Top 10 Best Opensource Calendar Software of 2026

GITNUXSOFTWARE ADVICE

Technology Digital Media

Top 10 Best Opensource Calendar Software of 2026

Explore the top 10 best open-source calendar software to simplify planning.

20 tools compared28 min readUpdated 18 days agoAI-verified · Expert reviewed
How we ranked these tools
01Feature Verification

Core product claims cross-referenced against official documentation, changelogs, and independent technical reviews.

02Multimedia Review Aggregation

Analyzed video reviews and hundreds of written evaluations to capture real-world user experiences with each tool.

03Synthetic User Modeling

AI persona simulations modeled how different user types would experience each tool across common use cases and workflows.

04Human Editorial Review

Final rankings reviewed and approved by our editorial team with authority to override AI-generated scores based on domain expertise.

Read our full methodology →

Score: Features 40% · Ease 30% · Value 30%

Gitnux may earn a commission through links on this page — this does not influence rankings. Editorial policy

Open-source calendar software is converging on standard protocols like CalDAV and CardDAV while teams demand stronger encryption and better collaboration workflows without sacrificing self-hosting control. This roundup highlights ten top open-source options, including lightweight sync servers, collaborative web calendar apps, and end-to-end encrypted calendar syncing, then maps each tool to practical planning needs like invitations, multi-user access, and server-side scheduling.

Editor’s top 3 picks

Three quick recommendations before you dive into the full comparison below — each one leads on a different dimension.

Editor pick
Radicale logo

Radicale

CalDAV server with simple, sync-focused storage and minimal web overhead

Built for self-hosted individuals or small teams needing CalDAV sync with low complexity.

Editor pick
Nextcloud Calendar logo

Nextcloud Calendar

CalDAV support for syncing events with external servers and mainstream calendar clients

Built for organizations using Nextcloud who need shared calendars and CalDAV interoperability.

Editor pick
Zimbra Collaboration Open Source Edition logo

Zimbra Collaboration Open Source Edition

Server-side scheduling with shared calendars and invitation handling across web and mobile clients

Built for organizations running self-hosted groupware with shared calendars and invitations.

Comparison Table

This comparison table reviews open-source calendar software options such as Radicale, Nextcloud Calendar, Zimbra Collaboration Open Source Edition, SOGo, and Etebase EteSync with EteCalendar. Each entry contrasts core scheduling capabilities and deployment fit so readers can match a platform to team needs for shared calendars, synchronization, and server management.

1Radicale logo8.0/10

Radicale provides a lightweight CalDAV and CardDAV server that stores calendar data on a filesystem or database and supports multi-user access.

Features
8.6/10
Ease
7.4/10
Value
7.9/10

Nextcloud Calendar delivers a collaborative calendar app with CalDAV support, per-user calendars, invitations, and web UI for planning.

Features
8.4/10
Ease
7.9/10
Value
7.9/10

Zimbra provides calendar scheduling with an open-source collaboration stack that includes groupware features and CalDAV access.

Features
8.0/10
Ease
6.8/10
Value
7.6/10
4Sogo logo7.6/10

SOGo is a server that offers CalDAV and CardDAV calendars with web and client access in a unified groupware system.

Features
8.0/10
Ease
7.4/10
Value
7.2/10

Etebase provides end-to-end encrypted calendar synchronization via open-source EteSync clients with EteCalendar support.

Features
8.2/10
Ease
7.6/10
Value
7.9/10
6Baïkal logo7.3/10

Baïkal is a CalDAV server designed for storing and sharing calendars with support for common calendar operations over HTTP.

Features
7.2/10
Ease
7.0/10
Value
7.6/10

ownCloud Calendar adds calendar management to a self-hosted cloud platform with sync and sharing workflows.

Features
8.0/10
Ease
7.2/10
Value
7.8/10
8Kolab logo8.0/10

Kolab groupware includes calendaring with server-side scheduling and open protocols for shared collaboration.

Features
8.3/10
Ease
7.4/10
Value
8.2/10
9Eventum logo8.1/10

Eventum is an open-source event and calendar tracking tool that supports event scheduling, calendars, and participation workflows.

Features
8.3/10
Ease
7.6/10
Value
8.2/10
10Lutece Event logo7.1/10

Lutece Event is an open-source module for event scheduling and calendar management within the Lutece platform.

