Fantastical vs BusyCal
Both are calendar apps that do much more than Apple's Calendar. Fantastical turns plain sentences into events and adds scheduling tools and a menu bar calendar, sold as a subscription across Apple devices. BusyCal is deeply configurable, with to-dos, tags, weather and many views for people who live in their calendar.
Facts checked · No paid placements
Fantastical
A calendar that understands plain sentences.
BusyCal
A deeply configurable calendar for busy schedules.
Pick by what you need
Choose Fantastical if
- You want to create events by typing a sentence.
- You schedule meetings with other people.
- You use the same calendar app on iPhone and iPad.
Choose BusyCal if
- You want to tune views and layouts in detail.
- You keep tasks and events together.
- You want many calendar views on a big screen.
The facts, side by side
| Fact | Fantastical | BusyCal |
|---|---|---|
| Price | Subscription | $4.99 a month or $39.99 a year (Mac App Store) |
| Developer | Flexibits | Busy Apps |
| Mac App Store | Yes | Yes |
| Homebrew cask | fantastical | busycal |
| Open source | No | No |
| Requires | macOS 12.4 or later | macOS 13.5 or later |
| App Store version | 4.2.3 | 2026.4.2 |
| Last App Store update | October 2026 | October 2026 |
Facts checked . Prices can change; each developer's site is the final word.
Fantastical or BusyCal?
Is Fantastical better than BusyCal?
Neither is better for everyone. Both are calendar apps that do much more than Apple's Calendar. Fantastical turns plain sentences into events and adds scheduling tools and a menu bar calendar, sold as a subscription across Apple devices. BusyCal is deeply configurable, with to-dos, tags, weather and many views for people who live in their calendar.
Is Fantastical free?
No. Fantastical is sold as a subscription; the Mac App Store download is free and the subscription is bought inside the app.
Is BusyCal free?
No. BusyCal is sold as a subscription; the Mac App Store download is free and the subscription is bought inside the app. Price: $4.99 a month or $39.99 a year (Mac App Store).
What else is like Fantastical and BusyCal?
Other productivity apps on MacWorthy worth a look are Dato (one-time purchase), Final Call (one-time purchase) and Clocker (free).