Buffer vs Metricool
Which social media tool is right for you? Compare features, pricing, and user reviews to make the best choice.
Buffer
Creators and small businesses that post to Instagram plus several other networks and want the lowest cost per account, with a free plan for up to 3 channels.
Metricool
Instagram accounts that care as much about analytics as scheduling, and freelancers or small agencies running up to 5 brands on one low-priced plan.
Side by side
| Buffer | Metricool | |
|---|---|---|
| Pricing | Free; paid from $5/channel/month billed yearly | Free; paid from $20/month billed annually |
| G2 Rating | 4.3 (1,041 reviews) | 4.5 (98 reviews) |
| Best For | Creators and small businesses that post to Instagram plus several other networks and want the lowest cost per account, with a free plan for up to 3 channels. | Instagram accounts that care as much about analytics as scheduling, and freelancers or small agencies running up to 5 brands on one low-priced plan. |
Pros and cons
Buffer
Pros
- Usable free plan for 3 channels
- Clear per-channel pricing from $5/month
- Unlimited team members on Team
Cons
- First comment and hashtag manager not on the free plan
- No Instagram grid preview found on Buffer's pages
- Inbox handles comments, not Instagram DMs
Metricool
Pros
- Free plan includes auto-publishing and link in bio
- Starter covers up to 5 brands from $20/month
- Strong analytics and reports for the price
Cons
- Free plan caps you at 20 posts a month
- First comment scheduling not confirmed on its pages
- Post approvals need the Advanced plan
Related comparisons
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Later is the best Instagram scheduling tool for most creators and brands: every format auto-publishes, and the feed preview, Link in Bio and per-format best times are on the $18.75/month entry plan. Pick Planoly if grid planning and selling from your bio matter most.
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Sprout Social is the best social media management tool for teams that publish, engage and report together, thanks to its Smart Inbox, reporting on every plan and approvals on Professional. Pick Buffer or Metricool if per-seat pricing is out of budget.
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Publer is the best social media scheduler for most solo creators and small teams: the lowest cost per account here, with X, approvals and bulk scheduling on its cheapest paid plan. Pick Buffer for the simplest pricing and unlimited users, or Metricool for analytics.