Features
7.2/10
Ease
6.6/10
Value
7.4/10
1
Radicale logo

Radicale

CalDAV server

Radicale provides a lightweight CalDAV and CardDAV server that stores calendar data on a filesystem or database and supports multi-user access.

Overall Rating8.0/10
Features
8.6/10
Ease of Use
7.4/10
Value
7.9/10
Standout Feature

CalDAV server with simple, sync-focused storage and minimal web overhead

Radicale stands out for exposing calendar data via standard CalDAV and supporting simple, file-backed storage with minimal moving parts. It supports multiple calendars and fine-grained sharing patterns through access control and server-side configuration. Core capabilities include calendar CRUD through CalDAV clients, authentication for users, and straightforward integration with desktop and mobile calendar apps. Admin setup focuses on a small number of components rather than a full web UI.

Pros

  • CalDAV-first design works with standard calendar clients and sync workflows
  • Lightweight architecture keeps deployment and operation simple
  • File or database storage options enable predictable backup strategies
  • User and calendar management are controlled through clear server configuration
  • Supports multiple calendars with consistent endpoints

Cons

  • No native web interface for browsing or editing events
  • Initial configuration and access rules require command-line familiarity
  • Limited collaboration features compared with full-featured groupware
  • Advanced search and reporting are not a primary focus
  • Timezone and client quirks rely heavily on CalDAV client behavior

Best For

Self-hosted individuals or small teams needing CalDAV sync with low complexity

Official docs verifiedFeature audit 2026Independent reviewAI-verified
Visit Radicaleradicale.org
2
Nextcloud Calendar logo

Nextcloud Calendar

self-hosted suite

Nextcloud Calendar delivers a collaborative calendar app with CalDAV support, per-user calendars, invitations, and web UI for planning.

Overall Rating8.1/10
Features
8.4/10
Ease of Use
7.9/10
Value
7.9/10
Standout Feature

CalDAV support for syncing events with external servers and mainstream calendar clients

Nextcloud Calendar turns a Nextcloud installation into a shared calendaring system with Web and mobile access. It supports CalDAV for federation with standard calendar clients and other servers. The app includes scheduling features like event invitations, recurring events, and calendar sharing across users and groups. Access control follows Nextcloud permissions, which makes it suitable for organizations that already run a Nextcloud stack.

Pros

  • CalDAV compatibility enables integration with standard calendar apps and servers
  • Event invitations and recurring events support common scheduling workflows
  • Calendar sharing works with Nextcloud users, groups, and permissions
  • Works directly inside a Nextcloud instance for unified identity and storage

Cons

  • Calendar experiences depend on the overall Nextcloud setup quality
  • Advanced scheduling automation needs external tooling rather than built-in rules
  • Desktop clients often rely on CalDAV behavior and can vary by client
  • Invitation delivery and notification behavior can require careful server configuration

Best For

Organizations using Nextcloud who need shared calendars and CalDAV interoperability

Official docs verifiedFeature audit 2026Independent reviewAI-verified
3
Zimbra Collaboration Open Source Edition logo

Zimbra Collaboration Open Source Edition

groupware

Zimbra provides calendar scheduling with an open-source collaboration stack that includes groupware features and CalDAV access.

Overall Rating7.5/10
Features
8.0/10
Ease of Use
6.8/10
Value
7.6/10
Standout Feature

Server-side scheduling with shared calendars and invitation handling across web and mobile clients

Zimbra Collaboration Open Source Edition stands out for bundling email, calendar, contacts, and collaboration in one self-hosted stack. The calendar module supports shared calendars, invitations, recurring events, and access via web and mobile clients. Administration covers domain setup, user provisioning, and policy controls across the collaboration suite. Calendar delivery depends on server-side components like the mailbox, directory services, and scheduling services, which require operational upkeep.

Pros

  • Integrated calendar plus shared contacts and email in one admin domain
  • Supports recurring events, invitations, and sharing across multiple users
  • Web and mobile clients provide consistent calendar access
  • Granular domain and user administration for collaboration services

Cons

  • Operational complexity is higher than standalone calendar servers
  • Admin configuration is more technical than lighter sync-focused tools
  • Advanced client and integration workflows can be harder to troubleshoot

Best For

Organizations running self-hosted groupware with shared calendars and invitations

Official docs verifiedFeature audit 2026Independent reviewAI-verified
4
Sogo logo

Sogo

groupware

SOGo is a server that offers CalDAV and CardDAV calendars with web and client access in a unified groupware system.

