Buffer vs Sprout Social: Which Should You Choose in 2026?
Choosing between Buffer and Sprout Social comes down to understanding what each tool does best. This comparison breaks down the key differences so you can make an informed decision based on your specific needs, not marketing claims.
By Toolradar Team · Last updated February 28, 2026 · Methodology
Short on time? Here's the quick answer
We've tested both tools. Here's who should pick what:
Buffer
Grow your audience on social media
Best for you if:
- • You want to try before committing
- • Simple social media scheduling
- • Multi-platform posting
Sprout Social
Social media management & analytics
Best for you if:
- • You want the higher-rated option (8.6/10 vs 8.3/10)
- • Social media management platform
- • Unified inbox for all messages
| At a Glance |  Buffer |  Sprout Social |
|---|---|---|
Price | Free + Paid | Paid |
Best For | Social Media Management | Social Media Management |
Rating | 83/100 | 86/100 |
| Feature | Buffer | Sprout Social |
|---|---|---|
| Pricing Model | Freemium | Paid |
| Editorial Score | 83 | 86 |
| Community Rating | No ratings yet | No ratings yet |
| Total Reviews | 0 | 0 |
| Community Upvotes | 0 | 0 |
| Categories | Social Media ManagementContent Marketing | Social Media ManagementWeb Analytics |
How Buffer and Sprout Social Compare
Buffer
Grow your audience on social media
Free tier available · 83/100 score
Sprout Social
Social media management & analytics
Paid · 86/100 score
Who Should Use What?
On a budget?
Buffer has a free tier. Sprout Social is paid only.
Go with: Buffer
Want the highest-rated option?
Buffer: 83/100. Sprout Social: 86/100.
Go with: Sprout Social
Value user reviews?
Neither has user reviews yet.
Go with: Sprout Social
3 Questions to Help You Decide
What's your budget?
Buffer is freemium. Sprout Social is paid. Buffer lets you start free.
What's your use case?
Both are social media management tools. Compare their specific features to decide.
How important are ratings?
Sprout Social scores higher: 86/100 vs 83/100.
Key Takeaways
Sprout Social
- Higher score: 86/100 vs 83
- Our pick for this comparison
Buffer
- Has a free tier
The Bottom Line
Sprout Social (86/100) is our pick. Buffer has a free tier if you want to test without paying.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Buffer or Sprout Social better?
Sprout Social scores 86/100 in our evaluation. Buffer is freemium and Sprout Social is paid.
What are Buffer and Sprout Social used for?
Buffer: Grow your audience on social media. Sprout Social: Social media management & analytics.
What does Buffer cost vs Sprout Social?
Buffer is freemium (free tier + paid plans). Sprout Social is a paid tool. Visit their websites for detailed pricing.