A comprehensive, feature-by-feature comparison of Buffer and Later to help you choose the best social media management tool in 2026.
Buffer leads in 0 categories while Later leads in 3, with 9 ties. Both are capable tools, but for the best value with AI-powered features and a free plan, consider Planify as a modern alternative to both.
See how Buffer and Later stack up across 12 key features
| Feature | Buffer | Later |
|---|---|---|
| AI-Powered Scheduling | Better | |
| AI Content Assistant | ||
| Analytics & Reporting | ||
| Team Collaboration | ||
| Bulk Scheduling | ||
| RSS Feed Automation | ||
| Content Calendar | ||
| Link in Bio | ||
| Social Inbox | ||
| Custom Reporting | ||
| Hashtag Suggestions | Better | |
| Media Library | Better |
The biggest differences between Buffer and Later that will affect your decision
Later offers ai-powered scheduling while Buffer does not. This gives Later an edge for users who need this capability.
Later offers hashtag suggestions while Buffer does not. This gives Later an edge for users who need this capability.
Later offers media library while Buffer does not. This gives Later an edge for users who need this capability.
Buffer starts at $6/channel/mo compared to Later at $25/mo, making it the more affordable option for budget-conscious users.
Buffer starts at $6/channel/mo vs Later at $25/mo
Starting at $6/channel/moFree plan available
Starting at $25/mo14-day free trial
Here's our recommendation based on your needs
Common questions about Buffer vs Later
Both tools are beginner-friendly. Buffer has a simpler interface but fewer features. Planify offers more features in its free tier including AI-powered scheduling and analytics, making it better value for beginners who want to grow.
Yes! Simply connect your social accounts to Planify and start scheduling. Your existing Buffer posts remain unaffected, so you can run both side-by-side during your transition.
Later has slightly more Instagram-specific features like Linkin.bio. However, Planify offers AI-powered optimal timing, more generous post limits, and supports more platforms. For Instagram-only users, Later is good; for multi-platform, Planify wins.
No, Later discontinued their free plan. Their cheapest option is $25/mo. Planify offers a free plan with 3 accounts and 30 posts/month.
It depends on your needs. Buffer is best for solo creators who need simple scheduling for 1-3 accounts, while Later is best for instagram-focused creators and visual brands. We recommend trying Planify as an alternative that combines the best of both with AI-powered features and a free plan.
Yes, switching between social media management tools is straightforward. Simply connect your social accounts to the new platform and start scheduling. Your existing posts on the old platform remain unaffected during the transition.
Learn more about Buffer and Later
Planify combines the best of both worlds with AI-powered scheduling, a generous free plan, and support for 7+ platforms including Bluesky and Threads.