Cal.com vs Calendly vs OnlyCaly: The 2026 Guide for Therapists & Coaches
Alex from OnlyCaly·Content Team
February 13, 2026
3 min read
The scheduling market is crowded. Calendly is the giant. Cal.com is the open-source challenger. OnlyCaly is the specialized solution. Which one fits your practice?
TL;DR
- Calendly: The "Safe" Choice. Great if you work with corporate clients who expect it. Expensive for advanced features.
- Cal.com: The "Hacker" Choice. Incredible customizable if you have a developer. Great free plan for individuals.
- OnlyCaly: The "Privacy" Choice. Built specifically for therapists/coaches who need intake forms, privacy buffers, and discreet notifications out of the box.
1. Calendly: The Industry Standard
Everyone knows Calendly. It’s reliable, robust, and integrates with everything (Salesforce, HubSpot, etc.).
Pros:
- Ubiquitous familiarity (clients know how to use it).
- Enterprise-grade integrations.
- Rock-solid reliability.
Cons:
- Generic: Not built for health/wellness.
- Expensive HIPAA: You need the Enterprise plan ($15k/yr) for HIPAA compliance.
- Privacy: Defaults to sharing too much info in calendar invites.
2. Cal.com: The Open Source Powerhouse
Cal.com (formerly Calendso) is an open-source alternative.
Pros:
- Open Source: You can technically host it yourself for free (if you are a tech wizard).
- Design: beautiful, black-and-white minimalist aesthetic.
- Developer Focus: Amazing API and webhooks.
Cons:
- Complexity: Can be overwhelming for non-technical users.
- Support: Geared towards developers/startups, not solo practitioners.
3. OnlyCaly: The Specialist
OnlyCaly isn't trying to be for everyone. It's for service professionals handling sensitive appointments (Therapists, Coaches, Consultants).
Pros:
- Privacy First: Event titles are discreet by default (e.g., "Appointment" instead of "Therapy for Anxiety").
- Clinical Features: Buffer times, intake forms, and GDPR compliance built-in.
- Cost: significantly cheaper than Calendly for similar features.
Cons:
- Smaller Ecosystem: Doesn't integrate with Salesforce (yet).
Feature Comparison Table
| Feature | Calendly | Cal.com | OnlyCaly |
|---|---|---|---|
| Target Audience | Sales, Recruiting | Developers, Startups | Therapists, Coaches |
| Free Plan | 1 Event Type | Unlimited | Unlimited |
| HIPAA BAA | $$$ (Enterprise) | $$ (Enterprise) | Included (Privacy Design) |
| Intake Forms | Basic | Moderate | Advanced |
| Payment Collection | Pro Plan | Free Plan (stripe fee) | Pro Plan |
| Visual Scheduler | List View | List/Grid | Chessboard/Grid |
Decision Tree: Which One?
- Do you need HIPAA / Privacy compliance?
- Yes -> OnlyCaly (Best value) or Calendly Enterprise (If budget is unlimited).
- Are you a developer who wants to self-host?
- Yes -> Cal.com.
- Do you need Salesforce/HubSpot integration?
- Yes -> Calendly.
- Are you a solo therapist/coach wanting to save money?
- Yes -> OnlyCaly or Cal.com (hosted).
Conclusion
Tools are like shoes.
- Calendly is a Dress Shoe: Professional, standard, expensive.
- Cal.com is a 3D-Printed Sneaker: Cool, custom, tech-forward.
- OnlyCaly is a Hiking Boot: Purpose-built for a specific terrain (private practice), durable, and protective.
Try the Niche Solution If you are tired of generic tools that don't respect patient privacy, give OnlyCaly a try. It feels like it was made for you, because it was.
