The Calendar app in macOS is probably one of the least taken care of apps built into the operating system. Of course, we expect Apple to come up with newer features in each release, but we are mostly disappointed.

So, if you are looking for an effective calendar app, you might need a third-party option. Among the many options we have tried on Mac, BusyCal from Busy Apps seems to be the best Mac calendar app.

Are you wondering why? Here are five BusyCal features that make it the best Mac calendar app.

1. Better Compatibility and Integration

busycal using multiple accounts for calendars

Calendar apps perform better when they seamlessly work and integrate with other services. BusyCal gets it right when it comes to the compatibility department. So, even if you had trouble setting up your calendar accounts with most apps, BusyCal will just work.

You can easily set up your Google Calendar, iCloud, Exchange, and other popular calendar services with the BusyCal app for Mac. Yahoo, FastMail, and Zimbra are some of the options you have. You can also connect the app to online conference call services like Google Meet, Webex, and Zoom.

The integration options on BusyCal go even further. For instance, you can integrate the BusyCal app with the Reminders app on your Mac. So, you can track events, reminders, and tasks from the same interface. There are also options to integrate third-party task management apps like Todoist.

2. More Intuitive UI and Navigation

busycal multiple viewing options

Despite being a heavy-duty calendar app, BusyCal has kept the UI simple and easy to navigate. First, you can conveniently shift between Light and Dark modes per your needs. You also have the option to toggle both sidebars based on time constraints.

We should also appreciate the multiple viewing options that BusyCal offers. For example, you can choose between Day, Week, Month, Year, and List views based on the perspective you need. Similarly, you can hide or show multiple calendars in a single click.

You also have better control in deciding how congested the calendar looks. For instance, you can toggle the option to show weather and moon phases next to the date. Or, you can disable them and keep things simple. The mini calendar widget on the bottom-left part also comes in handy more often than you think.

3. Rich Info Panel and Quick Entry

busycal rich info panel

The rich Info Panel and Quick Entry can help you save time while scheduling and managing events. It can be a blessing if you schedule or interact with tens or hundreds of events per month. Thanks to the integration of BusyCal with macOS and its Contacts app, things are more straightforward.

For instance, the Info Panel shows everything you want to know about the event in a simple interface. For example, you can see the time, location, alerts, and even travel time in the Info Panel. It is a great way to shift between multiple events and double-check what you have ahead.

busycal quick entry

The Quick Entry button can also be a time-saver for most people. Instead of manually creating an event, you can enter the details in natural language. For instance, we can type something like “Meeting with Nithin on Wednesday evening,” and BusyCal will pick up the essential data.

4. Multiple Time Zone Support

busycal multiple time zone support

Working across different time zones can be difficult, especially when you have to collaborate with people around the world. However, the multiple time zone feature on BusyCal can make things a tad easier. You can use this feature to quickly toggle between two or more time zones with a single click.

Suppose you have to work across IST and ET. When scheduling a meeting according to ET, you can toggle the option and fill in the details. Then, when you toggle back to IST, BusyCal will automatically do the math and show you the exact data.

It is a more accurate and effortless way to manage your engagements when you work remotely with a global team. We also love that BusyCal shows the home time zone even when you make changes in the second time zone.

5. Enhanced Organization Options

busycal multiple organization options

On top of built-in support for multiple calendars, BusyCal also works with calendar lists and sets. When combined, these features help you manage multiple calendars you use for different needs. For instance, you can categorize calendars and lists based on their nature—work or leisure.

As we said earlier, you can easily hide and show these calendars and lists per your needs. It’s an excellent option when you want to focus on a single aspect of your work or personal life. You can also use graphics to keep your calendar entries more organized.

For instance, you can choose between multiple graphics for holidays or important events. Once again, simply typing a term into the search box will show you the available graphics elements. Lastly, you can use tags to organize your calendar entries better.

Manage Your Life Better With BusyCal

As you can see, most features of BusyCal make it the best Mac calendar app and a time-saving utility for most people. In addition, it is available for both macOS and iOS, so you can keep everything synced across your devices.

Together, it is a worthwhile investment for those who spend a considerable amount of time scheduling or organizing their personal and professional lives.

Download: BusyCal ($49.99, Free trial available)