Buffer
Social media publishing, analytics, and engagement for busy teams
Head to head, verified 2026-09-03
Buffer vs Zoho Social
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 $10 for Zoho Social.
- Both have a free plan.
- Buffer supports 11 of the 16 networks tracked here. Zoho Social supports 11.
- Their network lists are identical.
- Both offer a documented public API.
- Buffer ships an MCP server so AI agents can operate the scheduler directly.
- Both target small business.
- Buffer also leans toward creators.
- Zoho Social also leans toward agencies and teams.
Side by side
| Buffer | Zoho Social | |
|---|---|---|
| Starting price | $6/mo | $10/mo |
| Free plan | Yes | Yes |
| Free trial | 14 days | 15 days |
| Networks | 11 of 16 | 11 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, Small business, Teams |
| G2 rating | 4.3 (1010) | Not listed |
| Founded | 2010 | 2016 |
| Headquarters | Not published | Chennai, India |
Network support
| Network | Buffer | Zoho Social |
|---|---|---|
| X (Twitter) | Yes | Yes |
| Yes | Yes | |
| Yes | Yes | |
| Yes | Yes | |
| Threads | Yes | Yes |
| Bluesky | Yes | Yes |
| Mastodon | Yes | Yes |
| 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 | Zoho Social |
|---|---|---|
| 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 | Not advertised |
| 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 |
Zoho Social
| Standard | $10/mo | 1 brand and 1 team member |
| Professional | $30/mo | Advanced features |
| Premium | $40/mo | 1 brand and 3 team members |
Strengths and limits
Buffer strengths
- Simple publishing workflow
- Free plan
- Per-channel scaling
Buffer limits
- Per-channel pricing
- Advanced features require higher tiers
Zoho Social strengths
- Zoho CRM ecosystem integration
- Affordable entry tier
- Analytics and reporting
Zoho Social limits
- Free plan is limited
- Interface may feel complex
- Some mobile functionality differs from desktop
Buffer vs Zoho Social questions
Is Buffer cheaper than Zoho Social?
Buffer has a free plan. Paid plans start at $6 per month. Zoho Social has a free plan. Paid plans start at $10 per month.
Which supports more social networks, Buffer or Zoho Social?
Buffer supports X, LinkedIn, Instagram, Facebook, Threads, Bluesky, Mastodon, TikTok, YouTube, Pinterest and Google Business. Zoho Social supports X, LinkedIn, Instagram, Facebook, Threads, Bluesky, Mastodon, TikTok, YouTube, Pinterest and Google Business.
Does Buffer or Zoho Social have an API?
Both publish API documentation. Buffer: https://developers.buffer.com/. Zoho Social: https://www.zoho.com/social/api/.
Can an AI agent use Buffer or Zoho Social?
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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