A comprehensive, feature-by-feature comparison of Hootsuite and Later to help you choose the best social media management tool in 2026.
Hootsuite leads in 4 categories while Later leads in 1, 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 Hootsuite and Later stack up across 12 key features
| Feature | Hootsuite | Later |
|---|---|---|
| AI-Powered Scheduling | ||
| 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 |
The biggest differences between Hootsuite and Later that will affect your decision
Hootsuite offers bulk scheduling while Later does not. This gives Hootsuite an edge for users who need this capability.
Hootsuite offers rss feed automation while Later does not. This gives Hootsuite an edge for users who need this capability.
Hootsuite offers social inbox while Later does not. This gives Hootsuite an edge for users who need this capability.
Hootsuite offers custom reporting while Later does not. This gives Hootsuite an edge for users who need this capability.
Hootsuite starts at $99/mo vs Later at $25/mo
Starting at $99/mo30-day free trial
Starting at $25/mo14-day free trial
Here's our recommendation based on your needs
Common questions about Hootsuite vs Later
Hootsuite starts at $99/mo which is 5x more expensive than Planify Pro ($19/mo). For small-to-medium businesses, Planify offers comparable features at a fraction of the cost. Hootsuite is only worth it for large enterprises needing social listening.
For most teams, yes. Planify offers team collaboration, multi-account management, analytics, and AI features. The main things you'd miss are social listening and some enterprise integrations.
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. Hootsuite is best for large enterprises with dedicated social media teams and big budgets, 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 Hootsuite 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.