Metricool vs Buffer: Which is better in 2026?
A side-by-side comparison of pricing, features, and use cases to help you decide between Metricool and Buffer.
Social media management with built-in ad analytics
Simple social media scheduling for small teams
Head-to-head comparison
| Feature | Metricool | Buffer |
|---|---|---|
| Starting price | $22/mo | $6/mo ✓ Cheaper |
| Free plan | ✓ Yes | ✓ Yes |
| Pricing model | paid | freemium |
| G2 rating | 4.4/5 ↑ | 4.3/5 |
| Capterra rating | 4.6/5 | 4.5/5 |
| Founded | 2016 | 2010 |
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
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
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
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
Our verdict
Metricool and Buffer are closely matched on user ratings. Buffer is the more affordable option. The right pick depends on your team size and workflow.
Metricool vs Buffer: frequently asked questions
Is Metricool better than Buffer?
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, Metricool or Buffer?
Buffer is cheaper, starting at $6/mo.
What is the main difference between Metricool and Buffer?
Metricool focuses on social media scheduling, ad performance tracking, competitor analysis. Buffer focuses on post scheduling, analytics, engagement inbox. Both serve similar use cases but differ in approach and pricing model.
Can I migrate from Metricool to Buffer?
Most teams migrate between Metricool and Buffer within a day or two. Export your data from Metricool (typically as CSV or via API), then use Buffer's import wizard to bring it across. Check each tool's help centre for a step-by-step migration guide before switching.