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Updated July 2026 · real, multi-region App Store reviews
Head-to-head

TimeTree vs Google Calendar

TimeTree 4.9★ · Free + IAP 75
Winner TimeTree
Google Calendar 4.5★ · Free to download 60

TimeTree is the better choice for shared calendar functionality and customization, despite its recent increase in ads, while Google Calendar struggles with basic UI and reliability issues.

Full reviews: TimeTree · Google Calendar

TimeTree excels as a shared calendar, offering robust features for families and couples to coordinate schedules, though recent updates have introduced intrusive ads. Google Calendar, while widely used, faces criticism for its static app icon, widget limitations, and recurring glitches with event colors and location input.

Head to head

Shared Calendar Functionality edge: TimeTreeR5R11R23R29
TimeTree TimeTree is highly praised for its shared calendar features, making it easy for couples, families, and small businesses to coordinate schedules, color-code events, and receive notifications when events are added R5R11R29. Users appreciate its effectiveness in keeping everyone on the same page and preventing double bookings R23.
Google Calendar Google Calendar offers shared calendar functionality, but some users report difficulties in adding and viewing shared calendars within the app, especially on iOS . While some appreciate the integration with Gmail, issues with syncing and color consistency across devices can hinder its effectiveness for shared use .
Ease of Use & UI edge: TimeTreeR6R8R10R15
TimeTree TimeTree is generally considered easy to use and navigate R6R8. However, recent updates have introduced a 'minimalist' UI that some users find frustrating, making functions feel hidden and requiring extra steps for tasks like accessing memos or adding events R10R15.
Google Calendar Google Calendar's UI is generally considered good, but recent updates have been met with significant criticism. Users dislike the static app icon that always shows '31' instead of the current date R68R72R81R86. There are also complaints about the new look being boring and the difficulty in switching between calendars .
Reliability & Performance tieR3R9R12R28
TimeTree TimeTree users report occasional glitches, such as events saving with incorrect times, events disappearing, or shared events ending up on the wrong day R3R12R28. Some iPhone users also mention the app working slowly R9.
Google Calendar Google Calendar has recurring reliability issues, particularly with the 'location' field causing the app to freeze or crash when creating events R90R97R108R114. Users also experience problems with changes not syncing quickly from desktop to mobile and notifications not always working .
Customization & Features edge: TimeTreeR11R18R24R26
TimeTree TimeTree offers color-coding for events and multiple calendar options R11R26. Users appreciate the ability to add notes and locations R11. However, some desire more colors, themes, and stickers R18R26, and a filter view by event label . There are also requests for features like commenting on pictures R24 and direct messages .
Google Calendar Google Calendar users frequently request more color options for events, as the default choices are limited or have recently disappeared for some . Some users did note that more colors were recently added . Other requests include more widget options, especially a full-size monthly widget , and the ability to set events to repeat every weekday on mobile .
Price & Value (Free vs. Paid) edge: Google CalendarR1R4R6R7
TimeTree TimeTree is free to download with in-app purchases, but users are increasingly frustrated by intrusive ads, including full-screen pop-ups and video ads, which they feel detract from the experience and push them towards a paid premium R1R4R6R7. Some users also find the premium pricing of $45 per person per year for ad removal to be too high, especially without a family plan .
Google Calendar Google Calendar is free to download and use. While it doesn't have ads, some users express frustration with its limitations and bugs, stating they would rather pay for a more functional app than use Google Calendar for free .
Pick TimeTree if

You need a robust, easy-to-use shared calendar for family, couples, or small groups, and are willing to tolerate ads or pay for a premium subscription R5R11R29. You prioritize strong collaboration features like color-coding and notifications for shared events .

Pick Google Calendar if

You are deeply integrated into the Google ecosystem and need basic calendar functionality that syncs with Gmail . You prefer a completely free app without ads, even if it means dealing with some UI quirks and occasional reliability issues .

Evidence note: Reviews for TimeTree are heavily skewed towards recent negative feedback regarding ads and UI changes, despite a higher lifetime rating. Google Calendar's reviews also show a strong negative sentiment around recent UI changes and recurring bugs, despite its widespread use.

Frequently asked

Does TimeTree have ads?
Yes, TimeTree has increasingly intrusive ads, including full-screen pop-ups and video ads, which many users find annoying and disruptive R1R4R6R7.
Can I export my TimeTree calendar?
No, TimeTree currently lacks the ability to export calendars to other platforms like Google Calendar, which forces users to remain within the app for their scheduling needs R1R25.
Why does Google Calendar's app icon show '31'?
Many Google Calendar users are frustrated because the app icon statically displays '31' instead of updating to show the current date, unlike other native calendar apps R68R72R81R86.
Are there issues with adding locations in Google Calendar?
Yes, many Google Calendar users report a persistent glitch where entering a location for an event causes the app to freeze or crash, often requiring them to save the event first and then edit it to add the location R90R97R108R114.

What reviewers actually said

Built only from these 120 real reviews (foreign ones translated). Superscripts jump to the quote here. Apple has no per-review links, so [ref] opens that app's reviews on the App Store.

