Buffer vs Hootsuite (2026 comparison)
Buffer and Hootsuite are both social media management tools. Buffer is best for solo creators and small teams wanting a simple, affordable per-channel scheduling tool (free plan for up to 3 channels and 10 scheduled posts; paid Essentials from about $5 per channel per month billed annually ($6 monthly), Team from about $10 per channel per month billed annually ($12 monthly)). Hootsuite is best for larger teams wanting the broadest integrations and social listening, at the highest entry price of the four (no free plan, only a 30-day free trial; paid Professional from about $99 per month billed annually (1 user, 10 social profiles), Team from about $249 per month billed annually (3 users, 20 profiles)).
Pricing and features verified against each vendor's published information on 2026-09-18. Sources linked below.
At a glance
| Feature | Buffer | Hootsuite |
|---|---|---|
| Free plan | Yes | No |
| Pricing from | Free plan for up to 3 channels and 10 scheduled posts; paid Essentials from about $5 per channel per month billed annually ($6 monthly), Team from about $10 per channel per month billed annually ($12 monthly) | No free plan, only a 30-day free trial; paid Professional from about $99 per month billed annually (1 user, 10 social profiles), Team from about $249 per month billed annually (3 users, 20 profiles) |
| Best for | solo creators and small teams wanting a simple, affordable per-channel scheduling tool | larger teams wanting the broadest integrations and social listening, at the highest entry price of the four |
| Founded | 2010 | 2008 |
| Platforms | Web, iOS, Android | Web, iOS, Android |
Quick verdict
Choose Buffer for solo creators and small teams wanting a simple, affordable per-channel scheduling tool. Choose Hootsuite for larger teams wanting the broadest integrations and social listening, at the highest entry price of the four. Both are compared on published information only, so confirm current pricing at each source below.
More options
Sources
FAQ
- Is Buffer or Hootsuite cheaper?
- As published, Buffer starts at Free plan for up to 3 channels and 10 scheduled posts; paid Essentials from about $5 per channel per month billed annually ($6 monthly), Team from about $10 per channel per month billed annually ($12 monthly) and Hootsuite starts at No free plan, only a 30-day free trial; paid Professional from about $99 per month billed annually (1 user, 10 social profiles), Team from about $249 per month billed annually (3 users, 20 profiles). Verify current pricing at each vendor.
- Does Buffer have a free plan?
- Yes, Buffer has a free plan as of 2026-09-18.