Buffer vs Lately 2026: Which One Should You Pick?
TL;DR - Quick Answer
9 min readLately 2026 offers better value with more features at a lower price. Buffer excels in simplicity but costs more for similar functionality.
Quick answer: Buffer is simpler and cheaper (free plan available). Lately has advanced AI repurposing ($119/month minimum).
For most users, Buffer offers better value.
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Create posts, images, and carousels with AI. Schedule to 9 platforms in seconds.
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Pricing Side-by-Side
Buffer Pricing
Example: 10 channels on Team = $120/month
Lately Pricing
You're a solo content creator with 5 social accounts. Which is cheaper?
💡 Tip: Think carefully before selecting your answer!
Cost Comparison by Scenario
Solo Creator (5 accounts)
Small Team (3 people, 10 accounts)
Growing Team (6 people, 15 accounts)
Pattern: Buffer is cheaper in most scenarios.
Features That Matter
AI Content
Buffer:
- Basic AI assistant
- Post suggestions
- Caption ideas
- Simple and quick
Lately:
- Voice Model technology
- Content repurposing
- Blog/video/podcast to social
- 60-70% accuracy (needs editing)
Winner: Lately for AI depth. But requires 20-40 hour setup.
Scheduling
Buffer:
- Queue-based posting
- Best time suggestions
- Browser extension
- Mobile apps
- Very simple
Lately:
- Calendar view
- Bulk scheduling
- Multi-channel publishing
- More complex
Winner: Tie. Different approaches, both work.
You need to turn blog posts into 20+ social posts automatically. Which tool?
💡 Tip: Think carefully before selecting your answer!
Ease of Use
Buffer:
- Minutes to set up
- Intuitive interface
- Minimal learning curve
- Great for beginners
Lately:
- 20-40 hours setup
- Complex Voice Model training
- Steep learning curve
- Built for power users
Winner: Buffer. Much easier to start.
Platform Support
Buffer: Facebook, Instagram, Twitter/X, LinkedIn, Pinterest, TikTok, YouTube, Mastodon, Bluesky, Threads
Lately: Facebook, Twitter, LinkedIn, Instagram
Winner: Buffer. More platforms including newer ones.
Pros and Cons
Buffer Pros
- ✅ Free plan available
- ✅ Very easy to use
- ✅ More platforms (10+)
- ✅ Quick setup (minutes)
- ✅ Great browser extension
Buffer Cons
- ❌ Basic AI only
- ❌ No content repurposing
- ❌ Per-channel pricing adds up
- ❌ Basic team features
Lately Pros
- ✅ Advanced AI repurposing
- ✅ Voice Model technology
- ✅ Enterprise features
- ✅ Multi-format input (video, audio)
Lately Cons
- ❌ No free plan ($119 minimum)
- ❌ Steep learning curve
- ❌ 20-40 hour setup
- ❌ AI needs editing (60-70% accurate)
- ❌ Fewer platforms
You want to start scheduling posts today with minimal setup. Which tool?
💡 Tip: Think carefully before selecting your answer!
Who Should Use Which?
Pick Buffer if you:
- Want a free option
- Work solo or small team
- Value simplicity
- Need quick setup
- Want more platform support
- Budget under $100/month
Pick Lately if you:
- Produce lots of long-form content
- Need enterprise advocacy features
- Have 20-40 hours for setup
- Budget is $119+/month
- Want Voice Model technology
- Can edit AI outputs
Neither Has Everything
Both tools have gaps:
Missing from Buffer:
- Advanced AI repurposing
- Voice Model technology
- Enterprise advocacy
Missing from Lately:
- Free plan
- Quick setup
- Newer platforms (Threads, Bluesky)
- Simple interface
Best Alternative: SocialRails
If you want AI content without Lately's complexity or Buffer's limitations:
Try SocialRails free →Quick Answers
Is Buffer or Lately cheaper? Buffer. Free plan available, or $6-12/channel. Lately starts at $119/month.
Which has better AI? Lately has more advanced AI repurposing. But requires 20-40 hours setup and editing.
Which is easier to use? Buffer. Sets up in minutes, very intuitive.
Which supports more platforms? Buffer. 10+ platforms including Threads, Bluesky, Mastodon.
Which is better for teams? Depends. Buffer Team is simpler. Lately has enterprise features for large orgs.
Summary
Buffer: Best for solo creators and small teams wanting simplicity and a free option.
Lately: Best for enterprises with substantial content needing AI repurposing at scale.
For most users: Buffer offers better value and easier experience.
Best alternative: SocialRails at $29-99/month for unlimited AI without complexity.
Create content, post everywhere
Create posts, images, and carousels with AI. Schedule to 9 platforms in seconds.
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