Later vs Hootsuite: Which Should You Choose in 2026?
Choosing between Later and Hootsuite 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:
Later
Social media management made easy
Best for you if:
- • You want to try before committing
- • Later - visual social planning
- • Drag-and-drop content calendar
Hootsuite
Social media management platform
Best for you if:
- • You want the higher-rated option (8.4/10 vs 8.2/10)
- • Social media management platform
- • Schedule and analyze across platforms
| At a Glance |  Later |  Hootsuite |
|---|---|---|
Price | Free + Paid | Paid |
Best For | Social Media Management | Social Media Management |
Rating | 82/100 | 84/100 |
| Feature | Later | Hootsuite |
|---|---|---|
| Pricing Model | Freemium | Paid |
| Editorial Score | 82 | 84 |
| Community Rating | No ratings yet | No ratings yet |
| Total Reviews | 0 | 0 |
| Community Upvotes | 0 | 0 |
| Categories | Social Media ManagementWeb Analytics | Social Media ManagementMarketing Automation |
How Later and Hootsuite Compare
Later
Social media management made easy
Free tier available · 82/100 score
Hootsuite
Social media management platform
Paid · 84/100 score
Who Should Use What?
On a budget?
Later has a free tier. Hootsuite is paid only.
Go with: Later
Want the highest-rated option?
Later: 82/100. Hootsuite: 84/100.
Go with: Hootsuite
Value user reviews?
Neither has user reviews yet.
Go with: Hootsuite
3 Questions to Help You Decide
What's your budget?
Later is freemium. Hootsuite is paid. Later 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?
Hootsuite scores higher: 84/100 vs 82/100.
Key Takeaways
Hootsuite
- Higher score: 84/100 vs 82
- Our pick for this comparison
Later
- Has a free tier
The Bottom Line
Hootsuite (84/100) is our pick. Later has a free tier if you want to test without paying.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Later or Hootsuite better?
Hootsuite scores 84/100 in our evaluation. Later is freemium and Hootsuite is paid.
What are Later and Hootsuite used for?
Later: Social media management made easy. Hootsuite: Social media management platform.
What does Later cost vs Hootsuite?
Later is freemium (free tier + paid plans). Hootsuite is a paid tool. Visit their websites for detailed pricing.