Buffer
Social media publishing, analytics, and engagement for busy teams
Head to head, verified 2026-09-03
Buffer vs Hootsuite
Price, free plans, the 16 networks we track, API and MCP support, and pros and cons, side by side. All numbers come from the vendors' own pages.
The short version
Generated from the data, not from opinion. Each line is a fact you can check on the profile pages.
- Buffer is the cheaper entry point at $6 per month, against $99 for Hootsuite.
- Buffer has a free plan. Hootsuite does not.
- Buffer supports 11 of the 16 networks tracked here. Hootsuite supports 10.
- Only Buffer supports Mastodon.
- Both offer a documented public API.
- Buffer ships an MCP server so AI agents can operate the scheduler directly.
- Buffer also leans toward creators and small business.
- Hootsuite also leans toward agencies, enterprise and teams.
- On G2, Buffer rates 4.3 from 1010 reviews and Hootsuite rates 4.2 from 5937 reviews.
Side by side
| Buffer | Hootsuite | |
|---|---|---|
| Starting price | $6/mo | $99/mo |
| Free plan | Yes | No |
| Free trial | 14 days | 14 days |
| Networks | 11 of 16 | 10 of 16 |
| Public API | Yes | Yes |
| MCP server | Yes | Not documented |
| Open source | No | No |
| Self hosted | No | No |
| Best for | Creators, Small business | Agencies, Enterprise, Teams |
| G2 rating | 4.3 (1010) | 4.2 (5937) |
| Founded | 2010 | 2008 |
| Headquarters | Not published | Vancouver, Canada |
Network support
| Network | Buffer | Hootsuite |
|---|---|---|
| X (Twitter) | Yes | Yes |
| Yes | Yes | |
| Yes | Yes | |
| Yes | Yes | |
| Threads | Yes | Yes |
| Bluesky | Yes | Yes |
| Mastodon | Yes | No |
| TikTok | Yes | Yes |
| YouTube | Yes | Yes |
| Yes | Yes | |
| Google Business Profile | Yes | Yes |
| No | No | |
| Telegram | No | No |
| Discord | No | No |
| Snapchat | No | No |
| Tumblr | No | No |
Features
| Feature | Buffer | Hootsuite |
|---|---|---|
| Scheduling | Yes | Yes |
| Visual calendar | Yes | Yes |
| Analytics | Yes | Yes |
| Unified inbox | Yes | Yes |
| AI writing | Yes | Yes |
| Approval workflow | Yes | Yes |
| Bulk upload | Yes | Yes |
| RSS automation | Yes | Not advertised |
| Link in bio | Yes | Yes |
| Mobile app | Yes | Yes |
| White label | Not advertised | Not advertised |
| Team collaboration | Yes | Yes |
Plans
Buffer
| Free | Free | Publishing and basic tools; limited channels |
| Essentials | $6/mo | Publishing and analytics, priced per channel |
| Team | $12/mo | Team collaboration and publishing, priced per channel |
Hootsuite
| Standard | $99/mo | Up to 10 social accounts; scheduling, analytics, inbox, and AI writing |
| Professional | $199/mo | Unlimited social accounts and advanced reporting |
| Advanced | $399/mo | Approval workflows, collaboration, and advanced inbox |
Strengths and limits
Buffer strengths
- Simple publishing workflow
- Free plan
- Per-channel scaling
Buffer limits
- Per-channel pricing
- Advanced features require higher tiers
Hootsuite strengths
- Broad management suite
- Strong listening and inbox
- Large integration ecosystem
Hootsuite limits
- Expensive per user
- Advanced workflows require higher tiers
Buffer vs Hootsuite questions
Is Buffer cheaper than Hootsuite?
Buffer has a free plan. Paid plans start at $6 per month. Hootsuite has no free plan. Paid plans start at $99 per month.
Which supports more social networks, Buffer or Hootsuite?
Buffer supports X, LinkedIn, Instagram, Facebook, Threads, Bluesky, Mastodon, TikTok, YouTube, Pinterest and Google Business. Hootsuite supports X, LinkedIn, Instagram, Facebook, Threads, Bluesky, TikTok, YouTube, Pinterest and Google Business.
Does Buffer or Hootsuite have an API?
Both publish API documentation. Buffer: https://developers.buffer.com/. Hootsuite: https://developer.hootsuite.com/.
Can an AI agent use Buffer or Hootsuite?
Buffer documents an MCP server or agent integration. Hey Tasky is built around that workflow, with a review step before anything publishes.
Keep comparing
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