Comparisons

Buffer vs Postly 2026: Which Social Media Tool Is Better?

Matt
Matt
8 min read

TL;DR - Quick Answer

7 min read

See which tool is better for you. We compare pricing, features, and ease of use.

Quick answer: Postly wins for AI at lowest cost ($3/mo). Buffer wins for interface and scaling beyond 3 accounts.

Create content, post everywhere

Create posts, images, and carousels with AI. Schedule to 9 platforms in seconds.

Start your free trial

Head-to-Head

FeatureBufferPostlyWinner
AI contentBasicUnlimitedPostly
InterfaceExcellentOkayBuffer
Max channelsUnlimited3Buffer
Price (3 ch)$0-18$3Postly
Free planYesYesTie

Quick Quiz
Easy

You want unlimited AI at lowest cost. Which is better?

💡 Tip: Think carefully before selecting your answer!


Pricing Comparison

Buffer Pricing

PlanMonthlyChannelsAI
Free$03None
Essentials$6/chUnlimitedBasic
Team$12/chUnlimitedBasic

Postly Pricing

PlanMonthlyChannelsAI
Free$0220k credits
Basic$33Unlimited
Team$73Unlimited

The Trade-Off

What You GetPostlyBuffer
Best AIYesNo
Best interfaceNoYes
Most channelsNo (3 max)Yes
Lowest AI costYesNo

Quick Quiz
Easy

Your business has 5 accounts. Can Postly work?

💡 Tip: Think carefully before selecting your answer!


AI Features

AI FeatureBufferPostly
AI WriterBasicUnlimited
AI ImagesNoYes
Hashtag AIBasicYes
Blog WriterNoYes
Ad CopyNoYes

Postly's AI is significantly more capable.


Interface Quality

AspectBufferPostly
Learning curveNoneModerate
Mobile appExcellentBuggy
DashboardCleanCluttered
NavigationIntuitiveConfusing at first

Buffer is far more polished.


Quick Quiz
Easy

You prioritize clean, simple interface over AI. Best choice?

💡 Tip: Think carefully before selecting your answer!


Cost Comparison

AccountsBufferPostly
2$0 (free)$0 (free)
3$0 (free)$3
5$30N/A (max 3)
10$60N/A (max 3)

Key insight: Postly can't scale beyond 3 accounts.


Pros and Cons

Buffer

ProsCons
Unlimited channelsPer-channel pricing
Excellent interfaceBasic AI only
Free plan (3 ch)No AI art
Great mobile appNo bulk scheduling

Postly

ProsCons
Unlimited AI $3/moMax 3 channels
AI art includedClunky interface
Bulk schedulingMobile app issues
White-labelLearning curve

Quick Quiz
Easy

Best tool for a creator with 2 accounts who wants AI?

💡 Tip: Think carefully before selecting your answer!


Who Should Choose What

Choose Buffer if you:

  • Need 4+ accounts
  • Want cleanest interface
  • Rely on mobile app
  • Can live with basic AI
  • Value polish over price

Choose Postly if you:

  • Have 3 or fewer accounts
  • Need advanced AI features
  • Want lowest AI cost
  • Can handle learning curve
  • Use desktop primarily

Better Alternative

Need AI AND more than 3 channels? SocialRails solves both:

FeatureBufferPostlySocialRails
AIBasicUnlimitedUnlimited
ChannelsUnlimited3 maxUnlimited
Price$6/ch$3/mo$29/mo

Create content, post everywhere

Create posts, images, and carousels with AI. Schedule to 9 platforms in seconds.

Start your free trial

Bottom Line

Postly wins: AI value, 1-3 accounts, bulk scheduling, budget AI needs.

Buffer wins: Interface, 4+ accounts, mobile app, polish priority.

Best alternative: SocialRails at $29/month for unlimited AI + unlimited channels.


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