Why I Choose Google Calendar Over Apple Calendar
Whether you are an Apple or Android user, Google Calendar has many advantages over Apple Calendar. Yes, most students are Apple-centric and you likely use Apple Calendar because it’s resident on your phone, but there are many reasons why Google Calendar is the best choice for students, here’s why I think so….
Google Calendar is far more widely available
ACal is exclusive to Apple devices whereas GCal is more device agnostic.GCal is available on web browsers or mobile Apple for iOS and Android.
It is much simpler to use on a range of devices
In addition to the web application, there are also Android, iOS, and iPadOS apps
It supports CalDav, which means it can connect to other calendar apps, including the Apple Cal apps. This means that whatever combination of devices you have, you can use the built-in calendar apps to manage your Google Calendars.
Both are easy to use
While ACal might be a bit easier to use, GCal is more functional.
Granted, ACal is a nicer service on Apple devices.
ACal integrates with Siri, GCal integrates with Gmail, which many colleges use for your student email.
Sharing calendars works on both, GCal just takes one or two extra steps.
Google Calendar has more advanced features
Integrates with Zapier to connect it to thousands of other apps.
While ACal allows you to schedule FaceTime video calls, with GCal you can schedule Google Meet or Zoom (which are arguably the more useful services).
Apple separates Reminders and Calendar into two separate services. GCal integrates with Google Tasks and due dates are displayed in your GCal.
More accolades for Google Calendar
GCal plays nice with everything - even Apple Calendar apps.
GCal seamlessly integrates with all Google products like Maps, Gmail, Meet, Keep, and Drive to manage all the information tied to your events and schedule. This is my favorite reason to use GCal.
GCal app offers a more vibrant and colorful layout that is amazing to look at and use. Multiple view choices are available based on your preference. You can even get creative and decorate your events based on their titles.
Sharing your calendars with Android users is easy. Yeah, not everyone is an Apple user, sorry.
GCal has more options for customization than ACal.
But I love my Apple Calendar…
If you want automations in Apple Calendar, just set up a single Google Calendar and automate it with Zapier, you can then manage it with the Apple Calendar app on your iPhone, iPad, and Mac.
Once you’ve signed into Google Calendar with the Apple Calendar app, it will work in the background just as seamlessly as iCloud.
Both Calendars are equally effective, however keeping all the features and functionality in mind, Google Calendar is the clear champion. I teach Google Calendar only. As my student, you can choose which way to use it. I personally feel that Google Calendar has so much going for it. You decide!