Comparison · Social media management tools
Buffer vs Sprout Social: which is better in 2026?
Buffer91.0#3 in best social media management tools
Sprout Social93.5#1 in best social media management toolsSprout Social ranks higher in our list of social media management tools (#1 against #3, score 93.5 against 91.0), but the gap is small and the better choice depends on what you need.
- 91.0Editorial score93.5
- 3Platforms3
- YesFree to useNo
- 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 Sprout Social if you want
Mid-size and enterprise teams with many profiles.
Deep inbox, approval and reporting tools for teams that manage many profiles, with a Smart Inbox and post approvals on the higher tiers. Seats add up quickly for large teams, and the Essentials tier covers only five profiles.
The main differences
- Buffer can be used for free; Sprout Social requires payment.
Side by side
| Buffer | Sprout Social | |
|---|---|---|
| Score | 91.0 | 93.5 |
| Rank in list | #3 of 10 | #1 of 10 |
| Price | Free plan, paid upgradesFree plan for up to 3 channels; paid plans billed per channel | Subscription30-day free trial; Essentials from $79 per seat a month billed yearly |
| Free to use | Yes | No |
| Open source | No | No |
| Platforms | WebiOSAndroidWeb, iOS, Android | WebiOSAndroidWeb, iOS, Android |
| Made by | Not stated | Not stated |
| Hosting | Vendor cloud | Vendor cloud |
| Approval steps | Approval workflows on the Team plan | Post approval workflows on Pro and Advanced |
| AI assistant | AI Assistant for drafts and repurposing | Enhance Post by AI Assist |
| Best for | Solo creators and small brands starting out | Mid-size and enterprise teams with many profiles |
| Strengths |
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| Limits |
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| Links | Visit site | Visit site |
Questions about Buffer vs Sprout Social
- Is Sprout Social better than Buffer?
- Sprout Social ranks higher in our list of social media management tools (#1 against #3, score 93.5 against 91.0), but the gap is small and the better choice depends on what you need. Buffer is best for: solo creators and small brands starting out. Sprout Social is best for: mid-size and enterprise teams with many profiles.
- Which is cheaper, Buffer or Sprout Social?
- Buffer: Free plan for up to 3 channels; paid plans billed per channel. Sprout Social: 30-day free trial; Essentials from $79 per seat a month billed yearly.
- Do Buffer and Sprout Social run on the same platforms?
- Buffer supports Web, iOS, Android. Sprout Social supports Web, iOS, Android.
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.
