Buffer vs Later
A side-by-side look at pricing plans, free tiers, features, pros and cons, updated for 2026. Buffer has the lower starting price: about $6 a month, against $25 for Later.
At a glance
Best for
Pricing model
Starting price
Free plan
Made by
Based in
Rating
Key features
- Post scheduling
- AI Assistant
- Engagement inbox
- Analytics
- Start Page
- Visual content calendar
- AI caption writer
- Link in bio
- UGC collection
- Analytics
| Feature | Buffer | Later |
|---|---|---|
| Best for | Simple social scheduling with an AI writing assistant | Visual social planner with link in bio and AI captions |
| Category | Marketing | Marketing |
| Pricing model | Freemium | Free trial |
| Starting price | $6/mo | $25/mo |
| Free plan | Yes | No, 14-day trial |
| Made by | Buffer | Later |
| Based in | United States | United States |
| Rating | No ratings yet | No ratings yet |
| Key features |
|
|
Both offer: Analytics.
Pricing compared
Buffer has the lower starting price: about $6 a month, against $25 for Later.
Free plan
Cheapest paid plan
Top plan
Free trial
3 plans
Free
Free
- Up to 3 channels
- 10 scheduled posts per channel
- 100 ideas
Essentials
$6/mo
- Per channel
- Unlimited scheduled posts
- 1 user
Team
$12/mo
- Per channel
- Unlimited team members
- Unlimited scheduled posts
3 plans
Starter
$25/mo
- 1 social set (8 profiles)
- 1 user
- 30 posts per profile / month
- 5 AI credits / month
Growth
$50/mo
- 2 social sets (16 profiles)
- 2 users
- Analytics up to 1 year
- UGC collection
Scale
$110/mo
- 6 social sets (48 profiles)
- 4 users
- Meta Ads analytics and benchmarking
- 100 AI credits / month
Prices in USD, checked Oct 28, 2026 or later. Plans change often, so confirm on each tool's site before you buy.
Pros and cons
Buffer
- Very easy to use
- Low per-channel pricing
- Useful free plan
- Fewer enterprise features
- Costs add up with many channels
Later
- Great for visual platforms
- Easy grid preview
- Built-in link in bio
- Post limits on lower plans
- AI credits are limited
Which one should you choose?
Choose Buffer if you want:
- Very easy to use
- Low per-channel pricing
- Useful free plan
Watch out: fewer enterprise features.
Choose Later if you want:
- Great for visual platforms
- Easy grid preview
- Built-in link in bio
Watch out: post limits on lower plans.
Buffer vs Later FAQ
What is the difference between Buffer and Later?
Buffer: Simple social scheduling with an AI writing assistant. Later: Visual social planner with link in bio and AI captions. Both are marketing tools.
Is Buffer or Later cheaper?
Buffer has the lower starting price: about $6 a month, against $25 for Later.
Do Buffer and Later have free plans?
Buffer: Yes. Later: No, 14-day trial.
Who makes Buffer?
Buffer is made by Buffer, based in United States.
Who makes Later?
Later is made by Later, based in United States.
Which should I choose, Buffer or Later?
Choose Buffer if you value very easy to use and low per-channel pricing. Choose Later if you value great for visual platforms and easy grid preview.