Hootsuite vs Buffer
A side-by-side comparison of features and pricing to help you choose.
Hootsuite
Enterprise social scheduling & listening
$99/mo
From ~$99/mo; team and enterprise tiers cost more
Buffer
Simple, affordable social scheduling
Free plan
Free for 3 channels; paid from ~$6/channel/mo
At a glance
| Spec | Hootsuite | Buffer |
|---|---|---|
| Starting price | $99/mo | Free plan |
| Budget tier | Premium | Budget-friendly |
| Complexity | Intermediate | Beginner-friendly |
| Primary category | Social Media Management | Social Media Management |
| Integrations | 100+ | 30+ |
| Founded | 2008 | 2010 |
Feature comparison
Hootsuite offers 8 of 9 tracked social media management features; Buffer offers 5.
| Feature | Hootsuite | Buffer |
|---|---|---|
| Post scheduling | ||
| Multi-network publishing | ||
| Analytics & reporting | ||
| Unified inbox / engagement | ||
| Social listening | ||
| Approval workflows | ||
| Free plan | ||
| API & webhooks | ||
| Priority / 24-7 support |
Hootsuite
Pros
- Manages many networks and profiles at once
- Robust approval workflows and team roles
- Social listening and analytics add-ons
Cons
- Among the more expensive options
- No meaningful free plan anymore
- Interface can feel cluttered
Buffer
Pros
- Clean, beginner-friendly interface
- Per-channel pricing is fair for small accounts
- Free plan covers the basics
Cons
- Light on analytics and listening
- No approval workflows on lower tiers
- Fewer enterprise controls than Hootsuite
The verdict
The right pick depends on your priorities. Choose Hootsuite if you value larger teams managing many social profiles with approvals. Choose Buffer if you need creators and small teams who want clean, cheap scheduling.
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