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Head-to-head · Social Scheduling

Buffer vs Metricool

Updated Oct 2026
Both researched from official sources
1 check side by side

Higher score Buffer #1 in Social Scheduling 9.3/10 Free plan · 14-day trial Free planFree trial✓ 0 of 4 features Visit Buffer

Metricool #8 in Social Scheduling 8.2/10 Free plan Free plan✓ 0 of 4 features Visit Metricool

Buffer leads on 0 checks, Metricool on 0, and 1 is even. Who comes out ahead on the 1 yes/no, price and count check where we have data for both products. The editor score weighs everything else too.

Our verdict

Highest scoreBuffer · 9.3/10
Free planboth
Free trialonly Buffer

Buffer scores higher on our rubric for social scheduling: 9.3 against 8.2 out of 10; our editors rank them #1 and #8.

Buffer is the better fit for creators and teams scheduling across social networks. Metricool is the better fit for budget-conscious teams needing analytics and approvals.

Buffer fits best
Creators and teams scheduling across social networks
Metricool fits best
Budget-conscious teams needing analytics and approvals

Advertiser disclosure: iTechGuides is reader-supported. Vendors can pay for top positions in our rankings and for a place on other products' pages, and we may earn a commission when you click some links. Bought places stand at the number bought; this page and our disclosure say so. Paying vendors may get a fuller, more detailed review from our editors, and that review can change their score. How we rank.

Side by side

Show only differences

Feature	Buffer 9.3/10 Visit ↗	Metricool 8.2/10 Visit ↗
At a glance
Editor score	9.3	8.2
Ranking	#1 in Social Scheduling	#8 in Social Scheduling
Best for	Creators and teams scheduling across social networks	Budget-conscious teams needing analytics and approvals
Pricing model	Free plan + paid	Free plan + paid
Starting price	$60/site/yr	$20/mo
Free plan	✓	✓
Free trial	14 days	—
Deployment	Cloud, Mobile, Browser extension	Cloud, Mobile, Browser extension
Platforms	Web, iOS, Android, Chrome extension	Web, iOS, Android, Chrome extension
Support	Email, Docs	Docs
Integrations	24+ integrations	12 integrations
Built for	Solo, Small business, Mid-market, Enterprise	Solo, Small business, Mid-market
Features Buffer 0/4 · Metricool 0/4
Approval workflows	Not checked yet	Not checked yet
Bulk scheduling	Not checked yet	Not checked yet
Post queue	Not checked yet	Not checked yet
Post analytics	Not checked yet	Not checked yet
Specs
Social profiles	Not checked yet	Not checked yet
Supported networks	Facebook, Instagram, X/Twitter, LinkedIn, Pinterest, TikTok, Google Business Profile, Start Pages, Mastodon, YouTube Shorts, Threads, Bluesky	Facebook, Instagram, Threads, X, Bluesky, LinkedIn, Pinterest, TikTok, Google Business Profile, YouTube, Twitch
Our review
Pros	Free plan supports up to 3 channels and 10 scheduled posts per channel. Essentials adds unlimited scheduling, advanced analytics, and API access. Team adds unlimited members and content approval workflows.	Free plan includes one brand, 20 scheduled posts, and 30 days of analytics Advanced adds team and client management plus post approval workflows Automated reports and integrations including Canva, Zapier, and Looker Studio
Cons	Paid pricing scales with each connected channel. Free plan is limited to 3 channels and 10 scheduled posts per channel. Essentials is limited to 1 user; approvals and unlimited members require Team.	Free plan is limited to one brand and 20 scheduled posts per month X access on paid plans requires an add-on Unlimited scheduling is subject to the Fair Use Policy
Our verdict	Buffer brings social publishing, engagement, and analytics into one service for creators, entrepreneurs, small businesses, agencies, and teams. It supports scheduling and publishing across networks including Facebook, Instagram, X/Twitter,… Read the review →	Metricool brings social planning, publishing, analytics, and reporting into one platform for creators, social media professionals, businesses, and agencies. Its calendar supports post scheduling and recurring content lists, while a unified… Read the review →

BufferSocial Scheduling 9.3Free plan · 14-day trial
MetricoolSocial Scheduling 8.2Free plan

Compare the top tools in

Strengths and trade-offs

Buffer — where it wins
- Free plan supports up to 3 channels and 10 scheduled posts per channel.
- Essentials adds unlimited scheduling, advanced analytics, and API access.
- Team adds unlimited members and content approval workflows.
Where it doesn't
- Paid pricing scales with each connected channel.
- Free plan is limited to 3 channels and 10 scheduled posts per channel.
- Essentials is limited to 1 user; approvals and unlimited members require Team.
Metricool — where it wins
- Free plan includes one brand, 20 scheduled posts, and 30 days of analytics
- Advanced adds team and client management plus post approval workflows
- Automated reports and integrations including Canva, Zapier, and Looker Studio
Where it doesn't
- Free plan is limited to one brand and 20 scheduled posts per month
- X access on paid plans requires an add-on
- Unlimited scheduling is subject to the Fair Use Policy

Buffer9.3/10 · Free plan · 14-day trial
A flexible scheduler with a useful free tier and paid plans priced per channel.
Visit Buffer Full verdict →
Metricool8.2/10 · Free plan
A budget-friendly scheduler that pairs publishing with analytics, inbox, and approvals.
Visit Metricool Full verdict →

More comparisons

All social scheduling comparisons → · Full ranking →

Reviewed by iTechGuides Editors · Editorial team · Updated Oct 2026

Last updated 7 Oct 2026 · How we research and update