BusyCal vs OmniFocus
OmniFocus is a project and task execution system; BusyCal is a calendar planning system with tasks built in. Choose OmniFocus if you need deep project structure and review cycles, and BusyCal if you want calendar and tasks in one place, with iCloud, Google, Microsoft 365 and Exchange, and CalDAV calendars in a single window.
Last reviewed: April 28, 2026.
At a Glance
| Criteria | BusyCal | OmniFocus |
|---|---|---|
| Primary model | Calendar-first scheduling | Project and task management |
| Best fit | Time-centric planning and availability | Task decomposition and review workflows |
| Strength | Calendar context and schedule visibility | Project hierarchy and task control |
| Trade-off | Lighter project hierarchy | Less calendar-first depth |
Calendar & Sync Comparison
| Capability | BusyCal | OmniFocus |
|---|---|---|
| Native CalDAV account sync | ✓ | |
| Microsoft 365 / Exchange calendar sync | ✓ | |
| Calendar subscriptions (.ics / holiday feeds) | ✓ | |
| Multiple provider calendars in one app (iCloud + Google + Exchange + CalDAV) | ✓ | |
| Calendar views (Day / Week / Month / Year Planner) | ✓ | |
| Calendar Groups | ✓ | |
| Smart Date Picker with real-time suggestions | ✓ | Accepts shorthand, no suggestions |
| Favorite Time Zones | ✓ | |
| Map out events with locations | ✓ | |
| Apple Watch app | ✓ | ✓ |
| Widgets (multiple sizes) | ✓ | ✓ |
| Shortcuts / Siri integration | ✓ | ✓ |
| Task-database sync via first-party cloud or WebDAV | ✓ |
Where OmniFocus May Be Better
- You need deep project structure and review cycles.
- Your team follows a task-management-first methodology.
- You prefer OmniFocus sync via Omni Sync Server or WebDAV.
Where BusyCal May Be Better
- You want calendar + tasks in one planning interface.
- Your planning model is driven by calendar time and availability.
- You want events and task context visible together in scheduling views.
- You need strong multi-calendar visibility.
- You want Calendar Groups to organize many calendars into folders.
- You want native account sync across iCloud, Google, Exchange/Microsoft 365 (Graph), and CalDAV in one calendar client.
- You want to map out events with locations and travel-time context directly in your planning workflow.
BusyCal Account Sync Docs
- Office 365 via Microsoft Graph
- CalDAV account sync
- Public WebDAV calendar subscriptions
- Google Calendar sync
- iCloud calendar sync
- Map out events with locations and travel time
Common Questions
- Does BusyCal sync with OmniFocus?
- Not directly, but OmniFocus can publish its items as a WebDAV subscription, and BusyCal can subscribe to it. BusyCal has built-in support for CalDAV and WebDAV servers and subscriptions, so it works with any app that supports the same.
- Can BusyCal manage projects the way OmniFocus does?
- Not to the same depth. OmniFocus is built for project hierarchy, review cycles, and sequential tasks. BusyCal keeps tasks beside your calendar for time-based planning instead.
- Is BusyCal a subscription?
- No. BusyCal is a one-time purchase with a perpetual license: $49.99 for Mac from our store, with a free 14-day trial, and $9.99 for iPhone and iPad on the App Store.
Official Links
Want to compare a few more options before deciding? Browse all BusyCal comparison guides.