Skylight Calendar does not require a paid subscription to use the basic calendar and messaging features

Skylight Calendar is a wall-mounted display designed for families to share schedules, to-do lists, and messages. The device itself costs money upfront — currently around $150 to $200 depending on sales and your location — but once you own it, the core calendar and messaging functions work without paying a monthly fee.

The company does offer a paid tier called Skylight Plus, which adds features like photo sharing, recipe integration, and priority customer support. Whether you need it depends on what you actually want the device to do. Most households use the free version without feeling limited.

Key Takeaways

  • The Skylight Calendar device requires an upfront purchase but no monthly subscription for basic calendar, task list, and family messaging.
  • Skylight Plus costs around $5 per month and adds photo sharing, recipe browsing, and faster customer support.
  • The free version syncs with Google Calendar and Apple Calendar, so you can update schedules from your phone or computer.
  • You need a Wi-Fi connection and a Skylight account to use the device, but creating an account is free.

What the free version includes

The base Skylight Calendar, without any paid add-on, lets you display a shared family calendar on the wall display. You can add events from the Skylight app on your phone, and the calendar syncs with Google Calendar or Apple Calendar if you connect those accounts. This means if you already keep your schedule in Google or Apple, the Skylight will pull those events automatically.

The free version also includes a shared to-do list (called Tasks), a family messaging feature, and the ability to set reminders. You can upload a household photo to display on the device, and you can create multiple family member profiles so everyone sees their own events.

What Skylight Plus adds and costs

Skylight Plus is a paid tier that costs around $5 per month or $50 per year if you pay annually. It adds photo sharing (a slideshow feature that rotates family photos), recipe browsing and meal planning, and a few other minor features like weather widgets and priority email support.

For most families, these additions are nice-to-have rather than essential. The photo slideshow is the most commonly used Plus feature. If you already use a separate app for meal planning or share photos through another service, you may not need Plus at all.

How to set up without paying extra

When you first unbox the Skylight Calendar, you create a free account through the Skylight app. You'll need a Wi-Fi network to connect the device. Once connected, you can add family members by sending them an invite through the app — they don't need to pay anything to join.

If you use Google Calendar or Apple Calendar, you can link those accounts to Skylight during setup. This pulls your existing events into the wall display without manual entry. You can also add events directly through the Skylight app on your phone.

When you might want to pay for Plus

Skylight Plus makes sense if you want the photo slideshow feature and don't already have another way to display family photos on a wall device. It also appeals to households that do meal planning together and want recipes integrated into the same display where they check the calendar.

If you're unsure, start with the free version. You can add Plus later if you find yourself wishing for those features. Skylight doesn't lock you into a contract, so you can cancel Plus at any time.

Hidden costs to know about

The device itself is the main cost. Beyond that, you need a Wi-Fi connection, which you likely already have. There are no hidden monthly fees, no charges for adding family members, and no premium for syncing with Google or Apple Calendar.

One thing to note: if the device stops working or you want to replace it, you'll need to buy a new one. Skylight does not charge a repair fee or offer a subscription-based replacement plan, but hardware failures are not covered by a standard warranty beyond the first year.

Comparing Skylight to other family calendar displays

Other wall-mounted family calendars include the Amazon Echo Show (which requires an Amazon account and optional Prime membership for some features), the Google Nest Hub (which works with Google Calendar but is primarily a smart speaker), and paper-based options like wall calendars or whiteboards.

Skylight's main advantage is that it's designed specifically for family scheduling and messaging, not as a secondary feature of a larger device. Its main disadvantage is that it's a single-purpose device, so if you stop using it for calendars, it has no other function. The upfront cost is higher than a paper calendar but lower than a full smart display.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use Skylight Calendar without paying for Plus?

Yes. The free version includes calendar, tasks, messaging, and reminders. You only need Plus if you want photo slideshows and recipe integration. Most families use the free version without feeling limited.

What happens if I cancel Skylight Plus?

Your calendar, tasks, and messages stay on the device. You lose access to photo slideshows and recipes, but the core functions continue to work. You can resubscribe to Plus at any time.

Do I need a Skylight account to use the device?

Yes. Creating an account is free, but you do need one to set up the device and sync it with your family members' phones. The account is how Skylight manages which events and messages appear on your display.

Can I use Skylight without Google Calendar or Apple Calendar?

Yes. You can add events directly through the Skylight app on your phone, and they'll appear on the wall display. Linking Google or Apple Calendar is optional and just saves you from entering events twice.

Is there a contract or cancellation fee?

No. If you subscribe to Skylight Plus, you can cancel at any time with no penalty. The device itself is a one-time purchase with no ongoing contract.