[Home](https://www.selecthub.com/) \> [Marketing Automation](https://www.selecthub.com/category/marketing-automation/) \> [Social Media Management Tools](https://www.selecthub.com/c/social-media-management-software-tools/) \> [HootSuite](https://www.selecthub.com/p/social-media-management-software-tools/hootsuite/) \> HootSuite vs Buffer # HootSuite vs Buffer Last Updated: July 6th, 2026 Our analysts compared [HootSuite](https://www.selecthub.com/p/social-media-management-software-tools/hootsuite/) vs [Buffer](https://www.selecthub.com/p/social-media-management-software-tools/buffer/) based on data from our 400+ point analysis of [Social Media Management Tools](https://www.selecthub.com/c/social-media-management-software-tools/), user reviews and our own crowdsourced data from our [free software selection platform](https://www.selecthub.com/about/start-free-selection-project-site/?category=Social Media Management Tools&cta=social-media-management-software-tools). [Overview](#product-overview) [Pricing](#product-pricing) [Our Review](#product-analyst-summary) [User Ratings](#user-sentiment-section) [Features](#product-benefits-features) [Screenshots](#product-screenshots) Remove Add to Compare [![HootSuite Software Tool](https://cdn.selecthub.com/products/71f6278d140af599e06ad9bf1ba03cb0-4d331c5c8e952544333000a4361aa25e/resources/normal/logo.png?1693316374)](https://www.selecthub.com/p/social-media-management-software-tools/hootsuite/) Remove Add to Compare [![Buffer Software Tool](https://cdn.selecthub.com/products/84b184211c5d929d9435a371eb505cad-2800142336dd7982eb8ff0e018501824/resources/normal/logo.png?1735320623)](https://www.selecthub.com/p/social-media-management-software-tools/buffer/) [Get Free Demo](https://pmo.selecthub.com/get-product-demo/?category=Social+Media+Management+Tools&product%5Fname=HootSuite&product%5Flogo=https%3A%2F%2Fd3uimxdj41cg3o.cloudfront.net%2Fproducts%2F71f6278d140af599e06ad9bf1ba03cb0-4d331c5c8e952544333000a4361aa25e%2Fresources%2Fnormal%2Flogo.png%3F1693316374) [Demo](https://pmo.selecthub.com/get-product-demo/?category=Social+Media+Management+Tools&product%5Fname=HootSuite&product%5Flogo=https%3A%2F%2Fd3uimxdj41cg3o.cloudfront.net%2Fproducts%2F71f6278d140af599e06ad9bf1ba03cb0-4d331c5c8e952544333000a4361aa25e%2Fresources%2Fnormal%2Flogo.png%3F1693316374) [Request Pricing](https://pmo.selecthub.com/get-product-pricing/?category=Social+Media+Management+Tools&product%5Fname=HootSuite&product%5Flogo=https%3A%2F%2Fd3uimxdj41cg3o.cloudfront.net%2Fproducts%2F71f6278d140af599e06ad9bf1ba03cb0-4d331c5c8e952544333000a4361aa25e%2Fresources%2Fnormal%2Flogo.png%3F1693316374&price=2) [Pricing](https://pmo.selecthub.com/get-product-pricing/?category=Social+Media+Management+Tools&product%5Fname=HootSuite&product%5Flogo=https%3A%2F%2Fd3uimxdj41cg3o.cloudfront.net%2Fproducts%2F71f6278d140af599e06ad9bf1ba03cb0-4d331c5c8e952544333000a4361aa25e%2Fresources%2Fnormal%2Flogo.png%3F1693316374&price=2) [Get Free Demo](https://pmo.selecthub.com/get-product-demo/?category=Social+Media+Management+Tools&product%5Fname=Buffer&product%5Flogo=https%3A%2F%2Fd3uimxdj41cg3o.cloudfront.net%2Fproducts%2F84b184211c5d929d9435a371eb505cad-2800142336dd7982eb8ff0e018501824%2Fresources%2Fnormal%2Flogo.png%3F1735320623) [Demo](https://pmo.selecthub.com/get-product-demo/?category=Social+Media+Management+Tools&product%5Fname=Buffer&product%5Flogo=https%3A%2F%2Fd3uimxdj41cg3o.cloudfront.net%2Fproducts%2F84b184211c5d929d9435a371eb505cad-2800142336dd7982eb8ff0e018501824%2Fresources%2Fnormal%2Flogo.png%3F1735320623) [Request Pricing](https://pmo.selecthub.com/get-product-pricing/?category=Social+Media+Management+Tools&product%5Fname=Buffer&product%5Flogo=https%3A%2F%2Fd3uimxdj41cg3o.cloudfront.net%2Fproducts%2F84b184211c5d929d9435a371eb505cad-2800142336dd7982eb8ff0e018501824%2Fresources%2Fnormal%2Flogo.png%3F1735320623&price=1) [Pricing](https://pmo.selecthub.com/get-product-pricing/?category=Social+Media+Management+Tools&product%5Fname=Buffer&product%5Flogo=https%3A%2F%2Fd3uimxdj41cg3o.cloudfront.net%2Fproducts%2F84b184211c5d929d9435a371eb505cad-2800142336dd7982eb8ff0e018501824%2Fresources%2Fnormal%2Flogo.png%3F1735320623&price=1) ### Products Insights Product Ranking ## #1 among