ShareAvailability vs Microsoft Bookings
Microsoft 365 booking pages versus Google-Calendar-based plain-text availability.
Microsoft Bookings is Microsoft’s appointment-booking tool for organizations on Microsoft 365. Customers or colleagues typically book through a Bookings page tied into Outlook/Exchange-style calendars.
ShareAvailability is not a Microsoft product and does not provide a Bookings-style page. It connects to Google Calendar and produces plain text. Recipients on Outlook can still reply to that text without joining a booking workflow.
Use Microsoft Bookings when you want self-serve appointments inside Microsoft 365. Use ShareAvailability when you use Google Calendar and want pasteable free times in any message.
Side-by-side
| Feature | ShareAvailability | Microsoft Bookings |
|---|---|---|
| Calendar ecosystem | Google Calendar (generator side) | Microsoft 365 / Outlook-oriented booking |
| Interface | Plain text in email/chat | Bookings page |
| Recipient requirement | Read and reply | Open the booking page and select a time |
| Org fit | Individuals and teams on Google Calendar | Teams standardized on Microsoft 365 booking |
| Creates appointments | No | Yes, through the Bookings flow |
| Price (high level) | Free core product | Tied to Microsoft 365 licensing — see Microsoft for eligibility and plans |
When ShareAvailability fits
- Your calendar of record is Google Calendar.
- You are emailing someone on Outlook but only need to list free times.
- A Bookings page would be overkill for a one-off thread.
When Microsoft Bookings fits better
- Your organization runs appointment booking through Microsoft 365.
- You need staff, services, or buffer rules managed in Bookings.
- Customers expect a Microsoft-hosted booking page.
Frequently asked questions
Can ShareAvailability replace Microsoft Bookings?
Not for Microsoft 365 booking workflows. It can replace manually typing your free times when you are on Google Calendar.
I use Google Calendar but email Outlook users — what should I send?
Plain-text times work well. Outlook recipients can check their calendar and reply without opening a Google or Microsoft booking page.
Does ShareAvailability connect to Outlook Calendar?
Not natively today — Google Calendar on the person generating availability. Recipients can use any mail client, including Outlook.
Is Bookings the same as a meeting poll?
No. Bookings is appointment booking. Group polls (for example FindTime or other poll tools) solve multi-person voting — a different problem from publishing your own free times.
Just need pasteable free times?
Connect Google Calendar, generate plain text, paste anywhere. The other person does not need a link or account.
Sign in with Google