Social Showdown: Buffer vs Hootsuite – Which is Right for You?
November 29, 2023
Prashant Shukla
What has been updated from the old blog post:
1. Additional content for the ‘What is Hootsuite’ section. Renamed the section to. ‘Exploring Hootsuite’
2. Added Exploring Buffer section
Summary: A comprehensive analysis and comparison of Buffer and Hootsuite. From features and drawbacks to pricing and detailed features.
Having a social media presence is a de-facto requirement for any business today. Be it Facebook, Instagram, LinkedIn, or Twitter – it makes a world of difference if your company has an online presence on these platforms.
However, managing multiple social media accounts and manually posting on these platforms can prove challenging and time-consuming. Time is of the essence here, and you should not be wasting any. Using the best social media management app can help.
By providing you with an integrated platform for scheduling and publishing content across different social media platforms, tools like Buffer and Hootsuite have simplified the struggles of handling social media. Both are excellent tools and come with their features, benefits, and unique value propositions.
Buffer and Hootsuite are both social media management apps that assist people and organizations in scheduling and managing social media postings across several platforms. While they have some commonalities, they also have considerable distinctions.
In this blog, we will examine social media management Tools (Buffer vs. Hootsuite) and the pros and cons of using Hootsuite and Buffer, then execute a feature comparison between the two social media management tools to help you identify the one that works best for you. Let’s begin.
Buffer vs Hootsuite – Exploring Hootsuite
Source: oko
Hootsuite is a social media management platform that offers tools to help people and organizations better manage their social media presence. It provides a single dashboard where users can schedule posts, interact with their audience, and monitor their social media profiles. Here are some of the most important components and features of Hootsuite:
1. Multi-platform management
Hootsuite integrates with a number of social networking networks, including Twitter, Facebook, Instagram, LinkedIn, and YouTube.
2. Scheduling and publishing
Users can schedule posts ahead of time, allowing for strategic content planning across many social media networks.
3. Social media monitoring
Hootsuite offers a centralized dashboard for tracking social media activity. Users can track mentions, comments, and messages from several platforms in a single location.
4. Analytics and reporting
The platform provides analytics tools for tracking the success of social media efforts. Users may examine data like as engagement, reach, and other critical performance indicators.
5. Team collaboration
Hootsuite is designed to enhance cooperation among team members. Users may delegate duties, share access to social media accounts, and work together to create content.
6. Content curation
Users can discover and curate content within the platform, making it easier to find and share relevant content with their audience.
7. Social listening
Hootsuite allows users to monitor keywords, hashtags, and particular subjects, offering insights into social media conversations.
8. App integration
Hootsuite seamlessly connects with a variety of third-party programs and tools, allowing users to connect to other platforms.
9. Security features
To further safeguard user accounts, the platform provides security measures such as two-factor authentication.
10. Ad campaign management
Hootsuite offers tools for organizing and tracking paid advertising campaigns on social media networks in addition to organic content.
11. Mobile accessibility
Hootsuite provides mobile applications for iOS and Android smartphones, allowing users to manage their social media accounts while on the move.
12. URL shortening
The platform offers a URL shortening service, allowing users to post links on sites such as Twitter under character constraints.
13. Training and certification
Hootsuite provides training and certification programs to assist users in becoming adept in social media management and fully utilizing the platform’s features.
14. Compliance tools
Hootsuite features solutions to assist users in meeting regulatory obligations, which is especially relevant in businesses with strict compliance standards.
Pros & Cons of Hootsuite
You won’t find free social media management tools that are half as good as Hootsuite. Even the free version comes with excellent functionalities and integrations with ten prominent social sites, making it one of the most versatile social media management software in the online space.
Read on to uncover the potential benefits and drawbacks of using a tool like Hootsuite.
Benefits of Hootsuite
1. Unique app directory
Unlike other integrated social media management platforms, Hootsuite features a unique app directory providing access to more than 100 apps, including Google Drive, SoundCloud, YouTube, and SalesForce that are not available in the default list.
2. Access to many social networks
From Facebook, LinkedIn, Instagram, and Twitter to Foursquare, WordPress, and lesser-known sites like Mixi; Hootsuite gives you access to uncountable social media platforms in one single integrated platform.
3. All-in-one interface
Hootsuite has an easy-to-use, all-in-one interface that is neatly organized using tabs and streams. Using streams, you can segregate content within each social network. You can have one stream for posts, another for the home page, and yet another for direct messages.
4. Posting/publication interface
Publish content anywhere, anytime. In Hootsuite, you can easily browse over to the ‘Compose message’ or ‘Send to’ fields, click on the social media website you would like to post on and schedule the content for publication.
5. Advertising feature
Executing your organization’s social media management strategy becomes effortless with Hootsuite’s advertising feature. You can bring your marketing visions to life by deploying its ad creation and management capabilities.