all Social Media Management Tools ## #2 among all Social Media Management Tools [Find out who the leaders are](https://pmo.selecthub.com/request-custom-scorecard?post%5Ftype=auto%5Fvs%5Farticle&category%5Fslug=social-media-management-software-tools&product%5Fslug=hootsuite&category=Social+Media+Management+Tools) Price Starts From $99 Monthly [Free Trial is available →](https://pmo.selecthub.com/free-trial/?product%5Fname=HootSuite&category=Social Media Management Tools&product%5Flogo=https://d3uimxdj41cg3o.cloudfront.net/products/71f6278d140af599e06ad9bf1ba03cb0-4d331c5c8e952544333000a4361aa25e/resources/normal/logo.png?1693316374) $5 Monthly, Freemium [Free Trial is available →](https://pmo.selecthub.com/free-trial/?product%5Fname=Buffer&category=Social Media Management Tools&product%5Flogo=https://d3uimxdj41cg3o.cloudfront.net/products/84b184211c5d929d9435a371eb505cad-2800142336dd7982eb8ff0e018501824/resources/normal/logo.png?1735320623) Pros What we like about HootSuite and Buffer: * Wider feature set with content creation, monitoring, ads and analytics in one place * Connects with Salesforce, Zendesk, Adobe Analytics and other enterprise tools * Hootsuite Ads helps run paid campaigns alongside organic posts * Real-time alerts on volume spikes and brand sentiment shifts * Clean, beginner-friendly interface that solopreneurs and small teams pick up quickly * Generous free tier covers up to three accounts, which suits tight budgets * Hooks into Canva and Google Analytics for a smoother small-team workflow * Predictable, low-friction scheduling that users say beats more complex tools Cons What we dislike about HootSuite and Buffer: * Pricing climbs fast for larger teams and extra accounts * Instagram features are weaker than competitors that focus on visual networks * Users mention occasional glitches and downtime in reviews * Setup and learning curve are heavier than lighter scheduling tools * Analytics feel basic compared to platforms like Sprout Social * Lacks the advanced features bigger teams and power users tend to need * Stronger collaboration sits behind pricier tiers * Custom reporting depth is limited for marketers who track many metrics ### Our Review **Bottom line:** Hootsuite and Buffer both schedule posts, but they fit different sized buyers. Hootsuite is the pick if you want a deeper toolset with ads, monitoring and enterprise integrations. Buffer is the pick if you're a solo user or small team who just wants clean scheduling. Hootsuite starts at $99 per month, and Buffer starts at $5 per month with a freemium tier. The price gap is real — Buffer's free plan alone covers up to three accounts. Hootsuite leans into breadth. You get Hootsuite Inbox for messages, Hootsuite Ads for paid campaigns, Insights for monitoring and Impact for ROI. The connections with Salesforce, Zendesk and Adobe matter most if your stack is already enterprise-grade. Buffer keeps things simple. The interface is clean, the free tier handles real work and the Canva and Google Analytics links round out the basics. Users new to social media management often land on Buffer for that reason. Pick Hootsuite if you run multi-channel campaigns, need ad management or want monitoring built in. Pick Buffer if you're a solopreneur or small team that values low cost and easy setup over depth. If you sit between the two, look hard at how often you'd actually use Hootsuite's deeper features before paying for them. ### User Sentiment Summary HootSuite has a user sentiment rating of 83 based on 6045 reviews. Buffer has a user sentiment rating of 89 based on 3755 reviews. ![Great User Sentiment](https://www.selecthub.com/display/images/scores/great.svg) 6045 reviews ![Great User Sentiment](https://www.selecthub.com/display/images/scores/great.svg) 3755 reviews Synopsis Evaluating all review platforms, our market analysts have compiled the following user sentiment data. 83% of users recommend this product HootSuite has a 'great' User Satisfaction Rating of 83% when considering 6045 user reviews from 4 recognized software review sites. 