kitio.aiBuffer vs Shown
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 $29 for Shown.
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
- AI ad copy and banners
- Multi-platform campaigns
- Automatic optimization
- Advanced reporting
- Shopify and WordPress integrations
| Feature | Buffer | Shown |
|---|---|---|
| Best for | Simple social scheduling with an AI writing assistant | AI that creates and optimizes ad campaigns across platforms |
| Category | Marketing | Marketing |
| Pricing model | Freemium | Freemium |
| Starting price | $6/mo | $29/mo |
| Free plan | Yes | Yes |
| Made by | Buffer | Shown |
| 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 $29 for Shown.
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
Free
Free
- 2 campaigns
- AI-generated ad copy and images
- Email support only
Starter
$29/mo
- 3 campaigns
- AI campaign auto-optimization
- Advanced reporting
- Free for 7 days
Advanced
$120/mo
- 20 campaigns
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
Shown
- Free plan with two campaigns
- Covers Google, Meta, TikTok and more
- No advertising experience needed
- Free plan has email-only support
- Auto-optimization needs a paid plan
- Advanced plan costs $120 a month
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 Shown if you want:
- Free plan with two campaigns
- Covers Google, Meta, TikTok and more
- No advertising experience needed
Watch out: free plan has email-only support.
Buffer vs Shown FAQ
What is the difference between Buffer and Shown?
Buffer: Simple social scheduling with an AI writing assistant. Shown: AI that creates and optimizes ad campaigns across platforms. Both are marketing tools.
Is Buffer or Shown cheaper?
Buffer has the lower starting price: about $6 a month, against $29 for Shown.
Do Buffer and Shown have free plans?
Buffer: Yes. Shown: Yes.
Who makes Buffer?
Buffer is made by Buffer, based in United States.
Who makes Shown?
Shown is made by Shown.
Which should I choose, Buffer or Shown?
Choose Buffer if you value very easy to use and low per-channel pricing. Choose Shown if you value free plan with two campaigns and covers google, meta, tiktok and more.