If you're reading this, you're probably one of the millions of families who've used Cozi over the years - or you're searching for a family organizer app and want to know your options.
Cozi has been around since 2008 and pioneered the family calendar space. But the app landscape has changed significantly, and Cozi's May 2024 decision to restrict free accounts to 30 days of calendar access sent many families looking for alternatives.
We'll be upfront: we make Sense, one of the apps in this comparison. But we've tried to be genuinely helpful here. Every family has different needs, and the "best" app depends on what matters most to you.
Quick Comparison
| App | Price | Best For |
|---|---|---|
| Cozi | Free (limited) / $39/yr | Meal planning focus |
| TimeTree | Free / $45/yr | Event communication |
| FamCal | Free + in-app purchases | Young kids (no email needed) |
| Google Calendar | Free | Already using Google |
| OurCal | Free | Privacy-focused families |
| Maple | Free / Paid tier | External calendar sync |
| Sense | Free / Premium | AI family assistant |
The Apps
Cozi Family Organizer
Cozi remains one of the most recognized names in family organization. It combines a shared calendar with grocery lists, to-do lists, and meal planning. Each family member gets a color code, and you can set up email agenda reminders.
The free version now limits calendar view to 30 days. Cozi Gold removes ads, adds calendar search, and unlocks the full calendar view.
Strengths
- Established, reliable platform
- Good meal planning features
- Recipe storage and sharing
- Works across all devices
Limitations
- Free tier now heavily restricted
- Interface feels dated
- Manual entry for everything
- Limited external calendar sync
TimeTree
TimeTree focuses on calendar collaboration and communication. You can create multiple shared calendars (family, sports, work), comment directly on events, and attach files like PDFs or photos to calendar entries.
The free version is generous. Premium adds features like event pinning, advanced notifications, and ad removal.
Strengths
- Event comments reduce miscommunication
- Multiple calendar support
- File attachments on events
- Clean, modern interface
Limitations
- Can get cluttered with many calendars
- No meal planning or lists
- Still requires manual entry
- Some find the interface confusing
FamCal
FamCal is designed specifically for families with younger children. The key differentiator: kids don't need their own email address to use it. Parents can set up accounts for children, and everyone gets color-coded entries.
It includes shared to-do lists, notes, birthdays, and in-app messaging between family members.
Strengths
- No email required for kids
- Family-friendly design
- Birthday and anniversary tracking
- Simple and easy to use
Limitations
- Some users report reliability issues
- Limited integrations
- Basic feature set
- Manual entry only
Google Calendar
You probably already have it. Google Calendar works well for basic family scheduling - create a shared "Family" calendar, invite members, and everyone can see and add events.
It integrates with Gmail (one-click event creation from emails), Google Meet, and countless other apps. The interface is clean and familiar to most people.
Strengths
- Free and already installed
- Excellent integrations
- Gmail event detection
- Reliable and fast
Limitations
- Not designed for families
- No lists, chores, or meal planning
- Kids need Google accounts
- Manual entry for most things
OurCal
OurCal's main selling point is privacy. It uses end-to-end encryption for events, messages, and media - meaning even OurCal can't read your family's data. No ads, no data selling.
If you're concerned about big tech companies having access to your family's schedule and personal information, OurCal is worth considering.
Strengths
- End-to-end encryption
- No ads or data tracking
- Privacy-first approach
- Free
Limitations
- Smaller user base
- Fewer features than competitors
- Limited integrations
- Manual entry only
Maple
Maple is a newer entrant that emphasizes external calendar syncing. It can pull in events from Google Calendar, Apple Calendar, Outlook, and even sports apps like TeamSnap - showing everything in one view.
It also has AI features for meal planning and recipe generation, plus email integration for organizing family communications.
Strengths
- Syncs with external calendars
- AI-powered features
- Modern interface
- Meal planning with Instacart
Limitations
- External sync requires paid tier
- Newer app, still evolving
- Free tier has AI limits
- Smaller community
Sense
Full disclosure: this is our app. Sense takes a different approach - instead of another calendar you manually update, it's an AI family assistant you can talk to.
Forward school emails and Sense automatically extracts events to your calendar. Or just ask it: "Add soccer practice Tuesday at 4pm for Emma." Beyond scheduling, Sense handles chores with a points-based allowance system for kids, generates and saves recipes, manages shopping lists and reminders, and helps with everyday family needs like homework help, bedtime stories, and activity ideas.
One thing we focused on: making it dead simple to start. No complicated setup, no syncing multiple accounts, no learning curve. Just download, sign up, and start talking to it or forwarding emails.
Strengths
- Extremely easy to get started
- Intuitive conversational interface
- Email-to-calendar automation
- Chores, recipes, lists, reminders in one app
Limitations
- Newer app
- Requires trusting AI with email
- Different approach takes adjustment
- Some features still in development
What Actually Matters When Choosing
After looking at all these options, here's what we think matters most:
1. Will your family actually use it?
The best app is the one your whole family will adopt. A complex app that only one parent uses defeats the purpose. Consider how tech-savvy your family members are and whether the app's learning curve is realistic.
2. Manual entry vs. automation
Most family calendar apps require you to manually type in every event. If you're drowning in school newsletters and sports schedule emails, that's a lot of work. Apps like Sense and Maple are trying to reduce this with email processing and AI, but they're newer approaches.
3. What features do you actually need?
If you just need a shared calendar, Google Calendar is free and works fine. If meal planning is important, Cozi is solid. If you have young kids without email, FamCal solves that problem. Match the app to your actual needs, not a feature checklist.
4. Pricing reality
Most "free" apps have meaningful limitations now. Cozi's 30-day calendar limit, TimeTree's premium features, Maple's sync restrictions - factor in what you'll actually pay when comparing.
Our Honest Take
There's no single "best" family organizer app. Cozi is still a solid choice if you're willing to pay and like meal planning. TimeTree is great for families who want to discuss events. Google Calendar works if you just need basics.
We built Sense because we were frustrated with manually entering every school event, practice change, and appointment into calendars. The email-forward and chat approach isn't for everyone, but if the mental load of processing family logistics is wearing you down, it might help.
Whatever you choose, the goal is the same: spend less time managing schedules and more time with your family.