Buffer
8.9#2 in social media management toolsFrom $5 a monthFree planAndroidiOSWebAPI
VisitBuffer vs Sprout Social
Sprout Social
8.2#17 in social media management toolsFrom $79 a monthAndroidiOS
VisitWhat both publish
| Fact | Buffer | Sprout Social |
|---|---|---|
| Analytics level | advanced | basic |
| Approval workflow | Yes | Yes |
| Founded | 2010 | 2010 |
| Free plan | Yes | No |
| Integrations | Buffer's integrations directory lists 24 apps, including Canva, ChatGPT, Claude, Dropbox, Google Drive, IFTTT, Make, n8n, WordPress, and Zapier. | Advanced includes the Sprout API and Helpdesk integrations |
| Social accounts | 1 | 5 |
| Social inbox | Yes | Yes |
| Supported networks | Facebook,Instagram,X/Twitter,LinkedIn,Pinterest,TikTok,Google Business Profile,Start Pages,Mastodon,YouTube Shorts,Threads,Bluesky | Facebook, X, Instagram, LinkedIn, Threads, Pinterest and TikTok are listed |
| Team collaboration | Teams can manage, edit, and approve social media posts. | Plans include consolidated inbox and collaboration tools |
Buffer plans
- FreeFree
- Essentials$5 a month
- Team$10 a month
Sprout Social plans
- Essentials$79 a month
- Standard$199 a month
- Professional$299 a month
- Advanced$399 a month
- EnterprisePriced on request
- Essentials Monthly$99 a month
Pick Buffer if…
Buffer suits creators, entrepreneurs, small businesses, and teams that schedule social posts and want tools for comments, analytics, or collaboration. The free plan may suit users managing up to three channels with limited scheduled posts and ideas.
Pick Sprout Social if…
It suits teams managing multiple social networks that need a shared inbox, collaboration and approval workflows. Organizations needing unlimited social profiles or added integrations can consider Professional or Advanced.