Zoho Social vs Buffer 2026: Which Tool Wins?
TL;DR - Quick Answer
8 min readSee which tool is better for you. We compare pricing, features, and ease of use.
Zoho Social: Best for Zoho CRM users. (Full Zoho Social review) Buffer: Best for simple, clean scheduling. (Full Buffer review)
Zoho users pick Zoho Social. Simple schedulers pick Buffer.
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30-Second Answer
Pricing Comparison
Zoho Social
Buffer
Key difference: Zoho is flat-rate. Buffer is per-channel. Depends on channel count. See our scheduler comparison for more options.
You manage 10 social accounts solo. Which costs less monthly?
💡 Tip: Think carefully before selecting your answer!
Where Each Tool Wins
Zoho Social Wins: CRM Integration
Deep Zoho ecosystem:
- Zoho CRM direct integration
- Lead capture from social
- Contact enrichment
- SmartQ best times
Buffer has no CRM integration.
Buffer Wins: Simplicity
Clean, easy interface:
- 5-minute setup
- Intuitive design
- No learning curve
- Browser extension
You need social-CRM integration for lead capture. Which tool?
💡 Tip: Think carefully before selecting your answer!
Buffer Wins: AI Content
AI Assistant included:
- Caption generation
- Content ideas
- Repurposing help
- Hashtag suggestions
Zoho Social has no AI content generation.
Zoho Social Wins: Flat Pricing
Predictable costs:
- $15/month for 10 channels
- No per-channel fees
- Scales better at volume
Buffer costs escalate with channels.
Feature Comparison
Which tool has AI-powered content generation?
💡 Tip: Think carefully before selecting your answer!
Cost Comparison
Insight: Zoho Social wins for 3+ channels. Buffer wins for 1-2 channels.
Who Should Pick What
Choose Zoho Social if you:
- Use Zoho CRM
- Manage 5+ channels
- Want flat pricing
- Need CRM integration
- Have moderate budget
Choose Buffer if you:
- Want simplicity
- Need AI content
- Manage 1-3 channels
- Prefer clean interface
- Value ease of use
Neither Is Perfect
Both tools lack:
Better Alternative
Want CRM integration AND AI content?
Try SocialRails free →Final decision: Managing 10 channels on a budget without CRM needs. Best choice?
💡 Tip: Think carefully before selecting your answer!
Quick Answers
Which is cheaper? Zoho for 3+ channels. Buffer for 1-2 channels.
Which has AI content? Only Buffer.
Which has CRM integration? Only Zoho Social (with Zoho CRM).
Which is simpler? Buffer. Easier interface.
Which has free plan? Both. Zoho's is more generous.
Bottom Line
Zoho Social: Best for Zoho CRM users managing many channels at flat pricing.
Buffer: Best for simple schedulers who want AI content and easy interface.
Best alternative: SocialRails at $29/month with unlimited AI content and video templates.
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