Overall Rating7.6/10
Features
8.0/10
Ease of Use
7.4/10
Value
7.2/10
Standout Feature

Calendar invitation handling with server-side scheduling and shared calendars

Sogo stands out for delivering a full groupware experience with calendar, contacts, and mail access behind a single web interface. It supports standard calendar formats so shared schedules can integrate with external clients and feeds. Core capabilities include calendar sharing, multi-user agenda views, invitations, and recurring event support for everyday scheduling workflows. It also emphasizes server-side scheduling and access control designed for organizations running on open server infrastructure.

Pros

  • Rich groupware foundation bundles calendar sharing with contacts and email
  • Supports standard calendar interoperability for smoother client integration
  • Recurring events and invitation workflows cover common scheduling needs

Cons

  • Setup and administration take more effort than lightweight calendar apps
  • Modern usability details lag behind newer web-first calendar tools
  • Advanced collaboration features can feel complex to configure

Best For

Organizations needing a self-hosted groupware calendar with server-driven sharing

Official docs verifiedFeature audit 2026Independent reviewAI-verified
Visit Sogosogo.nu
5
Etebase EteSync with EteCalendar logo

Etebase EteSync with EteCalendar

encrypted sync

Etebase provides end-to-end encrypted calendar synchronization via open-source EteSync clients with EteCalendar support.

Overall Rating7.9/10
Features
8.2/10
Ease of Use
7.6/10
Value
7.9/10
Standout Feature

End-to-end encrypted calendar sync through EteSync using EteCalendar clients

Etebase EteSync with EteCalendar stands out for combining encrypted, end-to-end synchronization with an open-source calendar client. It focuses on creating, editing, and syncing standard calendar events across devices using the EteSync backend. The solution emphasizes privacy-first data handling and integrates EteCalendar as the calendar front end for that sync layer. Calendar features cover typical event management with recurring events and shared access via account-driven synchronization.

Pros

  • End-to-end encrypted calendar synchronization with EteSync
  • EteCalendar supports core calendar operations like events and recurring rules
  • Cross-device syncing keeps calendars consistent after edits

Cons

  • Self-hosting setup is more technical than mainstream calendar apps
  • Advanced collaboration and admin workflows are limited compared with enterprise suites
  • Integration paths outside EteSync ecosystem can be less straightforward

Best For

Privacy-focused individuals and small teams needing encrypted calendar syncing

Official docs verifiedFeature audit 2026Independent reviewAI-verified
6
Baïkal logo

Baïkal

CalDAV server

Baïkal is a CalDAV server designed for storing and sharing calendars with support for common calendar operations over HTTP.

Overall Rating7.3/10
Features
7.2/10
Ease of Use
7.0/10
Value
7.6/10
Standout Feature

CalDAV and CardDAV protocol-first synchronization across external calendar clients

Baïkal stands out for running a CalDAV and CardDAV server with a traditional calendar and contact workflow rather than a web-only scheduling widget. It focuses on server-side interoperability for clients that speak standard calendar protocols and it stores events in a backend database. Calendar features center on creating events, managing calendars, and syncing with compatible clients. Administrative setup supports multi-user operation with roles and access controlled through the server.

Pros

  • Uses CalDAV and CardDAV for broad client compatibility
  • Multi-user calendar support with server-side event management
  • Works well for standard protocol-driven synchronization scenarios

Cons

  • Web UI coverage is lighter than full-featured collaboration suites
  • Configuration and troubleshooting require admin-grade comfort
  • Limited advanced scheduling and automation features compared with modern platforms

Best For

Organizations hosting standard-protocol calendars for existing client ecosystems

Official docs verifiedFeature audit 2026Independent reviewAI-verified
Visit Baïkalbaikal-server.com
7
ownCloud Calendar logo

ownCloud Calendar

self-hosted suite

ownCloud Calendar adds calendar management to a self-hosted cloud platform with sync and sharing workflows.

Overall Rating7.7/10
Features
8.0/10
Ease of Use
7.2/10
Value
7.8/10
Standout Feature

CalDAV support for interoperability across external clients and server-side integrations

ownCloud Calendar stands out as a self-hosted calendar app that integrates with the ownCloud stack for shared calendars, events, and feeds. It supports standard calendar interoperability with CalDAV so external clients and server-to-server sync can work without proprietary formats. The solution adds collaboration features like shared calendars and permissions that fit multi-user deployments. Administration and data ownership stay in the organization’s control through on-premises operation.

