Buffer vs Later
A detailed comparison of Buffer and Later to help you choose the right tool for your needs.
Buffer
Simple, affordable social media scheduling and analytics tool for small businesses and creators.
Later
Visual-first social media scheduler built for Instagram, with a drag-and-drop content calendar.
💰 Pricing Comparison
| Plan | Buffer | Later |
|---|---|---|
| Free Tier | ✓ 3 channels, 10 posts/channel | ✓ 5 posts/profile/mo |
| Lowest Paid | $6/channel/mo | $25/mo |
| Enterprise | $12/channel/mo | $80/mo |
⚡ Feature Comparison
| Feature | Buffer | Later |
|---|---|---|
| Post scheduling | ✓ | — |
| Analytics dashboard | ✓ | — |
| Start Page bio link | ✓ | — |
| AI assistant | ✓ | — |
| Engagement tools | ✓ | — |
| Team collaboration | ✓ | — |
| Content calendar | ✓ | — |
| Instagram first comment | ✓ | — |
| Hashtag manager | ✓ | — |
| Approval workflows | ✓ | — |
| Visual content calendar | — | ✓ |
| Linkin.bio | — | ✓ |
| UGC collection | — | ✓ |
| Story scheduling | — | ✓ |
| Reels scheduling | — | ✓ |
| Best time to post | — | ✓ |
| Analytics | — | ✓ |
| Media library | — | ✓ |
| Hashtag suggestions | — | ✓ |
| Collaboration tools | — | ✓ |
| Open Source | ✗ | ✗ |
| Rating | ⭐ 4.3 | ⭐ 4.3 |
Pros & Cons
Buffer
Pros
- ✓ Extremely simple to use
- ✓ Affordable per-channel pricing
- ✓ Great free tier
- ✓ Clean analytics
Cons
- ✗ Limited compared to Hootsuite/Sprout
- ✗ No social listening
- ✗ Basic reporting
- ✗ No inbox management on free
Later
Pros
- ✓ Best visual planning UI
- ✓ Great Instagram features
- ✓ Linkin.bio included
- ✓ Easy to use
Cons
- ✗ Instagram-centric
- ✗ Limited analytics on lower plans
- ✗ No social listening
- ✗ Fewer platforms than Hootsuite
🏆 The Verdict
Choose Buffer if: You need small businesses and solopreneurs wanting simple social scheduling. Buffer excels with its extremely simple to use and affordable per-channel pricing.
Choose Later if: You need instagram-focused creators and visual brands. Later stands out with its best visual planning ui and great instagram features.
Best free option: Both Buffer and Later offer free tiers. Buffer offers "3 channels, 10 posts/channel" while Later offers "5 posts/profile/mo".
❓ Frequently Asked Questions
Is Buffer better than Later?
It depends on your needs. Buffer is better for small businesses and solopreneurs wanting simple social scheduling, while Later is better for instagram-focused creators and visual brands. Both are excellent tools rated 4.3 and 4.3 respectively.
Which is cheaper, Buffer or Later?
Buffer starts at $6/channel/mo while Later starts at $25/mo. Both offer free tiers.
Can I switch from Buffer to Later?
Most tools offer import/export features to help you migrate. We recommend trying Later's free tier before fully committing to a switch.
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