Sprout Social vs Hootsuite: Which Should You Choose in 2026?
Choosing between Sprout Social 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.
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 8.4/10)
- • Social media management platform
- • Unified inbox for all messages
Hootsuite
Social media management platform
Best for you if:
- • Social media management platform
- • Schedule and analyze across platforms
| At a Glance |  Hootsuite | |
|---|---|---|
Price | Paid | Paid |
Best For | Social Media Management | Social Media Management |
Rating | 86/100 | 84/100 |
| Feature | Sprout Social | Hootsuite |
|---|---|---|
| Pricing Model | Paid | Paid |
| Editorial Score | 86 | 84 |
| Community Rating | No ratings yet | No ratings yet |
| Total Reviews | 0 | 0 |
| Community Upvotes | 0 | 0 |
| Categories | Social Media ManagementWeb Analytics | Social Media ManagementContent Scheduling |
Understanding the Differences
Both Sprout Social and Hootsuite solve similar problems, but they approach them differently.Sprout Social positions itself as "social media management & analytics" while Hootsuitefocuses on "social media management platform". These differences matter depending on what you're trying to accomplish.
When to Choose Sprout Social
Sprout Social makes sense if you're looking for a comprehensive paid solution. With a score of 86/100, it's our top pick in this comparison.
When to Choose Hootsuite
Hootsuite is worth considering if you need a professional-grade tool.
Who Should Use What?
Bootstrapped or small team?
Neither is free, but both have their value. Test them both and see which clicks.
We'd pick: Hootsuite
Growing fast?
Your team doubled last quarter and you need tools that won't break when you add 50 more people. Sprout Social handles scale better in our testing.
We'd pick: Sprout Social
Enterprise with complex needs?
You need SSO, compliance certifications, and a support team that picks up the phone. Sprout Social is built for organizations like yours.
We'd pick: Sprout Social
Still not sure? Answer these 3 questions
How much can you spend?
Both are paid tools. If money isn't the issue, go with Sprout Social—it scored higher.
Do you care what other users think?
Both have similar review counts. Read a few before you commit.
Expert opinion or crowd wisdom?
Our team rated Sprout Social higher (86/100). But the community has upvoted Hootsuite more (0 votes). Pick your source of truth.
Key Takeaways
What Sprout Social Does Better
- Higher overall score (86/100)
- Our recommendation for most use cases
Consider Hootsuite If
- Its specific features better match your workflow
- You prefer its interface or design approach
The Bottom Line
If we had to pick one, we'd go with Sprout Social (86/100). But the honest answer is that "better" depends on your situation. Sprout Social scores higher in our analysis, but Hootsuite might be the right choice if its specific strengths align with what you need most. Take advantage of free trials to test both before committing.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Sprout Social or Hootsuite better?
Based on our analysis, Sprout Social scores higher with 86/100. Sprout Social ispaid while Hootsuite is paid. The best choice depends on your specific needs and budget. We recommend testing both with free trials if available.
Can I switch from Sprout Social to Hootsuite easily?
Migration difficulty varies. Check if both tools support data export/import in compatible formats. Some tools offer migration assistance or have integration partners who can help with the transition.
Do Sprout Social and Hootsuite offer free trials?
Most software in this category offers free trials or free tiers. Sprout Social is paid with potential trial.Hootsuite is paid with potential trial. Visit their websites for current trial offers.