Compare
Buffer vs Hootsuite
What each one costs, which platforms each lists, and who each suits, read from their own pricing pages.
Last updated 30 September 2026
The short answer
Choose Buffer if
You need TikTok, Pinterest or Google Business Profile, or paying per channel suits the way you work.
Choose Hootsuite if
You run a large team or need enterprise features, listening, contracts and support.
Buffer vs Hootsuite at a glance
| Buffer | Hootsuite | |
|---|---|---|
| Free plan | Yes | None |
| Free trial | 14 days on paid plans | 14 days |
| Platforms listed | 11 | Not listed on its pricing page |
| API and MCP | API listed | MCP listed |
| Approvals | Listed | Listed |
| Inbox for comments and messages | Listed | Listed |
| Pricing page read | 30 September 2026 | 30 September 2026 |
How Buffer and Hootsuite differ
- Buffer has a free plan (up to 3 channels, 10 scheduled posts per channel at a time, 1 user, 30 days of insights); Hootsuite's pricing page has none, but lists a free trial of 14 days.
- Hootsuite's pricing page lists an MCP server for AI assistants; Buffer's doesn't mention one.
Buffer vs Hootsuite pricing
Buffer: Priced per channel in US dollars; the rate per channel drops as you add channels. Yearly billing saves about 2 months. Hootsuite: Per user; the page's own FAQ gives the US-dollar starting prices.
| Buffer | Hootsuite | |
|---|---|---|
| Free plan | Up to 3 channels, 10 scheduled posts per channel at a time, 1 user, 30 days of insights | None; a 14-day free trial, no credit card |
| Free trial | 14 days on paid plans | 14 days |
| Buffer Essentials / Hootsuite Standard | From $6 per channel a month ($5 billed yearly), 1 user, unlimited posts, advanced analytics | From $99 per user a month; up to 10 social accounts, unlimited posts, AI posts and images, inbox |
| Professional | From $199 per user a month; unlimited social accounts, inbox automation, custom reports | |
| Advanced | From $399 per user a month; approvals, message routing, advanced analytics and listening | |
| Enterprise | Custom pricing |
Main plans shown. All Buffer plans · All Hootsuite plans · Sources: buffer.com/pricing (and its pricing.md) (read 30 September 2026) and hootsuite.com/plans (read 30 September 2026).
Platforms: Buffer vs Hootsuite
- Hootsuite's pricing page doesn't list its platforms.
Features: Buffer vs Hootsuite
| Buffer | Hootsuite | |
|---|---|---|
| AI | AI Assistant on every plan, including Free | Wisdom AI assistant and MCP connectors on every plan |
| API and MCP | API access on every plan (1–5 keys, 3,000–15,000 requests a month) | Wisdom AI assistant and MCP connectors on every plan |
| Team and approvals | From $12 per channel a month ($10 billed yearly), unlimited team members, access levels, approval workflows | Not listed on its pricing page |
| Inbox | Community inbox for comments on every plan | Yes, from Standard |
| Analytics | Not listed on its pricing page | Not listed on its pricing page |
Questions
Is Buffer free?
Yes. Buffer's free plan: up to 3 channels, 10 scheduled posts per channel at a time, 1 user, 30 days of insights. For comparison, Hootsuite: there is no free plan on Hootsuite's pricing page; it lists a free trial (14 days).
Is Hootsuite free?
There is no free plan on Hootsuite's pricing page; it lists a free trial (14 days). For comparison, Buffer: yes. Buffer's free plan: up to 3 channels, 10 scheduled posts per channel at a time, 1 user, 30 days of insights.
Do Buffer and Hootsuite support the same platforms?
Its pricing page lists 11: Instagram, Facebook, YouTube, LinkedIn, X, Threads, TikTok, Pinterest, Bluesky, Mastodon and Google Business Profile. Hootsuite's pricing page doesn't list its platforms; check its site.
Does Buffer or Hootsuite have an API or MCP for AI assistants?
Buffer's pricing page lists an API: API access on every plan (1–5 keys, 3,000–15,000 requests a month). Hootsuite's pricing page lists an MCP server: Wisdom AI assistant and MCP connectors on every plan.
What is the main difference between Buffer and Hootsuite?
Buffer suits you if you need TikTok, Pinterest or Google Business Profile, or paying per channel suits the way you work. Hootsuite suits you if you run a large team or need enterprise features, listening, contracts and support.
Is there an alternative to both Buffer and Hootsuite?
Yes. Dripost posts to Instagram, Facebook, YouTube, LinkedIn, X and Threads, is priced per client with a free plan, lets clients approve from a link with no login, and gives you a link to every post once it is live.
We're not affiliated with Buffer and Hootsuite. Facts about them come from their own pricing pages, read on 30 September 2026, and may have changed since.