Sep 1, 2016 7:00 AM

Alas, the Sunrise App's Dead—But Try These 7 Other Calendars

With Sunrise finally off in the sunset, try one of these calendar apps instead.

Featured in this article

Image may contain Text Computer Hardware Electronics Computer Keyboard Hardware Keyboard Computer and Text Message

Image may contain Electronics Phone Mobile Phone Cell Phone and Text

Image may contain Electronics Phone Cell Phone Mobile Phone Human Person Iphone and Text

We knew this day was coming. No, literally; Microsoft said it was going to shutter Sunrise nearly a year ago, after it bought the popular calendar app for over $100 million. Some of the app's features have been absorbed into Outlook, others are now just pixels fading to black. But don't fret! This may be the first morning without Sunrise, but there are plenty of other darn good calendar apps to get you through the day.

Flexibits
Fantastical 2
The crazy-powerful Mac calendar app lives on your iPhone and iPad as well. Sure, it's five dollars (on sale now for $3), but it's pretty great! It works with Google Calendar, Outlook, and Exchange, but what sets it apart is a slick design, and clever tricks like understanding natural-language event entries ("two o'clock picnic with the colonel" gets the job done). The only real snag is that it's iOS only, and you'll need to buy it separately for iPhone and iPad. ([iOS](https://itunes.apple.com/us/app/fantastical-2-calendars-reminders/id718043190?mt=8))
Google
Google Calendar
Sorry, I know, this is an obvious pick. But you know what? It's also dependable, cross-platform, and free. If you use Gmail, it'll automatically pull in helpful information like upcoming flights. It's not a flashy choice, but it offers clean, easily digestible views of your upcoming events. Besides, maybe don't go looking for flashy from your calendar app in the first place. ([iOS](https://itunes.apple.com/us/app/google-calendar/id909319292?mt=8), [Android](https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.google.android.calendar&hl=en))

Readdle
Calendars 5
Another paid, iOS-only pick, but also another calendar app that's worth it. Calendars 5 has natural language and drag-and-drop support, integrates with your iPhone's Calendar and Reminders apps as well as Google Calendar, lets you fine-tune reminders, and looks good doing it. It's $7 (eep) but it's also universal, meaning one purchase covers you for iPhone and iPad alike. ([iOS](https://itunes.apple.com/app/calendars-5/id697927927?mt=8&ign-mpt=uo%3D4))
Any.do
Cal
Let's get cross-platform! Cal is as solid an app as it is a name for a sporty uncle. If you use Any.do as a to-do list, then this is a no-brainer; it's the same developer, and the two integrate seamlessly. Even if not, though, Cal offers some clever tricks, like suggesting contacts to invite based on an event's name. Its design can be photo-heavy, but it's mostly clear and communicative. And it's free. ([iOS](http://hastrk3.com/serve?action=click&publisher_id=45634&site_id=44678&offer_id=270924), [Android](http://hastrk3.com/serve?action=click&publisher_id=45634&site_id=44396&offer_id=270424))

Digical
DigiCal
Here's one for the Android folks! And it really is something. Seven different calendar views, six different customizable widgets, 42 colors to play with, purchasable bonus calendars with sporting events, TV shows, holidays, and more, a built-in weather forecast upgrade, Google Now integration, and that's just for starters. If you're inclined to tinker, this is your calendar, full stop. There's a free version with ads, or you can fork over five bucks to go ad-free and unlock a few otherwise paid features. ([Android](https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.digibites.calendar&))
SolStudio
SolCalendar
One underrated benefit of Sunrise? It actually looked good. That's harder than it might seem (apparently) for a calendar app. SolCalendar captures some of that aesthetic appeal without skimping on features; it's got Google Maps, Google Tasks, and Foursquare integration, a lunar calendar, weather forecasts, and free stickers (nowhere on your phone is safe from stickers) A lot of apps offer pieces of that, for an upcharge. On SolCalendar, it's all free. ([Android](https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=net.daum.android.solcalendar&hl=en))

Microsoft
Outlook
You can resent Outlook for being the tangential cause of Sunrise's demise, but Outlook also offers the most Sunrise-like experience out there. Besides which, it's actually a pretty great email app no matter what platform you're on. Go figure! ([iOS](https://itunes.apple.com/app/id951937596?mt=8), [Android](https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.microsoft.office.outlook))

Comments

Brian Barrett is the executive editor of WIRED. Previously he was the editor in chief of the tech and culture site Gizmodo and was a business reporter for the Yomiuri Shimbun, Japan’s largest daily newspaper. ... Read More

Executive Editor

TopicsApps

Is the Electric Trike the Next Big Thing in Shared Micromobility?

Veo is launching accessibility-focused electric tricycles in Denver, with plans to put its e-trikes on the streets nationwide.

Boone Ashworth

What WIRED Writers Would Actually Give Their Moms

Your mom never gets you a thoughtless gift, so you shouldn’t get her one, either. Here’s every cool gift WIRED writers would give their mothers.

Nena Farrell

Which Apple Watch Should You Buy?

Should you splurge on the new Series 11, or will the SE 3 do? Let us help you figure out which version to get (and which to avoid).

Boutayna Chokrane

12 Adventurous Gifts for Hikers, Backpackers, and Outdoorsy People

Let them pick out their own hiking boots. Instead, try gifting a useful blade or a nature journal to delight your outdoorsy friend.

Scott Gilbertson

A Two-Person Startup Has Fixed One of the Most Hated Sounds in Modern Life

Beeeep. Beeeep. Beeeeeeeeeeeeeeeep.

Jeremy White

Can the New York Times Save Journalism From Our AI Overlords?

In 2023, the Times sued OpenAI and Microsoft for copyright infringement. They’ve since spent more than $20 million on the case, and publisher A.G. Sulzberger has no plans to stop fighting it.

Katie Drummond

Silicon Valley’s Next IPO Billionaires Are Coming. Nonprofits Are Ready for Them

Anthropic and OpenAI employees are expected to give generously after their companies go public. “It’s going to be a wild ride,” says one nonprofit leader.

Paresh Dave

The Dyson V16 Piston Animal Can Do It All

Dyson’s new stick vacuum can vacuum and mop in a single cordless device—if you’re willing to really splurge.

Nena Farrell

‘They’re Fucking a Lot of People’: 7-OH Users Brace for DEA Ban

The opioid-like compound, which is found in kratom, can cause brutal withdrawal symptoms and will soon be a controlled substance. Some users tell WIRED it has relieved their pain and anxiety.

Manisha Krishnan

An Extreme Solar Storm May Be Even More Devastating Than Previously Imagined

Scientists have long assumed that there’s an upper limit to the intensity of the solar winds that reach Earth. New research suggests there’s not—and the implications are alarming.

Javier Carbajal

Hugging Face Has a Deepfake Nudes Problem

Researchers tested top image editing models on Hugging Face and found they could easily create explicit deepfakes—and 1,000 image editing prompts show how people use the software.

Matt Burgess