Hootsuite vs ScheduleWave
A side-by-side look at pricing plans, free tiers, features, pros and cons, updated for 2026. Hootsuite starts at $99/mo and ScheduleWave starts at See pricing page. Check both pricing pages for current plans.
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
- Visual content calendar
- AI caption writer
- Six social platforms
- Media library
- Post analytics
- Approval workflows
| Feature | Hootsuite | ScheduleWave |
|---|---|---|
| Best for | Social media management with AI writing and listening | Schedule social posts to six platforms with an AI caption writer |
| Category | Marketing | Marketing |
| Pricing model | Free trial | Freemium |
| Starting price | $99/mo | See pricing page |
| Free plan | No, 14-day trial | Yes |
| Made by | Hootsuite | ScheduleWave |
| Based in | Canada | – |
| Rating | No ratings yet | No ratings yet |
| Key features |
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Pricing compared
Hootsuite starts at $99/mo and ScheduleWave starts at See pricing page. Check both pricing pages for current plans.
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
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
ScheduleWave
- Free plan, no card needed
- Approval workflow for agencies
- Media imports from Drive and Dropbox
- X is not in the six platforms on the pricing page
- AI use is limited by credits
- Paid prices are not in the page text
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 ScheduleWave if you want:
- Free plan, no card needed
- Approval workflow for agencies
- Media imports from Drive and Dropbox
Watch out: x is not in the six platforms on the pricing page.
Hootsuite vs ScheduleWave FAQ
What is the difference between Hootsuite and ScheduleWave?
Hootsuite: Social media management with AI writing and listening. ScheduleWave: Schedule social posts to six platforms with an AI caption writer. Both are marketing tools.
Is Hootsuite or ScheduleWave cheaper?
Hootsuite starts at $99/mo and ScheduleWave starts at See pricing page. Check both pricing pages for current plans.
Do Hootsuite and ScheduleWave have free plans?
Hootsuite: No, 14-day trial. ScheduleWave: Yes.
Who makes Hootsuite?
Hootsuite is made by Hootsuite, based in Canada.
Who makes ScheduleWave?
ScheduleWave is made by ScheduleWave.
Which should I choose, Hootsuite or ScheduleWave?
Choose Hootsuite if you value supports all major networks and listening built in. Choose ScheduleWave if you value free plan, no card needed and approval workflow for agencies.