Updated for 2026

Top FET Timetable Alternativesto Consider in 2026

Exploring alternatives to FET? Compare popular school scheduling solutions with cloud-based access and modern features.

Alternatives Compared

2026

Updated Guide

Web

Based Options

Quick Answer: A Popular FET Alternative

TimetableMaster is a popular FET alternative in 2026. FET (Free Timetabling Software) is free open-source software under GNU AGPL license that generates timetables using constraint-based algorithms (based on publicly available information). TimetableMaster offers a modern cloud-based interface with AI-assisted scheduling designed to help reduce conflicts, used by thousands of schools globally.

FET is a capable and actively maintained open-source tool. For schools seeking cloud-based scheduling with web and mobile access, TimetableMaster provides an alternative approach with a free tier. Used by schools across North America, Europe, Asia-Pacific, Africa, and Latin America.

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Who This Page Helps

K-12 schools and school districts worldwide
Secondary schools, academies, and international schools
Public and private institutions across multiple education systems (GDPR compliant for EU schools)
Universities, colleges, and vocational institutes
Schools following national, international, IB, Cambridge, and local curricula

What is FET?

FET (Free Timetabling Software) is an open-source automatic timetable generator released under the GNU AGPL v3 license. It has been a popular choice for schools and universities looking for a free scheduling solution (based on publicly available information).

The software uses a constraint-based algorithm to generate timetables automatically. Processing times may vary depending on the complexity of the schedule and constraints configured (based on publicly available information).

FET is free and reported to be actively maintained. It is a desktop application without web or mobile access, and relies on community-based support through forums (based on publicly available information). Some schools also explore cloud-based alternatives that may suit different needs.

FET free timetabling software desktop interface

FET interface (screenshot for reference)

Top 5 FET Alternatives in 2026

We've compared popular alternatives based on ease of use, modern features, web access, and publicly available information.

Featured Alternative

TimetableMaster

Popular Cloud-Based Alternative

A cloud-based scheduling platform used by thousands of schools, colleges, and universities globally. Designed to help reduce scheduling conflicts with AI-assisted optimization and an intuitive web interface accessible from any device.

Strengths

AI-assisted scheduling designed to reduce conflicts
Modern, intuitive web-based interface
No technical setup required
Free tier available for smaller schools
Mobile-responsive — access from any device
Cloud sync and real-time collaboration
GDPR compliant for European schools

Considerations

Requires internet connection

Pricing: Free tier available; region-friendly pricing for schools worldwide

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PrimeTimetable

Web-Based Option

A web-based scheduling tool with a visual drag-and-drop interface for creating school timetables (based on publicly available information).

Strengths

Web-based access
Visual drag-and-drop interface
Accessible without technical expertise

Considerations

Does not include AI-assisted scheduling
Primarily manual scheduling workflow
Subscription-based pricing

Pricing: Subscription-based (check vendor website for details)

ascTimetables

Desktop Alternative

A desktop-based scheduling software with automatic timetable generation features. Reported to be used by many schools in various countries (based on publicly available information).

Strengths

Automatic timetable generation
Works offline after installation
Established track record

Considerations

Desktop installation required
No cloud sync or web access
Separate mobile access approach
Paid license required

Pricing: One-time license (check vendor website for current pricing)

Untis

Established European Option

An established timetabling software widely used in European schools, offering scheduling and substitution management features (based on publicly available information).

Strengths

Feature-rich scheduling capabilities
Strong presence in European markets
Substitution management

Considerations

May require more onboarding time
Primarily desktop-based
Pricing varies; contact vendor for details
Feature-rich interface with a learning curve

Pricing: Contact vendor for pricing

TimeTabler

UK-Focused Solution

Timetabling software designed with a focus on UK schools and their scheduling requirements (based on publicly available information).

