Software · head to head
Float vs BusyCal
The short version
- Only BusyCal has a free tier, so it costs nothing to try first.
- Each has a real cost: Float web-only platform without native desktop applications; BusyCal mac and iOS only, no Windows or Android support
- They diverge on capability: Float covers Resource scheduling, BusyCal covers Customizable views.
Where they differ
Only the attributes on which Float and BusyCal actually diverge.
Identical on both: 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 Float
- Resource scheduling
- Capacity planning
- Time tracking
- Project planning
- Reports
- Asana
- Jira
- Teamwork
Only in BusyCal
- Customizable views
- Weather integration
- Natural language
- To-dos
- Travel time
- iCloud
- Google Calendar
- Exchange
Both cover
- Ios support
What people use each for
The jobs each tool is most often brought in to do.
Float
- Scheduling
- Appointment booking
- Time tracking
- Resource management
- Team coordination
BusyCal
- Scheduling
- Appointment booking
- Time tracking
- Resource management
- Team coordination
Both are used for scheduling, appointment booking, time tracking, resource management, team coordination, on those jobs the choice comes down to price and fit rather than capability.
Where each one falls short
Documented limitations, not opinions. Every one is a constraint you would hit in normal use.
Float
- Web-only platform without native desktop applications
- No offline mode for resource planning
- Limited reporting customization on lower-tier plans
- No built-in payroll or invoicing features
BusyCal
- Mac and iOS only, no Windows or Android support
- Cannot sync iCloud calendars with Google Calendar directly, requiring workaround of hosting calendars on separate services
Pricing, plan by plan
Float
$6/month- Starter$6/month
- Resource scheduling
- Time off
- Basic reports
- Pro$10/month
- Time tracking
- Budget tracking
- Advanced reports
BusyCal
Free- Free EditionFree
- Basic calendaring needs
- Premium Subscription$39.99/year
- Advanced features
- 14-day trial available
- Perpetual License$49.99/once
- One-time purchase
- Lifetime use
Which should you pick?
Choose Float if
- You need resource scheduling.
- You work on Web, Ios, Android.
- You also want capacity planning.
Choose BusyCal if
- You need customizable views.
- You want to start without paying.
- You work on macOS, iOS, iPad.
- You also want weather integration.
Questions people ask
- Is Float or BusyCal better?
- Neither clearly leads. Float starts at $6/month and BusyCal at Free, and user ratings are close enough to be indistinguishable. Choose on capability and platform support.
- Which is cheaper, Float or BusyCal?
- BusyCal has a free tier; the other does not. Paid plans start at $6/month for Float and Free for BusyCal.
- Does Float or BusyCal run on more platforms?
- Float runs on Web, Ios, Android. BusyCal runs on macOS, iOS, iPad.
- Can I use BusyCal for free?
- Yes. BusyCal has a free tier, so you can try it without paying. Float starts at $6/month.
- What is Float best used for?
- Float is most often used for scheduling, appointment booking, time tracking, resource management.
- What can Float do that BusyCal cannot?
- Float covers Resource scheduling, Capacity planning, Time tracking, Project planning. BusyCal covers Customizable views, Weather integration, Natural language, To-dos. Both handle Ios support.
Answered from the vendors’ own pages
Float: What does Float pricing start at?
Float's Starter plan begins at $7 per user per month for basic resource scheduling and capacity management. The Pro plan costs $12 per user per month with advanced features like estimates and actuals tracking.
SourceBusyCal: How much does BusyCal cost?
BusyCal offers a one-time perpetual license for $49.99 USD, a premium subscription at $39.99/year or $4.99/month, and a free edition for basic calendaring needs with 14-day trial for premium features.
SourceFloat: Is Float independent or backed by investors?
Float is independent and self-funded. The company is a B Corp certified since 2024 and is profitable. It has never raised venture funding and operates with a fully remote team.
SourceBusyCal: What calendar services does BusyCal sync with?
BusyCal syncs with iCloud, Google Calendar, Exchange, and CalDAV servers. However, you cannot directly sync iCloud calendars with Google Calendar through BusyCal; you must host some calendars on iCloud and some on Google.
SourceFloat: What platforms does Float support?
Float is a web-based platform accessible through modern browsers. It provides visual resource management, scheduling, capacity planning, time tracking, and forecasting tools.
SourceBusyCal: What platforms does BusyCal support?
BusyCal is available for Mac, iPhone, and iPad.
SourceBusyCal: What are BusyCal's key features?
BusyCal includes day/week/month/year/list views, availability panel for finding open time slots, timezone side panel, travel time trackers, and integrated to-do lists.
Source