Microsoft Bookings Scheduling Tool Review (2025)
Microsoft Bookings scheduling Plans & Pricing
Microsoft Bookings Comparison
Expert Review
Pros
Cons
Microsoft Bookings scheduling's Offerings
The Microsoft Bookings app is part of Microsoft 365 Business and Enterprise plans, so it’s not a standalone scheduling tool. It comes at no extra cost when you pay for a Microsoft 365 business plan and above. This pricing structure makes it an attractive choice for small- to medium-sized businesses and individuals already on Microsoft 365. Plans that include Bookings are:
Microsoft 365 Business Basic: This costs $7.20/user/month, or $6/user if paid annually. This plan offers apps and services to kick-start your business, including:
- Up to 300 employees
- Custom business email
- Web and mobile versions of Word, Excel, PowerPoint, and Outlook
- Chat, call, and video conference with Microsoft Teams
- 1 TB of cloud storage per employee
- 10+ additional apps for your business needs (Planner, Forms, Copilot, and others)
- Anytime phone and web support
Microsoft 365 Business Standard: This costs $15/user/month or $12.50/user paid annually. It includes everything in Basic plus:
- Desktop versions of Word, Excel, PowerPoint, and Outlook
- Webinars with attendee registration and reporting
- Access to Microsoft Loop and Clipchamp.
Microsoft 365 Business Premium: This costs $26.40/user/month or $22 if paid annually. It includes everything in standard plus:
- Advanced identity and access management
- Cyberthreat protection
- Enterprise-grade device and endpoint protection
- Discover, classify, and protect sensitive information
Microsoft 365 Apps for business: This costs $9.90/user/month or $.8.25/user if paid annually. It includes just the Office apps without any of the bonus quirks.
- Desktop versions of Word, Excel, PowerPoint, and Outlook
- 1 TB of cloud storage per user
- Anytime phone and web support
Customer Support
The scheduling tool shares the same support structure as the rest of the Microsoft 365 suite. Most of the help you’ll need is available through self-guided resources, but if you encounter any issues, Microsoft’s 24/7 support team is easy to reach. Users can access:
Live Chat: The Microsoft website offers live chat for all users of any service within the microsoft 365 plan. Response is prompt and available 24/7.
Phone: After some brief redirections, I was able to speak with a live agent. The number to call depends on your location. If you’re in the US, you can call the toll-free support number at +1 (800) 642 7676. They also offer ASL (American Sign Language) support via video calls from Monday to Friday, 8:30 AM – 5:00 PM PT.
Support Center: The help center provides comprehensive documentation, troubleshooting guides, and FAQs covering all Microsoft products. It took a bit of searching, but I located detailed instructions specific to Microsoft Bookings.
Community Support: The Microsoft 365 Community is an active forum specific to Booking users where ideas, solutions, and troubleshooting tips are exchanged.
FastTrack Support: Eligible Microsoft 365 users can access FastTrack services, which offer step-by-step assistance for setup, onboarding, and data migration—without extra charges.
Video Training: The Microsoft support site includes video tutorials designed to introduce new users to Bookings’ features and tools. These videos are great for those exploring the scheduling tool for the first time or considering a subscription.
Features & Functionality
Scheduling features
The Bookings scheduling tool offers a suite of features tailored to streamline meeting coordination, especially for businesses and teams using the Microsoft ecosystem. This includes features for:
- Customizable booking pages
- Calendar synchronization
- Multi-platform access
- Automation features
- Resource management
- Team collaboration
- Third-party integrations
- Desktop app
- Integration with Teams, Skype, Sharepoint, etc.
- Access to admin tools
- Priority support
Online Scheduling
Customizable booking pages:
Microsoft Bookings provides a web-based interface for users to book appointments or meetings directly. Clients can select available time slots, services, and staff members without the need for back-and-forth communication. For classes or events with multiple attendees, Bookings can efficiently manage group bookings, automatically adjusting availability as spots fill up. This is all done through shareable booking pages that can be embedded on websites or shared via email and social media.
Calendar Synchronization:
Bookings integrates with Outlook Calendar and can sync with other calendar systems through Microsoft 365. This ensures that schedules are consistently up-to-date across platforms within the Microsoft ecosystem.
Resource Management:
In an enterprise setting, the platform supports resource management, allowing users to manage staff availability and services offered. It can also handle room bookings if set up properly.
Automations
Automated Reminders:
The platform offers automated email reminders for upcoming appointments. These can be customized to send at specific intervals before the scheduled time, helping to reduce no-shows. Meeting confirmations and post-meeting follow-ups can also be automated if needed.
Power Automate Integration:
While Bookings itself has built-in automation features, its capabilities can be significantly expanded through integration with Microsoft Power Automate. Power Automate allows users to create custom workflows that trigger based on Bookings events. For example, you could create a flow that automatically adds new clients from Bookings to your CRM system.
