Hootsuite vs SocialRails
A side-by-side look at pricing plans, free tiers, features, pros and cons, updated for 2026. SocialRails has the lower starting price: about $29 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
- Posting to 9 platforms
- AI content ideas
- 30-day content plans
- AI image generation
- Pinterest pin creator
- Recurring posts
| Feature | Hootsuite | SocialRails |
|---|---|---|
| Best for | Social media management with AI writing and listening | Social media scheduler for 9 platforms with AI posts and images |
| Category | Marketing | Marketing |
| Pricing model | Free trial | Free trial |
| Starting price | $99/mo | $29/mo |
| Free plan | No, 14-day trial | No, trial available |
| Made by | Hootsuite | SocialRails |
| Based in | Canada | – |
| Rating | No ratings yet | No ratings yet |
| Key features |
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Pricing compared
SocialRails has the lower starting price: about $29 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
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
SocialRails
- Flat monthly price, not per seat
- AI credits included
- Up to 25 workspaces
- No free plan
- Full plan list not shown
- Nine platforms, fewer than some rivals
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 SocialRails if you want:
- Flat monthly price, not per seat
- AI credits included
- Up to 25 workspaces
Watch out: no free plan.
Hootsuite vs SocialRails FAQ
What is the difference between Hootsuite and SocialRails?
Hootsuite: Social media management with AI writing and listening. SocialRails: Social media scheduler for 9 platforms with AI posts and images. Both are marketing tools.
Is Hootsuite or SocialRails cheaper?
SocialRails has the lower starting price: about $29 a month, against $99 for Hootsuite.
Do Hootsuite and SocialRails have free plans?
Hootsuite: No, 14-day trial. SocialRails: No, trial available.
Who makes Hootsuite?
Hootsuite is made by Hootsuite, based in Canada.
Who makes SocialRails?
SocialRails is made by SocialRails.
Which should I choose, Hootsuite or SocialRails?
Choose Hootsuite if you value supports all major networks and listening built in. Choose SocialRails if you value flat monthly price, not per seat and ai credits included.