Buffer vs Plann 2026: Which Social Media Scheduler is Better?
TL;DR - Quick Answer
8 min readPlann 2026 offers better value with more features at a lower price. Buffer excels in simplicity but costs more for similar functionality.
Quick answer: Buffer for more platforms and X/Twitter. Plann for Instagram visual planning.
Buffer supports 8 platforms including X/Twitter. Plann has better grid planning but only 6 platforms.
Create content, post everywhere
Create posts, images, and carousels with AI. Schedule to 9 platforms in seconds.
Start your free trialSide-by-Side Comparison
Pricing Comparison
Buffer Pricing
Plann Pricing
Cost by Use Case
Winner: Buffer for flexibility. Plann for 1-3 visual platforms.
You manage Instagram, TikTok, and X/Twitter. Which tool works?
💡 Tip: Think carefully before selecting your answer!
Platform Support
Winner: Buffer (8 platforms) vs Plann (6 platforms, no X/Twitter).
Visual Planning Features
Winner: Plann. Much better visual planning tools.
Which tool is better for planning Instagram feed aesthetics?
💡 Tip: Think carefully before selecting your answer!
Key Features
Buffer Strengths
- 8 platform support — X/Twitter included
- Flexible pricing — Pay per channel
- Better free plan — 3 channels vs limited uploads
- Simple interface — Easy to learn
- Analytics across platforms — Unified reporting
Plann Strengths
- Grid planning — Best visual Instagram planner
- Photo editing — 80+ filters built-in
- Hashtag research — Find relevant hashtags
- Strategy builder — Content planning tools
- Offline mode — Plan without internet
Analytics Comparison
Winner: Tie. Buffer for breadth, Plann for Instagram depth.
Who Should Choose Buffer?
Choose Buffer if you:
- Need X/Twitter scheduling
- Want flexible per-channel pricing
- Prefer simple, clean interface
- Need 8+ platforms
- Want a usable free plan
- Don't need visual grid planning
Who Should Choose Plann?
Choose Plann if you:
- Instagram aesthetics are priority
- Need built-in photo editing
- Want drag-and-drop grid planning
- Focus on visual platforms only
- Don't need X/Twitter
- Want hashtag research tools
Your bakery posts daily Instagram photos and weekly X/Twitter updates. Best choice?
💡 Tip: Think carefully before selecting your answer!
The Better Alternative
Neither Buffer nor Plann offers full AI content generation.
Try SocialRails free →FAQ
Is Buffer cheaper than Plann?
Depends on account count. 1-2 accounts: Buffer ($6-12) is cheaper than Plann ($15). 3+ accounts: Plann ($15) beats Buffer ($18+). But only Buffer supports X/Twitter.
Can I get Instagram grid planning with Buffer?
Buffer has basic visual preview but not Plann's level of grid planning. For serious Instagram aesthetic planning, Plann is better.
Which has better analytics?
Similar core analytics. Buffer covers 8 platforms. Plann has deeper Instagram insights. Choose based on which platforms matter most.
Which is easier to use?
Both are user-friendly. Buffer is simpler and faster to learn. Plann has more visual planning features that take time to master.
Verdict
Choose Buffer for:
- X/Twitter scheduling (Plann can't)
- More platforms (8 vs 6)
- Flexible per-channel pricing
- Simpler interface
Choose Plann for:
- Instagram grid planning (much better)
- Built-in photo editing
- Visual feed aesthetics
- Hashtag research
Choose SocialRails for:
- All 9 platforms + AI content + video templates
- Everything in one tool at $29/month
Create content, post everywhere
Create posts, images, and carousels with AI. Schedule to 9 platforms in seconds.
Start your free trialRelated
Was this article helpful?
Let us know what you think!