Pros

  • CalDAV compatibility supports common calendar clients and federation workflows
  • Shared calendars and access controls support team scheduling without manual exports
  • Self-hosted deployment keeps event data inside the organization boundary
  • Integration with ownCloud files and identity works well for unified collaboration

Cons

  • Setup and upgrades require administrator time and familiarity with ownCloud deployments
  • Advanced scheduling features like resource booking are limited compared with dedicated systems
  • Web UI options for power-user workflows feel less polished than leading commercial calendars
  • Cross-platform calendar sync reliability depends on client CalDAV behavior

Best For

Organizations running ownCloud that need self-hosted CalDAV calendar sharing

Official docs verifiedFeature audit 2026Independent reviewAI-verified
8
Kolab logo

Kolab

groupware

Kolab groupware includes calendaring with server-side scheduling and open protocols for shared collaboration.

Overall Rating8.0/10
Features
8.3/10
Ease of Use
7.4/10
Value
8.2/10
Standout Feature

Kolab shared calendars with server-side access control

Kolab stands out with a full collaboration suite approach that pairs calendaring with email, contacts, and shared resources. Its calendar supports iCalendar standards and typical group scheduling workflows with shared calendars and access controls. Admin deployments can integrate with existing identity and infrastructure using a self-hosted model. The result targets organizations that need predictable server-side behavior and control over calendaring data.

Pros

  • Self-hosted Kolab server delivers consistent calendar behavior for organizations
  • Shared calendars support group scheduling with practical permission models
  • Uses standard iCalendar data formats for interoperability with other clients

Cons

  • Setup and upgrades require deeper Linux and mail-collaboration expertise
  • Web calendar experience is functional but less polished than leading hosted suites
  • Advanced features can involve more configuration than lightweight calendar apps

Best For

Organizations needing self-hosted group calendars with standard interoperability

Official docs verifiedFeature audit 2026Independent reviewAI-verified
Visit Kolabkolab.org
9
Eventum logo

Eventum

event scheduling

Eventum is an open-source event and calendar tracking tool that supports event scheduling, calendars, and participation workflows.

Overall Rating8.1/10
Features
8.3/10
Ease of Use
7.6/10
Value
8.2/10
Standout Feature

Event recurrence rules with calendar generation for repeating schedules

Eventum stands out as an open source event and calendar system built around full event lifecycle management rather than only booking. It supports recurring events, multi-event calendars, and configurable registration and notifications for attendees. The application includes an admin workflow for moderating and publishing events, with roles and permissions that fit team publishing scenarios. As a calendar solution, it focuses on event visibility and operations, not on deep contact CRM or native video conferencing.

Pros

  • Event-first model with rich recurrence and calendar views
  • Admin workflow supports role-based event publishing
  • Notifications and attendee registration streamline event operations

Cons

  • UI feels less modern than mainstream calendar products
  • Setup and maintenance require more technical familiarity
  • Calendar integrations are limited versus dedicated scheduling suites

Best For

Organizations needing open calendar publishing with recurring events and registration

Official docs verifiedFeature audit 2026Independent reviewAI-verified
Visit Eventumeventum.io
10
Lutece Event logo

Lutece Event

CMS module

Lutece Event is an open-source module for event scheduling and calendar management within the Lutece platform.

Overall Rating7.1/10
Features
7.2/10
Ease of Use
6.6/10
Value
7.4/10
Standout Feature

Configurable event registration forms within Lutece Event listings

Lutece Event focuses on event-centric scheduling with registration workflows inside a larger Lutece application stack. It supports creating events, managing dates and venues, and collecting participant information through configurable forms. The solution integrates into the Lutece CMS ecosystem, which makes it strong for organizations already running Lutece sites. Calendar exports exist through standard event listings, but dedicated calendar-client features like advanced two-way synchronization are limited.

Pros

  • Event registration workflows are built for participant collection and attendance tracking
  • Works well inside the Lutece CMS ecosystem with shared components and theming
  • Supports structured event metadata like dates, venues, and descriptive content

Cons

  • Calendar-specific management tools are less comprehensive than dedicated scheduling suites
  • Administration setup can be heavy due to Lutece module configuration needs
  • Two-way sync capabilities with external calendar clients are limited

Best For

Organizations using Lutece that need event management and registrations on site

Official docs verifiedFeature audit 2026Independent reviewAI-verified
Visit Lutece Eventlutece.paris.fr

Conclusion

After evaluating 10 technology digital media, Radicale stands out as our overall top pick — it scored highest across our combined criteria of features, ease of use, and value, which is why it sits at #1 in the rankings above.

