Comparisons

Metricool vs Buffer 2025: Which Scheduler Should You Pick?

Matt
Matt
8 min read

TL;DR - Quick Answer

9 min read

See 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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Let AI do the work. Ideas, posts, images, carousels. Scheduled in seconds.

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30-Second Answer

FactorWinner
AnalyticsMetricool
SimplicityBuffer
Free plan channelsBuffer (3 vs 1)
Competitor trackingMetricool
Learning curveBuffer
ReportingMetricool

Pricing Breakdown

Metricool

PlanCostBrandsFeatures
Free$01Basic
Starter$18/mo5Full
Advanced$45/mo15Team + API

Buffer

PlanCostChannelsFeatures
Free$03Basic
Essentials$6/channelUnlimitedStandard
Team$12/channelUnlimitedTeam

🤔 Quick Knowledge Check

Solo creator with 5 accounts. Monthly cost for each tool?


Cost by Scenario

ScenarioMetricoolBufferWinner
1 brand/3 channelsFreeFreeTie
5 brands/accounts$18/mo$30/moMetricool
10 brands/accounts$18/mo$60/moMetricool
15 brands/accounts$45/mo$90/moMetricool

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

🤔 Quick Knowledge Check

You need to track competitor social performance. Which tool does this?


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

FeatureMetricool FreeBuffer Free
Accounts1 brand3 channels
Posts50/monthUnlimited
PlatformsLimitedAll major

Buffer's free plan is more flexible for small use.


🤔 Quick Knowledge Check

You want the simplest scheduling tool. Which should you choose?


Feature Comparison

FeatureMetricoolBuffer
Free plan1 brand3 channels
AnalyticsAdvancedBasic
Competitor tracking100 profilesNo
ReportingPDF/PPTBasic
SmartLinksYesNo
AI contentNoBasic
Learning curveModerateEasy
Browser extensionYesYes

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?

FeatureMetricoolBufferSocialRails
PriceFreeFree$29/mo
AI contentNoBasicUnlimited
Video templatesNoNo350+
AnalyticsAdvancedBasicBasic
Best forDataSimpleCreation
Try SocialRails free

Quick 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.

Create content, post everywhere

Let AI do the work. Ideas, posts, images, carousels. Scheduled in seconds.

Start your free trial

Metricool:

Buffer:

More Comparisons:

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