A comprehensive, feature-by-feature comparison of Buffer and Metricool to help you choose the best social media management tool in 2026.
Buffer leads in 0 categories while Metricool leads in 5, with 7 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 Metricool stack up across 12 key features
| Feature | Buffer | Metricool |
|---|---|---|
| AI-Powered Scheduling | Better | |
| AI Content Assistant | ||
| Analytics & Reporting | ||
| Team Collaboration | ||
| Bulk Scheduling | Better | |
| RSS Feed Automation | Better | |
| Content Calendar | ||
| Link in Bio | ||
| Social Inbox | ||
| Custom Reporting | Better | |
| Hashtag Suggestions | Better | |
| Media Library |
The biggest differences between Buffer and Metricool that will affect your decision
Metricool offers ai-powered scheduling while Buffer does not. This gives Metricool an edge for users who need this capability.
Metricool offers bulk scheduling while Buffer does not. This gives Metricool an edge for users who need this capability.
Metricool offers rss feed automation while Buffer does not. This gives Metricool an edge for users who need this capability.
Metricool offers custom reporting while Buffer does not. This gives Metricool an edge for users who need this capability.
Buffer starts at $6/channel/mo vs Metricool at $22/mo
Starting at $6/channel/moFree plan available
Starting at $22/moFree plan available
Here's our recommendation based on your needs
Common questions about Buffer vs Metricool
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.
Metricool has strong analytics including ad tracking and competitor analysis. Planify offers AI-powered insights and simpler reporting. Metricool is better for pure analytics; Planify is better for AI-optimized scheduling with good analytics.
Yes, Metricool offers a free plan with 50 posts/month. Planify's free plan offers 30 posts/month but includes AI features and a cleaner interface.
It depends on your needs. Buffer is best for solo creators who need simple scheduling for 1-3 accounts, while Metricool is best for marketers who want analytics-heavy social media management with ad tracking. 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 Metricool
Planify combines the best of both worlds with AI-powered scheduling, a generous free plan, and support for 7+ platforms including Bluesky and Threads.