Buffer vs Simplified 2026: Which Social Media Tool Is Better?
TL;DR - Quick Answer
10 min readSee which tool is better for you. We compare pricing, features, and ease of use.
Quick answer: Buffer is simplest scheduling. Simplified adds design and AI writing. Different tools for different needs.
Create content, post everywhere
Create posts, images, and carousels with AI. Schedule to 9 platforms in seconds.
Start your free trialQuick Comparison
Bottom line: Buffer for pure scheduling simplicity. Simplified for design + social in one.
Pricing Comparison
Crossover: At 4+ channels, Simplified becomes cheaper.
You manage 6 social channels and need basic scheduling only. Which is more cost-effective?
💡 Tip: Think carefully before selecting your answer!
Core Difference
Buffer
- Scheduling only - One thing, done well
- Simplest interface - 5-minute learning curve
- Per-channel pricing - Pay for what you use
- No extras - No design, limited AI
- Clean and fast - No bloat
Simplified
- All-in-one - Design + AI + social
- More features - Full toolkit
- Flat pricing - 7 channels included
- Design tools - Canva-like editor
- AI writing - Content generation
Scheduling Comparison
Buffer
- Queue system - Set and forget
- Auto-scheduling - Best times
- Bulk upload - CSV import
- Simple calendar - Visual planning
- Quick posting - Minimal friction
Simplified
- Calendar scheduling - Standard features
- Multi-platform - 7 accounts on Pro
- Basic queue - Functional
- Content planner - Visual calendar
- Standard posting - Gets the job done
Winner: Buffer. More refined scheduling experience.
You want the absolute simplest scheduling tool with no extras. Which fits?
💡 Tip: Think carefully before selecting your answer!
Design Tools
Buffer
- No design tools - Not included
- Canva integration - External link
- No templates - Bring your own
- No image editing - Use other tools
Simplified
- Built-in editor - Canva-like features
- Templates - Social media graphics
- Brand kit - Brand management
- Image editing - Basic adjustments
- Export options - Multiple formats
Winner: Simplified. Has actual design capabilities.
AI Features
Buffer
- AI Assistant - Basic captions
- Limited scope - Just suggestions
- No bulk generation - One at a time
- Simple - Not a focus
Simplified
- AI Writer - Full content generation
- Credit-based - 10K credits on Pro
- Blog posts - Long-form content
- Captions - Social media text
- Rewriting - Tone adjustment
Winner: Simplified. More robust AI (though credit-limited).
You need heavy AI content generation (500+ pieces monthly). Which is better?
💡 Tip: Think carefully before selecting your answer!
Feature-by-Feature
Use Case Comparison
Choose Buffer if you:
- Want simplest possible tool
- Only need scheduling
- Have few channels (1-3)
- Value clean interface
- Already have design tools
- Don't need AI content
Choose Simplified if you:
- Need design + scheduling
- Manage 4+ channels
- Want AI writing help
- Prefer all-in-one
- Don't have design tools
- Accept "good enough" scheduling
Choose Neither if you:
- Need unlimited AI content
- Want video templates
- Need advanced features
The Better Alternative
For users wanting scheduling + AI without limitations:
SocialRails
Best for: Unlimited AI content with solid scheduling.
Pricing Deep Dive
2 Channels
For 2 channels: Buffer saves $84/year. Unless you need design.
5 Channels
For 5 channels: Simplified saves $132/year AND includes design.
Team (3 Users)
For teams: Buffer cheaper but Simplified includes more channels and design.
You manage 5 channels and need basic design capabilities. Best choice?
💡 Tip: Think carefully before selecting your answer!
Quick Answers
Is Buffer or Simplified better? Buffer for pure scheduling simplicity. Simplified for design + scheduling combo.
Which is cheaper? Buffer for 1-3 channels. Simplified for 4+ channels.
Does Buffer have design tools? No. Use with Canva or other design tool.
Is Simplified's scheduling as good as Buffer's? Close, but Buffer's is more refined. Simplified's is adequate.
Which is easier to learn? Buffer. 5-minute setup vs. 15 minutes for Simplified.
Final Verdict
Buffer wins for: Simplicity, clean interface, 1-3 channels, scheduling focus.
Simplified wins for: All-in-one convenience, 4+ channels, design needs, AI writing.
Neither wins for: Unlimited AI, advanced features, video templates.
Recommendation:
- Pure scheduling: Buffer
- Design + scheduling: Simplified
- AI + scheduling: SocialRails
Create content, post everywhere
Create posts, images, and carousels with AI. Schedule to 9 platforms in seconds.
Start your free trialRelated
Tool Reviews:
Pricing Guides:
Alternatives:
Other Comparisons:
Was this article helpful?
Let us know what you think!