  1. [R5] TimeTree 5/5 · US I love it: Me an my significant other have been looking for a calendar to share and this works great for us !
  2. [R11] TimeTree 5/5 · US Wife-hub: I love this app very convenient and always recommend to my couples friends! I have Apple and hubs has android and this is so great for me keeping track of everything with our toddler and families. Allows him to see and edit also! You can add notes or locations for events and I’m a visual person so I color code certain things like Dr apt.
  3. [R23] TimeTree 5/5 · US This app has changed my life: I have crippling ADHD and have always struggled with keeping a calendar/planner. Being able to add friends and family to my calendar really helps with accountability and helps with me not double booking myself. I am the only one in my circle that really uses the app. Even though I am the only one adding to my shared schedule, this app is still amazing.
  4. [R29] TimeTree 5/5 · US Glen Bliss: This is a wonderful shared calendar system which is perfect for family and small business appointments. 5 stars!
  5. [R6] TimeTree 3/5 · US Great Calendar for Fam, Obnoxious ads…: Pros: Great planner for keeping up to date with family. Convenient and easy to use. Easy to navigate and set up. Cons: Too many ads, many large and invasive. Ads take up 1/3 the screen. Gambling and casino ads. :( Recommendation: Make small banner ads at the bottom. Ads make the app look low quality and shady.
  6. [R8] TimeTree 5/5 · US Wonderful: Great place for all the important stuff, easy to use and free!!
  7. [R10] TimeTree 1/5 · US Not enjoying the premium experience: It is very difficult to move from week to day view. You are unable to click on a day to make it expand or using a pinch motion function on the screen to zoom in and out. Most of the functions feel hidden, like importing external calendar info, which must be done every time I update my external calendar. The support function doesn’t work without images and there
  8. [R15] TimeTree 3/5 · US Extra steps: Adding the extra steps to get to the memos/notes section is annoying
  9. [R3] TimeTree 3/5 · US Good product: Overall good product. It’s only screwed me one time when I put in a doctors appointment for 8:30 AM and when it was saved and you go out of the appointment, it showed 9:30 AM could not fix that event. Had to delete it and redo it but I didn’t notice that until after I missed my appointment.
  10. [R9] TimeTree 3/5 · US Doesn’t work properly on Iphone: It works very slow on iphones
  11. [R12] TimeTree 3/5 · US Glirch or something: I had used this app for probably about 5 years. had all my plans and work schedule in it. and it deleted everything. I dont even understand how that is possible. but everything is gone and im very angry and frustrated. It was a good app but I guess like any app don't become reliable on it because it can fail you at any moment. I hadn't been on a guest account either, I was lo
  12. [R28] TimeTree 2/5 · US I did love this app: In the last month it’s started glitching on me like crazy. It’s bad enough you’re trying to making people pay a premium mode for a damn calendar but now you’re messing the code up and I can’t see my events. I’m ready to leave
  13. [R18] TimeTree 3/5 · US Easy to use!: I’d like to see more themes and stickers especially for holiday’s
  14. [R24] TimeTree 3/5 · US Js a friend: Me and my friends love this but it would be super cool if we could comment on the pictures
  15. [R26] TimeTree 5/5 · US Functional & Super Cute!!: I seriously love this calendar. i’ve been using it since november of 2024 and i haven’t used another one since then. it’s simple to use, you can have up to 3 separate calendars, and you can rename certain colors! if you put your work schedule in, you can name the color “work” or whatever you want. the only complaint that i think i have would probably be the fact that i w
  16. [R1] TimeTree 1/5 · US 100% NOT worth it: Why can’t I export this calendar to something like Google Calendar?? I’m forced to use this one now. The ads at the top make the overall calendar hideous. Money hungry app that forces you to pay if you don’t want to see ads. Please just use Google calendar or Apple calendar.
  17. [R4] TimeTree 2/5 · US ads: too many ads, very annoying. other than that works well.
  18. [R7] TimeTree 1/5 · US Used to be good: Greed has completely overtaken TimeTree. It used to be a good shared calendar with non invasive ads. Now they have pop ups take up the entire screen that you have to X out. Find a different calendar. I know I am now.
  19. [R25] TimeTree 1/5 · US Lack of Export Ability: It’s a fine calendar for keeping up with family events and the color system does help. The reason I gave it one star is because it does not have the ability to export into my work calendar. I’m having to switch back-and-forth between calendars to determine if I can take a meeting or not. Fix this and it would be a good app.
  20. [R68] Google Calendar 4/5 · US Wish the day of the month showed on the app: The app works great. I love how calendar invites that come in to my Gmail also goes to my calendar once accepted. The only complaint I have is that it always shows “31” on the app. It would be nice if it showed the day of the month, like Apple calendar does. It’s helpful for quick glance to see the date.
  21. [R72] Google Calendar 3/5 · US Live date gone: Love the app, but don’t like the update where today’s date is no longer part of the app icon.
  22. [R81] Google Calendar 3/5 · US Suggestions: Can you please make it so the app icon has today’s date? And is there a way to delete past events, but not one by one?
  23. [R86] Google Calendar 4/5 · US Just needs one tweak: I wish the app icon would show the date, instead of constantly saying 31.
  24. [R90] Google Calendar 3/5 · US Location Glitch: Every time I try to put in the location for an event when I’m inputing something into my calendar, it glitches and deletes the entire event. I’m able to edit the location after I make the event, but it’s incredibly annoying to not be able to put the location in when I’m originally inputting the event into my calendar.
  25. [R97] Google Calendar 1/5 · US Cannot enter locations: I used to have the infrequent problem of only being able to enter the first letter of the location of my events, but then the app froze and the only thing to unfreeze it was to force close the app and lose my draft of a calendar entry. But I didn’t think much of it because it happened once in a blue moon. Now since this latest update I can no longer put a location on any of
  26. [R108] Google Calendar 3/5 · US Location glitch that won’t go away: When entering a new calendar invite on iPhone, I must enter all details except location first, save it, then edit to add location otherwise the event freezes and a restart of the app is required. It’s been happening for about 12 months. Today, I went back to an event I booked earlier this morning to add location. It froze. Needed to close and restart app. This i
  27. [R114] Google Calendar 3/5 · US Freezes Up: For past few months, I put in all information…title,date, time…then when I go to add location, I start to type and it freezes up.

Synthesized from 120 recent App Store reviews · updated July 2026 · View on the App Store