Drawbacks of Hootsuite
1. Confusing interface
While the multiple app success is a boon for many, it can also prove to be incredibly confusing and overwhelming to work with. The presence of too many social networks and profiles on the interface can throw you off if you’re not well-versed with the platform.
2. Optimal platform usage is challenging
Amongst others, Hootsuite offers various features such as app directories, analytics, contact integrations, and assignments. Understanding all of its features may take time and prolong optimal usage of this platform.
3. Increasing costs
Adding more than one member to your team and accessing several analytics reports and apps in the app directory may require additional payment. As a result, the overall cost of using this platform may increase over and above the monthly subscription charge.
Buffer vs Hootsuite – Exploring Buffer
Source: pcmag
Buffer is a social media management application that assists people and organizations in scheduling and managing social media postings across many platforms.
It was launched in 2010 and has since grown in popularity as a solution for optimizing social media operations. Here are some of the most important components and features of Buffer:
1. Multi-platform scheduling
Buffer allows you to schedule posts for social networking networks such as Twitter, Facebook, Instagram, LinkedIn, and Pinterest.
2. Content calendar
An interactive content calendar allows users to monitor and control their planned posts, offering a visual snapshot of their social media strategy.
3. Browser extension
Buffer also provides a browser plugin that allows users to publish content to their posting queue while exploring the web.
4. Analytics and insights
Buffer offers simple analytics tools that allow users to monitor the performance of their posts in terms of interaction, reach, and other crucial metrics.
5. Team collaboration
Buffer enables team members to work together on social media management. Team members can be assigned roles and rights by users.
6. Content suggestions
Buffer offers content recommendations, assisting users in discovering relevant articles and topics to share with their audience.
7. RSS feed integration
Users can link their RSS feeds to Buffer, allowing them to share blog posts and other information automatically as part of their social networking strategy.
8. Custom posting schedule
Buffer users can set their own publishing schedule depending on when their target audience is most engaged on social media.
9. Mobile app
Buffer provides a mobile app for both iOS and Android that allows users to manage their social media accounts while on the move.
10. Pablo image creator
Buffer offers a tool called Pablo, which allows users to create attractive photos for social media postings by utilizing capabilities such as text overlay and image manipulation.
11. URL shortening
The website offers URL shortening services, allowing users to post links on networks such as Twitter under character constraints.
12. Third-party apps integration
Buffer interfaces with a variety of third-party programs, enhancing its capabilities and enabling users to connect with other tools.
13. Browser bookmarks
Users can simply add information to their Buffer queue using browser bookmarks, which simplifies the curation and sharing process.
14. Pause and resume posting
Users can stop and restart their publishing schedule using Buffer, providing them control over when and how often material is posted.
Pros & Cons of Buffer
There are a lot of free social media scheduling tools online, but there isn’t one like Buffer. With the free version, you can schedule and publish posts on LinkedIn, Instagram, Facebook, and Twitter – which is more than enough if you’re a small organization with a limited social presence.
But don’t let us decide for you. Read on to learn the pros and cons of using Buffer.
Benefits of Buffer
Great for Analytics: Buffer Analytics helps you track your best and worst-performing posts based on engagement, reach, and post type. You can also export this data for further analysis.
1. Easy link tracking
Tracking traffic generated from social media shares using bit.ly links, and buff.ly & j.mp files is effortless with Buffer.
2. Simple UI
You don’t have to be a distinguished social media manager to know how buffers work. The platform has an incredibly user-friendly interface that makes it incredibly easy to work with.
3. Easy scheduling
One-click is all it takes to schedule content and share posts on different social media platforms, including Twitter, Facebook, LinkedIn, Instagram, Pinterest, and Google+.
4. Free image creation tool
Buffer has an in-built image creation tool called Pablo, which is a great add-on feature for people looking for quick creatives to post alongside their content.
5. Multiple post scheduling/day
Schedule multiple social media posts in one day for different social media platforms becomes a hassle-free possibility with Buffer’s paid version.
Drawbacks of Buffer
1. Failed publications
You might find that your scheduled posts might bounce, resulting in failed postings. This problem may be because of the social platform itself. However, it becomes extremely challenging to troubleshoot this problem, making manual posting a lucrative approach.
2. No tool for tracking mentions
Social media is all about engagement and quick responses. Since Buffer does not monitor mentions, time-appropriate engagement is not possible with this platform, requiring you to directly access relevant social media platforms.
3. Minimal app integrations
The choice of publication on social media sites is a bit limited with Buffer.
Buffer vs Hootsuite: A Comparison
Whether you choose Buffer or Hootsuite primarily depends on what features and functionalities you are looking for in your social media management software.
