Buffer
A simple, per-channel priced scheduler for posting to the main social networks from one queue.
- Verified facts
- 5 of 5
- Alternatives ranked
- 7
- Approved reviews
- 0
- Visits sent from here
- 0
About Buffer
Buffer is one of the longest-running social media schedulers and still one of the easiest to pick up. You connect your channels, write a post once, tweak it per network and drop it into a queue or onto a calendar. It covers the usual networks, including Instagram, Facebook, LinkedIn, TikTok, Pinterest, YouTube Shorts, Threads, Bluesky, Mastodon and X, and adds basic analytics, an AI writing helper, a link-in-bio page and a light engagement inbox for comments. It deliberately stays small: there is no deep social listening or complex approval routing, which keeps the interface calm but means agencies and larger teams often outgrow it. Pricing is per connected channel, with a free plan for up to three channels and paid tiers that add unlimited scheduling, analytics and team features; a free trial is available on paid plans. The company is known for publishing its salaries and finances openly. It runs in the browser, with iOS and Android apps and a browser extension.
Best for: Solo creators and small businesses who want a clean, cheap scheduler without enterprise extras.
Pros and cons
What works
- Very easy to learn, with a tidy queue and calendar
- Free plan covers three channels
- Per-channel pricing stays cheap for small setups
- Supports newer networks like Bluesky, Threads and Mastodon
Why people leave
- Engagement and reporting are basic next to Sprout Social or Agorapulse
- Costs add up per channel once you manage many accounts
- No social listening
Top Buffer alternatives
See all 7- 1
Hootsuite66.5Adds a full social inbox, listening and team workflows for when Buffer feels too light.
- 2
Publer62.6Similar simple scheduling with a free plan and more networks per plan for the money.
- 3
Later59.6Better visual planning and Instagram-first tools for creators and brands.
- 4
SocialBee57.2Category-based evergreen queues that recycle content automatically.
- 5
Postiz55.3Open-source and self-hostable, with a similar queue-and-calendar approach.
Why people left Buffer
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Buffer: common questions
Is Buffer free?
Buffer has a free plan and paid plans. Free plan: Up to 3 channels (checked on Buffer's own site).
Is Buffer open source?
No, Buffer is not open source. Open-source alternatives include Postiz.
What platforms does Buffer run on?
Buffer is available for Web, iOS, Android and Browser extension.
What are the best alternatives to Buffer?
The highest-ranked Buffer alternatives right now are Hootsuite, Publer and Later. See the full ranked list for pricing, platforms and verified facts.