89% of users recommend this product Buffer has a 'great' User Satisfaction Rating of 89% when considering 3755 user reviews from 3 recognized software review sites. User Review Scores **G2.com, Inc** **4.1** (2919) **4.3** (1012) **Software Advice, Inc** n/a **4.5** (1238) **Capterra Inc** **4.3** (2516) **4.5** (1505) **Gartner, Inc** **4.3** (81) n/a **TrustRadius** **3.9** (529) n/a ### Product Assistance Training Resources Documentation In Person Live Online Videos Webinars Documentation In Person Live Online Videos Webinars Support Email Phone Chat FAQ Forum Knowledge Base 24/7 Live Support Email Phone Chat FAQ Forum Knowledge Base 24/7 Live Support ### Product Basics Company Size i Small Medium Large Small Medium Large Platforms Supported Windows Mac Linux Android Chromebook Windows Mac Linux Android Chromebook Deployment Supported Cloud On-Premise Mobile Cloud On-Premise Mobile Comparison of Top Alternatives [HootSuite Alternatives ](https://www.selecthub.com/social-media-management-software-tools/hootsuite/alternatives/) [Buffer Alternatives ](https://www.selecthub.com/social-media-management-software-tools/buffer/alternatives/) ### Screenshots ![Screenshots]()![Screenshots]()![Screenshots]()![Screenshots]() ![Screenshots]()![Screenshots]()![Screenshots]()![Screenshots]()![Screenshots]()![Screenshots]()![Screenshots]()![Screenshots]()![Screenshots]() ### Key Features * **Content Creation** – Builds, curates and schedules posts from a single dashboard with Auto Scheduler for posting times. * **Hootsuite Ads** – Manages paid campaigns alongside organic posts so teams run both from one place. * **Monitoring Dashboard** – Tracks brand mentions, competitor activity and trending topics in real time through Hootsuite Insights. * **Analysis and Impact** – Generates customizable reports and ROI calculations to measure social media outcomes. * **Content Calendar** – Shows your schedule in a calendar view you can scan and adjust without leaving the page. * **Engagement Tools** – Lets you reply to comments and DMs inside Buffer so the workflow stays in one tab. * **Shop Grid** – Creates a shoppable Instagram landing page that links posts to products or services. * **Third-Party Integrations** – Connects with Canva and Google Analytics to extend creation and reporting. ### Top Alternatives in Social Media Management Tools [ AgoraPulse ](https://www.selecthub.com/p/social-media-management-software-tools/agorapulse/) [ Brandwatch ](https://www.selecthub.com/p/social-media-management-software-tools/brandwatch/) [ Buffer ](https://www.selecthub.com/p/social-media-management-software-tools/buffer/) [ HeyOrca ](https://www.selecthub.com/p/social-media-management-software-tools/heyorca/) [ Hypefury ](https://www.selecthub.com/p/social-media-management-software-tools/hypefury/) [ Iconosquare ](https://www.selecthub.com/p/social-media-management-software-tools/iconosquare/) [ Later ](https://www.selecthub.com/p/social-media-management-software-tools/later-social-media/) [ Loomly ](https://www.selecthub.com/p/social-media-management-software-tools/loomly/) [ MeetEdgar ](https://www.selecthub.com/p/social-media-management-software-tools/meetedgar/) [ Oktopost ](https://www.selecthub.com/p/social-media-management-software-tools/oktopost/) [ Orlo ](https://www.selecthub.com/p/social-media-management-software-tools/orlo/) [ piano Amplifier ](https://www.selecthub.com/p/social-media-management-software-tools/piano-amplifier/) [ Planable ](https://www.selecthub.com/p/social-media-management-software-tools/planable/) [ Planoly ](https://www.selecthub.com/p/social-media-management-software-tools/planoly/) [ Publer ](https://www.selecthub.com/p/social-media-management-software-tools/publer/) [ Sendible ](https://www.selecthub.com/p/social-media-management-software-tools/sendible/) [ Sked Social ](https://www.selecthub.com/p/social-media-management-software-tools/sked-social/) [ Social Champ ](https://www.selecthub.com/p/social-media-management-software-tools/social-champ/) [ SocialPilot ](https://www.selecthub.com/p/social-media-management-software-tools/socialpilot/) [ Zoho Social ](https://www.selecthub.com/p/social-media-management-software-tools/zoho-social/) ### Related Categories HootSuite and Buffer can also be found with other leading products in these categories: [AI Marketing Tools ](https://www.selecthub.com/c/ai-marketing-tools/) Show