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 (checked 29 October 2026) |
| 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 (checked 29 October 2026) |
Prices are the starting paid plans shown on each official pricing page on 29 October 2026. Currencies are as shown there; prices in your country, taxes and intro offers can differ. Always confirm on the official site.
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.
Last checked: 29 October 2026. Our picks are never paid for; paid placements are always marked Featured. See our disclosure.
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