Tag: Outlook Calendar Android

Best Outlook Calendar Synching Options

| July 23, 2026

Best Outlook Calendar Synching Options

Hi folks, below is a list of all the calendar synching options I can think of. These work with Outlook Classic. New Outlook has a completely different way of synching, so that will be for another time.

While I go through the list, I’ll also explain some calendar types you might have now and those options that come with.

Top of the list is of course, Microsoft Exchange

This type of account offers the best calendars in my opinion; it has so many benefits and is really worth the price. Besides just running smoothly in Outlook, it has all the functions of a PST file, but is better. Exchange allows the categories, colors, fields, sharing permissions, and many options that beat any other calendar. It also fully synchronizes with phones and other computers, iPad, tablets, etc.

IMAP (This computer only) calendars has less options

(This computer only) calendars are by far the worst calendar (natively only on your computer) and can often get deleted when someone deletes that Outlook profile it’s connected to. The file that manages the calendar is in an “OST” and can only be exported out via Outlook’s import/export feature. These files are extremely hard to back up and aren’t usually in any backup programs at all. OST files typically aren’t backed up by online programs like Carbonite, iDrive, etc. (you should check to see if these are). If you have IMAP now and want to have Exchange, please schedule time to chat about your migration.

The only solid option I know of is download Gsyncit from Fieldston. It is only for GMail IMAP users. Other folks with let’s say BlueHost, Network Solutions have to find something else. Some of my clients opt to use iCloud (read below) or move to Exchange.

POP/PST

These calendars in the PST are way better than the IMAP “This computer only” as they have most of the functions that the Exchange calendar has and the data is in a local PST file that can be backed up by online program, but they don’t have any synching options. iCloud is the best option if you have an iPhone. Gsyncit can be used if you have Gmail. Companion Link is a product I still see out in the wild.

iCloud calendars

This is the type of account I use for folks that have many different email types and have an iPhone and want to see and use their iPhone iCloud calendars.

Gmail users

I have a 3rd party program that I use to help sync Gmail IMAP and POP users with their Gmail calendars. The name is Gsyncit from Fieldston. It’s affordable and works great with (this computer only) and POP calendars.

I have a supporting podcast that goes more in depth if you want to listen (link below). Here are the simple explanations though, I cover these when I help clients who have calendar issues. If you want to synch your Outlook calendar and contacts with your phone, I can help with many options.

If you need my help, please use the link below to get in contact