Strengths

Designed for UK curriculum requirements
Established customer support
Integration with UK school systems

Considerations

UK-focused features may not suit other regions
Desktop installation required
Contact vendor for current pricing

Pricing: Contact vendor for pricing

Why Some Schools Explore FET Alternatives

Common reasons why educational institutions consider different scheduling solutions in 2026.

Cloud & Mobile Access

FET is a desktop application without web or mobile access (based on publicly available information). Some schools prefer cloud-based tools like TimetableMaster that allow access from any device without manual file transfers.

Scheduling Speed Preferences

FET's processing time can vary depending on schedule complexity (based on publicly available information). TimetableMaster uses AI-assisted scheduling designed to generate optimized timetables efficiently.

Ease of Setup

FET is a capable tool that may require some technical knowledge to configure constraints effectively (based on publicly available information). Cloud-based alternatives like TimetableMaster are designed for ease of use without specialized IT expertise.

Support Options

As open-source software, FET relies on community-based support (based on publicly available information). Some schools prefer commercial alternatives that offer dedicated customer support and documentation.

Quick Comparison: FET vs TimetableMaster

Feature	FET	TimetableMaster
Platform	Desktop (Win/Linux/macOS)	Web, Mobile App & Desktop
Generation	Constraint-based algorithm	AI-assisted optimization
Interface	Traditional desktop	Modern web-based
Setup	Constraint configuration needed	Guided setup
Mobile Access	Not available	Mobile app + responsive web
Cloud Sync	Local files only	Real-time cloud sync
Support	Community-based	Dedicated support
License/Price	GNU AGPL v3 (Free)	Free tier available
User Base	Open-source community	Thousands of schools globally

FET information is based on publicly available sources and may change. Check the FET project website for current details.

Frequently Asked Questions

Common questions about FET alternatives

What is a popular alternative to FET timetable software?

TimetableMaster is a popular FET alternative in 2026. FET is free open-source software under GNU AGPL license, while TimetableMaster offers a cloud-based interface with AI-assisted scheduling. Both offer automatic timetable generation, though they take different approaches. The right choice depends on your school's specific needs, technical comfort level, and preferences.

Is there a web-based alternative to FET?

Yes, TimetableMaster and PrimeTimetable are both web-based alternatives to FET. FET is a desktop application (based on publicly available information). Web-based solutions work in any browser, offer cloud sync, mobile access, and collaborative features without manual file transfers.

Why do some schools explore alternatives to FET?

Some schools explore FET alternatives for reasons such as preferring cloud-based platforms with web and mobile access, wanting professional support options, or seeking a different user experience. FET is a capable free tool, and the right choice depends on each school's technical comfort level, budget, and specific scheduling needs.

Can I import my FET data into another timetable software?

FET supports data export (based on publicly available information), and this data can typically be imported into other scheduling tools via CSV or Excel files. TimetableMaster supports CSV and Excel imports for class schedules, teacher assignments, and room allocations to help ease the transition process.

How does FET compare to TimetableMaster for scheduling?

FET uses a constraint-based algorithm for automatic generation, with processing times that can vary depending on schedule complexity (based on publicly available information). TimetableMaster uses AI-assisted scheduling designed to help optimize timetables efficiently. Both are capable tools with different approaches — FET is free and open-source, while TimetableMaster offers a cloud-based interface with a free tier.

Is FET still being updated?

FET is reported to be actively maintained as open-source software under GNU AGPL v3 license (based on publicly available information). It remains a desktop application. For schools seeking cloud-based scheduling with professional support, TimetableMaster offers a web-based alternative with a free tier.

Ready to Explore a Modern Scheduling Solution?

Join thousands of schools using TimetableMaster. Cloud-based AI-assisted scheduling designed to help reduce conflicts and save time.

If you're exploring FET alternatives and want a cloud-based option that works on any device, TimetableMaster is a strong choice to consider for 2026.

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Related Comparisons

PrimeTimetable Alternatives ascTimetables Alternatives

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