You know it all too well: Running a small business or side hustle comes with its own challenges, especially when managing costs. Between website hosting, email marketing tools, project management software, and video conferencing, expenses can quickly pile up. Many entrepreneurs turn to well-known tools like Zoom and Calendly, which can cost more than $300 annually.
But what if I told you there’s a way to get the same functionality for a fraction of the price? Enter Whereby and TidyCal—two lesser-known, affordable alternatives to Zoom and Calendly. This post shows why they’re perfect for solopreneurs, small businesses, and side hustlers who want to scale without breaking the bank.
Whereby: A No-Fuss Alternative to Zoom
Whereby is a web-based video conferencing platform that makes meetings simple. You don’t need to download an app, and neither do your clients. It’s free for unlimited one-on-one meetings and offers free group meetings (up to 45 minutes long). If you want features like breakout rooms, upgrade for $8.99 a month. This adds custom branding and the ability to record meetings on your computer.
Key Features:
- No app downloads are required.
- Unlimited one-on-one meetings on the free plan.
- Affordable group meetings with the paid plan (and no long-term commitment).
- Supports up to 100 participants with breakout rooms (on the paid plan).
Why It’s Great for You: Try Whereby if you’re tired of downloads and clunky software. Its lightweight, web-based platform keeps things simple. It’s perfect for solopreneurs and small business owners who want to hold professional, branded meetings.
TidyCal: A Simple, One-Time Payment Scheduling Tool
TidyCal is a fantastic alternative to Calendly, and it stands out because of its pricing. With a one-time payment of $29, you get lifetime access to features that typically come with monthly fees. The paid version of TidyCal allows common calendar integrations (Google, Outlook, Apple). It also supports creating polls and booking types to fit different appointment needs. You can accept booking payments via PayPal and Stripe.
Key Features:
- One-time payment of $29 for lifetime access.
- Integrates with multiple calendar platforms (Google, Outlook, Apple).
- Payment integration with PayPal and Stripe.
- Multiple calendar types and booking features are available, even on the free version.
Why It’s Great for You: If you want to automate scheduling without paying monthly fees in perpetuity, TidyCal is a no-brainer. You can sync all your calendars, charge for appointments, and never worry about ongoing costs.
Why Choose Whereby and TidyCal Together?
If you’re starting or scaling your business, choosing affordable tools that work well together is key to staying lean. For the price of two lunches, you could save more than $250 annually by switching to Whereby and TidyCal. And the best part? You still get all the functionality you need for professional video calls and easy appointment scheduling.
My Experience: Starting with Whereby and TidyCal
I began using both tools in July 2024, and they’ve been a game-changer. Whereby simplified my meetings, and TidyCal made it easy for people to book time with me across multiple calendars. While I haven’t yet tested Whereby’s breakout room feature for large groups, it’s on my to-do list. I’ll share more insights once I do!
Note that if you buy a monthly or annual plan for Whereby to get the recording feature, the file format produced is .webm. Depending on what you plan to do with the file (I was using it to transcribe interviews), you may need to use a paid or free app like CloudConvert to change the format.
If you’re ready to start saving and streamlining your business, check out these apps.