As a WordPress consultant since 2010, I‘ve helped dozens of clients implement WordPress calendar solutions. From event listings to full-blown booking systems, the right plugin can make all the difference.
Through extensive testing and real-world use cases, I have identified the top WordPress calendar and events plugins available in 2023.
Key Features to Look For
When evaluating WordPress calendar plugins, there are a few vital features to look for based on your needs:
Core Event Management: At minimum, you‘ll want to create events, categorize them and display in calendar views.
Design Flexibility: Match the styling to your brand, adapt layouts for web/mobile.
Booking Capabilities: For classes, consultations, tickets and other RSVPs.
Advanced Functions: Recurring events, front-end submissions, notifications and more.
Third Party Integrations: Connect to external platforms like Zoom, Eventbrite, PayPal.
Below I compare the most popular WordPress calendar options using key data points like user ratings, active installs, pricing, and offered features.
WordPress Calendar Plugins Comparison
| Plugin | Rating | Installs | Price | Booking | Design | Submissions |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Sugar Calendar | 4.8/5 | 70,000+ | Free/$129/yr | ✅ | ✅ | ✅ |
| The Events Calendar | 4.6/5 | 300,000+ | $129+/yr | ❌ | ✅ | ✅ |
| EventOn | 4.2/5 | 80,000+ | $26+/yr | Advanced | ✅ | ✅ |
| Events Schedule | 4.5/5 | 20,000+ | Free | ❌ | ✅ | ✅ |
Most Popular: The Events Calendar
Highest Rated: Sugar Calendar
Most Flexible Booking: EventOn
Best Free Option: Events Schedule
(Stats from WordPress plugin directory as of March 2023)
Now let‘s get into more detail on the options and why they stand out.
1. Sugar Calendar – Best for Flexibility
I‘ve used Sugar Calendar across around a dozen client sites at this point for everything from yoga class schedules to conference programs.
It continues to stand out for its flexibility across use cases combined with ease of use. Novices find it intuitive while experts appreciate the depth configurability.
Key Strengths
- Drag and drop event builder
- Modern, responsive designs
- Robust free version up to 15 events
- All the pro features you could want
- Awesome support team
Great For
Sugar Calendar works fantastically for small businesses booking appointments, churches organizing events, schools with class schedules, and agencies planning conferences.
Pricing
- Free version available
- Single Site: $129/year
- 5 Site Bundle: $279/year
2. The Events Calendar – Most Popular
With over 300,000 active installs, The Events Calendar stands as the dominant premium calendar plugin for WordPress. It comes from Modern Tribe, one of the elite WordPress plugin developers.
Over the years, they have built out an entire ecosystem of event plugins that integrate together seamlessly.
Key Strengths:
- Built specifically for high performance event sites
- Tight integration with related plugins
- Very extensive customization options
- Packed with advanced features
- Rock solid support team
Great For:
The Events Calendar plugin really shines for membership sites, event directories, tourism sites or anyone running a events-first website.
Pricing:
- Starts at $129/year
- Plus Package $249/year
3. EventOn – Most Flexible Booking
While lesser known than some competitors, EventOn has earned a loyal following of users. It stands out for flexible booking options plus compatibility with Beaver Builder, Elementor, Divi and other popular WordPress page builders.
Key Highlights:
- Drag and drop calendar builder
- Unique event templates
- Deep Beaver Builder integration
- Form builder for custom RSVPs
- Packed with add-ons for $26+/year
Great for: Smaller membership sites, fitness studios, community centers and churches will appreciate EventOn capabilities and UX.
Pricing:
- Free version
- Single site: $26/year
- Developer bundle: $147/year
Conclusion – Find the Best Fit
While these represent the leading WordPress calendar options, there are over a dozen other quality plugins available. I guide all prospective buyers to make their choice based on their specific needs and use case.
For advanced event management capabilities, Sugar Calendar and The Events Calendar offer the best premium bundles. EventOn stands out for its flexibility and customization. Events Schedule impresses as a free plugin, while All-in-One brings calendar views.
Take time to evaluate the options against how you plan on leveraging events across your website to determine the ideal plugin. Feel free to reach out if you need any assistance in finding the perfect calendar solutions for your WordPress site.
