Buffer vs. Later vs. Hootsuite: Best Social Media Scheduler for 2025

Running social media is no longer just about posting a cute photo and logging off. It's about timing, consistency, and performance — and if you’re managing multiple platforms, that’s a full-time job in itself. The good news? You don’t have to do it all manually. That’s where social media scheduling tools come in — helping creators, brands, and teams stay organized and show up like pros.

In 2025, Buffer, Later, and Hootsuite are still three of the most widely used scheduling platforms. But each one has its strengths, quirks, and ideal users. Whether you're a solo entrepreneur, influencer, or marketing team, this in-depth comparison will help you decide which tool makes the most sense for your goals.

Later: The Instagram & TikTok Scheduler That Gets It

Best for: Creators, influencers, bloggers, and brands focused on aesthetics and visuals.

Later is made for modern social media — especially if your content revolves around visuals like Reels, carousels, or TikTok videos. Its standout feature is the drag-and-drop Instagram grid planner, which lets you visually map out your feed before a single post goes live. You can also preview how posts will appear on your actual profile, making it easier to curate an on-brand aesthetic that resonates with followers. The built-in Link in Bio tool is also a win, allowing you to create a mini landing page with clickable links for each post.

That said, Later’s free plan only supports one “social set” (one account per platform) and has tighter limits on monthly posts. Captions can sometimes be finicky to format, and access to deeper analytics requires a paid plan. But if your brand lives and thrives on Instagram or TikTok, Later offers unmatched visual planning and influencer-friendly features that Buffer and Hootsuite just don’t prioritize.

Buffer: Clean, Simple, and Effective

Best for: Freelancers, solopreneurs, and minimalist marketers who want to keep things easy.

Buffer is like the Google Docs of social scheduling — it doesn’t try to be flashy, but it just works. The interface is incredibly clean and intuitive, making it ideal for beginners or users who want to get in, schedule a week’s worth of content, and get out. You can connect up to 3 social accounts on the free plan and start publishing to Instagram, Facebook, LinkedIn, X (Twitter), and Pinterest with minimal fuss. It’s also one of the most affordable options for solo users, with paid plans starting at just $6/month.

However, it’s not built for visually planning content, so Instagram grid lovers might find it lacking. If you want collaboration features, custom reporting, or more advanced analytics, you’ll have to upgrade to a higher-tier plan. Still, for simple scheduling with no learning curve, Buffer is a strong contender — especially if your content is more text- or link-based.

Hootsuite: Powerhouse for Teams & Agencies

Best for: Marketing teams, content agencies, and growing brands with complex scheduling needs.

Hootsuite has been in the game longer than almost any other platform, and it shows. It offers everything from multi-platform scheduling to analytics dashboards, team roles, post approvals, and even ad campaign integration. You can manage dozens of accounts from one dashboard, track post performance in real time, and export customizable reports to show ROI to clients or execs. If you're handling a larger volume of content or working with multiple collaborators, Hootsuite’s workflow tools are incredibly helpful.

However, all that power comes at a cost — literally. The platform starts at $99/month, which can be steep for small businesses or solopreneurs. Some users also find the interface outdated or too cluttered compared to newer, cleaner tools. But for enterprise-level needs, customer support teams, or agencies juggling multiple clients, Hootsuite remains one of the most robust scheduling solutions on the market.

Final Verdict: Which One Should You Choose?

Choose Buffer: if you want a fuss-free, budget-friendly tool that handles the basics well — ideal for solopreneurs and text-heavy accounts.

Choose Later: if your brand is all about visuals, you post a lot of Reels or TikToks, and you care about maintaining a clean aesthetic feed.

Choose Hootsuite: if you're managing social media for multiple clients, a growing team, or need advanced analytics and approvals.

No one-size-fits-all answer here — the right tool depends on your workflow, goals, and budget. You can always start with the free plans from Buffer or Later and upgrade once your strategy (and results) scale up.