Buffer vs Hootsuite
Side-by-side pricing, platforms and features, with a verdict for each type of team.
The simplest way to queue posts across every major network, with the most generous free plan in the category.
The original enterprise suite: inbox, listening and compliance features for large marketing teams, at an enterprise price.
Feature by feature
| Buffer | Hootsuite | |
|---|---|---|
| Pricing | ||
| Free plan | Yes | Trial (30 days) |
| Cheapest paid plan | $6 / channel / mo | $99 / mo |
| Free trial | 14 days | 30 days |
| Pricing model | Per channel, billed monthly | Billed monthly; cheaper annually |
| Platforms | ||
| Posts, Reels, Stories | Posts, Reels, Stories | |
| X / Twitter | Posts, threads | Posts |
| Pages and profiles | Pages and profiles | |
| TikTok | Direct publish | Direct publish |
| Pages | Pages, groups | |
| YouTube | Shorts | Videos, Shorts |
| Pins | Pins | |
| Threads | Posts | Posts |
| Bluesky | Posts | No |
| Mastodon | Any instance | No |
| Google Business Profile | Updates | No |
| Features | ||
| Content calendar | Yes | Yes |
| Approval workflow | Team plan | Yes |
| AI caption writing | Yes | OwlyWriter AI |
| Best time to post | Yes | Yes |
| Bulk upload (CSV) | No | Yes |
| Evergreen recycling | No | No |
| Analytics & reports | Basic | Advanced |
| Social inbox | No | Yes |
| Link in bio page | Yes | No |
| First comment | Yes | Yes |
| Mobile app | iOS, Android | iOS, Android |
| Browser extension | Yes | Yes |
| API access | No | Enterprise |
| White-label reports | No | No |
| Client workspaces | No | No |
| Details | ||
| Editorial score | 4.7 / 5 | 4.1 / 5 |
| Best for | Solo creators and small teams | Large marketing teams that need an inbox and listening |
| Apps | Web, iOS, Android | Web, iOS, Android |
| Founded | 2010 | 2008 |
Which should you choose?
Buffer scores 4.7 against 4.1 for Hootsuite. Buffer is the simplest way to queue posts across every major network, with the most generous free plan in the category. Hootsuite is the original enterprise suite: inbox, listening and compliance features for large marketing teams, at an enterprise price. On price, Buffer starts lower at $6 / channel / mo. Buffer publishes to 11 networks and Hootsuite to 8.
Buffer is the tool we recommend first to anyone who does not already know what they need. The composer is the cleanest in the category, the queue model is easy to understand, and the free plan covers three channels with ten posts each, which is enough to run a small personal brand.
Read the full Buffer review →Hootsuite is the safe choice for large teams that need a unified inbox, social listening and the paperwork that comes with enterprise procurement. The dashboard has been rebuilt over the last few years and is far less cluttered than it used to be, and OwlyWriter AI is a competent assistant.
Read the full Hootsuite review →