Accessibility and Customization
Customization Options:
Users can customize their booking pages to match their brand identity. This includes adding logos, adjusting color schemes, and customizing the information displayed. Scheduling templates and notification messages can also be tailored to specific needs.
Multi-platform Access:
Microsoft Bookings is primarily web-based and accessible through any device with a web browser. The mobile app, but the web interface is responsive and well-optimized for mobile devices.
Team Collaboration:
Multiple users can collaborate within Bookings, sharing schedules and managing bookings across teams. Staff members can view and manage their own schedules automatically adjusted for their time zones. Businesses can set individual staff schedules and manage availability, and collaborate on tasks through Microsoft 365 sister apps.
Integrations
Microsoft 365 Integrations:
Integration with Microsoft 365 provides you with access to the host of features in the suite. For example, you can import service lists and staff information from excel, add your outlook calendars to your booking page, embed your booking link onto your Sharepoint website, then set up your virtual appointments with Teams after confirmation.
Third-party Integrations:
Bookings supports a handful of integrations for third-party software for project management, email signatures and others. However, the catalog is not as broad as other products of its class, and integration is not as smooth.
Add-Ons
Enhance scheduling capabilities with additional features.
Platforms
Accessible across various platforms for versatile use.
Performance:
Microsoft Bookings performs well as a scheduling tool, particularly for businesses already using the Microsoft 365 ecosystem. As usual, Microsoft keeps it basic and straight to the point while still offering a powerful scheduling solution.
Speed and Responsiveness:
Microsoft Bookings generally performs well in terms of speed. The pages load quickly and handle most scheduling tasks without significant lag. Uptime is consistently reliable thanks to robust Microsoft infrastructure.
Mobile Performance:
The scheduling tool no longer has a dedicated mobile app. It was removed from the Google Play Store and Apple App Store in 2023. However, you can effectively create and manage bookings via the web version on mobile.
User Interface (UI) and User Experience (UX):
Microsoft Bookings offers a clean and intuitive interface. The blue-and-white design is simple and clear for administrators and even clearer for users. It is consistent with the rest of the Microsoft 365 suite, but the interface is unfortunately not customizable.
Scalability:
Bookings can be deployed at an enterprise scale with little oversight. The platform handles scaling reasonably well and is capable of managing increasing numbers of users and appointments. It also handles group bookings and classes perfectly.
Integration Efficiency:
As part of the Microsoft ecosystem, Bookings integrates seamlessly with other Microsoft products like Outlook and Teams. Integration with third-party tools outside the Microsoft ecosystem is less smooth, but with Power Automate, you can integrate third-party tools like Stripe, Dynamic 365, and Zoom.
Customization Speed:
Customization features are few, but the time taken to modify booking pages is generally quick and straightforward. You can customize schedules to fit departments, individuals, and types of appointments across multiple Bookings calendars, each with their own unique setup.
Automation Performance:
Automated features like reminders, confirmations, and follow-up mails execute without delays. However, I noticed that multiple mails are sent from Bookings, Outlook, and Teams for a single meeting.
Ease Of Use:
UI and Design:
Microsoft Bookings features a clean interface that is visually consistent with the rest of the Microsoft 365 products. The booking page creation tool offers a what-you-see-is-what-you-get (WYSIWYG) editor, allowing users to customize the appearance of their public-facing booking pages. Users can add their logo, choose color schemes, and arrange information fields to match their brand identity. For appointments, Bookings uses a form-based interface for simple input of appointment details.
Onboarding and Setup:
For existing Microsoft 365 users, the onboarding process is quick. Bookings scheduling software comes already integrated with other Microsoft tools like Outlook and Teams. There’s a quick guided setup process that walks new users through the essential steps to get their booking system operational.
Booking and Scheduling:
The booking process itself is a piece of cake. Users can create and manage appointments easily, with options for different service types and staff members. The system is accessible on mobile devices for on-the-go management, and updates sync across connected calendars and devices. The lack of a dedicated mobile app means users rely on the web version, which is functional but not as smooth.
Automation and Efficiency:
Users can set up automatic appointment reminders, confirmations, and follow-ups. Integration with other Microsoft tools , allowing for the creation of efficient workflows. For instance, it can automatically create Teams meeting links for virtual appointments. Users looking for more advanced automation might need to use Microsoft Power Automate.
Accessibility and Support:
The Bookings scheduling tool is accessible across desktops, laptops, tablets, and smartphones. Microsoft provides extensive documentation and support resources, including how-to guides, troubleshooting articles, and community forums. Personalized assistance from Microsoft customer support channels is also available to all users.
Verdict:
As its name suggests, Microsoft Bookings is a service for online appointment scheduling for businesses. It integrates with Microsoft 365 and Outlook calendar scheduler for easy bookings, automated reminders, and meeting preparation.
Microsoft Bookings cost nothing, which makes it especially valuable for those already using Microsoft 365. Smooth integration with Outlook, Teams, and other Microsoft apps make it a strong choice for users who just want a functional meeting scheduler.
Write a Review