The closer we get to the holiday season, the busier our lives seem to become. If we don’t have a solid way to keep track of all of our family’s events and to-do’s, we will quickly drop all those plates we are trying to spin at the same time.
That’s why a group calendar app for an iPhone or Android device is so important. Calendar apps are designed to help you streamline all your important events and tasks in one place, so nothing overlaps or is forgotten.
But knowing which family sync calendar app is best for your family, or even how to use it efficiently, can be overwhelming. We’re here today to alleviate that stress and guide you to the family calendar app that fits your family’s lifestyle.
Types of Family Calendar Apps
There are a few distinguishing features of family calendar apps. The first is cost. Many family calendar apps are free; others require either a monthly or yearly fee.
Next, some calendars are strictly calendars and do not include task managing tools, while other calendar apps include both and additional features such as photo sharing.
Also, most family calendar apps are designed for multiple users, but not all. If it is important for your kids to be able to access and use the app, then you want to avoid apps that won’t work on their devices or are designed for one user.
Finally, some family calendar apps feature auto-updates. This means the calendar app is updated in real-time for all users, so if one user edits, deletes, or adds an event to the family calendar, this change occurs on each family member’s app in real time. Also, some of the updates with auto-updates send out notifications when changes are made to the family calendar.
How to Find the Best Family Calendar App for Android and iPhone for Your Family
When it comes to choosing the right calendar app for your family, you must consider why you need it. What problems is your family dealing with when it comes to your routine and schedule? Are extracurriculars overwhelming you, or are work meetings taking over your evenings? Or are you looking for a calendar that will help manage household tasks?
Once you identify your reasons for needing a family calendar app, then you need to consider who will be using it and how. For instance, some apps require email accounts, but if your children do not have email accounts, this app will prove inefficient for your family. Likewise, you must also make sure the app will work across the devices your family uses.
How to Use Family Calendar App for iPhone and Android Efficiently
If you are spending the time to research the best family calendar app for Android and iPhone, then you don’t want to download the app and not use it. You want to use it in a way that makes your life easier! Here are some tips for using your family calendar app efficiently:
- Create categories. Must apps include color coding? Choose a different color for each family member, as well as certain colors for different types of events.
- If you do not need to see a category every day (such as bill due dates), then do not make this category visible.
- Utilize task management features the app provides, such as to-do lists, for things like “Take cupcakes to the class party” rather than putting it on the color-coded calendar.
- Teach your kids how to use the calendar early. Encourage older kids to check the calendar regularly rather than expecting parents to remind them.
The 10 Best Family Calendar Apps for Android and iPhone for 2020
Cozi has continuously been voted the best family calendar app for Android and iPhone. It has everything families need to schedule their lives, such as a daily schedule, a monthly calendar, to-do lists, and a recipe box. Plus, it’s free!
If your family is struggling with time management, then Calendar may be the right app for you. This unique family calendar app manages your events and schedule and then analyzes how you are spending your time. Many parents will find it eye-opening.
Coosha
Coosha is a calendar app you can share with friends without having to share every single event on your calendar. Coosha (coordinate and share) allows you to make certain events shareable rather than the whole calendar.
Family Wall includes a family calendar that is color-coordinated and includes auto-updates. Additionally, it includes photo sharing, task management features, and a family locator that allows users to check in to their location.
You can use your Google calendar app to create a family group. It is free and easy to navigate, and it is one of the most-used family calendar apps.
Our home is designed as a family task organizer that uses gamification to encourage children to complete tasks around the home. However, this app also includes a synced family calendar, which makes it an excellent choice for families looking for a calendar app that includes daily chores and such.
Time Page
For highly organized families and iPhone users, Time Page is a great choice. Time Page is a smart calendar app that syncs calendars, weather, maps, contacts, and more. Its advanced capabilities include providing families with departure alerts.
Time Tree is another calendar app that you can share with friends by using invite-based access for events. Additionally, each event has its own chat room, so all those viewing the event can communicate.
CloudCal
CloudCal works well for people who are visual. This family calendar app uses color coding for your daily, weekly, and monthly schedule, as well as “magic circles” that show your days as a clock face indicative of how busy you are on certain days.
As parents, we know the struggle of keeping your calendar clear. That’s why we have designed our mobile app with your schedule in mind. The GoKid app lets you share driving schedules with other families so you save time by taking turns driving them to school and activities. It also allows you to export your carpools to Google Calendar and set up driving reminders so you don’t miss anything.