Where Apple Calendar falls short for families with kids
- Apple lists iCloud Calendar for Apple devices, Windows and iCloud.com, not for Android phones.
- No points or rewards for chores.
- Calendar and to-do lists sit in two separate apps.
- Children under 13 need an Apple Account created by a parent.
#1 Apple Calendar alternative
1. Famiyo
Choose Famiyo if anyone in your family uses Android, or if you want chores with points and rewards. Apple keeps the calendar and to-do lists in separate apps and has no points or rewards for chores.
Why families pick Famiyo over Apple Calendar
- iPhone and Android together: Famiyo runs on iPhone, iPad and Android phones with live sync.
- Chores with points: Every chore or event can be worth points; kids collect them when the task is checked off.
- Rewards shop for kids: Kids spend points in a family rewards shop with rewards, prices and limits you set.
- Calendar and chores in one app: Events, chores, points and rewards live in one app.
- Kids without an account: Kids join on their own phone with a 6-character code from a parent, without an email address or password.
Why families love using it
- Easy for kids and parents
- The whole family works together
- Rewards you define, kids redeem
- Progress everyone can see
- Schedule and chores in one place
- Parents stay in control
- Set up in minutes
- Nudges instead of nagging
Everything in Famiyo
- Shared family calendar with a colour for every family member
- Chores and events worth points, checked off by kids or approved by a parent
- A rewards shop where kids spend their points on rewards you choose
- Kids join on their own phone with a 6-character code, without an email or password
- Free plan with points and rewards included, no ads
- iPhone, iPad and Android with live sync, so mixed-phone families can use it together
- Available in 8 languages: English, Polish, German, Spanish, French, Italian, Portuguese and Russian
2. Google Calendar
general calendar app
Free calendar; a Google family group adds a shared "Family" calendar for up to 6 people with Google Accounts.
Platforms: iPhone, Android and web
3. Cozi
family organizer app
Shared family calendar with to-do and shopping lists and recipes; free with ads, Cozi Gold from $39/year.
Platforms: iPhone, Android and web
4. TimeTree
shared calendar app
Shared calendar for families and groups with memos; free with ads, Premium 4.49 USD/month.
Platforms: iPhone, Android and web
5. FamilyWall
family organizer app
Family organizer with calendar, lists, messaging and location; Premium $44.99/year on the website.
Platforms: iPhone, iPad, Android and web
How to switch from Apple Calendar to Famiyo
- 1Install Famiyo on every phone, iPhone or Android, and create your family.
- 2Add your partner as an administrator.
- 3Add each child; they join with a 6-character code, no Apple Account needed.
- 4Move your shared family events into Famiyo and turn your Reminders chores into chores with points.
- 5Set up the first rewards in the rewards shop.
Frequently asked questions
What is the best Apple Calendar alternative?
For families with kids, Famiyo: it combines a shared family calendar with chores, points and a rewards shop, and kids join with a code instead of an email address. It is free for up to 3 family members.
Does Apple Calendar work on Android?
Apple lists iPhone, iPad, Mac and Windows devices and iCloud.com for iCloud Calendar. Famiyo works on iPhone, iPad and Android, so the whole family can use the same app.
Can Apple Family Sharing track chores?
Family Sharing lets you share calendars and send an allowance with Apple Cash, but it has no chores with points or a rewards shop. Famiyo has both.
Is Famiyo free?
Yes. The free plan includes the shared calendar, chores with points and the rewards shop for up to 3 family members.
More rankings and comparisons
Ready to leave Apple Calendar?
Install Famiyo, add your family and set up the first chores and rewards in a few minutes.
Free for up to 3 family members. No ads.