Buffer is a social media management tool for planning, scheduling and publishing posts across platforms like Instagram, Facebook, LinkedIn, X, TikTok, Threads, Bluesky, Pinterest and YouTube. It also includes analytics, a start page builder and community tools for replying to comments.
Its AI Assistant helps you write and refine posts, repurpose content for different networks, and suggest replies, and it is included on every plan.
Key features
- Scheduling and queue for all major social networks.
- AI Assistant to write, refine and repurpose posts.
- Ideas board to collect and organize content ideas.
- Analytics with post and audience insights.
- Community engagement with AI reply suggestions.
- Start Page link-in-bio page builder.
- API access on all plans.
Buffer pricing
| Plan | Price | Channels and users | Highlights |
|---|---|---|---|
| Free | $0 | Up to 3 channels, 1 user | 10 scheduled posts per channel, AI Assistant with limited replies |
| Essentials | $5/channel/month billed yearly ($60/year) | 1 user | Unlimited scheduling, analytics, unlimited AI replies |
| Team | $10/channel/month billed yearly ($120/year) | Unlimited users | Approvals, access levels and collaboration |
Paid plans are priced per connected channel. Channels above 10 cost less each, and monthly billing costs more than yearly. Unlimited scheduling has a fair-use cap of 5,000 posts per channel.
Our experience using Buffer
Buffer is the tool we recommend to people who find other schedulers overwhelming. Setting up channels and filling a queue takes minutes, and the AI Assistant is handy for adapting one post into versions for LinkedIn, X and Instagram.
Its analytics cover the basics well, but agencies and larger brands will miss social listening and deeper reporting found in Sprout Social and Hootsuite.
Who should use Buffer?
Buffer is ideal for creators, solo marketers, freelancers and small businesses managing a handful of social accounts on a budget.
Buffer vs alternatives
Hootsuite and Sprout Social are more powerful and expensive. Ocoya and Predis.ai put more emphasis on AI-generated posts and designs. For graphics, pair Buffer with Canva.
See all AI Social Media tools.
Related guides
Frequently asked questions
Is Buffer free?
Yes. The free plan supports up to 3 channels with 10 scheduled posts per channel.
How much does Buffer cost?
Essentials costs $5 per channel per month and Team $10 per channel per month, billed yearly.
Does Buffer have AI?
Yes. The AI Assistant is included on all plans and helps write, refine and repurpose posts.
Which networks does Buffer support?
Instagram, Facebook, LinkedIn, X, TikTok, Threads, Bluesky, Pinterest, YouTube, Mastodon and Google Business Profile.
Buffer or Hootsuite?
Buffer is simpler and cheaper for small teams; Hootsuite offers more advanced listening, inbox and reporting features.