While some organizations will prefer a simple social media managing software with essential functions, enterprise-level businesses with multiple social accounts might desire a more expansive and versatile social media management software for their requirements.
Here’s a table showcasing the unique features of both platforms:
| Feature |
Buffer |
Hootsuite |
| Pricing |
Business plan stands at ₹7,400 a month |
Business Plan stands at ₹45,000/- per month. |
| Supported social networks |
Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, LinkedIn & Pinterest |
Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, LinkedIn, Pinterest, WordPress, and YouTube. |
| Advertising |
No scope for creating or managing ads |
Hootsuite allows you to create and manage ad campaigns. |
| Ease-of-use dashboard experience |
The dashboard is user-friendly and easy to use. |
Multiple options, tabs, and social app integrations make Hootsuite a bit complicated for the average user. |
| Team management |
Allows you to manage teams and give access to team members |
Ideal for larger organizations, Hootsuite allows you to create teams, team members, and organizations. You can also give access to some of your social accounts to users outside your organization. |
| Conversation management |
Buffer’s messaging app called Buffer Reply integrates with Slack and provides instant notifications. It allows you to reply to messages instantly from one |
The Hootsuite dashboard comes with built-in tabs that allow you to monitor replies, mentions, and messages. |
| – |
collaborative team inbox. |
– |
| Tracking and analytics |
Analytic features come with a paid plan. No analytics for free users. |
Hootsuite offers basic analytics for its free users. |
| Security |
2-step authentication via an SMS text and a Google Authenticator for double security. |
SSO (single sign-on) that allows automatic log-in from a company device, thus preventing unauthorized access from unrecognized personal devices. |
Supported Networks & Social Media Platforms
Here, we will evaluate the number of social media channels you can manage with both tools.
1. Buffer
Using Buffer’s free version, you can publish content on four platforms, including Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, and LinkedIn. Using the Pro version, you can integrate eight social media accounts and publish content on these platforms.
2. Hootsuite
Major social media apps like FB, IG, Twitter, Linkedin, Pinterest, etc., are natively integrated. Moreover, you can integrate multiple premium apps by paying extra. Use Hootsuite if you want to manage all social media in one place.
3. The verdict
In terms of the number of supported networks offered by both platforms, Hootsuite emerges as the versatile platform with more options. However, if your online presence is limited to the social networks supported by Buffer, it does not make sense to use a complicated tool like Hootsuite.
Additional Read: Advantages & Disadvantages of Social Media
Scheduling and Publishing
The publication and scheduling features of both social media post tools will be assessed here.
1. Buffer
Scheduling content in advance of publishing it right away is possible with Buffer. You can also post content to multiple channels at once.
2. Hootsuite
In addition to advanced scheduling and real-time publication, Hootsuite also offers other features like retweeting, favoriting, or responding to content. It is also one of the best apps for managing Instagram – making Hootsuite a highly potential platform for social media managers.
3. The verdict
When we consider the publishing and scheduling features of both these social media planning tools, Buffer and Hootsuite show similar capabilities.
Plugins & Extensions
A comparison of the list of additional tools, apps, and applications these platforms integrate with.
1. Buffer
Buffer offers a long list of third-party app integrations, tools, and add-ons. Of the 29 extensions that you can use with Buffer, popular apps like Zapier, Sharpring, WordPress, CoSchedule, PicMonkey, etc., clearly stand out.
2. Hootsuite
The Hootsuite App Directory currently hosts approximately 140 extensions and apps that you can use within Hootsuite. These applications help you track, monitor, and manage multiple from within the Hootsuite interface. Hootsuite’s main plugin Hootlet allows you to share content from anywhere on the web.
3. The verdict
Offering more plugins and extensions than Buffer, Hootsuite stands as the leading platform w.r.t. the number of plugins and extensions offered.
Security
Here we will assess and compare the sign-in and platform security of Buffer and Hootsuite.
1. Buffer
Buffer’s 2-step authentication via an SMS text and a Google Authenticator app tightens up security and deflects unauthorized sign-ins. Only you and the people you have approved can access your buffer account. Additionally, you can easily revoke sessions and APIs that you do not recognize to restrict access from devices you don’t remember using.
2. Hootsuite
Hootsuite supports SSO (single sign-on) that allows automatic log-in from a company device, thus preventing unauthorized access from unrecognized personal devices. Features like a double approval system for content publication and HTTPS setting control for securing user access and passwords keep the Hootsuite platform safe from security breaches.
3. The verdict
Both Buffer and Hootsuite offer unmatched sign-in and platform security that helps small and enterprise-level teams manage their social media effectively.
Team Working Management
In this section, we will assess the team management functionalities that are offered by both platforms.
