Metricool vs Buffer 2026: Which Scheduler Should You Pick?
TL;DR - Quick Answer
9 min readSee which tool is better for you. We compare pricing, features, and ease of use.
Metricool: Advanced analytics, competitor tracking (free plan). (Full Metricool review) Buffer: Simple scheduling, easiest interface (free plan). (Full Buffer review)
Both have free plans. Here's how to choose.
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30-Second Answer
Pricing Breakdown
Metricool
Buffer
Solo creator with 5 accounts. Monthly cost for each tool?
💡 Tip: Think carefully before selecting your answer!
Cost by Scenario
Pattern: Buffer wins for 3 or fewer. Metricool wins at scale.
Where Each Tool Wins
Metricool Wins: Analytics
This is Metricool's strength.
What you get:
- Unified dashboard across platforms
- Engagement, reach, follower trends
- Best times to post
- Historical data (years)
Buffer:
- Basic post analytics
- Limited insights
- No cross-platform view
You need to track competitor social performance. Which tool does this?
💡 Tip: Think carefully before selecting your answer!
Metricool Wins: Competitor Tracking
Track up to 100 competitor accounts:
- Engagement rates vs yours
- Posting frequency
- Content performance
- Follower growth
Buffer: No competitor features at any price.
Metricool Wins: Reporting
Generate professional reports:
- PDF and PPT formats
- Custom templates (Advanced)
- Scheduled delivery
- Client-ready design
Buffer: Basic export only.
Buffer Wins: Simplicity
Buffer is the easiest scheduler available.
What you get:
- Queue-based posting
- Browser extension
- 5-minute setup
- Intuitive interface
Metricool: Analytics dashboards take time to learn.
Buffer Wins: Free Plan Flexibility
Buffer's free plan is more flexible for small use.
You want the simplest scheduling tool. Which should you choose?
💡 Tip: Think carefully before selecting your answer!
Feature Comparison
Who Should Pick What
Choose Metricool if you:
- Need detailed analytics
- Want competitor tracking
- Generate client reports
- Manage 5+ brands on budget
- Value data over simplicity
Choose Buffer if you:
- Want the simplest tool
- Only need 3 channels
- Don't need analytics
- Prefer quick setup
- Don't track competitors
What Neither Tool Has
AI content generation: Both lack robust AI writing.
Video templates: Neither creates videos.
Content recycling: Both are one-time posting.
For AI content and video templates, see SocialRails.
Better Alternative
Want AI content AND video templates?
Try SocialRails freeQuick Answers
Is Metricool cheaper than Buffer? For 5+ accounts, usually yes. Metricool's flat pricing beats Buffer's per-channel.
Which has better analytics? Metricool. Significantly more advanced.
Which is easier? Buffer. Simplest interface in the market.
Does either have AI content? Buffer has basic AI. Metricool has none.
Which has competitor tracking? Metricool only.
Bottom Line
Metricool: Best for analytics, competitor tracking, and reporting. Steeper learning curve.
Buffer: Best for simple, quick scheduling. Limited analytics.
Best alternative: SocialRails at $29/month with unlimited AI and video templates.
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