Buffer vs Hootsuite
Side-by-side from the Top 11 ranking of The 11 Best Social Media Scheduling Tools. Last verified June 5, 2026.
The short answer
Buffer ranks higher on Top 11 (#1 vs #3) for Small business owners and social media managers choosing scheduling tools (Buffer vs Hootsuite vs Later). The best for its elegant simplicity, clean interface, and excellent value, perfect for small businesses.
At a glance
| Buffer | Hootsuite | |
|---|---|---|
| Top 11 rank | #1 / The 11 Best Social Media Scheduling Tools | #3 / The 11 Best Social Media Scheduling Tools |
| Score (out of 9.4) | 9.2 | 8.8 |
| Best for | Simplicity and value | All-in-one profile management |
| Pricing | $ ($6 to $120/mo) | $$$ ($99 to $739+/mo) |
| HQ | Remote | Vancouver, Canada |
| Founded | 2010 | 2008 |
Buffer
The best for its elegant simplicity, clean interface, and excellent value, perfect for small businesses.
buffer.comHootsuite
The original all-in-one dashboard, ideal for managing many profiles and monitoring conversations.
hootsuite.comMethodology and scoring weights live at /methodology. No vendor pays for placement — see about.