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Buffer vs Metricool for Agencies (2026): Which Is Better?
By Red Kite Search Agency Created Updated 7 min read
Summary
Choose Buffer for the simplest, cheapest start with one or two channels per client. Choose Metricool for brand-based pricing, analytics, and client reporting. Prices and ratings were checked in October 2026.
Buffer vs Metricool: which is better for agencies in 2026?
Buffer and Metricool are the two low-cost options in this group, and both have a free plan. Buffer prices per channel and focuses on simple scheduling. Metricool prices per brand and focuses on analytics and reporting.
We compared price, client features, and fit.
| Tool | Editorial score | Review-site ratings | Pricing | Best for |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Buffer | 4 / 5 | G2 4.3 | Free plan. Essentials $5 and Team $10 per channel per month on annual billing. | Freelancers and small agencies |
| Metricool | 4.2 / 5 | G2 4.4 | Free plan. Starter from $20-$25 and Advanced from $53-$67 per month (annual vs monthly billing, depending on the number of brands); Custom is quoted. | Freelancers and small to mid-size agencies |
How do Buffer and Metricool compare on price?
Buffer Essentials costs $5 per channel per month and Team costs $10 per channel per month on annual billing. Metricool Starter begins at $20 per month annually ($25 monthly) for 5 brands, and Advanced begins at $53 annually for 15 brands.
| Tool | Plan | Price | What stands out |
|---|---|---|---|
| Buffer | Free | $0 | 3 channels, 1 user, 10 scheduled posts per channel, 100 ideas, AI assistant |
| Buffer | Essentials | $5 per channel per month (annual billing) | Unlimited scheduled posts and ideas, advanced analytics, hashtag manager, first comment scheduling, 1 user |
| Buffer | Team | $10 per channel per month (annual billing) | Unlimited team members, access levels, content approval workflows, higher API limits |
| Metricool | Free | $0 | 1 brand, 5 competitors, 20 posts per month, 30 days of analytics |
| Metricool | Starter | $20 per month (annual billing); $25 monthly | From 5 brands, unlimited publishing, LinkedIn, PDF and PPT reports, unlimited analytics history |
| Metricool | Advanced | $53 per month (annual billing); $67 monthly | From 15 brands, team and client management, roles, approvals, report templates, Looker Studio connector, API |
| Metricool | Custom | Custom | Custom brand count, white label, dedicated account manager |
Which is cheaper for an agency?
Metricool, once you manage more than a few channels per client. Buffer charges for each channel, so a client with five channels costs five times the channel price, while Metricool charges by brand.
For one or two channels, Buffer Essentials is hard to beat.
Which is better for client reporting?
Metricool, with report templates, PDF and PPT reports, a Looker Studio connector, and shareable read-only dashboards that can carry your logo. Buffer offers on-brand PDF or image reports and advanced analytics from Essentials.
Neither is a full white-label portal.
Which is better for teams and approvals?
Both offer approvals on higher plans. Buffer Team includes unlimited team members, access levels, and approval workflows. Metricool Advanced adds roles including a Client role, approvals with external reviewers, and user management.
Buffer is simpler to set up, while Metricool offers more role detail.
How do Buffer and Metricool compare on integrations, security, and support?
Beyond price, agencies ask about connections to their other tools, what to tell clients about security, and how quickly they can get help. This is what each vendor states publicly, as checked in October 2026.
| Area | Buffer | Metricool |
|---|---|---|
| Integrations | Twelve social channels including LinkedIn, Instagram, Facebook, TikTok, YouTube, X, Threads, Pinterest, Bluesky, Mastodon, Substack and Google Business Profile; Bitly, Canva, ChatGPT, Claude, Dropbox, Google Drive, IFTTT, Make, n8n, Unsplash, WordPress and Zapier, with MCP access | Facebook, Instagram, Threads, X, Bluesky, TikTok, LinkedIn, Google Business Profile, Pinterest, YouTube, Twitch, and Facebook, Google and TikTok Ads; Looker Studio, Google Drive, Canva, Adobe Express, Zapier and Make.com |
| Security | Two-factor authentication by email or authenticator app; custom access and permissions on Team; GDPR statement with standard contractual clauses; SOC 2 and SSO were not stated | Two-factor authentication with an authenticator app, off by default; Predefined roles: Analyst, Editor, Manager, Content Creator and Client, plus custom roles; access can differ per brand; GDPR data processing agreement; SOC 2 and SSO were not stated |
| Support | Help center and email support on all plans, with a typical response within 2 hours; Support hours and live chat are not stated | Help center, in-app live chat and email; General support hours and response times are not stated |
| Apps | iOS and Android apps for scheduling on the go | Android and iOS apps with analytics, inbox, approvals and publishing; user management is web-only |
What are the pros and cons of Buffer and Metricool?
