2026 Comparison

Buffer vs SocialPilot: Which is Better?

A comprehensive, feature-by-feature comparison of Buffer and SocialPilot to help you choose the best social media management tool in 2026.

12 features compared
Buffer: 4.3/5 rating
SocialPilot: 4.5/5 rating

Our Verdict

Buffer leads in 1 categories while SocialPilot leads in 6, with 5 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.

Buffer: 1 wins
SocialPilot: 6 wins
Tied: 5 features

Feature-by-Feature Comparison

See how Buffer and SocialPilot stack up across 12 key features

Feature
Buffer
SocialPilot
AI-Powered Scheduling
Better
AI Content Assistant
Analytics & Reporting
Team Collaboration
Bulk Scheduling
Better
RSS Feed Automation
Better
Content Calendar
Link in Bio
Better
Social Inbox
Better
Custom Reporting
Better
Hashtag Suggestions
Media Library
Better
Key Differences

What Sets Them Apart

The biggest differences between Buffer and SocialPilot that will affect your decision

Link in Bio

Buffer offers link in bio while SocialPilot does not. This gives Buffer an edge for users who need this capability.

Winner: Buffer

AI-Powered Scheduling

SocialPilot offers ai-powered scheduling while Buffer does not. This gives SocialPilot an edge for users who need this capability.

Winner: SocialPilot

Bulk Scheduling

SocialPilot offers bulk scheduling while Buffer does not. This gives SocialPilot an edge for users who need this capability.

Winner: SocialPilot

RSS Feed Automation

SocialPilot offers rss feed automation while Buffer does not. This gives SocialPilot an edge for users who need this capability.

Winner: SocialPilot
Pricing

Pricing Comparison

Buffer starts at $6/channel/mo vs SocialPilot at $30/mo

Buffer

More Affordable

Starting at $6/channel/moFree plan available

Free$0/month
  • 3 channels
  • 10 scheduled posts per channel
  • Basic publishing tools
Essentials$6/month/channel
  • Engagement tools
  • Analytical reports
  • 2,000 scheduled posts per channel
Team$12/month/channel
  • Unlimited team members
  • Draft collaboration tools
  • Custom access permissions

SocialPilot

Starting at $30/mo14-day free trial

Professional$30/month
  • 10 social accounts
  • 1 user
  • Bulk scheduling
Small Team$50/month
  • 20 accounts
  • 3 users
  • Client management
Agency$100/month
  • 30 accounts
  • 6 users
  • White label reports

Which Tool is Right for You?

Here's our recommendation based on your needs

Choose Buffer if you:

  • Want a free plan to get started without any commitment
  • Want AI assistance for creating content and captions
  • Are looking for a tool best suited for: solo creators who need simple scheduling for 1-3 accounts
Visit Buffer

Choose SocialPilot if you:

  • Need AI-powered scheduling to optimize your posting times
  • Want AI assistance for creating content and captions
  • Need a unified inbox to manage all social conversations
  • Require custom reports for clients or stakeholders
  • Need to schedule many posts at once with bulk scheduling
Visit SocialPilot
FAQ

Frequently Asked Questions

Common questions about Buffer vs SocialPilot

Is Buffer or Planify better for beginners?

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.

Can I migrate from Buffer to Planify?

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.

Is SocialPilot cheaper than Planify?

SocialPilot starts at $30/mo with no free plan. Planify is free for basic use and $19/mo for Pro with 10 accounts. Planify is cheaper and includes AI features SocialPilot doesn't offer.

Which tool is better for agencies?

SocialPilot has dedicated agency features like white-label reports and client management. Planify is better for small agencies prioritizing AI and affordability. For large agencies, SocialPilot's Agency plan ($100/mo) offers more client tools.

Which is better overall, Buffer or SocialPilot?

It depends on your needs. Buffer is best for solo creators who need simple scheduling for 1-3 accounts, while SocialPilot is best for agencies managing multiple clients on a budget. We recommend trying Planify as an alternative that combines the best of both with AI-powered features and a free plan.

Can I switch from Buffer to SocialPilot easily?

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.

Looking for a better alternative?

Try Planify — A Modern Alternative to Buffer & SocialPilot

Planify combines the best of both worlds with AI-powered scheduling, a generous free plan, and support for 7+ platforms including Bluesky and Threads.