Calendar Family vs Outlook Google Calendar Sync (OGCS)
Calendar Family and Outlook Google Calendar Sync (OGCS) are both free ways to keep your calendars in sync across Google, Microsoft/Outlook and Apple iCloud. Here is our side-by-side comparison so you can decide which fits your needs.
Outlook Google Calendar Sync (OGCS) vs Calendar Family
| Feature | Calendar Family | Outlook Google Calendar Sync (OGCS) |
|---|---|---|
| Providers supported | Google, Microsoft/Outlook, Apple iCloud | Google, Microsoft/Outlook (desktop, Windows) |
| Sync direction | One-way or two-way | One-way or two-way |
| Real-time sync | Near-real-time for Google and Microsoft (webhook-driven); iCloud polled every 15 min | Scheduled / polling |
| Price | Free | free, open-source; optional donation (£10+) hides the splash screen |
| Permanent free tier | Yes - free to use | Yes - fully free and open-source; runs as a Windows desktop app, donation optional |
When Outlook Google Calendar Sync (OGCS) might suit you better
If you are a Windows user who wants a free, open-source, locally-run tool and are happy to keep the app running for sync to occur; OGCS syncs Outlook<->Google only and does not cover iCloud.
Frequently asked questions
Outlook Google Calendar Sync (OGCS) is free too - how is Calendar Family different?
Both are free. Outlook Google Calendar Sync (OGCS): fully free and open-source; runs as a Windows desktop app, donation optional. Calendar Family is free too, with two-way sync across Google, Microsoft/Outlook and Apple iCloud: webhook-driven and near real time for Google and Microsoft, and polled every 15 minutes for iCloud, which offers no push to third parties. The comparison above lays out the differences so you can pick the one that fits.
Which calendar providers does Calendar Family sync compared with Outlook Google Calendar Sync (OGCS)?
Calendar Family syncs Google, Microsoft/Outlook and Apple iCloud calendars. Outlook Google Calendar Sync (OGCS) supports Google, Microsoft/Outlook (desktop, Windows).
Does Calendar Family sync in real time like Outlook Google Calendar Sync (OGCS)?
Calendar Family uses webhook-driven near-real-time sync for Google and Microsoft; Apple iCloud offers no push to third parties, so it is polled every 15 minutes. Outlook Google Calendar Sync (OGCS) syncs on a scheduled / polling basis.
When might Outlook Google Calendar Sync (OGCS) suit me better?
If you are a Windows user who wants a free, open-source, locally-run tool and are happy to keep the app running for sync to occur; OGCS syncs Outlook<->Google only and does not cover iCloud.