Hootsuite vs Buffer
Hootsuite rates 4.2/5 and starts at $99/mo. Buffer rates 4.5/5 and starts at Free. Buffer is the cheaper entry point. Buffer is the higher rated. Only Buffer has a free tier.
Buffer wins for most individuals and small businesses on price and simplicity; Hootsuite wins for larger teams and agencies needing listening and deep workflows. Choose Buffer for affordable scheduling, Hootsuite for enterprise breadth.
Hootsuite vs Buffer at a glance
| Measure | Hootsuite | Buffer |
|---|---|---|
| Rating | 4.2/5 | 4.5/5 |
| Reviews | 7,600 | 6,100 |
| Starting price | $99/mo | Free |
| Free plan | No | Yes |
| Public API | Yes | Yes |
| Integrations listed here | 5 | 5 |
Feature & pricing comparison
Pricing side by side
Hootsuite
Full pricing →| Plan | Price | Per year |
|---|---|---|
| Professional | $99/mo | $1,188 |
| Team | $249/mo | $2,988 |
| Enterprise | Custom | — |
Buffer
Full pricing →| Plan | Price | Per year |
|---|---|---|
| Free | Free | — |
| Essentials | $6/mo | $72 |
| Team | $12/mo | $144 |
Which should you choose?
Choose Hootsuite if…
- Comprehensive features matters to you.
- All major networks matters to you.
- Good for teams matters to you.
- Lighter analytics would be a problem.
Choose Buffer if…
- Very easy to use matters to you.
- Cheap per-channel pricing matters to you.
- Good free plan matters to you.
- Expensive would be a problem.
Hootsuite
Pros
- Comprehensive features
- All major networks
- Good for teams
Cons
- Expensive
- Interface feels dated
Buffer
Pros
- Very easy to use
- Cheap per-channel pricing
- Good free plan
Cons
- Lighter analytics
- No social inbox on low tiers
Frequently asked questions
Is Hootsuite better than Buffer?+
Buffer wins for most individuals and small businesses on price and simplicity; Hootsuite wins for larger teams and agencies needing listening and deep workflows. Choose Buffer for affordable scheduling, Hootsuite for enterprise breadth.
Which is cheaper, Hootsuite or Buffer?+
Buffer — it starts at Free, versus $99/mo for Hootsuite.
Do Hootsuite or Buffer have a free plan?+
Buffer has a free tier; Hootsuite does not (though trials may be available).
Which is better rated, Hootsuite or Buffer?+
Buffer, at 4.5/5 across 6,100 reviews, versus 4.2/5 for Hootsuite.
What is Hootsuite best for, and what is Buffer best for?+
Hootsuite is aimed at Teams & agencies (agencies, larger teams). Buffer is aimed at Creators & small businesses (solo creators, small business posting).