Day
As you can see from the comparison above, both Google and Fantastical are capable alternatives to Apple Calendar. Google Calendar is free and available everywhere. Fantastical is versatile with smart scheduling, templates, AccuWeather integration, and more.
Next: Not convinced with Google Calendar or Fantastical? Read the post below to find more Apple Calendar alternatives for iOS.
