Build vs Calendly
Scheduling automation — Should you build, vibe code, or buy?
Our Verdict
⚡ Vibe Code It
Scheduling is straightforward. Cal.com is open source and free.
Pricing
$0-$16/seat/mo
Founded
2013
HQ
Atlanta, GA
Vibe Time
1-2 weeks
What is Calendly?
Calendly is a scheduling automation. The company is $350m raised. With 700+ employees, Calendly serves teams looking for scheduling solutions.
Strengths & Weaknesses
Strengths
- Dead simple
- Good integrations
- Professional
- Team scheduling
Weaknesses
- Limited customization
- Per-seat adds up
- Basic reporting
Who Should Use Calendly?
Best For
- Sales Teams
- Consultants
- Recruiters
Not Ideal For
- Complex Booking
- Developers
Vibe Coding Calendly
Using AI tools like Cursor and Claude, you can build a calendly-like solution in 1-2 weeks for approximately $2k-8k.
What You Can Build
What's Harder to Replicate
Getting Started
Use this prompt with Cursor or Claude to scaffold your alternative:
Build a scheduling automation with these core features: Tech stack: Next.js 14, TypeScript, Prisma, PostgreSQL, Tailwind, shadcn/ui Include authentication, API routes, database schema, and a clean UI.
Open Source Alternatives
Before paying for Calendly, consider these open source options:
Cal.com ↗
Full Calendly alternative
Alternatives to Calendly
Cal.com
Open source, free
SavvyCal
Better UX
TidyCal
One-time payment
The Bottom Line
Calendly is solid, but this is a space where vibe coding works well. If you have specific requirements or want full control, consider building your own with modern AI tools.
Calculate Your Build vs Buy Costs →