Buffer vs Native
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 $79 for Native.
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
- Posts for 11 social channels
- Facebook and Instagram ad management
- Clips turned into Reels and Shorts
- Brand-aware designer
- Shopify and WooCommerce integration
| Feature | Buffer | Native |
|---|---|---|
| Best for | Simple social scheduling with an AI writing assistant | AI marketer that creates, posts and runs social content and ads |
| Category | Marketing | Marketing |
| Pricing model | Freemium | Freemium |
| Starting price | $6/mo | $79/mo |
| Free plan | Yes | Yes |
| Made by | Buffer | Native |
| Based in | United States | – |
| Rating | No ratings yet | No ratings yet |
| Key features |
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Pricing compared
Buffer has the lower starting price: about $6 a month, against $79 for Native.
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
4 plans
Free
Free
- 3 posts to try it
- No payment needed
Pro
$79/mo
- 1 brand
- 1,000 tokens a month
- 50 post suggestions a month
Max
$249/mo
- 3 brands
- 6,000 tokens a month
- Video generation (beta)
Agency
$499/mo
- 10 client workspaces
- $69 per extra workspace
- Account manager
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
Native
- Handles posts, design and ads together
- Approve each post or go fully automatic
- Agency plan with separate workspaces
- Free tier is only 3 trial posts
- Paid plans start at $79 a month
- Video generation still in beta
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 Native if you want:
- Handles posts, design and ads together
- Approve each post or go fully automatic
- Agency plan with separate workspaces
Watch out: free tier is only 3 trial posts.
Buffer vs Native FAQ
What is the difference between Buffer and Native?
Buffer: Simple social scheduling with an AI writing assistant. Native: AI marketer that creates, posts and runs social content and ads. Both are marketing tools.
Is Buffer or Native cheaper?
Buffer has the lower starting price: about $6 a month, against $79 for Native.
Do Buffer and Native have free plans?
Buffer: Yes. Native: Yes.
Who makes Buffer?
Buffer is made by Buffer, based in United States.
Who makes Native?
Native is made by Native.
Which should I choose, Buffer or Native?
Choose Buffer if you value very easy to use and low per-channel pricing. Choose Native if you value handles posts, design and ads together and approve each post or go fully automatic.