Best Hootsuite Alternatives in 2026 (Cheaper Social Media Tools)
Hootsuite was the social media management tool for years. But a dramatic price increase pushed many small business users to cheaper alternatives. Buffer, Later, and Metricool all handle scheduling, analytics, and content creation at a fraction of the cost. Read our full Hootsuite review →
Why look for Hootsuite alternatives?
- Hootsuite’s entry plan jumped to $99/month — one of the sharpest price increases in SaaS
- Buffer and Later offer scheduling for 3–10 channels for $15–$25/month
- The interface feels dated compared to newer tools like Metricool and Sprout Social
- Most small businesses don’t need Hootsuite’s enterprise analytics features
Top Hootsuite Alternatives at a Glance
| Tool | Score | Free Plan | Paid from |
|---|---|---|---|
| Sprout Social TOP PICK | 87/100 | 30-day free trial | From $199/mo (Standard, 5 social profiles) |
| Metricool | 83/100 | Free (1 brand, limited posts) | From $22/mo (Starter) |
| Buffer Review 2026 | 82/100 | Free up to 3 social channels | Essentials $6/mo · Team $12/mo |
| Later Review 2026 | 80/100 | Free with 1 social set | Starter $18/mo · Growth $40/mo |
The Best Hootsuite Alternatives, Reviewed
Sprout Social
Sprout Social is one of the most comprehensive social media management platforms available, trusted by 30,000+ brands globally. It combines scheduling and publishing across all major networks with a unified Smart Inbox, deep social listening, AI-assisted content generation, and the most detailed social analytics in the market. For teams serious about social media ROI, it’s the gold standard.
- social media scheduling and publishing
- social media analytics and reporting
- social listening and brand monitoring
Metricool
Metricool is a rising challenger in the social media management space, offering one of the best analytics dashboards in the market at a price point far below Sprout Social or Hootsuite. It supports scheduling and posting across all major networks — including TikTok, LinkedIn, Pinterest, and Google Business Profile — with AI-powered caption generation and a visual planning board. For small businesses and solo marketers who need data-driven decisions without enterprise pricing, Metricool is the smart choice.
- social media scheduling across all major platforms
- social media analytics and reporting
- competitor analysis and benchmarking
Buffer Review 2026
Buffer is the simplest social media scheduler and the best starting point for most small businesses. The AI post writer drafts platform-appropriate content from a single idea across all your channels.
Later is the visual-first social planner built for brands that care about feed aesthetics. The drag-and-drop visual calendar and Linkin.bio tool make it the top pick for Instagram-heavy businesses.
Which Hootsuite alternative is right for you?
- If you want the best overall alternative: go with Sprout Social
- If you need a free option: check which tools have a free plan in the table above
- If you’re coming from Hootsuite and need a smooth migration: Metricool is the closest in workflow
- For the full ranked list: Best AI Social Media Tools →
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Every tool scored 0–100. No affiliate bias.
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