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Metricool vs Buffer: Which is Better in 2026?

Choosing between Metricool and Buffer 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.

Bottom line: Buffer is our overall pick for social media management workflows. Pick Metricool if you need a free tier to start with.

··Methodology
Editor reviewed0 verified reviews comparedPricing checked May 2026

Short on time? Here's the quick answer

We've tested both tools. Here's who should pick what:

Metricool

Plan, measure, and manage social media content and ads all in one powerful platform.

Best for you if:

  • All-in-one social media planning, scheduling, and analytics.
  • Manages ad campaigns across Google, Facebook, and TikTok from one dashboard.

Buffer

Grow your audience on social media

Best for you if:

  • Simple social media scheduling
  • Multi-platform posting
At a Glance
MetricoolMetricool
BufferBuffer
Starts at
$18/moStarter
$5/channel/moPro
Best For
Social Media ManagementSocial Media Management
Rating
--

Choose Metricool or Buffer?

Metricool

Choose Metricool if

Plan, measure, and manage social media content and ads all in one powerful platform.

  • Social media analytics
  • Scheduling included
  • Fair pricing
Buffer

Choose Buffer if

Grow your audience on social media

  • Very easy to use
  • Affordable pricing
  • Good for beginners
FeatureMetricoolBuffer
Pricing ModelFreemiumFreemium
User Rating
4.4/5
182 reviews
4.4/5
2,517 reviews
Categories
Social Media ManagementMarketing
Social Media ManagementProductivity

In-Depth Analysis

MetricoolMetricool

Plan, measure, and manage social media content and ads all in one powerful platform.

Strengths

  • +Social media analytics
  • +Scheduling included
  • +Fair pricing
  • +Good reporting
  • +Multi-platform

Weaknesses

  • -Limited free tier
  • -UI could improve
  • -Some features basic
  • -API limitations
  • -Less known

Key features

Social media analyticsSchedulingCompetitor analysisAd managementLink-in-bioReporting
Starts at $18/mo

BufferBuffer

Grow your audience on social media

Strengths

  • +Very easy to use
  • +Affordable pricing
  • +Good for beginners
  • +Clean analytics dashboard

Weaknesses

  • -Limited features vs competitors
  • -Basic analytics on lower tiers
  • -No social listening

Key features

Post schedulingMulti-channel managementAI AssistantAnalyticsHashtag managerFirst comment scheduling
Starts at $5/channel/mo

Pricing: Metricool vs Buffer

PlanMetricoolBuffer
Tier 1
Free
Free
$0
Free
Tier 2
$18
Starter
$5/channel
Pro
Tier 3
$45
Advanced
$10/channel
Advanced

Pricing verified from each vendor's public pricing page. Compare in detail on Metricool pricing and Buffer pricing.

Who Should Use What?

On a budget?

Both are freemium. Compare plans on their websites.

Go with: Metricool

Want the highest-rated option?

Neither has user reviews yet.

Go with: Metricool

Value user reviews?

Neither has user reviews yet.

Go with: Buffer

3 Questions to Help You Decide

1

What's your budget?

Both are freemium. Pricing won't help you decide here.

2

What's your use case?

Both are social media management tools. Compare their specific features to decide.

3

How important are ratings?

Neither has user reviews yet.

Key Takeaways

Buffer

  • Larger review base (2,517 reviews)
  • Free tier available
  • Our pick for this comparison

Metricool

  • Choose if you want plan, measure, and manage social media content and ads all in one powerful platform

The Bottom Line

Buffer is our pick.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Metricool or Buffer better?

Buffer is rated in our evaluation. Both are freemium.

What are Metricool and Buffer used for?

Metricool: Plan, measure, and manage social media content and ads all in one powerful platform.. Buffer: Grow your audience on social media.

What does Metricool cost vs Buffer?

Metricool is freemium (free tier + paid plans). Buffer is freemium (free tier + paid plans). Visit their websites for detailed pricing.

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