Buffer vs Metricool: Which is better in 2026?
A side-by-side comparison of pricing, features, and use cases to help you decide between Buffer and Metricool.
Simple social media scheduling for small teams
Social media management with built-in ad analytics
Head-to-head comparison
| Feature | Buffer | Metricool |
|---|---|---|
| Starting price | $6/mo ✓ Cheaper | $22/mo |
| Free plan | ✓ Yes | ✓ Yes |
| Pricing model | freemium | paid |
| G2 rating | 4.3/5 | 4.4/5 ↑ |
| Capterra rating | 4.5/5 | 4.6/5 |
| Founded | 2010 | 2016 |
Buffer: pros & cons
- ✓Very clean and easy to use
- ✓Affordable per-channel pricing
- ✓Good free plan
- ✓Great for small teams
- ✗Less analytics depth than Sprout Social
- ✗No social listening
- ✗Limited reporting on free plan
Metricool: pros & cons
- ✓Includes ad analytics (Meta, Google) — unique at this price
- ✓Free plan available
- ✓Good competitor monitoring
- ✓Affordable for agencies
- ✗UI can feel busy
- ✗Less polished than Later or Buffer
- ✗Analytics depth limited on lower plans
- ✗Customer support can be slow
Choose Buffer if...
- →You're a small team or solo creator who needs to schedule posts across a few channels without paying for an enterprise tool
- →You want per-channel pricing so you only pay for the platforms you actually post to
- →Your team needs a simple approval workflow for drafts before anything goes live
Choose Metricool if...
- →You're a freelancer or agency managing multiple client brands and want scheduling plus white-label reporting in one affordable tool
- →You run paid ads on Meta or Google and want to see social media and ad performance in the same dashboard
- →You want to monitor competitor social accounts alongside your own posting calendar
Our verdict
Buffer and Metricool are closely matched on user ratings. Buffer is the more affordable option. The right pick depends on your team size and workflow.
Buffer vs Metricool: frequently asked questions
Is Buffer better than Metricool?
Metricool has a higher G2 score (4.4/5 vs 4.3/5). The best tool depends on your specific use case and budget.
Which is cheaper, Buffer or Metricool?
Buffer is cheaper, starting at $6/mo.
What is the main difference between Buffer and Metricool?
Buffer focuses on post scheduling, analytics, engagement inbox. Metricool focuses on social media scheduling, ad performance tracking, competitor analysis. Both serve similar use cases but differ in approach and pricing model.
Can I migrate from Buffer to Metricool?
Most teams migrate between Buffer and Metricool within a day or two. Export your data from Buffer (typically as CSV or via API), then use Metricool's import wizard to bring it across. Check each tool's help centre for a step-by-step migration guide before switching.