Comparison · Social media management tools
Buffer vs Metricool: which is better in 2026?
Buffer91.0#3 in best social media management tools
Metricool87.5#6 in best social media management toolsBuffer ranks higher in our list of social media management tools (#3 against #6, score 91.0 against 87.5).
- 91.0Editorial score87.5
- 3Platforms1
- YesFree to useYes
- NoOpen sourceNo
Which should you choose?
Choose Buffer if you want
Solo creators and small brands starting out.
The simplest route into multi-channel scheduling, with a free plan for three channels and a clean calendar. Approval workflows need the Team plan, and the free plan caps scheduled posts per channel.
Choose Metricool if you want
Solo users who want analytics without paying.
The best free plan here for analytics, with one brand and 20 scheduled posts a month, and a post approval system on the Advanced plan. The free plan does not manage LinkedIn or X, and paid plans are priced by brand.
The main differences
- Only Buffer runs on iOS.
- Only Buffer runs on Android.
Side by side
| Buffer | Metricool | |
|---|---|---|
| Score | 91.0 | 87.5 |
| Rank in list | #3 of 10 | #6 of 10 |
| Price | Free plan, paid upgradesFree plan for up to 3 channels; paid plans billed per channel | Free plan, paid upgradesFree plan for one brand; paid plans from 16 euros a month |
| Free to use | Yes | Yes |
| Open source | No | No |
| Platforms | WebiOSAndroidWeb, iOS, Android | WebWeb |
| Made by | Not stated | Not stated |
| Hosting | Vendor cloud | Vendor cloud |
| Approval steps | Approval workflows on the Team plan | Post approval system on Advanced |
| AI assistant | AI Assistant for drafts and repurposing | AI social media assistant |
| Best for | Solo creators and small brands starting out | Solo users who want analytics without paying |
| Strengths |
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| Limits |
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| Links | Visit site | Visit site |
Questions about Buffer vs Metricool
- Is Buffer better than Metricool?
- Buffer ranks higher in our list of social media management tools (#3 against #6, score 91.0 against 87.5). Buffer is best for: solo creators and small brands starting out. Metricool is best for: solo users who want analytics without paying.
- Which is cheaper, Buffer or Metricool?
- Buffer: Free plan for up to 3 channels; paid plans billed per channel. Metricool: Free plan for one brand; paid plans from 16 euros a month.
- Do Buffer and Metricool run on the same platforms?
- Buffer supports Web, iOS, Android. Metricool supports Web.
Choosing between the two
Learning Center
1:17How to decide between two good optionsSettle a close call by sorting it by how hard it is to undo, setting a deadline, scoring the criteria as a tie-breaker and writing down why you chose.
1:20How to compare products fairly: what to keep in mindDefine the job, cap the must-haves, compare like with like, count total cost over one period and weigh the criteria. Includes a worked example.
