A comprehensive, feature-by-feature comparison of Buffer and Zoho Social to help you choose the best social media management tool in 2026.
Buffer leads in 2 categories while Zoho Social leads in 6, with 4 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 Zoho Social stack up across 12 key features
| Feature | Buffer | Zoho Social |
|---|---|---|
| AI-Powered Scheduling | Better | |
| AI Content Assistant | Better | |
| 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 |
The biggest differences between Buffer and Zoho Social that will affect your decision
Buffer offers ai content assistant while Zoho Social does not. This gives Buffer an edge for users who need this capability.
Buffer offers link in bio while Zoho Social does not. This gives Buffer an edge for users who need this capability.
Zoho Social offers ai-powered scheduling while Buffer does not. This gives Zoho Social an edge for users who need this capability.
Zoho Social offers bulk scheduling while Buffer does not. This gives Zoho Social an edge for users who need this capability.
Buffer starts at $6/channel/mo vs Zoho Social at $15/mo
Starting at $6/channel/moFree plan available
Starting at $15/mo15-day free trial
Here's our recommendation based on your needs
Common questions about Buffer vs Zoho Social
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.
Zoho Social is good value within the Zoho ecosystem. Planify offers better AI features, supports more platforms (including Bluesky and Threads), and has a free plan. Zoho Social is better if you need CRM integration with Zoho CRM.
No, Zoho Social starts at $15/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 Zoho Social is best for small businesses already in the zoho ecosystem. 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 Zoho Social
Planify combines the best of both worlds with AI-powered scheduling, a generous free plan, and support for 7+ platforms including Bluesky and Threads.