Everblog HomeCal Digital Calendar, a Subscription-Free Skylight Alternative, Is on Sale
A Wired reviewer names the 21.5-inch Everblog HomeCal the best subscription-free alternative to the Skylight digital calendar, now $100 off at Amazon.
Nena Farrell, a gadget tester at the technology magazine Wired, has called the digital wall calendar one of her most useful devices this year. These gadgets pull data from popular calendar apps such as Google Calendar, iCal and Outlook and show it on a physical screen, so users do not need to take out a phone. The Everblog HomeCal, a 21.5-inch model she reviewed, is currently on sale and is presented as an alternative to the popular Skylight calendar.
What these devices do
Several calendars can be combined on a single device, for example personal, work, a spouse's and a child's school calendar. Many models also work as household chore trackers, digital photo frames and meal planners. One model even pays children an allowance based on completed chores.
The author has tried five different digital calendars this year. She regards Skylight as an enduring favorite for overall experience, but two of her favorite features, the photo screensaver and meal planning, sit behind a paywall.
Everblog HomeCal features
According to the author, the HomeCal offers a very similar experience to Skylight, but all features are available without a subscription. The device has tabs for chores, to-dos, rewards for completing them, and meal planning. Calendars and family member profiles are set up through the companion app.
Photo uploads are slower than on Skylight, since only one image can be added at a time. The author also notes that the device lacks a voice assistant, though almost no digital calendars offer one.
The screen is large, but she found it easy to place at home. A wall-mounting kit is included, and the flat base lets it stand on a tabletop. For a more stable setup she recommends a $39 stand, and wood frames cost $99. Neither accessory is discounted.
The calendar currently costs $300 at Amazon, which is $100 off, while the manufacturer's own website offers $50 off.