Radicale logo
Our Top Pick
Radicale

Use the comparison table and detailed reviews above to validate the fit against your own requirements before committing to a tool.

How to Choose the Right Opensource Calendar Software

This buyer's guide explains how to choose open-source calendar software by mapping real capabilities to planning needs across Radicale, Nextcloud Calendar, Zimbra Collaboration Open Source Edition, SOGo, Etebase EteSync with EteCalendar, Baïkal, ownCloud Calendar, Kolab, Eventum, and Lutece Event. The guide covers protocol-first CalDAV servers, groupware calendars with invitations, end-to-end encrypted sync, and event-centric scheduling with registrations.

What Is Opensource Calendar Software?

Open-source calendar software is a self-hosted or self-controlled system that creates, stores, and shares calendar events using standard protocols or web and client integrations. It solves scheduling coordination needs like multi-user calendars, recurring events, and event visibility across devices. Tools like Radicale and Baïkal focus on CalDAV and CardDAV syncing so existing calendar clients can create and update events with minimal overhead. Tools like Nextcloud Calendar and ownCloud Calendar embed calendaring into an existing cloud identity and sharing model using CalDAV for interoperability.

Key Features to Look For

These features determine whether the calendar behaves like a simple sync service, a collaborative group calendar, or an event publishing and registration system.

  • Protocol-first CalDAV and CardDAV interoperability

    Radicale exposes calendar data via a CalDAV-first design so standard calendar clients can manage events using familiar sync workflows. Baïkal also runs CalDAV and CardDAV with a protocol-first approach so external clients can connect consistently.

  • Web and mobile collaboration with invitations

    Nextcloud Calendar includes a web UI and supports event invitations and recurring events for shared scheduling. Zimbra Collaboration Open Source Edition and SOGo both include shared calendars plus invitation handling across web and mobile clients.

  • Shared calendars with access control

    Kolab provides shared calendars with server-side access control that supports practical group scheduling permission models. Nextcloud Calendar and ownCloud Calendar align calendar sharing with the underlying user and group permissions model from their cloud platforms.

  • Server-side scheduling behavior and event lifecycle

    Zimbra Collaboration Open Source Edition and SOGo rely on server-side scheduling components to handle invitations and recurring event workflows. Eventum takes an event lifecycle approach that emphasizes event publishing operations like attendee registration and notification workflows.

  • End-to-end encrypted calendar synchronization

    Etebase EteSync with EteCalendar delivers end-to-end encrypted calendar synchronization through the EteSync backend. This pairing focuses on keeping event edits consistent across devices while using EteCalendar as the calendar client interface.

  • Event-centric management with registrations and forms

    Lutece Event builds event scheduling inside the Lutece ecosystem and uses configurable forms to collect participant information. Eventum complements this with recurring event scheduling and configurable registration and notifications for attendees.

How to Choose the Right Opensource Calendar Software

The best choice depends on whether the requirement is CalDAV syncing, collaborative group scheduling with invitations, encrypted sync, or event publishing with registration workflows.

  • Start with the integration model: CalDAV sync or web-first collaboration

    For teams that want calendars to sync using standard calendar clients, Radicale and Baïkal are built around CalDAV and CardDAV access that avoids a heavyweight web scheduling workflow. For organizations that want scheduling inside an existing cloud app experience, Nextcloud Calendar and ownCloud Calendar provide web access with CalDAV interoperability.

  • Match collaboration requirements to server-side invitation and sharing features

    If invitations and shared schedules must work across users with recurring event workflows, Nextcloud Calendar, Zimbra Collaboration Open Source Edition, and SOGo provide invitation handling and shared calendar capabilities. If group permissions need to be enforced with practical server-side control, Kolab’s shared calendars with access control fit group scheduling permission models.

  • Choose privacy and threat model based on encryption expectations

    If end-to-end encryption for calendar sync is a requirement, Etebase EteSync with EteCalendar provides encrypted, privacy-first synchronization via the EteSync backend. For organizations that prioritize standard client compatibility over encrypted sync layers, Radicale and Baïkal focus on CalDAV and CardDAV compatibility.

