Metricool vs Buffer: Which Tool Is Right for you in 2024?

Choosing the right social media management tool could feel like trying to pick a winning lottery ticket.

Should you go with the popular kid, Buffer, or the up-and-comer, Metricool?

Both promise to make your life easier, but which one actually delivers?

In this post, we’ll break down the key differences between Metricool vs Buffer, digging into their features, pricing, and ease of use.

By the end, you’ll know exactly which tool is the perfect fit for your needs.

Metricool vs Buffer: Overview

To give you the most accurate comparison, we’ve spent weeks testing both Metricool and Buffer.

We scheduled posts, dug into their analytics, and explored all the features each tool offers.

This hands-on experience gives you a real-world view of how these platforms stack up.

What is Metricool?

Ever feel like you're flying blind with your social media?

Metricool gives you a clear view of what's working and what's not.

It's a one-stop shop for scheduling posts, tracking performance, and understanding your audience.

Plus, you can even spy on your competitors!

Key Benefits

• Deep dive into your data: Metricool gives you really detailed analytics. You can see what's working and what's not.
• Plan like a pro: Their planning tools help you visualize your content calendar and schedule posts across different platforms.
• Hashtag help: Metricool enables you to find the best hashtags to reach a wider audience.
• Keep an eye on the competition: You can track what your competitors are doing and learn from their strategies.

Pricing

• Free: $0/month for 5 competitor profiles.
• Starter: $18/month for 100 competitor profiles.
• Advanced: $45/month for Role Management.
• Custom: Custom pricing.

What is Buffer?

Need a simple way to manage your social media?

Buffer is your friend. Think of it as your assistant for scheduling posts across all your channels.

It keeps your content flowing and your audience engaged.

Plus, it has some cool tools for growing your followers.

Key Benefits

Buffer shines in a few key areas:

• Simple and intuitive: Buffer is super easy to use, even for beginners. You'll be scheduling posts like a pro in no time.
• Affordable starter plan: Buffer's got you covered with plans starting at just $6 per month per social channel.
• Excellent for small businesses: It's perfect for solopreneurs and small teams who want to streamline their social media.

Pricing

Buffer offers a free plan with limited features. Want more power? Their paid plans start at $6 per month per channel. Here's a quick look:

• Free: Connect up to channels.
• Essentials: Starting at $6 per month per channel. Includes free features and engagement tools.
• Team: Starting at $12 per month per channel. Essential features plus Unlimited team members.
• Agency: Starting at $120 per month for 10 channels, Team features plus, Custom access & permissions.

Metricool vs Buffer: Feature Comparison

Now for the head-to-head matchup! Let's see how Metricool and Buffer stack up across the features that matter most to social media managers.

Supported Social Media Platforms

Both Metricool and Buffer support major players like Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, and LinkedIn.

However, Metricool edges out Buffer by also including Pinterest and TikTok.

If you're managing social media accounts on multiple platforms, especially those two, Metricool offers wider coverage.

User-Friendly Interface

Metricool and Buffer both boast a user-friendly interface.

Even if you're new to social media management tools, you'll find both platforms easy to navigate.

Buffer's interface is more modern and intuitive, but Metricool is still very straightforward.

Scheduling and Publishing

Both tools make it a breeze to schedule & publish content across various social media platforms.

You could plan your posts, ensuring a consistent flow of content on your social media channels.

Buffer offers a cleaner, more visual scheduling calendar, while Metricool provides more granular control over scheduling times.  

Managing Social Media Messages

Metricool and Buffer simplify managing social media messages.

You could respond to comments & engage with your audience directly within the platforms.

Metricool takes it a step further by including a unified inbox for managing social media messages across multiple social media platforms. This streamlines communication and saves you valuable time.  

Social Media Analytics

Both tools offer analytics dashboards to track your social media performance.

However, Metricool provides more advanced analytics, giving you deeper insights into your audience and content performance.

You could track key metrics like engagement, reach, & impressions across various social media channels.  

Ad Campaign Management

While both platforms offer some support for ad campaigns, Metricool provides more robust features.

You can track ad performance, manage budgets, and optimize your campaigns for better results.  

Team Collaboration

If you're working with a team, both Metricool and Buffer offer collaboration features.

You can assign tasks, share reports, and manage approvals.

Buffer's team features are slightly more comprehensive, especially on higher-priced plans.  

What to Look for When Choosing a Social Media Management Tool?

• Your budget: Free plans might be enough for basic needs, but growing businesses might need to invest in paid features.
• The social media platforms you use: Make sure the tool supports all the channels where you're active.
• How important in-depth analytics are to you: If data is your thing, prioritize a tool with robust analytics features.
• Whether you need team collaboration features: These are essential for agencies and larger teams.
• Ease of use: The tool should be intuitive and easy to navigate, even for beginners.
• Customer support: Look for a tool with responsive and helpful customer support.

Final Verdict (Our Pick)

So, which tool comes out on top? For us, it's Metricool.

Its in-depth analytics, competitor analysis, and a wider range of supported platforms give it the edge.

While Buffer is a great tool for simplifying social media management, Metricool offers a more complete package, especially if you're serious about tracking your performance and maximizing your results.

Remember it, the best tool for you depends on your specific needs & priorities.

We've given you the information; now it's time to make the choice!

And hey, with free trials available for both Metricool and Buffer, you can always test them out for yourself.

Frequently Asked Questions