kitio.aiHootsuite vs Simplified
A side-by-side look at pricing plans, free tiers, features, pros and cons, updated for 2026. Simplified has the lower starting price: about $79 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
- AI writer
- Graphic design templates
- AI video editor
- Social scheduler
- Brand kits
| Feature | Hootsuite | Simplified |
|---|---|---|
| Best for | Social media management with AI writing and listening | All-in-one AI app for marketing design, copy and scheduling |
| Category | Marketing | Marketing |
| Pricing model | Free trial | Freemium |
| Starting price | $99/mo | $79/mo |
| Free plan | No, 14-day trial | Yes |
| Made by | Hootsuite | Simplified |
| Based in | Canada | United States |
| Rating | No ratings yet | No ratings yet |
| Key features |
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Pricing compared
Simplified has the lower starting price: about $79 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
1 plan
Starter
$79/mo
- 5 campaigns/month
- Copy, design and scheduling
- Extra campaigns $10 each
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
Simplified
- Many tools in one subscription
- Free plan available
- Fast for simple social assets
- Each tool is shallower than a specialist
- Credit system can confuse
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 Simplified if you want:
- Many tools in one subscription
- Free plan available
- Fast for simple social assets
Watch out: each tool is shallower than a specialist.
Hootsuite vs Simplified FAQ
What is the difference between Hootsuite and Simplified?
Hootsuite: Social media management with AI writing and listening. Simplified: All-in-one AI app for marketing design, copy and scheduling. Both are marketing tools.
Is Hootsuite or Simplified cheaper?
Simplified has the lower starting price: about $79 a month, against $99 for Hootsuite.
Do Hootsuite and Simplified have free plans?
Hootsuite: No, 14-day trial. Simplified: Yes.
Who makes Hootsuite?
Hootsuite is made by Hootsuite, based in Canada.
Who makes Simplified?
Simplified is made by Simplified, based in United States.
Which should I choose, Hootsuite or Simplified?
Choose Hootsuite if you value supports all major networks and listening built in. Choose Simplified if you value many tools in one subscription and free plan available.