At a glance
| Tool | Starting price | Free plan | Free trial | Best for | Source |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Hootsuite | USD Standard from $99/month | No | 14 day free trial | Busier businesses posting on many channels | Official pricing |
| Buffer | USD Essentials $5/month per channel (billed annually) | Yes (3 channels) | 14 day free trial | Scheduling posts across a few social accounts | Official pricing |
Prices are the starting paid plans on each official pricing page, in the currency shown there.
What each does
Hootsuite. Schedule and manage posts across social networks. Starting price Standard from $99/month. Free plan No. Trial 14 day free trial.
Buffer. Social media scheduler with an AI assistant for post ideas and rewrites. Starting price Essentials $5/month per channel (billed annually). Free plan Yes (3 channels). Trial 14 day free trial.
Verdict by business type
- Busier businesses posting on many channels. Hootsuite.
- Scheduling posts across a few social accounts. Buffer.
- Starting on a tight budget. Buffer. It has a free plan. Compare trials before paying.
- Outside the US and UK. Check local pricing pages. Listed prices are in USD.
FAQ
Is Hootsuite cheaper than Buffer?
Hootsuite. Schedule and manage posts across social networks. Starting price Standard from $99/month. Free plan No. Trial 14 day free trial. Buffer. Social media scheduler with an AI assistant for post ideas and rewrites. Starting price Essentials $5/month per channel (billed annually). Free plan Yes (3 channels). Trial 14 day free trial. Currencies differ by region, so compare in your own currency on the official pages.
Does Hootsuite or Buffer have a free plan?
Hootsuite. No. Buffer. Yes (3 channels).
Which is better, Hootsuite or Buffer?
Hootsuite suits busier businesses posting on many channels. Buffer suits scheduling posts across a few social accounts. Try each one with your own work before you commit.
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