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BusyCal vs Fantastical
Which is the better calendar for Mac in 2026?
We compared BusyCal and Fantastical across 5 key factors including price, open-source status, and community adoption. Both BusyCal and Fantastical are excellent calendar. Read our full breakdown below.
BusyCal
Calendar software focusing on flexibility and reliability
Free
VS
Fantastical
Calendar software
Free
Our Verdict
Both BusyCal and Fantastical are excellent calendar. BusyCal is better for users who prefer polished experiences, while Fantastical excels for those who value established ecosystems.
Feature Comparison
| Feature | BusyCal | Fantastical |
|---|---|---|
| Price | Free | Free |
| Open Source | No | No |
| Monthly Installs | N/A | N/A |
| GitHub Stars | N/A | N/A |
| Category | Productivity | Productivity |
Quick Install
BusyCal
brew install --cask busycalFantastical
brew install --cask fantasticalLearn More
In-Depth Overview
What is BusyCal?
BusyCal is a powerful and highly customizable calendar application for macOS developed by BusyMac LLC. Originally launched as a replacement for the discontinued Now Up-to-Date calendar, BusyCal has evolved into one of the most feature-rich calendar apps available for the Mac. What sets BusyCal apart from its competitors is its commitment to information density and user customization. The app displays weather forecasts directly within the calendar grid, shows moon phases, calculates travel time between events, and supports custom graphics and tags on individual events. BusyCal supports all major calendar services including iCloud, Google Calendar, Microsoft Exchange, Office 365, and any standard CalDAV server. Its menu bar mini-calendar provides quick access to your schedule without launching the full app, and its powerful search and filtering capabilities make it easy to find events across multiple calendars. BusyCal also includes a built-in to-do system that integrates with Apple Reminders, allowing you to manage tasks alongside your calendar events. The app offers both a subscription model and a one-time purchase option, respecting users who prefer to own their software. With customizable fonts, colors, time zone support, and the ability to create recurring events with complex patterns, BusyCal is the Swiss Army knife of Mac calendar applications.
What is Fantastical?
Fantastical is a critically acclaimed calendar and task management application developed by Flexibits. Widely regarded as the most beautifully designed calendar app on Apple platforms, Fantastical has won multiple Apple Design Awards and consistently ranks among the top productivity apps on the App Store. The app's signature feature is its extraordinary natural language parsing engine — users can type or dictate events in plain English (or over a dozen other languages), and Fantastical intelligently creates properly formatted calendar entries complete with dates, times, locations, and attendees. Beyond event creation, Fantastical offers a stunning multi-view interface that includes day, week, month, and year views, all rendered with meticulous attention to typography and visual hierarchy. The app integrates deeply with the Apple ecosystem, supporting Handoff, widgets, Apple Watch complications, and Siri Shortcuts. Fantastical's 'Calendar Sets' feature allows users to switch between different calendar configurations for work, personal, and other contexts with a single click. Recent updates have added weather integration, scheduling proposals (allowing users to propose meeting times to others), video conferencing integration with Zoom and Google Meet, and a powerful template system for recurring event types. Fantastical operates on a Flexibits Premium subscription model that unlocks all features across iPhone, iPad, Mac, and Apple Watch.
Detailed Feature Comparison
Natural Language Event Creation
CriticalBusyCalGood
BusyCal supports natural language input for creating events, parsing phrases like 'Lunch with Tom next Friday at noon.' However, its parsing engine is less sophisticated than Fantastical's, occasionally struggling with complex multi-part event descriptions or unusual date formats. It gets the job done for most common scenarios but lacks the polished intelligence of its competitor.
FantasticalExcellent
Fantastical's natural language engine is the gold standard in calendar apps. It parses complex sentences like 'Weekly team standup every Monday and Wednesday at 9am until June with Zoom link' flawlessly. It supports over 14 languages and handles time zones, locations, alerts, and calendar assignment all within a single sentence. This is the feature that made Fantastical famous.
Verdict: Fantastical's natural language parsing is leagues ahead — it is the single best implementation of NLP event creation in any calendar application on any platform.
Customization and Information Density
HighBusyCalExcellent
BusyCal allows users to customize virtually every aspect of the calendar view: fonts, colors, event dot indicators, weather display options, moon phases, travel time overlays, and custom graphics on events. Users can control exactly how much information appears in each day cell, making it ideal for those who want a dense, data-rich calendar display.
