Comparisons

Buffer vs Ripl 2026: Which One Should You Pick?

Matt
Matt
8 min read

TL;DR - Quick Answer

11 min read

Ripl 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 better for multi-platform scheduling (free plan, 10 platforms). Ripl is better for quick video creation ($14.99/month, thousands of templates).

Different tools for different needs. See our Buffer review and Ripl review for details.

Pricing from Buffer and Ripl official pages.

Better alternative

Why compare? Get more for less with SocialRails

Post images, videos & carousels to 9 platforms. AI helps with captions.

These tools
$14.99/month
Basic AI
SocialRails
$29/month flat
Unlimited AI
Unlimited AI content
Image, video & carousel
9 platforms
Start free trial

Cancel anytime

Quick Comparison

FeatureBufferRipl
Starting priceFree$14.99/month
Best forSchedulingVideo creation
Free plan✅ 3 channels❌ (7-day trial)
Video templates✅ Thousands
Platforms105
AI contentBasic

Pricing Side-by-Side

Buffer Pricing

PlanCostChannels
Free$03
Essentials$6/channelUnlimited
Team$12/channelUnlimited

Example: 5 channels = $30/month on Essentials

Ripl Pricing

PlanCostFeatures
Ripl Pro$14.99/monthEverything
Annual$119.88/year33% off

Simple: One plan, all features included.


Quick Quiz
Medium

You need to schedule posts to 5 platforms with video creation. Which costs less?

💡 Tip: Think carefully before selecting your answer!


The Key Difference

Buffer = Scheduling tool (many platforms, no video creation)

Ripl = Video creation tool (video templates, limited platforms)

They solve different problems. Many users need both types of features.

According to Sprout Social's research, 54% of marketers say video is the most valuable content type for social media goals.


Features That Matter

Platform Support

PlatformBufferRipl
Facebook
Instagram
TikTok
X (Twitter)
LinkedIn
Pinterest
YouTube
Mastodon
Bluesky
Threads
Total105

Winner: Buffer. Double the platforms including TikTok.


Video Creation

CapabilityBufferRipl
Video templates✅ Thousands
Animations
HD qualityN/A
Brand customizationLimited
Stock media✅ 500,000+

Winner: Ripl. Video creation is its purpose.


Quick Quiz
Medium

You need to post videos to TikTok. Which tool works?

💡 Tip: Think carefully before selecting your answer!


Scheduling Features

FeatureBufferRipl
Queue-based posting
Best time suggestions
Browser extension
Bulk schedulingLimited
Multi-platform posting
Visual calendarBasic

Winner: Buffer. More advanced scheduling.


Content Creation

FeatureBufferRipl
AI assistantBasic
Video templates✅ Thousands
Stock media✅ 500,000+
Brand kitsLimited
FocusTextVisual

Winner: Depends on need. Text = Buffer. Visual = Ripl.


Team Features

FeatureBufferRipl
Multiple users
Approval workflows✅ (Team plan)
CollaborationBasic

Winner: Buffer. Ripl has no team support.


Quick Quiz
Easy

Your 3-person team needs to schedule content with approval workflows. Buffer or Ripl?

💡 Tip: Think carefully before selecting your answer!


Pros and Cons

BufferRipl
ProsFree plan availableThousands of video templates
10 platforms including TikTok500,000+ stock media
Team features availableBrand customization
Browser extensionSimple flat-rate pricing
Basic AI assistantEasy video creation
ConsNo video templatesOnly 5 platforms
Per-channel pricing adds upNo TikTok support
No design toolsNo team features
Limited visual creationNo free plan

Who Should Use Which?

Pick Buffer if you...Pick Ripl if you...
Need 6+ platformsCreate lots of videos
Want TikTok schedulingPost mainly to Facebook/Instagram
Work with a teamWork solo
Need a free optionNeed brand consistency
Focus on text contentHave limited design skills
Want advanced schedulingBudget is under $15/month

When You Need Both

Neither tool does everything. Common gaps:

NeedBufferRiplGap
TikTok videosSchedule onlyCreate onlyNo complete solution
Team + videoYes teamYes videoNo combo
AI contentBasicNoneLimited

Quick Quiz
Medium

You need video templates, TikTok support, AND team features. Buffer or Ripl?

💡 Tip: Think carefully before selecting your answer!


Best Alternative: SocialRails

If you need what both Buffer and Ripl offer:

FeatureBufferRiplSocialRails
Starting priceFree$14.99/mo$29/mo
Video templates✅ 350+
TikTok
AI contentBasic✅ Unlimited
Team features
Platforms1059
Try SocialRails free →

Quick Answers

Is Buffer or Ripl cheaper? Ripl is flat-rate $14.99/month. Buffer is free for 3 channels but $6/channel after. Ripl is cheaper if you need video templates for 5 platforms.

Which has more platforms? Buffer (10) vs Ripl (5). Buffer supports TikTok, Bluesky, Threads that Ripl doesn't.

Which has video templates? Only Ripl. Buffer has no video creation tools.

Which has team features? Only Buffer. Ripl is single-user only.

Can I use both? Yes, but you'd pay $14.99+ for Ripl and potentially $30+ for Buffer. SocialRails at $29/month combines both feature sets.


Summary

Buffer: Best for multi-platform scheduling with team features. No video creation.

Ripl: Best for solo video creation on Facebook/Instagram. No TikTok or teams.

Neither: Has everything you might need in one tool.

Best alternative: SocialRails at $29/month with video templates, AI content, 9 platforms, and team features.

3-day free trial

Done comparing? Try SocialRails instead

Post images, videos & carousels to 9 platforms. AI helps with captions. One flat price.

$29
per month
AI content
9
platforms
Start free trial

Tool Reviews:

Alternatives Guides:

More Comparisons:

Video Tools:

Best-Of Guides:

Was this article helpful?

Let us know what you think!

#SocialMedia#ContentStrategy#DigitalMarketing

📚 Continue Learning

More articles to boost your social media expertise