The Best Alternative to CalendarHero: Carly

Carly is an AI-powered scheduling assistant that works over email and SMS. Unlike traditional booking links or calendar tools, Carly reads messy email threads she is cc'd on, understands context, and sends real invites that keep the conversation natural. You can forward Carly an email, send her a text, or send screenshots and images for her to process and add to your calendar. It's built for busy professionals who want a human-like assistant that just works, handling coordination and calendaring so you don't have to. ChatGPT could never be this useful.


Feature Comparison

FeatureCarlyCalendarHero
AI-Powered Scheduling
Human-like Assistant
SMS IntegrationPartial
Multiple Calendar Support
Smart Time Zone Detection
Pricing$35/month$8-$12/month
Natural Language UnderstandingPartial
Email Thread Awareness
Setup Time2 mins15-30 mins
Response Time1 minVariable
Available 24/7
Group/Round-Robin Scheduling

Why Carly is the Better Choice

While CalendarHero offers a robust feature set, it comes with a steeper learning curve and more complex setup process. For busy professionals who want to get started quickly, Carly’s 2-minute setup time is a significant advantage.

Carly excels where it matters most for personal scheduling: natural, human-like conversations via SMS and email. CalendarHero does offer SMS capabilities, but they function more as a command interface rather than a true conversational assistant. Carly’s email thread awareness means it can understand context from ongoing conversations and schedule meetings naturally without requiring users to learn a new system or navigate complex settings.

The pricing difference is also notable. CalendarHero charges $8/month for their Professional plan or $12/user/month for Team features, with costs adding up over time. Carly offers a straightforward $35/month pricing with no hidden fees, and the ability to manage unlimited calendars without worrying about tiered restrictions. For individuals and small teams looking for a simple, effective scheduling assistant that works the way you naturally communicate, Carly delivers more value with less friction.

Conclusion

CalendarHero is a capable scheduling tool best suited for larger organizations with enterprise workflows. However, for professionals who value simplicity, natural conversation, and fast setup, Carly provides a more personal and accessible approach to AI scheduling. With its human-like assistant experience, true SMS integration, and email thread awareness, Carly eliminates the back-and-forth of scheduling without the complexity of traditional scheduling software.

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