more [Marketing Automation Software ](https://www.selecthub.com/c/marketing-automation-software/) Show more ### Head-to-Head Comparison ![HootSuite Software Tool]() ![AgoraPulse Software Tool]() [HootSuite VS AgoraPulse](https://www.selecthub.com/social-media-management-software-tools/hootsuite-vs-agorapulse/) ![HootSuite Software Tool]() ![Brandwatch Software Tool]() [HootSuite VS Brandwatch](https://www.selecthub.com/social-media-management-software-tools/hootsuite-vs-brandwatch/) ![HootSuite Software Tool]() ![Buffer Software Tool]() [HootSuite VS Buffer](https://www.selecthub.com/social-media-management-software-tools/hootsuite-vs-buffer/) ![HootSuite Software Tool]() ![Hypefury Software Tool]() [HootSuite VS Hypefury](https://www.selecthub.com/social-media-management-software-tools/hootsuite-vs-hypefury/) ![HootSuite Software Tool]() ![Iconosquare Software Tool]() [HootSuite VS Iconosquare](https://www.selecthub.com/social-media-management-software-tools/hootsuite-vs-iconosquare/) ![HootSuite Software Tool]() ![Loomly Software Tool]() [HootSuite VS Loomly](https://www.selecthub.com/social-media-management-software-tools/hootsuite-vs-loomly/) ![HootSuite Software Tool]() ![Planable Software Tool]() [HootSuite VS Planable](https://www.selecthub.com/social-media-management-software-tools/hootsuite-vs-planable/) ![HootSuite Software Tool]() ![Planoly Software Tool]() [HootSuite VS Planoly](https://www.selecthub.com/social-media-management-software-tools/hootsuite-vs-planoly/) ![HootSuite Software Tool]() ![Publer Software Tool]() [HootSuite VS Publer](https://www.selecthub.com/social-media-management-software-tools/hootsuite-vs-publer/) ![HootSuite Software Tool]() ![Sendible Software Tool]() [HootSuite VS Sendible](https://www.selecthub.com/social-media-management-software-tools/hootsuite-vs-sendible/) ![HootSuite Software Tool]() ![SocialPilot Software Tool]() [HootSuite VS SocialPilot](https://www.selecthub.com/social-media-management-software-tools/hootsuite-vs-socialpilot/) ![HootSuite Software Tool]() ![Zoho Social Software Tool]() [HootSuite VS Zoho Social](https://www.selecthub.com/social-media-management-software-tools/hootsuite-vs-zoho-social/) **About SelectHub (and our data)** We’re the employee-owned Austin-based startup democratizing software data so you can make your decisions in an influence-free zone. Our market data is crowdsourced from our user-base of 100,000+ companies. WE DISTILL IT INTO REAL REQUIREMENTS, COMPARISON REPORTS, PRICE GUIDES and more... ![SelectHub Products Reporting and Analytics]() ![SelectHub Products Cost and Pricing Guide]() **Tier 1:** Fully/moderately supported out-of-the-box allowing for quick and easy deployment. Fully or moderately supported out-of-the-box with industry-leading capabilities and is immediately available after installation without needing any add-ons, integrations, or custom development. **Tier 2:** Supported with workarounds or add-ons that may require additional costs. Not directly available in the software, but can be accomplished using other built-in features, workarounds, or add-ons/products from the vendor with or without any additional cost. **Tier 3:** Requires partner integrations or custom development that is often at an additional cost. Requires additional integrations, plugins, marketplace applications from a third-party vendor, or custom development using the APIs, libraries, extensions, and development framework supported by the software, with or without any additional cost. [Close](#) ```json { "@context": "https://schema.org", "@type": "BreadcrumbList", "itemListElement": [ { "@type": "ListItem", "position": 1, "name": "Home", "item": "https://www.selecthub.com/" }, { "@type": "ListItem", "position": 2, "name": "Marketing Automation", "item": "https://www.selecthub.com/category/marketing-automation/" }, { "@type": "ListItem", "position": 3, "name": "Social Media Management Tools", "item": "https://www.selecthub.com/c/social-media-management-software-tools/" }, { "@type": "ListItem", "position": 4, "name": "HootSuite", "item": "https://www.selecthub.com/p/social-media-management-software-tools/hootsuite/" }, { "@type": "ListItem", "position": 5, "name": "HootSuite Vs Buffer" } ] } ```