Buffer vs Hootsuite for small business
Buffer is the better pick for most small businesses: it has a free plan, its AI Assistant comes with every plan, and paid plans start at US$5 per channel a month billed yearly. Hootsuite costs more, from US$99, but adds a shared inbox, social listening, and automation for busier teams.
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Side by side
| Buffer | Hootsuite | |
|---|---|---|
| Free plan | Yes, up to 3 channels | No; 14-day free trial |
| Starting price | US$5/channel/mo, yearly | From US$99 |
| Priced by | Social channel | User seat |
| AI | AI Assistant on every plan | Wisdom AI on every plan |
| Team approvals | Team plan | Advanced plan |
| Checked on | Oct 20, 2026 | Oct 20, 2026 |
Prices are each maker’s regular list price in US dollars, read on the date shown. We never convert currencies. Hootsuite’s page doesn’t state the billing period for its US$99 starting price.
Where Buffer wins
- A free plan. Free covers up to 3 channels, with 10 scheduled posts per channel at a time, the AI Assistant, and basic insights.
- Low prices for a few accounts. Essentials is US$5 per channel a month (US$60 billed yearly), and Team is US$10 per channel a month (US$120 billed yearly). You pay only for the channels you connect.
- Unlimited team members on Team. Buffer’s Team plan includes unlimited users, plus approval workflows and access levels.
- AI that sounds like you. Buffer says its AI replies learn your voice. They’re unlimited on paid plans.
Where Hootsuite wins
- One inbox for messages. Every plan lets you respond to messages from one inbox and monitor your brand and competitors.
- AI on every plan. Hootsuite says every plan runs on Wisdom, its AI teammate that drafts, recommends, and analyzes. Standard generates posts and images with AI.
- More automation. Professional (from US$199) adds unlimited social accounts, automated inbox replies, and trend forecasting up to 90 days ahead.
- Built for bigger teams. Advanced (up to US$399) adds approvals, message routing, and team performance reports.
The verdict
Pick Buffer if you manage a handful of social accounts, want to start free, or want to pay only for the channels you use.
Pick Hootsuite if you handle lots of comments and messages and want a shared inbox, listening, and automation in one place.
Questions people ask
Is Buffer cheaper than Hootsuite?
For most small businesses, yes. Buffer has a free plan, and Essentials is US$5 per channel a month billed yearly. Hootsuite’s paid plans start at US$99 (checked October 2026).
Does Hootsuite have a free plan?
Hootsuite’s plans page doesn’t list a free plan. It offers a 14-day free trial with no credit card.
Do Buffer and Hootsuite use AI?
Yes. Buffer includes its AI Assistant on every plan, plus AI replies. Hootsuite says every plan runs on Wisdom, its AI teammate.
How many social accounts can I manage?
Buffer’s free plan covers 3 channels, and paid plans charge per channel. Hootsuite Standard manages up to 10 accounts, and Professional and up are unlimited.
Related pages
- Writing & marketing tools
- Best AI email marketing tools
- How we pick
- Visit Buffer → · Visit Hootsuite →
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