kitio.aiHootsuite vs Buffer
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 $99 for Hootsuite.
At a glance
Best for
Pricing model
Starting price
Free plan
Made by
Based in
Rating
Key features
- Content calendar
- OwlyWriter AI
- Unified inbox
- Social listening
- Analytics reports
- Post scheduling
- AI Assistant
- Engagement inbox
- Analytics
- Start Page
| Feature | Hootsuite | Buffer |
|---|---|---|
| Best for | Social media management with AI writing and listening | Simple social scheduling with an AI writing assistant |
| Category | Marketing | Marketing |
| Pricing model | Free trial | Freemium |
| Starting price | $99/mo | $6/mo |
| Free plan | No, 14-day trial | Yes |
| Made by | Hootsuite | Buffer |
| Based in | Canada | 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 $99 for Hootsuite.
Free plan
Cheapest paid plan
Top plan
Free trial
4 plans
Standard
$99/mo
- Per user, billed annually
- Up to 10 social accounts
- Unlimited scheduling and AI posts
Professional
$199/mo
- Per user, billed annually
- Unlimited social accounts
- Automated inbox replies
- Custom reports
Advanced
$399/mo
- Per user, billed annually
- Content approvals
- Message routing
- Team performance metrics
Enterprise
Contact sales
- Custom pricing
- Enterprise solutions
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
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
Hootsuite
- Supports all major networks
- Listening built in
- Strong team workflows
- Per-user pricing is high
- No free plan
Buffer
- Very easy to use
- Low per-channel pricing
- Useful free plan
- Fewer enterprise features
- Costs add up with many channels
Which one should you choose?
Choose Hootsuite if you want:
- Supports all major networks
- Listening built in
- Strong team workflows
Watch out: per-user pricing is high.
Choose Buffer if you want:
- Very easy to use
- Low per-channel pricing
- Useful free plan
Watch out: fewer enterprise features.
Hootsuite vs Buffer FAQ
What is the difference between Hootsuite and Buffer?
Hootsuite: Social media management with AI writing and listening. Buffer: Simple social scheduling with an AI writing assistant. Both are marketing tools.
Is Hootsuite or Buffer cheaper?
Buffer has the lower starting price: about $6 a month, against $99 for Hootsuite.
Do Hootsuite and Buffer have free plans?
Hootsuite: No, 14-day trial. Buffer: Yes.
Who makes Hootsuite?
Hootsuite is made by Hootsuite, based in Canada.
Who makes Buffer?
Buffer is made by Buffer, based in United States.
Which should I choose, Hootsuite or Buffer?
Choose Hootsuite if you value supports all major networks and listening built in. Choose Buffer if you value very easy to use and low per-channel pricing.