Sprout Social vs Buffer: Which Should You Choose in 2026?
Choosing between Sprout Social 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.
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:
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
Buffer
Grow your audience on social media
Best for you if:
- • You want to try before committing
- • Simple social media scheduling
- • Multi-platform posting
| At a Glance |  Sprout Social |  Buffer |
|---|---|---|
Price | Paid | Free + Paid |
Best For | Social Media Management | Social Media Management |
Rating | 86/100 | 83/100 |
| Feature | Sprout Social | Buffer |
|---|---|---|
| Pricing Model | Paid | Freemium |
| Editorial Score | 86 | 83 |
| Community Rating | No ratings yet | No ratings yet |
| Total Reviews | 0 | 0 |
| Community Upvotes | 0 | 0 |
| Categories | Social Media ManagementWeb Analytics | Social Media ManagementContent Marketing |
How Sprout Social and Buffer Compare
Sprout Social
Social media management & analytics
Paid · 86/100 score
Buffer
Grow your audience on social media
Free tier available · 83/100 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?
Sprout Social: 86/100. Buffer: 83/100.
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?
Sprout Social is paid. Buffer is freemium. 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 Sprout Social or Buffer better?
Sprout Social scores 86/100 in our evaluation. Sprout Social is paid and Buffer is freemium.
What are Sprout Social and Buffer used for?
Sprout Social: Social media management & analytics. Buffer: Grow your audience on social media.
What does Sprout Social cost vs Buffer?
Sprout Social is a paid tool. Buffer is freemium (free tier + paid plans). Visit their websites for detailed pricing.