FantasticalGood
Fantastical offers a clean, opinionated design with limited customization. Users can choose between light and dark modes, select calendar colors, and toggle certain UI elements, but the overall layout and typography are fixed. This design choice results in a more consistent experience but less flexibility for power users.
Verdict: BusyCal is the clear winner for users who want to control every visual detail of their calendar layout and pack maximum information into each view.
Cross-Platform and Device Support
HighBusyCalGood
BusyCal is available for macOS and iOS, providing a consistent experience across Apple devices. However, the iOS version has historically received updates later than the Mac version, and there is no Apple Watch app. BusyCal does not offer a web-based interface for accessing calendars from non-Apple devices.
FantasticalExcellent
Fantastical provides a unified experience across macOS, iOS, iPadOS, and Apple Watch. All apps are included in the Flexibits Premium subscription. The Apple Watch app includes complications and quick event creation, and the iPad version takes full advantage of the larger screen with split-view support.
Verdict: Fantastical wins for its comprehensive Apple ecosystem coverage including a polished Apple Watch app and consistent cross-device experience.
Weather Integration
MediumBusyCalExcellent
BusyCal was a pioneer in calendar weather integration. It displays 10-day weather forecasts directly in the calendar grid with temperature highs/lows and weather icons. The weather data is unobtrusive but always visible, making it easy to plan outdoor events or travel. Users can choose between Fahrenheit and Celsius and set their weather location.
FantasticalGood
Fantastical added weather integration in recent versions, showing forecast data in the day and week views. While functional and visually attractive, it arrived much later than BusyCal's implementation and offers fewer configuration options for weather display preferences.
Verdict: BusyCal pioneered in-calendar weather and still offers the more configurable and comprehensive implementation.
Task and Reminder Management
HighBusyCalGood
BusyCal includes a to-do list that syncs with Apple Reminders. Tasks appear in the calendar sidebar and can be assigned due dates that show them on specific days. The integration is functional but relatively basic compared to dedicated task managers.
FantasticalExcellent
Fantastical integrates tasks as first-class citizens. Users can create tasks using the same natural language engine used for events, assign them to Reminders lists, set due dates and alerts, and view them inline with calendar events. The task experience feels deeply integrated rather than bolted on.
Verdict: Fantastical treats tasks as equals to events, with superior creation and management capabilities powered by natural language.
Calendar Sets and Contexts
MediumBusyCalFair
BusyCal allows users to show or hide individual calendars, but it does not have a dedicated 'Calendar Sets' feature. Users must manually toggle calendars on and off when switching between work and personal contexts, which can be tedious with many calendars.
FantasticalExcellent
Fantastical's Calendar Sets are a standout feature. Users create named sets (e.g., 'Work', 'Personal', 'Family') that remember which calendars are visible. Switching between sets is instant — one click to see only work calendars, another to see everything. Sets can even be automated based on time of day or location.
Verdict: Calendar Sets is a uniquely powerful Fantastical feature that simplifies managing multiple calendars across different life contexts.
Meeting Scheduling and Proposals
MediumBusyCalLimited
BusyCal does not include built-in scheduling proposal tools. Users who need to propose meeting times must rely on external services like Calendly or Doodle. The app focuses on personal calendar management rather than collaborative scheduling.
FantasticalExcellent
Fantastical includes Scheduling Proposals, allowing users to propose available time slots to meeting participants via a shareable link. Recipients can select a time, and the event is automatically created. This eliminates the back-and-forth of scheduling without needing a third-party tool.
Verdict: Fantastical's built-in Scheduling Proposals replace the need for external scheduling tools, adding significant value for professionals.
Who Should Choose Which?
1The Busy Executive
Fantastical
Executives who move between meetings all day need the fastest event creation possible. Fantastical's natural language input and scheduling proposals make it effortless to manage a packed calendar across all Apple devices, including quick glances on Apple Watch between meetings.
2The Freelancer Managing Multiple Clients
Fantastical
Calendar Sets allow freelancers to instantly switch between client calendars, keeping work compartmentalized. Scheduling proposals help coordinate meetings with clients without revealing your full availability.
3The Detail-Oriented Planner
BusyCal
Someone who plans travel, outdoor events, and personal activities benefits from BusyCal's integrated weather forecasts, travel time calculations, and the ability to add custom graphics to events. The information-dense view shows everything at once.
4The Budget-Conscious Professional
BusyCal
With a one-time $49.99 purchase, BusyCal delivers a full-featured calendar experience without recurring costs. Over two years, this saves over $60 compared to Fantastical's annual subscription.
