Planoly vs Metricool 2026: Which Social Media Tool Is Better?
TL;DR - Quick Answer
9 min readMetricool 2026 offers better value with more features at a lower price. Planoly excels in simplicity but costs more for similar functionality.
Quick answer: Planoly is best for Instagram grid aesthetics. Metricool is best for analytics and competitor tracking. Visuals vs. data.
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Bottom line: Planoly for Instagram visuals. Metricool for analytics and data.
Pricing Comparison
Free tier: Metricool's free plan is actually usable. Planoly's is essentially a trial.
You need detailed analytics and competitor tracking on a budget. Which tool?
💡 Tip: Think carefully before selecting your answer!
Core Difference
Planoly
- Instagram-first - Built for visual content
- Grid preview - Top-tier feature
- Visual planning - Aesthetic focus
- Basic analytics - Standard metrics
- Creator-focused - Influencers
Metricool
- Analytics-first - Built for data
- Competitor tracking - Monitor rivals
- Ad management - Meta, Google, TikTok
- Advanced reporting - Custom reports
- Business-focused - Marketing teams
Analytics Comparison
Planoly
- Basic metrics - Likes, comments, saves
- Post performance - Individual tracking
- No competitor data - Self-focused
- Simple reports - Basic exports
Metricool
- Advanced analytics - Deep insights
- Competitor tracking - Monitor up to 100 rivals
- Custom reports - Exportable, branded
- Best posting times - AI recommendations
- Hashtag analytics - Performance tracking
- ROI tracking - Business metrics
Winner: Metricool. Analytics is their core strength.
You want to monitor what your top 5 competitors are posting. Which tool?
💡 Tip: Think carefully before selecting your answer!
Instagram Features
Planoly
- Best grid preview - Industry-leading
- Visual drag-and-drop - Perfect arrangement
- Aesthetic planning - Color coordination
- Stories scheduling - Full support
Metricool
- Standard scheduling - Functional
- No grid preview - Basic interface
- Instagram Reels - Strong support
- Stories - Supported
- Analytics focus - Performance data
Winner: Planoly for visuals. Metricool for Reels analytics.
Ad Management
Planoly
- No ad management - Organic only
- No paid integration - Manual elsewhere
Metricool
- Meta Ads - Facebook/Instagram
- Google Ads - Search and display
- TikTok Ads - Video campaigns
- Unified dashboard - All ads in one place
- Performance tracking - ROI measurement
Winner: Metricool. Ads are a major differentiator.
Feature-by-Feature
Use Case Comparison
Choose Planoly if you:
- Focus on Instagram aesthetics
- Value visual grid planning
- Don't need advanced analytics
- Care more about looks than data
- Are a visual content creator
Choose Metricool if you:
- Need detailed analytics
- Want competitor tracking
- Run paid social ads
- Make data-driven decisions
- Need custom reports
- Want a usable free plan
Choose Neither if you:
- Need unlimited AI content
- Want video templates
- Need team collaboration
The Better Alternative
For users wanting AI content plus analytics:
SocialRails
Best for: Unlimited AI content generation.
Pricing Deep Dive
Free Plan Comparison
Winner: Metricool's free plan is actually usable long-term.
Paid Plan Comparison
Trade-off: Planoly cheaper but far fewer features.
You need Instagram grid planning + competitor analytics. Best approach?
💡 Tip: Think carefully before selecting your answer!
Quick Answers
Is Planoly better than Metricool? For Instagram visuals, yes. For analytics, no.
Which has a better free plan? Metricool. Planoly's free is essentially a trial.
Does Metricool have grid preview? No. Standard scheduling only.
Does Planoly have competitor tracking? No. Self-focused analytics only.
Which is better for agencies? Metricool for data and reporting. Planoly for Instagram-focused clients.
Final Verdict
Planoly wins for: Instagram grid preview, visual aesthetics, feed planning.
Metricool wins for: Analytics, competitor tracking, ad management, free plan.
Neither wins for: Unlimited AI content, video templates.
Recommendation:
- Instagram visuals: Planoly
- Analytics and data: Metricool
- AI content: SocialRails
Create content, post everywhere
Create posts, images, and carousels with AI. Schedule to 9 platforms in seconds.
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