Buffer vs Later
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 #4) 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 | Later | |
|---|---|---|
| Top 11 rank | #1 / The 11 Best Social Media Scheduling Tools | #4 / The 11 Best Social Media Scheduling Tools |
| Score (out of 9.4) | 9.2 | 8.5 |
| Best for | Simplicity and value | Visual-first scheduling |
| Pricing | $ ($6 to $120/mo) | $$ ($25 to $80/mo) |
| HQ | Remote | Vancouver, Canada |
| Founded | 2010 | 2014 |
Buffer
The best for its elegant simplicity, clean interface, and excellent value, perfect for small businesses.
buffer.comLater
The top choice for visual planning, especially for Instagram, with a drag-and-drop grid preview.
later.comMethodology and scoring weights live at /methodology. No vendor pays for placement — see about.