  • Decide whether this is a groupware calendar or an event publishing system

    For organizations running full collaboration stacks, Zimbra Collaboration Open Source Edition and SOGo combine calendars with broader groupware foundations and server-side scheduling behavior. For teams that need event visibility, recurring schedule generation, and attendee registration operations, Eventum and Lutece Event are designed around event lifecycle and participant workflows.

  • Plan around admin workload and UI expectations

    Radicale keeps deployment lightweight with a minimal component surface and a configuration approach that suits sync-first setups rather than event browsing in a web UI. Nextcloud Calendar and ownCloud Calendar rely on the overall quality of the existing Nextcloud or ownCloud deployment for web experiences, while Zimbra Collaboration Open Source Edition and SOGo require more operational upkeep due to server-side collaboration components.

Who Needs Opensource Calendar Software?

Open-source calendar software fits different organizational goals, from simple sync for small teams to fully managed shared scheduling for groups and enterprises.

  • Self-hosted individuals and small teams needing low-complexity CalDAV sync

    Radicale is the best fit because it is a lightweight CalDAV server that stores calendar data in a filesystem or database and supports multi-user access with minimal moving parts. Baïkal is also a strong option because it provides CalDAV and CardDAV synchronization over HTTP for existing calendar client ecosystems.

  • Organizations already running Nextcloud and need collaborative calendars

    Nextcloud Calendar is the match because it turns a Nextcloud installation into a shared calendaring system with a web UI, per-user calendars, and event invitations. It also supports CalDAV federation so standard calendar clients can sync with external servers.

  • Organizations running self-hosted groupware with invitations and shared calendars

    Zimbra Collaboration Open Source Edition fits because it bundles email, calendar, contacts, and collaboration with shared calendars, invitations, and recurring events across web and mobile clients. SOGo fits the same groupware direction by combining calendar, contacts, and mail access behind a single web interface with server-side invitation handling.

  • Privacy-focused teams that require end-to-end encrypted calendar synchronization

    Etebase EteSync with EteCalendar fits because it provides end-to-end encrypted calendar sync via EteSync while using EteCalendar for core event creation, editing, and recurring rules. This approach targets encrypted synchronization rather than wide groupware collaboration depth.

  • Organizations that need standard interoperability for shared calendars using groupware-style control

    Kolab fits because it provides shared calendars with server-side access control using standard iCalendar data formats. It targets predictable server-side behavior and control for group scheduling across clients.

  • Organizations running ownCloud and want self-hosted CalDAV calendar sharing

    ownCloud Calendar fits because it integrates calendar management into a self-hosted ownCloud stack and supports CalDAV interoperability for external clients and server-to-server sync.

  • Teams that need calendar-like event operations with registrations and notification workflows

    Eventum fits because it centers on event lifecycle management with recurring events, multi-event calendars, and configurable registration and notifications for attendees. Lutece Event fits organizations already running Lutece sites because it provides event scheduling and configurable participant information forms inside the Lutece CMS ecosystem.

  • Organizations hosting standard-protocol calendars for existing client ecosystems

    Baïkal fits because it focuses on CalDAV and CardDAV protocol-first synchronization with database-backed event storage and multi-user roles. Radicale also fits this interoperability model with CalDAV-first endpoints and predictable backup strategies.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

The most frequent failures come from mismatching client capabilities to server focus, expecting groupware automation from protocol-first servers, or underestimating admin and operational complexity in full collaboration stacks.

  • Expecting a sync-first CalDAV server to provide a full web scheduling experience

    Radicale is built as a CalDAV server with minimal web overhead and no native web interface for browsing or editing events, so event editing must be done through CalDAV-capable clients. Baïkal also prioritizes protocol-based synchronization and provides lighter web UI coverage than full collaboration suites.

  • Choosing groupware features without allocating operational effort for server-side components

    Zimbra Collaboration Open Source Edition and SOGo depend on server-side components like mailbox and scheduling services that need operational upkeep. These systems can be harder to troubleshoot for advanced client and integration workflows than standalone sync-focused tools like Radicale.

  • Assuming encryption layers will be available in every open-source calendar stack

    Etebase EteSync with EteCalendar is the open-source option among these tools that specifically emphasizes end-to-end encrypted calendar synchronization. Radicale, Baïkal, and Kolab focus on protocol interoperability and shared access control rather than end-to-end encrypted sync.

