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Apple Calendar vs Cron Calendar

Apple Calendar logo

Apple Calendar

Software

The calendar app built into every Apple device

From
Free
Rated
-
Full reviewWebsite
Cron Calendar logo

Cron Calendar

Software

The next-generation calendar for professionals

From
Free
Rated
-
Full reviewWebsite

The short version

  • Each has a real cost: Apple Calendar offline sync via USB has reported issues with duplicated events when syncing between macOS and iOS; Cron Calendar no longer sold as Cron. Notion acquired it and renamed it Notion Calendar, and cron.com now carries that banner
  • They diverge on capability: Apple Calendar covers Event management, Cron Calendar covers Keyboard shortcuts.

Where they differ

Only the attributes on which Apple Calendar and Cron Calendar actually diverge.

Attributes where Apple Calendar and Cron Calendar differ
AttributeApple CalendarCron Calendar
Pricing modelUnknownfree
PlatformsiOS, macOSMacos, Windows, Ios, Android, Web
Founded19762016

Identical on both: starting price (Free), free tier (Yes), user rating (Not yet rated), category (Unknown).

What each one covers

Drawn from each product's published feature list. An absence here means we hold no record of it - not that the product lacks it.

Only in Apple Calendar

  • Event management
  • Multiple calendar support
  • Travel time estimates
  • Natural language input
  • Siri integration
  • iCloud
  • Microsoft Exchange
  • Yahoo Calendar

Only in Cron Calendar

  • Keyboard shortcuts
  • Multi-timezone
  • Scheduling links
  • Team availability
  • Menu bar access
  • Notion
  • Zoom
  • Google Meet

Both cover

  • Google Calendar
  • Macos support
  • Ios support

What people use each for

The jobs each tool is most often brought in to do.

Apple Calendar

  • Schedulingnot Cron Calendar
  • Appointment bookingnot Cron Calendar
  • Time trackingnot Cron Calendar
  • Resource managementnot Cron Calendar
  • Team coordinationnot Cron Calendar

Cron Calendar

  • Keyboard-driven calendar for people living in their schedulenot Apple Calendar
  • Managing several Google calendars in one viewnot Apple Calendar
  • Scheduling links for meeting availabilitynot Apple Calendar
  • Joining video calls from the menu barnot Apple Calendar

Where each one falls short

Documented limitations, not opinions. Every one is a constraint you would hit in normal use.

Apple Calendar

  • Offline sync via USB has reported issues with duplicated events when syncing between macOS and iOS
  • No granular calendar exclusion option; iCloud syncs all calendars together with no selective sync
  • Limited offline functionality for non-iCloud calendars

Cron Calendar

  • No longer sold as Cron. Notion acquired it and renamed it Notion Calendar, and cron.com now carries that banner
  • Tied to the Notion account system rather than standing alone

Pricing, plan by plan

Apple Calendar

Free

No published plan breakdown. See the Apple Calendar review.

Cron Calendar

Free
  • FreeFree
    • Calendar sync
    • Scheduling links
    • Keyboard shortcuts

Which should you pick?

Choose Apple Calendar if

  • You need event management.
  • You want to start without paying.
  • You work on iOS, macOS.
  • You also want multiple calendar support.
Apple Calendar review

Choose Cron Calendar if

  • You need keyboard shortcuts.
  • You want to start without paying.
  • You work on Macos, Windows, Ios, Android, Web.
  • You also want multi-timezone.
Cron Calendar review

Questions people ask

Is Apple Calendar or Cron Calendar better?
Neither clearly leads. Apple Calendar starts at Free and Cron Calendar at Free, and user ratings are close enough to be indistinguishable. Choose on capability and platform support.
Which is cheaper, Apple Calendar or Cron Calendar?
Apple Calendar starts at Free and Cron Calendar at Free.
Does Apple Calendar or Cron Calendar run on more platforms?
Apple Calendar runs on iOS, macOS. Cron Calendar runs on Macos, Windows, Ios, Android, Web.
Can I use Apple Calendar for free?
Both have a free tier, so you can try either at no cost before committing.
What is Apple Calendar best used for?
Apple Calendar is most often used for scheduling, appointment booking, time tracking, resource management. Of those, scheduling and appointment booking are not what Cron Calendar is typically brought in for.
What can Apple Calendar do that Cron Calendar cannot?
Apple Calendar covers Event management, Multiple calendar support, Travel time estimates, Natural language input. Cron Calendar covers Keyboard shortcuts, Multi-timezone, Scheduling links, Team availability. Both handle Google Calendar, Macos support, Ios support.

Answered from the vendors’ own pages

Apple Calendar: Does Apple Calendar cost anything?

No. Apple Calendar is completely free and comes pre-installed on all Apple devices with no subscriptions or paid tiers.

Source
Apple Calendar: Does Apple Calendar work offline?

Apple Calendar can display cached events offline but cannot create or edit events without an internet connection. Sync requires iCloud or another calendar service.

Source
Apple Calendar: What calendar services can I sync with Apple Calendar?

Apple Calendar can sync with Google Calendar, Outlook, Microsoft Exchange, iCloud, and Notion calendars, consolidating all events in one place.

Source
Apple Calendar: Does Apple Calendar include artificial intelligence features?

Yes. iOS 26 introduced Apple Intelligence features in Calendar including intelligent event suggestions by analyzing email and messages, and conflict detection with alternative time suggestions.

Source
Apple Calendar: How does Apple Calendar integrate with other Apple services?

Apple Calendar integrates with Apple Maps for travel time alerts, Reminders for task management, Siri for voice control, and Contacts for attendee information.

Source
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