Marketing · Social media management
Buffer
Simple, low-cost social media scheduling priced per channel
At a glance
Buffer is a social media scheduling and analytics tool built around a simple publishing queue. You connect channels, draft or save ideas, and schedule posts, then review performance and reply to comments from the same app. Pricing is per connected channel, with a free plan for up to three channels.
- Category
- Social media management
- Best fit
- SME
- Pricing
- See pricing below
- In Adam’s stack
- No
Who Buffer is best for
Solo operators, small businesses and lean marketing teams who want an easy, affordable way to schedule posts across a handful of channels. Pick it over Hootsuite or Sprout Social when budget and simplicity matter more than listening or advanced team workflows.
Key features
- Free plan for up to 3 channels with 10 scheduled posts each
- Per-channel paid pricing with unlimited scheduling (fair use applies)
- Ideas board and AI assistant for drafting posts
- First comment scheduling and hashtag manager on paid plans
- Analytics and reports, with branded reports on Team
- Approval workflows and unlimited users on Team
Why it’s worth it
It does the core job of planning and scheduling social posts well, at a price small businesses can justify. You only pay for the channels you actually use.
Things to consider
- No social listening or brand monitoring
- Engagement and analytics are lighter than in enterprise tools
- Per-channel pricing adds up if you manage many brands or profiles
Buffer pricing
Pricing as published by Buffer
Free plan (up to 3 channels, 10 scheduled posts per channel). Essentials US$5/channel/month. Team US$10/channel/month. Annual billing discounted (advertised as 20% off). 14-day free trial on paid plans. 50% off for nonprofits.
Source: buffer.com/pricing. Checked 8 October 2026. Prices change often, so confirm on the vendor’s site before you buy.
Alternatives to Buffer
Other tools listed under Social media management. Tools from Adam’s stack are marked.
Sprout Social
In Adam’s stackPublishing, inbox, listening and reporting
Mid-marketEnterpriseThe original social media dashboard
SMEMid-marketEnterpriseVisual planning for Instagram and TikTok
SMEMid-marketInbox, publishing and ROI reporting
SMEMid-marketScheduling and analytics with a strong free plan
SMEContent calendar with approvals
SMEMeta Business Suite
In Adam’s stackFree tool for Facebook and Instagram
SMEMid-marketEnterprise social marketing and care
EnterpriseEnterprise social listening and consumer research
Enterprise
FAQ
Buffer: common questions
Is Buffer free?
Yes. Buffer's free plan covers up to three channels with up to 10 scheduled posts per channel and one user. Paid plans remove most limits and add analytics, reporting and team features.
How much does Buffer cost?
Essentials is about US$5 per channel per month and Team is about US$10 per channel per month, with a discount for annual billing. You only pay for the channels you connect.
Buffer vs Later?
Buffer suits text and link-heavy posting across many networks with simple per-channel pricing. Later is built around visual planning for Instagram and TikTok, with link in bio and UGC tools included.
Can’t find a tool that fits?
When every option forces a workaround, our trusted build partners can build it: apps, automations and AI agents designed around how your business actually works.