  • Picking a collaboration calendar when the real need is event publishing with registrations

    Eventum and Lutece Event are designed around recurring event operations, registration workflows, and participant information collection. Zimbra Collaboration Open Source Edition and SOGo provide shared calendars and invitations, but they are not built for event publication moderation and registration workflows like Eventum.

How We Selected and Ranked These Tools

We evaluated every tool on three sub-dimensions and calculated the overall rating as overall = 0.40 × features + 0.30 × ease of use + 0.30 × value. Features scored how well each calendar system implemented capabilities like CalDAV support, invitations, shared calendars, end-to-end encrypted sync, or event publishing and registration workflows. Ease of use scored how straightforward deployment and day-to-day operation felt for typical calendar usage paths. Value scored how well the implemented capabilities fit the intended self-hosting audience. Radicale separated itself with a concrete features advantage by delivering a CalDAV-first, lightweight architecture with file or database storage options and minimal web overhead that keeps core calendar sync behavior predictable.

Frequently Asked Questions About Opensource Calendar Software

Which open-source calendar options expose data via standard protocols for full client sync?

Radicale provides CalDAV access to calendars with minimal server overhead. Baïkal also runs a CalDAV and CardDAV server built for interoperability with external calendar clients. Kolab and ownCloud Calendar add CalDAV support in their respective self-hosted stacks to keep standard clients working.

What tool best fits shared calendars with web and mobile access inside an existing cloud stack?

Nextcloud Calendar turns a Nextcloud deployment into a shared calendaring system with web and mobile access. ownCloud Calendar offers similar shared calendar capabilities inside the ownCloud ecosystem using CalDAV interoperability for external clients.

Which software is strongest for server-side invitation handling and group scheduling workflows?

Zimbra Collaboration Open Source Edition handles invitations and recurring events through its server-side collaboration suite components. Sogo focuses on server-driven scheduling with invitation handling and multi-user agenda views behind a single web interface.

Which platform is designed for end-to-end encrypted calendar synchronization across devices?

Etebase EteSync with EteCalendar centers on encrypted, end-to-end synchronization using the EteSync backend. EteCalendar acts as the open-source calendar client front end that creates and edits standard calendar events while syncing them securely.

Which calendar solution works well for organizations that already run a groupware stack beyond scheduling?

Kolab pairs calendaring with email, contacts, and shared resources under one collaboration suite model. Zimbra Collaboration Open Source Edition bundles email, calendar, contacts, and collaboration so calendaring stays consistent with the rest of the groupware.

Which option is better for teams that publish events with registration and attendee lifecycle management?

Eventum is built around the full event lifecycle, including recurring events, registration configuration, and attendee notifications. Lutece Event supports event-centric scheduling with participant collection through configurable forms inside the Lutece ecosystem.

Which tools support multi-calendar setups and fine-grained sharing controls for multiple users?

Radicale supports multiple calendars and access control patterns via server-side configuration alongside CalDAV CRUD. Nextcloud Calendar uses Nextcloud permissions to share calendars across users and groups. Baïkal also supports multi-user operation with roles and server-controlled access.

Which software is a good fit for organizations that want web-based group scheduling without a separate CalDAV-first approach?

Sogo provides a complete groupware calendar experience behind one web interface with invitations, recurring events, and agenda views. Nextcloud Calendar also supports web scheduling while still using CalDAV for interoperability with standard clients.

What common deployment issue tends to appear when integrating calendar clients with CalDAV servers?

CalDAV servers rely on correct authentication and calendar discovery, which is why Radicale setups emphasize a small number of components for sync-focused storage. Baïkal and ownCloud Calendar similarly depend on standard protocol compatibility, so client-side sync failures often come from mismatched CalDAV endpoints or incorrect credentials rather than calendar formatting.

Keep exploring

FOR SOFTWARE VENDORS

Not on this list? Let’s fix that.

Our best-of pages are how many teams discover and compare tools in this space. If you think your product belongs in this lineup, we’d like to hear from you—we’ll walk you through fit and what an editorial entry looks like.

Apply for a Listing

WHAT THIS INCLUDES

  • Where buyers compare

    Readers come to these pages to shortlist software—your product shows up in that moment, not in a random sidebar.

  • Editorial write-up

    We describe your product in our own words and check the facts before anything goes live.

  • On-page brand presence

    You appear in the roundup the same way as other tools we cover: name, positioning, and a clear next step for readers who want to learn more.

  • Kept up to date

    We refresh lists on a regular rhythm so the category page stays useful as products and pricing change.