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Published on

January 26, 2024

3 min

How a Shared Family Calendar App Can Simplify Your Life

3 min

In today's fast-paced world, it can be a challenge to keep track of everyone's schedules, appointments, and activities. This is where a family calendar app comes in handy, serving as a centralized hub for the entire family's activities. Some are more capable than others, and it's important to choose one that prioritises the protection of your family's data. Let's take at the best family calendar apps, and how you can set yours up today.

Benefits of using a family calendar app

Using a family calendar app brings numerous benefits to busy families looking to streamline their lives.

  • See everyone's agenda in one place.
  • Eliminate scheduling conflicts in the family.
  • Improve communication with reminders.
  • No forgetting or missing events.
  • Encourages the whole family to share planning.

Features to look for in a family calendar app

When choosing a family calendar app, there are several features you should consider.

Firstly, ease of use is crucial, especially if you have family members of different ages and technological proficiency. Look for an app with an intuitive interface and straightforward navigation.

Secondly, the ability to create and manage multiple calendars is essential. Each family member should have their own calendar that can be easily shared and synced with others.

Additionally, look for color-coding options to visually differentiate between events and family members. Furthermore, advanced features like document sharing, to-do lists, and grocery lists can greatly enhance the organizational capabilities of a family calendar app.

But there's one more feature that, although often overlooked, is very important.

Why your family calendar needs to be secure

Your family calendar is a treasure trove of sensitive personal data. Unfortunately, many shared family calendar apps don't have security measures in place to effectively protect the contents of your families schedule.

A key feature to look for when choosing a family calendar app is end-to-end encryption. End-to-end encryption ensures that all the important events and information you share on the calendar stay private and secure.

Popular shared family calendar options

OurCal

OurCal is an online family calendar platform designed to help families coordinate schedules and activities. It focuses on providing a centralized hub for managing family events and appointments while promoting simplicity and ease of use.

  • Centralized hub for family scheduling and coordination.
  • User-friendly interface designed for family use.
  • Accessible on both iPhone and Android devices.
  • Unlimited custom shared calendars for any purpose.
  • Updates are streamlined in a family group chat.
  • Built-in chat on every event organises family planning.
  • Protects your data with personalised end-to-end encryption.
  • The app is trusted by thousands of families worldwide.
  • The app has a 4.9/5 star average rating.
  • Free.

"This is a great little app for people wanting to share calendars for any reason - in my case a busy family. It’s simple to use and very expansive in terms of being to have multiple calendars and users and I have probably only used about 10% of the capability. It’s my fourth attempt of doing this and using various apps but this is the best. To improve this even more the help and support function is incredible for a free app. Quick, decisive and massive helpful with any issues and keen to help me like a real customer is so refreshing in this modern world. Great job guys."

5-star review from Graciepete, Apple user

Download OurCal on the App Store or Google Play.

Cozi

Cozi is a family-oriented organizational app known for its user-friendly interface. It offers a comprehensive set of tools for managing family schedules, including shared calendars, to-do lists, and recipe storage. With a family journal feature, it also allows you to share and cherish memorable moments together.

Pros:

  • User-friendly interface, making it easy for the whole family to use.
  • Offers shared calendars, to-do lists, and recipe storage in one app.
  • Includes a family journal feature for sharing memories.

Cons:

  • Some advanced features may require a premium subscription.
  • Limited customization options compared to other apps.
  • The app does not protect your data with end-to-end encryption.
  • Many of the advanced features are paid.

Google Calendar

Google Calendar is a widely-used calendar app that seamlessly integrates with other Google services. It simplifies calendar sharing and synchronization among family members while being accessible on various platforms, including mobile devices and the web.

Pros:

  • Seamless integration with other Google services like Gmail and Google Drive.
  • Easy sharing and syncing of calendars with family members.
  • Availability on multiple platforms, including mobile devices and web.
  • Free.

Cons:

  • Requires a Google account, which may not be suitable for those who prefer more privacy.
  • Limited family-specific features compared to dedicated family calendar apps.
  • The app does not protect your data with end-to-end encryption.

Apple Calendar

Apple Calendar comes pre-installed on Apple devices, ensuring cross-device compatibility within the Apple ecosystem. It integrates smoothly with iCloud, allowing for straightforward calendar sharing and synchronization among family members.

Pros:

  • Pre-installed on Apple devices, ensuring cross-device compatibility.
  • Integration with iCloud for easy sharing and syncing of calendars.
  • User-friendly and familiar interface for Apple users.
  • Free.

Cons:

  • Limited accessibility for non-Apple users.
  • Fewer advanced features compared to third-party family calendar apps.
  • The app does not protect your data with end-to-end encryption.

FamilyWall

FamilyWall is a dedicated family organizer app with a wide range of features, including calendars, to-do lists, shopping lists, and even a family chat feature. It focuses on helping families stay organized and connected.

