Buffer vs Sprout Social
Verdict
Both Buffer and Sprout Social are strong choices. Buffer edges ahead on overall rating, but the right pick depends on your budget and use case.
Feature & pricing comparison
| Comparison | ||
|---|---|---|
| Rating | 4.5 | 4.4 |
| Starting price | Free | $199/mo |
| Pricing model | Freemium | Paid |
| API available | ||
| Best for | Creators & small businesses | Brands & agencies |
| Scheduling & queue | ||
| Per-channel pricing | ||
| Basic analytics | ||
| Landing page builder | ||
| AI assistant | ||
| Smart inbox | ||
| Advanced analytics | ||
| Social listening | ||
| Scheduling | ||
| Approval workflows | ||
| Visit | Visit |
Which should you choose?
Pick Buffer if you prioritize Creators & small businesses
Pick Sprout Social if you prioritize Brands & agencies
Buffer
Pros
- Very easy to use
- Cheap per-channel pricing
- Good free plan
Cons
- Lighter analytics
- No social inbox on low tiers
Sprout Social
Pros
- Best-in-class reporting
- Powerful inbox
- Strong listening
Cons
- Expensive
- Per-user pricing adds up
Frequently asked questions
Is Buffer better than Sprout Social?+
Both Buffer and Sprout Social are strong choices. Buffer edges ahead on overall rating, but the right pick depends on your budget and use case.
Which is cheaper, Buffer or Sprout Social?+
Buffer starts at Free, while Sprout Social starts at $199/mo.