In short
- Cross-platform scheduling for every major social network
- Generous free tier covers 3 channels and 10 scheduled posts each
- Clean, opinionated UI focused on the scheduling workflow itself
- Best fit: solo creators and small teams running organic social on a budget
What is Buffer
Buffer is the scheduling tool that defined the category in 2010 and still sets the bar for simplicity. Connect your social accounts, queue posts, set publishing times, done. The product has resisted the temptation to bloat. It does scheduling and basic analytics, not 30 adjacent things.
Where Buffer fits in 2026
Buffer is right for solo creators and small teams who want scheduling without enterprise overhead. The free tier is genuinely usable. Trade-off: less depth on social-listening, competitor analysis, and inbox management than Hootsuite or Sprout Social.
FAQ about Buffer
Is Buffer free?
Yes, Buffer has a permanent free plan that covers 3 social accounts with 10 scheduled posts per channel. It is one of the few major social schedulers that still offers a real free tier after Hootsuite removed theirs in 2023.
How much does Buffer cost?
Buffer is priced per channel, not per user. The Essentials plan is $5 per channel per month billed annually ($6 monthly), and the Team plan is $10 per channel per month billed annually. Adding more team members does not raise the price.
Buffer vs Hootsuite, which is better?
Buffer is much cheaper for small teams managing a handful of channels because it bills per channel, while Hootsuite starts at $199 per user per month. Hootsuite has deeper analytics, social listening, and team features that justify the price at agency or enterprise scale.
Does Buffer support all the major social platforms?
Buffer supports Instagram, Facebook, TikTok, X (Twitter), LinkedIn, YouTube, Pinterest, Threads, Bluesky, Mastodon, and Google Business. Video posting, first-comment scheduling, and Reels are supported on the channels that allow it via API.
Does Buffer have AI features?
Yes, Buffer’s AI Assistant helps generate, rephrase, and repurpose posts across channels. It is included on paid plans and is mainly a writing helper rather than a full content engine.
How to use Buffer?
Sign up at buffer.com, connect your social profiles, and schedule your first post. Most users are live in under 10 minutes.
Why choose Buffer?
Buffer is the simplest social media scheduler with the strongest free tier in the category, ideal for small teams and solo creators who don’t need a heavy inbox or enterprise reporting.
How does Buffer work?
Buffer queues posts to your connected social profiles based on a schedule you set. Each profile has its own queue, and analytics roll up across channels in a unified dashboard.
How to learn Buffer?
Buffer maintains a help center at support.buffer.com and the Buffer blog and podcast are widely read in social media marketing. Their resources are free.
What are Buffer alternatives?
Common alternatives include Hootsuite, Later, Sprout Social, Agorapulse, and Sendible.
What are Buffer reviews?
Buffer is rated 4.3 on G2 with 1,071 reviews. See the reviews for detailed feedback.
Does Buffer have an API?
Yes, Buffer provides a REST API for publishing and analytics. Documentation is at buffer.com/developers.
Does Buffer have a trial or a demo?
Yes, Buffer offers a permanently free tier you can use as a trial.
Buffer pricing
Buffer pricing starts at $6/mo. Plans are organised as Per channel. A free tier option is available. See the full Buffer pricing page for current tiers and any add-ons.
