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Arcade vs Cal.com — Which One Wins?
A detailed, side-by-side comparison of Arcade and Cal.com to help you pick the right tool for your workflow.
TLDR
Quick Verdict
Arcade takes the lead with a 4.5 rating and is best for plg saas companies showing product value before signup. Cal.com (4.5) is the better pick if you need developers and teams wanting open-source scheduling.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Criteria | Arcade | Cal.com |
|---|---|---|
| Rating | ★★★★★ 4.5(52) | ★★★★★ 4.5(95) |
| Pricing Model | freemium | freemium |
| Starter Price | $32/user/mo | $12/user/mo (cloud) |
| Free Tier | Yes | Yes |
| Platforms | Web, Chrome Extension, Mac | Web, Self-hosted |
| Learning Curve | Easy | Easy |
| API Available | Yes | Yes |
| Best For | PLG SaaS companies showing product value before signup | Developers and teams wanting open-source scheduling |
| Verdict | Best-Looking Product Demos | Best Open-Source Scheduling |
Feature Checklist
| Feature | Arcade | Cal.com |
|---|---|---|
| Interactive Tours | — | |
| Screen Recording | — | |
| Branching | — | |
| Analytics | — | |
| Embeds | — | |
| Scheduling | — | |
| Round Robin | — | |
| Routing | — | |
| API | — | |
| Self-Hosting | — |
Arcade
Pros
- ✓Beautiful design output
- ✓Easy branching paths
- ✓Great for docs and onboarding
Cons
- ✕Expensive per-user
- ✕Limited analytics vs Navattic
- ✕Newer player
Cal.com
Pros
- ✓Open-source and self-hostable
- ✓No feature limits on self-hosted
- ✓Great API for developers
Cons
- ✕Smaller brand recognition than Calendly
- ✕Self-hosting requires technical skill
- ✕Fewer native integrations
The Bottom Line
Both Arcade and Cal.com are solid tools in the Other space. Arcade edges ahead with a stronger overall rating (4.5 vs 4.5) and is the better choice for plg saas companies showing product value before signup. However, if you prioritize developers and teams wanting open-source scheduling, Cal.com is worth serious consideration. We recommend trying the free tier or trial of each before committing.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Arcade better than Cal.com?▼
Arcade scores higher overall with a 4.5 rating vs 4.5. However, the best choice depends on your specific needs. Arcade is best for PLG SaaS companies showing product value before signup, while Cal.com is best for Developers and teams wanting open-source scheduling.
Can I switch from Arcade to Cal.com?▼
Yes, most users can migrate between the two. Cal.com offers a free tier to test before committing.
Which is more affordable, Arcade or Cal.com?▼
Arcade starts at $32/user/mo, while Cal.com starts at $12/user/mo (cloud). Arcade offers a free tier. Cal.com offers a free tier.