Buffer vs Hootsuite
Compare Buffer and Hootsuite on features, pricing, and buyer fit using the same researched criteria.
Buffer
Social media scheduling, analytics, and engagement with a free plan and per-channel Essentials/Team pricing.
Best for
- • SMBs and creators needing simple social scheduling
- • Teams wanting affordable per-channel publishing with analytics
- • Buyers comparing SocialBee for a mainstream scheduler brand
Starting from $6.00/user/mo
Free plan available
VS
Our verdict
There is no universal winner between Buffer and Hootsuite. Choose Buffer when SMBs and creators needing simple social scheduling. Choose Hootsuite when Mid-market/enterprise teams needing a full social suite. Criterion scores come from approved SoftwareGlimpse editorial assessments and first-party research — not hands-on lab testing.
Buffer is better for
- ✓ Ease of use
- ✓ Funnel conversion
- ✓ Value for money
Hootsuite is better for
- ✓ Brand monitoring
- ✓ Integrations
- ✓ Scalability
Tie
- • Campaign content
- • Marketing automation
- • Analytics & attribution
Choose Buffer if: SMBs and creators needing simple social scheduling
Choose Hootsuite if: Mid-market/enterprise teams needing a full social suite
Hootsuite
Major social media suite (Social OS) — Standard/Professional/Advanced published seats plus Enterprise custom.
Best for
- • Mid-market/enterprise teams needing a full social suite
- • Orgs comparing Sprout for governance and inbox at scale
- • Buyers who outgrew Buffer-class schedulers
Starting from $99.00/user/mo
No free plan
Buffer vs Hootsuite pricing
Buffer researched starting price from $6/mo; a free plan is researched. Hootsuite researched starting price from $99/mo. Affiliate economics excluded.
Buffer
From $6.00/user/mo
Hootsuite
From $99.00/user/mo
Buffer
Starting from $6.00/user/mo
Free trial available
- Free$0.00/user/mo
- Free: up to 3 channels, 10 scheduled posts per channel.
- max channels: 3
- max scheduled posts per channel: 10
- EssentialsPopular$6.00/mo
- From $6/mo per channel (1–10 channels); unlimited scheduling.
- Team$12.00/mo
- From $12/mo per channel — unlimited users, approvals, access controls.
Hootsuite
Starting from $99.00/user/mo
Free trial available
- Standard$99.00/mo
- From $99/user/mo — up to 10 social accounts (confirm live).
- ProfessionalPopular$199.00/mo
- From $199/user/mo — unlimited accounts, automation, custom reports.
- Advanced$399.00/mo
- From $399/user/mo — approvals, routing, team performance.
- EnterpriseCustom
- Advanced listening, SSO, compliance — custom quote / demo.
Estimate your team cost
Monthly estimate from verified per-seat list pricing. Confirm on the vendor site before purchasing.
Buffer
$90.00/mo
Hootsuite
$1,485.00/mo
+$1,395.00/mo — Hootsuite costs more
Verified monthly unit prices · Aug 17, 2026
Prices in USD
Shown per user / month from verified list pricing.
Plans can change
Confirm live vendor rates before purchasing.
Add-ons may apply
Calling, SMS, or usage fees can add cost.
Independence
Affiliate status never changes pricing outcomes.
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