5The Apple Ecosystem Enthusiast
Fantastical
For users who own a Mac, iPhone, iPad, and Apple Watch, Fantastical provides the most cohesive cross-device calendar experience with a single subscription, including widgets, complications, and Siri integration.
6The Calendar Power User
BusyCal
Users who maintain 20+ calendars with complex recurring events and want pixel-perfect control over their calendar display will appreciate BusyCal's unmatched customization options and traditional Mac app feel.
Migration Guide
Busycal → Fantastical
Since both apps use standard calendar protocols (CalDAV, iCloud, Google), migration is straightforward. Simply add your calendar accounts to Fantastical and all events will sync automatically. Local-only BusyCal calendars can be exported as .ics files and imported into Fantastical. Your custom BusyCal graphics and weather settings won't transfer — explore Fantastical's Calendar Sets as a replacement for calendar organization.
Fantastical → Busycal
Add your calendar accounts to BusyCal to sync events automatically. Calendar Sets don't have a direct equivalent in BusyCal — you'll need to manually toggle calendar visibility. Take time to explore BusyCal's Preferences panel to set up weather overlays, custom fonts, and travel time features that aren't available in Fantastical.
Pro Tips
Both apps can coexist during a transition period since they sync with the same calendar servers. Run both for a week before fully committing to ensure your preferred workflows translate well.
Final Verdict
Overall Winner
Fantastical
9.2/10
Winner
8.5/10
Runner-up
Fantastical earns the overall recommendation thanks to its industry-leading natural language event creation, beautiful cross-device experience, Calendar Sets, and built-in scheduling proposals. It represents the most polished and modern calendar experience on macOS in 2026. BusyCal remains an excellent choice for power users who prioritize customization, information density, and prefer a one-time purchase over a subscription. Both apps significantly outperform Apple's built-in Calendar app.
Bottom Line: Choose Fantastical for the best natural language input, Apple ecosystem integration, and modern design. Choose BusyCal for maximum customization, weather integration, and one-time purchase pricing.
Frequently Asked Questions
Yes, BusyCal offers significantly more features than the built-in Apple Calendar, including weather integration, customizable views, travel time calculations, menu bar access, and advanced recurring event options. Apple Calendar is free and functional for basic needs, but BusyCal is designed for users who need a more powerful and configurable calendar experience.
About the Author
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Related Technologies & Concepts
Apple CalendarCalDAViCloud CalendarGoogle CalendarFlexibitsBusyMacNatural Language ProcessingSetappApple WatchCalendly
Apple Calendar (The free built-in macOS calendar app that both BusyCal and Fantastical aim to replace.), CalDAV (Open calendar protocol supported by both apps for server synchronization.), iCloud Calendar (Apple's cloud calendar service natively supported by both apps.), Google Calendar (Google's calendar platform supported by both apps for account syncing.), Flexibits (The development company behind Fantastical.), BusyMac (The development company behind BusyCal.), Natural Language Processing (Core technology powering Fantastical's event creation from plain text.), Setapp (Subscription service that includes BusyCal as part of its app bundle.), Apple Watch (Wearable device with native Fantastical complications and app support.), Calendly (Third-party scheduling tool that Fantastical's Proposals feature can replace.)
Related Topics
macOS Calendar Apps
Premium calendar applications designed for Apple's desktop operating system, offering advanced features beyond the built-in Calendar app.
Productivity and Time Management
Tools and applications that help users organize their schedules, tasks, and commitments for maximum efficiency.
Natural Language Input Tools
Software that uses natural language processing to allow users to create entries by typing in plain language.
Sources & References
Fact-CheckedLast verified: Feb 15, 2026
Key Verified Facts
- Fantastical supports natural language event creation in over 14 languages.[cite-fantastical-official]
- BusyCal offers both a one-time purchase and subscription pricing model.[cite-busycal-official]
- Fantastical has won multiple Apple Design Awards.[cite-fantastical-official]
- 1Fantastical – Calendar & Tasks
Accessed Feb 15, 2026
- 2BusyCal – Powerful Calendar App for Mac
Accessed Feb 15, 2026
- 4BusyCal Features Overview
Accessed Feb 15, 2026
- 5BusyCal on Setapp
Accessed Feb 15, 2026
Research queries: BusyCal vs Fantastical 2026 Mac calendar comparison; Fantastical pricing Flexibits Premium 2026; BusyCal features weather calendar Mac