1. Buffer
Considered ideal for smaller organizations, Buffer allows you to share your Buffer account with your team members. You can choose which social media accounts they have access to, allow them full posting rights, or even approve their posts before publication.
2. Hootsuite
Hootsuite is ideal for larger organizations and offers better options for team collaborations. You can create Team Members, Teams (groups of team members), and Organizations (groups of teams) on this platform. You can also give outside agencies access to one set of social media handles while your in-house team continues to manage the rest.
3. The verdict
Hootsuite is ideal for big businesses, whereas Buffer is suited for smaller organizations.
Ease-of-Use & Dashboard Experience
We will deep dive into the ease-of-use functionality and dashboard experience of both platforms.
1. Buffer
The clean and organized layout and easy-to-operate user interface make the user experience a delight with this platform. Even a beginner with no experience in using or managing tools will be able to use Buffer without much guidance.
2. Hootsuite
That Hootsuite offers more integrations and app integrations also means a more crowded dashboard. Getting to the content creation pages alone takes longer. All things considered, Hootsuite is not as easy to use as it can potentially be.
3. The verdict
When compared to Buffer, Hootsuite is more complicated and harder to operate. So if you’re looking for a platform that is easy to use, we’d recommend Buffer.
Ad-hoc Posting Options
Ad-hoc posting can be defined as the option to post on the spot. Since social media is about creating trends and swiftly following up, we will now evaluate both platforms’ ad hoc posting functionality.
1. Buffer
You can use Buffer’s Chrome plugins to share or post content directly from your browser. Posting is made simpler; all you have to do is click on the content to post it.
2. Hootsuite
Similar to Buffer, you can post content using the Chrome plugin.
3. The verdict
Many blogs come with a native ‘share via buffer’ integration that makes it effortlessly easy for users to share content easily.
Advertising
An analysis of the advertising features of both platforms will be considered here.
1. Buffer
As of now, Buffer does not have an advertising functionality. You cannot create or manage advertisements using this platform.
2. Hootsuite
This is one of the only social media management tools that allow you to run advertisements. You can create and manage ad campaigns across multiple social media platforms using one integrated dashboard.
3. The verdict
If you want an all-in-one dashboard that allows you to manage your social accounts and run advertisements, then Hootsuite is the ideal social media management platform for you.
Conversation Management Options
In this section, we will compare the option for in-app response options provided by both platforms.
1. Buffer
Buffer has a unique app called Buffer Reply that allows its users to respond to social conversations and resolve customer requests quickly. You can respond to support requests and social conversations from one collaborative inbox. Moreover, its unique Slack integration facilitates chat notifications when you receive a message or reply on your social accounts.
2. Hootsuite
Coming to Hootsuite, you can easily create a unique tab with a column for your Twitter mentions, Facebook messages, and YouTube comments – and reply to all of them from one spot. However, most users have found Hootsuite.
3. The verdict
Buffer is an ideal choice for managing social media conversations in one integrated platform. The Buffer Reply is easy to operate and facilitates seamless communication.
Pricing
We will now evaluate both social media management tools from the pricing perspective:
Buffer (The paid plans in Buffer have 3 options you can choose from, namely:)
Pro Plan: $15/month i.e. approximately ₹1,120/month. It includes 1 user access, 8 social channels, and 100 scheduled posts.
Premium Plan: $65/month i.e. approximately ₹4,860/month. It includes 2 user access, 8 social channels, and 2,000 scheduled posts.
Business Plan: $99/month i.e. approximately ₹7,400/month. It includes 6 user access, 25 social channels, and 2,000 scheduled posts.
Hootsuite: Hootsuite offers 4 plans with different pricing.
- Pro Plan: ₹1,260/month. It includes up to 10 social media profiles, unlimited scheduling, and one user access.
- Team Plan: ₹6,600/month. It includes everything in the Pro plan, 20 social media profiles, unlimited scheduling, and up to three users.
- Business Plan: ₹45,000/month. It gives access to 5+ users, 35 social media profiles, and many add-on benefits.
- Enterprise Plan: The price is not available on the website. After requesting a demo, the pricing information will be communicated to you.
The verdict: Analyzing both platforms from the pricing POV, Buffer proves to be considerably cheaper and more budget-friendly than Hootsuite.
Buffer vs Hootsuite – Which one to go for?
In this blog, we have done a comprehensive analysis and comparison of Hootsuite and Buffer. Looking at both tools closely, we suggest that you go for Hootsuite if you are an established and enterprise-level business with a vibrant social media presence.
Multiple app integrations and analytics are some of the options this platform offers to its users. On the contrary, if you are a startup, and looking to promote your business with social media marketing with negligible social media requirements, Buffer will more than suffice.
We hope that you have enjoyed this blog. Let us know what you think about this blog by leaving a response in the comments below. We look forward to hearing from you.
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