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DesktopCal Desktop Calendar is a simple Windows productivity tool that places a full calendar directly on your desktop. Users can record notes, appointments, and to-do items by double-clicking any date.
It focuses on speed, visibility, and customization, offering colorful days, festival information, printing options, and optional cloud sync without overwhelming users with complex features.
| Plan | Price | Featured |
|---|---|---|
| Free | $0 (Freeware) | Unlimited notes on desktop calendar, Customizable colors and layouts, Festival and anniversary reminders |
Competitor |
Pros |
|---|---|
| Rainlendar | Compared to Rainlendar, DesktopCal is easier to use for quick notes and requires far less configuration. It loads faster, consumes fewer system resources, and keeps all information visible directly on the desktop, which appeals to users who prefer simplicity over advanced plugin-based customization. |
| Google Calendar | Unlike Google Calendar, DesktopCal works directly on the Windows desktop without requiring a browser. It suits users who want persistent visibility and offline access, avoiding account sign-ins, notifications overload, and web-based distractions common in Google’s ecosystem. |
| Microsoft Outlook Calendar | DesktopCal is significantly lighter and faster than Outlook Calendar. It avoids email integration complexity and subscription costs, making it better for users who only need basic scheduling, reminders, and visual day-by-day planning without enterprise features. |
| Fantastical | Compared to Fantastical, DesktopCal is completely free and focused on Windows users. It provides immediate desktop interaction without natural-language parsing complexity, making it more approachable for users who value visibility and speed over smart automation. |
| Live Desk Calendar | DesktopCal offers stronger customization and cloud sync options than Live Desk Calendar’s basic editions. It also supports mobile synchronization, giving it an advantage for users who want a desktop-first calendar that can still follow them across devices. |
Competitor |
Cons |
|---|---|
| Rainlendar | Compared to Rainlendar, DesktopCal lacks advanced event rules, plugin support, and deep theming options. Power users who want extensive integrations or scripting capabilities may find DesktopCal too limited for complex personal or professional scheduling workflows. |
| Google Calendar | DesktopCal does not match Google Calendar’s collaboration features, shared calendars, or seamless cross-platform web access. Teams and users who rely on real-time sharing, invites, and integrations with third-party services may find DesktopCal insufficient. |
| Microsoft Outlook Calendar | Unlike Outlook Calendar, DesktopCal has no built-in email, task, or meeting management. It is not suited for corporate environments that depend on Exchange, scheduling assistants, or enterprise-grade security and administrative controls. |
| Fantastical | DesktopCal lacks natural language input, smart suggestions, and advanced automation found in Fantastical. Users accustomed to typing complex event commands or using AI-assisted scheduling may find DesktopCal comparatively basic. |
| Live Desk Calendar | While more customizable, DesktopCal can feel less polished than Live Desk Calendar’s minimal interface. Some users report occasional positioning or update quirks, which may affect multi-monitor setups more than simpler static alternatives. |