Pros:

  • Dedicated family organizer app with a range of features.
  • Family chat feature for easy communication within the app.
  • Ability to assign tasks and events to specific family members.

Cons:

  • Some features may require a premium subscription.
  • User interface may be slightly less intuitive for new users.
  • The app does not protect your data with end-to-end encryption.
  • Many features are included in its paid plan.

Each of these apps has its own unique features and characteristics, catering to different family needs and preferences. Consider these descriptions, along with the pros and cons, to choose the one that suits your family's requirements best.

How to set up and customize a family calendar app

Setting up and customizing a family calendar app is a straightforward process. First, download the app of your choice. For this example we'll use OurCal.

  1. Download OurCal from the App Store or Google Play
  2. Follow the onboarding instructions to create your family's group
  3. Share your invite link with family members so they can join
  4. Start sharing events with one another immediately, that's it! 

It really is that simple to get started. But under the bonnet, there's so many features you can explore that make OurCal incredible useful and secure.

  • Customise your calendars: OurCal sets you up with a shared family calendar, and individual calendars, out-the-box. You can customise them with names, and colours.
  • Create more calendars: You can create an unlimited number of custom shared calendars for your family for any occasion, such as holidays, studying, or sport.
  • Keep up with changes: Never miss an update, whether it's a new event, or a change to an existing event. All updates are streamlined in your calendar group chat.
  • Respond to updates: It's easier than ever to chat with your family about your schedule in your group chat or individual event threads.
  • Know there's space just for you: We all have personal lives, even within our families. That's why for private events you can add then to the "Only You" calendar which can never be seen by anyone.
  • iOS only Add your shared calendar to your Home Screen: OurCal's iOS widgets bring your shared calendar to your Home Screen in a multitude of ways. Just long press on your Home Screen, select "OurCal", and add the widget of your choice.

Conclusion on using a family calendar app

In conclusion, a family calendar app is a powerful tool that can simplify your life and keep your family organized and connected.

By using a family calendar app, you can say goodbye to the chaos of missed appointments, conflicting schedules, and forgotten commitments.

For guaranteed family privacy, download OurCal today and experience the simplicity and efficiency it brings to your daily routine.

Unlimited sharing.
Unmatched privacy.

4.9/5

Unlimited sharing.
Unmatched privacy.

4.8/5

Published on

Jan 26, 2024

3 min

How a Shared Family Calendar App Can Simplify Your Life

In today's fast-paced world, it can be a challenge to keep track of everyone's schedules, appointments, and activities. This is where a family calendar app comes in handy, serving as a centralized hub for the entire family's activities. Some are more capable than others, and it's important to choose one that prioritises the protection of your family's data. Let's take at the best family calendar apps, and how you can set yours up today.

Benefits of using a family calendar app

Using a family calendar app brings numerous benefits to busy families looking to streamline their lives.

  • See everyone's agenda in one place.
  • Eliminate scheduling conflicts in the family.
  • Improve communication with reminders.
  • No forgetting or missing events.
  • Encourages the whole family to share planning.

Features to look for in a family calendar app

When choosing a family calendar app, there are several features you should consider.

Firstly, ease of use is crucial, especially if you have family members of different ages and technological proficiency. Look for an app with an intuitive interface and straightforward navigation.

Secondly, the ability to create and manage multiple calendars is essential. Each family member should have their own calendar that can be easily shared and synced with others.

Additionally, look for color-coding options to visually differentiate between events and family members. Furthermore, advanced features like document sharing, to-do lists, and grocery lists can greatly enhance the organizational capabilities of a family calendar app.

But there's one more feature that, although often overlooked, is very important.

Why your family calendar needs to be secure

Your family calendar is a treasure trove of sensitive personal data. Unfortunately, many shared family calendar apps don't have security measures in place to effectively protect the contents of your families schedule.

A key feature to look for when choosing a family calendar app is end-to-end encryption. End-to-end encryption ensures that all the important events and information you share on the calendar stay private and secure.

Popular shared family calendar options

OurCal

OurCal is an online family calendar platform designed to help families coordinate schedules and activities. It focuses on providing a centralized hub for managing family events and appointments while promoting simplicity and ease of use.

  • Centralized hub for family scheduling and coordination.
  • User-friendly interface designed for family use.
  • Accessible on both iPhone and Android devices.
  • Unlimited custom shared calendars for any purpose.
  • Updates are streamlined in a family group chat.
  • Built-in chat on every event organises family planning.
  • Protects your data with personalised end-to-end encryption.
  • The app is trusted by thousands of families worldwide.
  • The app has a 4.9/5 star average rating.
  • Free.

