Buffer vs Hootsuite: per-channel vs flat pricing
These two don't compete on the same pricing model. Buffer charges per social channel; Hootsuite charges a flat monthly tier. That means the "cheaper" one depends entirely on how many accounts you run — and for most people, it's not close.
Verified 2026-07-13 from official pricing pages · annual billing.
Cost at different account counts
| Accounts | Buffer Essentials | Hootsuite | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| 3 | $15 (or Free) | $99 (Standard) | Buffer by miles |
| 6 | $30 | $99 (Standard) | Buffer by $69 |
| 10 | $50 | $99 (Standard) | Buffer by $49 |
| 20 | $100 | $199 (Professional) | Buffer by $99 |
| 40 | $200 | $199 (Professional) | ≈ tied — crossover |
| 60 | $300 | $199 (Professional) | Hootsuite by $101 |
The verdict: Buffer wins comfortably until about 40 accounts, then Hootsuite's flat unlimited plan takes over. If you manage a normal handful of accounts (3-15), Buffer is 2-6× cheaper. Hootsuite's pricing is built for agencies running dozens of brands, not solo creators or small teams.
Beyond price
Hootsuite includes deeper analytics, social listening, and enterprise team controls that Buffer keeps lighter. If those specific capabilities map to your work, Hootsuite's premium can be justified. But on pure scheduling for a small account count, you're paying a large multiple for features you may not use.
Check your exact count
Run your real account count through the cost calculator — it compares Buffer, Hootsuite and Publer at your exact number and flags the crossover.
Sources
Buffer: $5/channel Essentials, $10/channel Team (buffer.com/pricing, 2026-07-13). Hootsuite: Standard $99/10 accounts, Professional $199 unlimited (hootsuite.com/plans, 2026-07-13, annual billing).