Comparison
Homie vs Apple Calendar & Reminders
An Honest Comparison
Apple Calendar and Reminders are beautifully designed, deeply integrated into iOS and macOS, and free. If your family is all-Apple, they're a natural choice. But for families, there are gaps — no meal planning, no structured routines, and everyone needs their own Apple ID.
Homie was built specifically for families. One shared account, works on any device, and features designed for how families actually coordinate — calendars, tasks, routines, recipes, and meal planning in one place.
See how Homie compares to other family organizers
At a Glance
What if Dad has Android?
Apple Calendar works beautifully — if everyone has an iPhone. But mixed-device families are common. Maybe Dad prefers Android. Maybe the kids have hand-me-down devices. Maybe you want a tablet on the wall that isn't an iPad.
Homie works everywhere — iPhone, Android, web browser, any tablet. One shared account means everyone sees the same family calendar, regardless of what device they're holding.
Calendar
Tasks & Lists
Apple Reminders has powerful features like location-based alerts and smart lists. But sharing requires everyone to have Apple devices and Apple IDs. Homie's lists can be shared with anyone via link — babysitters, grandparents, even someone without a smartphone.
Routines & Chores
Apple has no concept of routines. You can create recurring reminders, but there's no way to group "Morning routine" into brush teeth, pack backpack, grab lunch as a checklist that resets each day. Homie's routines are built for the repetitive rhythms of family life.
Meals & Recipes
Apple offers no meal planning, recipe storage, or integrated shopping lists. You'd need separate apps — none of which integrate with Calendar or Reminders. Homie keeps meals, recipes, and shopping lists connected to your family calendar.
Design & Experience
Only in Homie
Features Apple Calendar & Reminders don't have:
Works on any device
iPhone, Android, Windows, any web browser. Mixed-device families welcome. Apple requires Apple devices for full functionality.
One shared account
No per-person Apple IDs needed. Open the app and everyone sees the same family calendar. Like a whiteboard on the fridge.
Routines with checklists
Structured morning routines, chore lists, medication reminders. Not just repeating tasks — organized checklists that reset daily.
Meal planning & recipes
Plan meals on the calendar, store recipes, generate shopping lists. All integrated, not scattered across apps.
Public list sharing
Share lists with anyone via link — babysitters, grandparents, neighbors. No Apple ID required.
Unified agenda
Events, meals, routines, and tasks in one view. See your whole day at a glance.
Only in Apple
Being fair — here's what Apple Calendar & Reminders offer that Homie doesn't:
Free with Apple devices
No subscription, no cost — just part of iOS and macOS. Homie has a 30-day free trial, then costs $1.50/user/month.
Siri integration
"Hey Siri, remind me to pick up milk when I leave work." Voice control for hands-free scheduling.
Location-based reminders
Get reminded when you arrive or leave a location. "Remind me when I get home" just works.
Travel time alerts
Automatically calculates when to leave based on traffic. Homie doesn't have traffic-aware reminders.
Natural language input
Type "Dinner with Mom Friday 7pm" and it creates the event. Apple parses natural language beautifully.
Native iOS/macOS experience
Deep system integration, widgets, Focus modes, Apple Watch. Feels like part of your device, not an app.
Pricing Comparison
Apple is free, and for all-Apple families it's a great calendar. But Apple is a calendar — not a family organizer. If you have mixed devices, need meal planning, want structured routines, or prefer one shared account, Homie fills those gaps.
Ready to organize your family?
Try Homie free and see how simple family organization can be.