Wow this post went through a lot of changes throughout the writing of it. I actually procrastinated on writing it a lot, and it is one of the last I am writing of this series because of it. I thought maybe my delay was more in my head, but after writing it I can say it was logical.

This freaking category is one of the worst, and that is because there is a surprisingly little amount of tools (or even WORKING plugins for things like Obsidian) for calendar management on the market.

I'm astounded by this, and it makes me want to dig deeper because this just can't be ALL OF IT.

Without further ado here are the top tools in the calendar apps tag.

#5 - Motion Cal

The problem with Motion... is the cost.

It has always been such a high barrier ever since it launched. Now they shifted focus to a more "Work Management Platform". Meh.

I guess it works for them. They were basically the first ai scheduler for your calendar, but I can't justify the pricing even for corporate. It actually bumped them down a spot on this list. The calendar features are unique sure, but their expanded tool ecosystem has created a rift between users and the stronger features.

Maybe they should split it off as a separate tool for individuals, and just have the calendar for them again.

#4 - Reclaim

The other AI calendar app, and their pricing is that much better. Although it is about half of what Motion charges.

Plus I have to hand it to Reclaim, as their habits feature is probably one of the most unique habit trackers on the market.

I think they went more corporate too, even since the last time I looked at them. Though that is due to the Dropbox overlords.

I remember when dropbox used to be the underdogs back in the day!

#3 - Notion Cal

As much as I hate to admit it, this is probably the best calendar app on the market. With integrated scheduling (I've had issues with it working though, as events wouldn't show up on calendars [guest or myself]).

The native viewing of database items on the calendar, which is perfect for pursuing a Modular Degree or producing content at scale.

Not to mention it took the best things about Cron calendar (rip), and merged it with an already beloved knowledge management tool.

You know what I stand by my comment for it "not working". I literally tried loading it up during the writing of the post. Notion failed to open right away, and gave me a hard time about logging in. Then when I tried going to the "home" page, in order to GO to the calendar (as the direct website link didn't take me to the right place), it freaked out too and left me on a blank screen. Finally was able to the calendar, only for it to constantly load and reload as it couldn't log me in. Maybe I need to clear my cache or something, sure, but I shouldn't be having these issues at all.

This tool was ranked one, but after the horrendous performance (this is why I left Notion in the first place 😠), then I couldn't in good heart/mind rank it so high.

#2 - Google Cal

You can't dethrone the goat. The only reason it isn't higher is that the interface has not aged as well as it should have. However it works, it is simple, and it is consistent across platforms.

There is a reason why people even on iphone still use this a lot too.

Honorable Mention: Apple Cal/Outlook

While I do not think they hold up as much as Google Cal in overall usability, they are default built in apps, and are widely used for a reason.

#1 - Morgen

I shouldn't be surprised because even Danny Hatcher suggested it to me on our interview.

It is also one of the only tools that integrates with Obsidian as well.

https://d3rr38k70shmdg.cloudfront.net/videos/ai-planner-short.mp4

An ai planner, that is built into your calendar. Again with the pricing it is not ideal, and has been a major reason I've strayed away from using it. However the interface is one of the best, clean AF, and the scheduling via AI is smoother in a lot of ways than some of the other tools on this list.

I'll have to take another look at it myself too.

RIP Rise Cal

This was the tool I would have rated as the top on this list. I used it for ages...

It had the best scheduling feature bar none, and a very clean interface. Which is surprisingly difficult to find in these kinds of tools. It actually worked compared to some of these.

The downfall is because they got too caught up in task or project management features, when they should have been pursuing other avenues.

Find the right tool for YOU:

The PolyTools Database
The Polymath’s Toolkit for all things Digital Renaissance. From content repurposing to automation and personal knowledge management! This is the database for the PolyTools brand.
Official Website for Dustin Miller PolyInnovator [LLC]Dustin Miller | PolyInnovator

This is a link to a page that has the database within, and you can sort by tag for calendar tools if you need to look around!