Here is where each tool helps agencies and where it can get in the way, based on plan details and public feedback.
Buffer pros
- A free plan for up to 3 channels, and low per-channel pricing.
- Unlimited team members on the Team plan.
- Approval workflows and access levels on Team.
- Public API, MCP and a wide set of automation connectors.
Buffer cons
- Per-channel pricing adds up for agencies with many client channels.
- No white-label reporting or client portal is stated.
- SOC 2 and SSO were not stated.
- Listening and deep inbox tools are lighter than Hootsuite or Sprout Social.
Metricool pros
- A free plan and low starting prices, priced by brand count.
- Shareable read-only agency dashboards that can carry the agency logo.
- Predefined roles including a Client role, plus custom roles.
- Approval workflow with internal or external reviewers.
Metricool cons
- X (Twitter), advanced analytics and Canva are paid add-ons.
- User management and approvals require the Advanced plan.
- SOC 2 and SSO were not stated.
- General support hours and response times are not stated.
What do reviewers say about Buffer and Metricool?
G2 shows Buffer at 4.3 from 1,086 reviews and Metricool at 4.4 from 102 reviews. Buffer is praised for ease of use, and Metricool for its interface and analytics.
| Tool | Source | Rating | Number of reviews |
|---|---|---|---|
| Buffer | G2 | 4.3 / 5 | 1,086 |
| Metricool | G2 | 4.4 / 5 | 102 |
Reviewer themes for Buffer
- G2 shows Buffer at 4.3 from 1,086 reviews.
- G2 reviewers praise ease of use and intuitive scheduling.
- Reviewers say they can manage social for several clients in one place.
Reviewer themes for Metricool
- G2 shows Metricool at 4.4 from 102 reviews.
- G2 reviewers praise the intuitive interface and comprehensive analytics.
- The G2 review base is small compared with Hootsuite or Sprout Social.
How does setup differ between Buffer and Metricool?
Getting value from either tool depends on how you set it up, and the first steps differ. Here is the practical starting point for each.
Buffer: Start on the free plan to test one channel, then move to Essentials or Team when you need unlimited scheduling or approvals.
Metricool: Start on the free plan with one brand to learn the planner and analytics before paying.
What should agencies check before choosing between Buffer and Metricool?
Small details in plans and limits decide whether a tool works in practice. Check these points for each tool during a trial on a real client account.
Before you buy Buffer
- Multiply channels by the per-channel price.
- Confirm monthly billing prices at checkout.
- Check that approvals and access levels on Team fit your clients.
- Test the free plan on a real channel first.
Before you buy Metricool
- Price the add-ons for X and advanced analytics.
- Confirm Advanced covers your roles and approval needs.
- Turn on two-factor authentication for client accounts.
- Test the free plan with one brand.
How should you test Buffer and Metricool before deciding?
The fairest test is to run both tools on the same real client account for two weeks, with the same people, and compare the results rather than first impressions.
What to measure
- How long it takes a new team member to be productive in Buffer versus Metricool.
- How often people open each tool without being reminded.
- Whether the plan you need includes the features you tested, not just the entry price.
- How a client reacts if you invite them to either tool.
- How much time the team spends on notifications, setup, and cleanup each week.
Which should you choose: Buffer or Metricool?
Choose Buffer for the simplest, cheapest start with one or two channels per client. Choose Metricool for brand-based pricing, analytics, and client reporting.
Both have free plans, so test each with a real brand.
Choose Buffer if
- You want the lowest cost to start, including a free plan.
- You are a freelancer or small agency with simple needs.
- You want unlimited team members on a team plan.
Skip Buffer if
- You manage dozens of client channels and want flat pricing.
- You need deep listening or an inbox suite.
- You need white-label reports.
Choose Metricool if
- You manage many small brands and want brand-based pricing.
- You want analytics, approvals, and shareable dashboards on a budget.
- You want a free plan to test.
Skip Metricool if
- You need X and advanced analytics included.
- You need published support hours and SSO.
- You want a very large public review base.
Frequently asked questions
- Is Buffer or Metricool better?
- Buffer for simplicity, Metricool for analytics and brand-based pricing.
- Which is cheaper?
- Buffer for few channels, Metricool for many channels per brand.
- Do both have free plans?
- Yes. Both offer free plans.
- Which has better reporting?
- Metricool, with report templates and shareable dashboards.
- Do both have approval workflows?
- Yes, on Buffer Team and Metricool Advanced.
Sources
Prices, plan limits, and ratings were gathered in October 2026 from:
- Buffer pricing page
- Metricool pricing page
- G2