"This is a great little app for people wanting to share calendars for any reason - in my case a busy family. It’s simple to use and very expansive in terms of being to have multiple calendars and users and I have probably only used about 10% of the capability. It’s my fourth attempt of doing this and using various apps but this is the best. To improve this even more the help and support function is incredible for a free app. Quick, decisive and massive helpful with any issues and keen to help me like a real customer is so refreshing in this modern world. Great job guys."

5-star review from Graciepete, Apple user

Download OurCal on the App Store or Google Play.

Cozi

Cozi is a family-oriented organizational app known for its user-friendly interface. It offers a comprehensive set of tools for managing family schedules, including shared calendars, to-do lists, and recipe storage. With a family journal feature, it also allows you to share and cherish memorable moments together.

Pros:

  • User-friendly interface, making it easy for the whole family to use.
  • Offers shared calendars, to-do lists, and recipe storage in one app.
  • Includes a family journal feature for sharing memories.

Cons:

  • Some advanced features may require a premium subscription.
  • Limited customization options compared to other apps.
  • The app does not protect your data with end-to-end encryption.
  • Many of the advanced features are paid.

Google Calendar

Google Calendar is a widely-used calendar app that seamlessly integrates with other Google services. It simplifies calendar sharing and synchronization among family members while being accessible on various platforms, including mobile devices and the web.

Pros:

  • Seamless integration with other Google services like Gmail and Google Drive.
  • Easy sharing and syncing of calendars with family members.
  • Availability on multiple platforms, including mobile devices and web.
  • Free.

Cons:

  • Requires a Google account, which may not be suitable for those who prefer more privacy.
  • Limited family-specific features compared to dedicated family calendar apps.
  • The app does not protect your data with end-to-end encryption.

Apple Calendar

Apple Calendar comes pre-installed on Apple devices, ensuring cross-device compatibility within the Apple ecosystem. It integrates smoothly with iCloud, allowing for straightforward calendar sharing and synchronization among family members.

Pros:

  • Pre-installed on Apple devices, ensuring cross-device compatibility.
  • Integration with iCloud for easy sharing and syncing of calendars.
  • User-friendly and familiar interface for Apple users.
  • Free.

Cons:

  • Limited accessibility for non-Apple users.
  • Fewer advanced features compared to third-party family calendar apps.
  • The app does not protect your data with end-to-end encryption.

FamilyWall

FamilyWall is a dedicated family organizer app with a wide range of features, including calendars, to-do lists, shopping lists, and even a family chat feature. It focuses on helping families stay organized and connected.

Pros:

  • Dedicated family organizer app with a range of features.
  • Family chat feature for easy communication within the app.
  • Ability to assign tasks and events to specific family members.

Cons:

  • Some features may require a premium subscription.
  • User interface may be slightly less intuitive for new users.
  • The app does not protect your data with end-to-end encryption.
  • Many features are included in its paid plan.

Each of these apps has its own unique features and characteristics, catering to different family needs and preferences. Consider these descriptions, along with the pros and cons, to choose the one that suits your family's requirements best.

How to set up and customize a family calendar app

Setting up and customizing a family calendar app is a straightforward process. First, download the app of your choice. For this example we'll use OurCal.

  1. Download OurCal from the App Store or Google Play
  2. Follow the onboarding instructions to create your family's group
  3. Share your invite link with family members so they can join
  4. Start sharing events with one another immediately, that's it! 

It really is that simple to get started. But under the bonnet, there's so many features you can explore that make OurCal incredible useful and secure.

  • Customise your calendars: OurCal sets you up with a shared family calendar, and individual calendars, out-the-box. You can customise them with names, and colours.
  • Create more calendars: You can create an unlimited number of custom shared calendars for your family for any occasion, such as holidays, studying, or sport.
  • Keep up with changes: Never miss an update, whether it's a new event, or a change to an existing event. All updates are streamlined in your calendar group chat.
  • Respond to updates: It's easier than ever to chat with your family about your schedule in your group chat or individual event threads.
  • Know there's space just for you: We all have personal lives, even within our families. That's why for private events you can add then to the "Only You" calendar which can never be seen by anyone.
  • iOS only Add your shared calendar to your Home Screen: OurCal's iOS widgets bring your shared calendar to your Home Screen in a multitude of ways. Just long press on your Home Screen, select "OurCal", and add the widget of your choice.

Conclusion on using a family calendar app

In conclusion, a family calendar app is a powerful tool that can simplify your life and keep your family organized and connected.

By using a family calendar app, you can say goodbye to the chaos of missed appointments, conflicting schedules, and forgotten commitments.

For guaranteed family privacy, download OurCal today and experience the simplicity and efficiency it brings to your daily routine.

Onin is a secure calendar app for your personal and social life. The app is currently invite-only as we gradually roll out early-access to our waitlist. For regular updates, follow us on Twitter.

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