Comparisons

TweetDeck vs Buffer 2026: Which Social Tool Wins?

Matt
Matt
8 min read

TL;DR - Quick Answer

10 min read

See which tool is better for you. We compare pricing, features, and ease of use.

TweetDeck: Best for X/Twitter power users who need multi-column monitoring. (Full TweetDeck review)

Buffer: Best for multi-platform scheduling with simple interface. (Full Buffer review)

X-only users might prefer TweetDeck. Everyone else should choose Buffer.

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30-Second Answer

FactorWinner
Platform supportBuffer (8 vs 1)
PriceTweetDeck ($8 vs $30+ for similar)
X/Twitter featuresTweetDeck
SimplicityBuffer
Multi-column viewTweetDeck
AI featuresBuffer
Free planBuffer

Pricing Comparison

TweetDeck

PlanMonthlyWhat You Get
X Premium$8/monthTweetDeck access + X benefits
X Premium+$16/monthAdditional features

TweetDeck requires X Premium subscription. X/Twitter only.

Buffer

PlanMonthlyChannelsUsers
Free$031
Essentials$6/channelUnlimited1
Team$12/channelUnlimitedUnlimited

Buffer supports 8 platforms including X.

Key difference: TweetDeck is cheaper but X-only. Buffer costs more but manages all your social accounts.


Quick Quiz
Easy

You manage X, Instagram, and Facebook (5 accounts total). Which tool works?

💡 Tip: Think carefully before selecting your answer!


Where Each Tool Wins

TweetDeck Wins: Real-Time X Monitoring

TweetDeck's column interface:

  • Custom columns for feeds, lists, search
  • Real-time updates — no refresh needed
  • Multiple accounts in one view
  • Advanced search columns
  • Keyboard shortcuts for power users

Buffer has no comparable real-time monitoring.


Buffer Wins: Multi-Platform Support

Buffer supports 8 platforms:

PlatformTweetDeckBuffer
X/Twitter
Instagram
Facebook
LinkedIn
Pinterest
TikTok
Mastodon
YouTube

Verdict: Buffer handles your entire social presence. TweetDeck handles X only.


Quick Quiz
Easy

Which tool has AI content assistance?

💡 Tip: Think carefully before selecting your answer!


Buffer Wins: Simplicity

Buffer is easier to use:

FactorTweetDeckBuffer
Setup time10 min5 min
Learning curveModerateEasy
InterfaceComplex columnsClean minimal
Mobile appBrowser onlyExcellent app

TweetDeck Wins: X Power Features

X FeatureTweetDeckBuffer
Column layout✅ Excellent❌ None
Real-time feeds✅ Yes❌ No
Search columns✅ Advanced❌ Basic
Multi-account view✅ Side-by-side✅ Account switching

Feature Comparison

FeatureTweetDeckBuffer
Starting price$8/moFree
Platforms1 (X only)8
SchedulingBasicGood
AI contentNoYes
AnalyticsBasicGood
Team featuresNoYes
Mobile appNoYes
Free planNoYes

Quick Quiz
Easy

You need scheduled posts on X, Instagram, and LinkedIn. Best choice?

💡 Tip: Think carefully before selecting your answer!


Cost Comparison

Solo User, X Only

ToolMonthly Cost
TweetDeck$8
Buffer (1 channel)$6

Winner: Buffer — cheaper and supports more platforms.

Solo User, 5 Platforms

ToolMonthly Cost
TweetDeck$8 (X only, need more tools)
Buffer$30 (all 5 platforms)

Winner: Buffer — one tool for everything.

Team, 10 Accounts

ToolMonthly Cost
TweetDeck$8/user (X only)
Buffer Team$120 (10 channels × $12)

Winner: Depends on needs. TweetDeck for X-only teams. Buffer for multi-platform teams.


Who Should Pick What

Choose TweetDeck if you:

  • Focus exclusively on X/Twitter
  • Need real-time column monitoring
  • Already pay for X Premium
  • Want multi-account X management
  • Don't need other platforms

Choose Buffer if you:

  • Manage multiple social platforms
  • Want simple, clean scheduling
  • Need a mobile app
  • Want AI content assistance
  • Prefer a free plan to start

Neither Is Perfect

Both tools lack:

MissingTweetDeckBuffer
Social listening
Video templates
Advanced AIBasic only
Visual calendarBasic

Better Alternative

Want multi-platform support WITH real-time features?

FeatureTweetDeckBufferSocialRails
Price$8/mo$30/mo (5 ch)$29/mo
Platforms188+
AI contentNoBasicUnlimited
Video templatesNoNo350+
Visual calendarNoBasicYes
Try SocialRails free →
Quick Quiz
Hard

Final decision: Multi-platform creator managing X, Instagram, TikTok. Best choice?

💡 Tip: Think carefully before selecting your answer!


Quick Answers

Which is cheaper? TweetDeck ($8/month) is cheaper, but Buffer's free plan costs nothing for basic use.

Which supports more platforms? Buffer (8 platforms) vs TweetDeck (X only).

Which is easier to use? Buffer. Simpler interface with mobile app.

Which has better X features? TweetDeck. Multi-column real-time monitoring is unmatched.

Which has AI features? Buffer. TweetDeck has no AI assistance.


Bottom Line

TweetDeck: Best for X/Twitter power users who need real-time multi-column monitoring and don't need other platforms.

Buffer: Best for most users who need multi-platform scheduling with simplicity and AI assistance.

Best alternative: SocialRails at $29/month with multi-platform AI and video templates.

Create content, post everywhere

Create posts, images, and carousels with AI. Schedule to 9 platforms in seconds.

Start your free trial

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