Buffer
Social media publishing, analytics, and engagement for busy teams
Head to head, verified 2026-09-03
Buffer vs Metricool
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 $22 for Metricool.
- Both have a free plan.
- Buffer supports 11 of the 16 networks tracked here. Metricool supports 10.
- Only Buffer supports Mastodon.
- Both offer a documented public API.
- Buffer and Metricool ship an MCP server so AI agents can operate the scheduler directly.
- Both target creators and small business.
- Metricool also leans toward agencies.
- On G2, Buffer rates 4.3 from 1010 reviews and Metricool rates 4.5 from 167 reviews.
Side by side
| Buffer | Metricool | |
|---|---|---|
| Starting price | $6/mo | $22/mo |
| Free plan | Yes | Yes |
| Free trial | 14 days | Not listed |
| Networks | 11 of 16 | 10 of 16 |
| Public API | Yes | Yes |
| MCP server | Yes | Yes |
| Open source | No | No |
| Self hosted | No | No |
| Best for | Creators, Small business | Agencies, Creators, Small business |
| G2 rating | 4.3 (1010) | 4.5 (167) |
| Founded | 2010 | 2015 |
| Headquarters | Not published | Madrid, Spain |
Network support
| Network | Buffer | Metricool |
|---|---|---|
| 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 | Metricool |
|---|---|---|
| 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 | Yes |
| Link in bio | Yes | Yes |
| Mobile app | Yes | Yes |
| White label | Not advertised | Yes |
| 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 |
Metricool
| Free | Free | Limited brands, planning, and analytics |
| Starter | $22/mo | More brands, scheduling, analytics, and reports |
| Advanced | $54/mo | More brands and advanced capabilities |
Strengths and limits
Buffer strengths
- Simple publishing workflow
- Free plan
- Per-channel scaling
Buffer limits
- Per-channel pricing
- Advanced features require higher tiers
Metricool strengths
- Strong analytics
- Free tier
- Reporting for agencies
Metricool limits
- Advanced analytics are tier-dependent
- Brand limits vary by plan
Buffer vs Metricool questions
Is Buffer cheaper than Metricool?
Buffer has a free plan. Paid plans start at $6 per month. Metricool has a free plan. Paid plans start at $22 per month.
Which supports more social networks, Buffer or Metricool?
Buffer supports X, LinkedIn, Instagram, Facebook, Threads, Bluesky, Mastodon, TikTok, YouTube, Pinterest and Google Business. Metricool supports X, LinkedIn, Instagram, Facebook, Threads, Bluesky, TikTok, YouTube, Pinterest and Google Business.
Does Buffer or Metricool have an API?
Both publish API documentation. Buffer: https://developers.buffer.com/. Metricool: https://help.metricool.com/.
Can an AI agent use Buffer or Metricool?
Buffer and Metricool 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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