Buffer
Simple social media scheduling and analytics tool for brands and creators....
Sprout Social
Enterprise social media management with powerful analytics and CRM features....
Buffer vs Sprout Social: Which Is Better in 2026?
Comprehensive comparison of Buffer and Sprout Social covering features, pricing, pros & cons, and our expert verdict to help you make the right choice for your business.
Quick Overview
Buffer
- Best for: Small businesses, Creators
- Starting price: Free
- Category: social media
- Founded: 2010
Sprout Social
- Best for: Enterprise, Agencies
- Starting price: $249/mo
- Category: social media
- Founded: 2010
Feature Comparison
Side-by-side feature comparison to help you understand the key differences between Buffer and Sprout Social.
| Feature | B Buffer | S Sprout Social |
|---|---|---|
| Scheduling | ||
| Analytics | ||
| Content Calendar | ||
| Team Collaboration | ||
| Social Listening | ||
| Engagement Tools | ||
| Mobile App | ||
| Ads Management |
Our Verdict
After extensive testing and analysis, Buffer edges out as the winner in this comparison. While both tools excel in their respective areas, Buffer offers better overall user satisfaction. Sprout Social remains a strong alternative, especially for users who prioritize enterprise.
Pros & Cons
Buffer Pros & Cons
Pros
- Simple interface
- Affordable
- Great free tier
- Easy to use
- Browser extension
Cons
- Limited features
- No social listening
- Basic analytics
- Per-channel pricing
Sprout Social Pros & Cons
Pros
- Powerful analytics
- Great reporting
- Excellent support
- Smart inbox
- Social CRM
Cons
- Very expensive
- Complex for small teams
- Limited profiles on lower tiers
- Add-on costs
Pricing Comparison
Compare the pricing plans and see which tool offers better value for your budget.
Buffer
freemium- 3 channels
- 10 posts/channel
- Basic publishing
- Per channel
- Unlimited posts
- Engagement tools
- Per channel
- Unlimited users
- Draft collaboration
- 10 channels
- Client management
- Custom access
Sprout Social
subscription- 5 social profiles
- All-in-one inbox
- Review management
- Unlimited profiles
- Competitive reports
- Custom workflows
- Message spike alerts
- Digital asset library
- Chatbots
- Premium consulting
- Priority support
- Custom solutions
Which Tool Is Best For You?
Choose Buffer if you need:
- Small businesses
- Creators
- Startups
- Simple scheduling needs
- Simple interface
- Affordable
Choose Sprout Social if you need:
- Enterprise
- Agencies
- Data-driven teams
- Customer service teams
- Powerful analytics
- Great reporting
Buffer vs Sprout Social FAQ
What are the main differences between Buffer and Sprout Social?
Buffer focuses on small businesses with simple interface, while Sprout Social excels at enterprise with powerful analytics. Key differences include pricing structure, feature depth, and target user base.
Is Buffer or Sprout Social better for small businesses?
Buffer offers a free tier which is great for small businesses starting out. For small businesses with limited budgets, consider starting with the tool that offers Buffer's lower starting price of $0/month.
What is the pricing difference between Buffer and Sprout Social?
Buffer starts at $0/month with a free tier available, while Sprout Social starts at $249/month. Both offer multiple pricing tiers with different feature sets.
Can Buffer integrate with Sprout Social?
While direct integration may vary, both Buffer and Sprout Social support third-party integrations through platforms like Zapier. Buffer integrates with Instagram, Facebook, Twitter, while Sprout Social works with All major social networks, Salesforce, HubSpot.
Which tool is easier to use, Buffer or Sprout Social?
Based on user reviews, Buffer generally receives higher marks for ease of use with a 4.5 rating. However, ease of use can depend on your specific needs and technical background. Buffer is known for affordable.
Does Buffer or Sprout Social offer better customer support?
Both Buffer and Sprout Social provide customer support, with options varying by plan tier. Buffer offers support through standard support channels. Check each tool's specific plan for support details.
What are the pros of Buffer compared to Sprout Social?
Buffer's main advantages include: Simple interface, Affordable, Great free tier. Compared to Sprout Social, it's particularly strong for small businesses.
What are the cons of Buffer compared to Sprout Social?
Buffer's potential drawbacks include: Limited features, No social listening. Sprout Social may be a better choice if these limitations affect your use case.
Should I switch from Buffer to Sprout Social or vice versa?
Consider switching if your current tool doesn't meet your needs. Key factors include: current pain points, migration complexity, team training, and total cost of ownership. Use our ROI calculator to estimate the potential impact of switching.
Which tool is best for social media in 2026?
In 2026, Buffer leads in this comparison with a 4.5 rating. However, the best choice depends on your specific requirements. Buffer excels for small businesses, while Sprout Social is ideal for enterprise.