Best for Google account users
Google Calendar vs Samsung Calendar vs Microsoft Outlook: which calendar app should you choose?
Google Calendar suits people who organize around Google services, Samsung Calendar fits Samsung-device users who want clear planning views, and Outlook is the strongest match for people who need email
At a glance
| App | Google Play rating | Price | In-app purchases | Platforms | Age rating |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Google CalendarGoogle LLC | 4.6 out of 54,686,774 ratings | Free | No | Android, iOS | Everyone |
 Samsung CalendarSamsung Electronics Co., Ltd. | 4.1 out of 5113,391 ratings | Free | No | Android, iOS | Everyone |
 Microsoft OutlookMicrosoft Corporation | 4.3 out of 510,590,468 ratings | Free | Yes ($1.99 - $12.99 per item) | Android, iOS | Everyone |
Ratings, prices and age ratings come from the Google Play listings, read on Nov 8, 2026. Listings change over time.
How we compared them
All three apps handle events, reminders, and everyday scheduling on Android, and each is free to download. They differ in what surrounds the calendar: Google Calendar connects with Google services, Samsung Calendar is closely tied to Samsung devices, and Outlook combines scheduling with email and contacts.
This comparison weighs their calendar tools, ecosystem fit, trade-offs, and Google Play figures so you can choose the app that suits your accounts and planning habits.
How we compared them
We compared the apps’ scheduling features and stated strengths and limitations, alongside their Google Play ratings, install counts, prices, ad status, and in-app purchase details. The figures were read from Google Play on November 8, 2026.
This is a feature and store-information comparison, not a hands-on test. We did not compare performance or independently verify sync reliability.
Best forplanning across Google services
Google Calendar is the most natural fit for people who already rely on Google services. Multiple calendars, shareable schedules, customizable event notifications, and offline viewing and editing make it flexible for personal and shared plans.
Its 4.6 Google Play rating and 5,000,000,000+ installs are the highest figures among these three apps. The trade-off is its reliance on a Google account and relatively limited theme customization; syncing with some third-party apps can also be inconsistent.
What we like
- Strongest fit with Google services
- Supports multiple calendars and sharing
- Events can be viewed and edited offline
What to know
- Google account needed for its features
- Less theme customization than some users may want
Best forstraightforward planning on Samsung devices
Samsung Calendar
Samsung Electronics Co., Ltd.
- Google Play
- 4.1 out of 5
- Price
- Free
- Platforms
- Android, iOS
Samsung Calendar is geared toward Samsung users who want monthly, weekly, and daily views in a practical, device-integrated app. Event details can include locations, notes, reminders, and repeat schedules, while color coding and widgets help surface plans.
Its Samsung focus is also its main limitation: some features work best within that ecosystem, and collaboration tools are less developed than Google Calendar’s sharing options. A busy set of enabled calendars can also make the interface feel crowded.
What we like
- Clear monthly, weekly, and daily views
- Useful widgets and event color coding
- Supports locations, notes, and repeat schedules
What to know
- Some features favor Samsung devices and accounts
- Collaboration options are more limited than Google Calendar’s
Best forcombining work email and scheduling
Microsoft Outlook
Microsoft Corporation
- Google Play
- 4.3 out of 5
- Price
- Free
- Platforms
- Android, iOS
Outlook does more than the other two as a combined email, calendar, and contacts app. Its Office integration, scheduling tools, and access across platforms make it a strong choice for people managing work communication and appointments together.
The all-in-one approach can feel overwhelming if you mainly want a simple calendar, and email sync issues may occur. Some features require Microsoft 365, and the app has in-app purchases and ads, unlike the other two in this comparison.
What we like
- Combines email, calendars, and contacts
- Integrates with Office apps
- Available across platforms
What to know
- More complex interface than a calendar-focused app
- Includes ads and in-app purchases
Which one should you pick?
Best for Samsung device owners
Samsung Calendar
Best for email and calendar in one app
Microsoft Outlook
Frequently Asked Questions
Which app is best for sharing calendars?
Google Calendar is the strongest choice here for sharing calendars with family or colleagues. Samsung Calendar has more limited collaboration tools, while Outlook’s main advantage is combining schedules with email and contacts.
Which calendar app is best for Samsung phones?
Samsung Calendar is the most closely suited to Samsung devices and accounts, with planning views, widgets, and color-coded events. Google Calendar may be a better fit if you organize around Google services.
Can Google Calendar work offline?
Google Calendar supports viewing and editing events offline. Syncing those changes with other services may not always be consistent.
Is Microsoft Outlook free to use?
Outlook is free to download, but Google Play lists in-app purchases of $1.99 to $12.99 per item, and some features require a Microsoft 365 subscription.
About this comparison
AppCompare compares apps independently. We don't make, own or distribute any of these apps and have no affiliation with their developers, Google or Apple. Names, icons and trademarks belong to their owners; store details are shown for reference and can change.