Metricool vs Later 2026: Which Tool Should You Pick?
TL;DR - Quick Answer
9 min readLater 2026 offers better value with more features at a lower price. Metricool excels in simplicity but costs more for similar functionality.
Metricool: Advanced analytics, competitor tracking (free plan). Later: Visual planning, Instagram-first (free plan).
Both have free plans. Here's how to choose.
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30-Second Answer
Pricing Breakdown
Metricool
Later
Solo creator with 5 accounts. Monthly cost for each tool?
💡 Tip: Think carefully before selecting your answer!
Cost by Scenario
Pattern: Metricool is cheaper at scale. Later wins for visual workflows.
Where Each Tool Wins
Metricool Wins: Analytics
Unified cross-platform dashboard:
- Engagement, reach, follower trends
- Best times to post
- Historical data (years)
- Competitor benchmarking
Later: Basic analytics, Instagram-focused.
Metricool Wins: Competitor Tracking
Track up to 100 competitor accounts:
- Engagement rates vs yours
- Content performance
- Follower growth trends
- Benchmark comparison
Later: No competitor tracking features.
You need detailed analytics across all platforms. Which tool?
💡 Tip: Think carefully before selecting your answer!
Later Wins: Visual Planning
Built for visual brands:
- Instagram grid preview
- Drag-and-drop calendar
- Media library organization
- Visual-first workflow
Metricool: Text-based interface, no grid preview.
Later Wins: Instagram Features
Fashion brand wanting to preview Instagram grid before posting. Which tool?
💡 Tip: Think carefully before selecting your answer!
Tie: Link in Bio
Metricool SmartLinks:
- Multiple links
- Analytics tracking
- Custom branding
- Mobile optimized
Later Linkin.bio:
- Shoppable links
- Instagram integration
- Analytics tracking
- Custom design
Both offer solid link-in-bio solutions.
Feature Comparison
Who Should Pick What
Choose Metricool if you:
- Need detailed analytics
- Want competitor tracking
- Manage multiple platforms equally
- Generate client reports
- Budget is limited
Choose Later if you:
- Are Instagram-focused
- Care about grid aesthetics
- Create visual content
- Need UGC collection
- Value visual planning
Data-driven marketer tracking performance across 6 platforms. Best choice?
💡 Tip: Think carefully before selecting your answer!
What Neither Tool Has
AI content generation: Both lack 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 Later? For multiple accounts, yes. Metricool $18 for 5 vs Later $45 for 3.
Which has better analytics? Metricool. Significantly more advanced.
Which is better for Instagram? Later. Grid preview and visual planning.
Does either have AI content? No. Both lack AI generation.
Which has competitor tracking? Metricool only.
Bottom Line
Metricool: Best for analytics, competitor tracking, and multi-platform data.
Later: Best for visual brands and Instagram-first strategies.
Best alternative: SocialRails at $29/month with unlimited AI and video templates.
Done comparing? Try SocialRails instead
Post images, videos & carousels to 9 platforms. AI helps with captions. One flat price.
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Metricool:
Later:
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