Buffer vs Later
By Itai Varochik | Updated 2026
Quick Verdict
Overall Winner: Buffer (4.3/5)
We tested Buffer and Later side-by-side. Buffer comes out ahead overall, but Later may be better for specific use cases.
Score Breakdown
| Criteria | Buffer | Later |
|---|---|---|
| Features | 7/10 | 7.5/10 |
| Ease of Use | 9.5/10 | 9/10 |
| Value for Money | 9/10 | 7.5/10 |
| Customer Support | 8/10 | 7/10 |
| Overall | 8/10 | 7.8/10 |
Feature Comparison
| Feature | Buffer | Later |
|---|---|---|
| Scheduling | Yes | No |
| Analytics | Yes | No |
| AI Assistant | Yes | No |
| Link in Bio | Yes | Yes |
| Team Collaboration | Yes | No |
| Drafts & Queues | Yes | No |
| Custom Scheduling | Yes | No |
| Visual Calendar | No | Yes |
| Auto-Publish | No | Yes |
Pricing Comparison
Buffer: Free – $120/mo
Later: Free tier / From $25/mo
Buffer Pros & Cons
Pros
- Dramatically cheaper than Hootsuite ($6/channel)
- Dead-simple interface
- Generous free plan
- Per-channel pricing scales fairly
- Fast, frictionless scheduling
Cons
- No social inbox for messages/comments
- Basic analytics only
- No ad management
- Limited TikTok/YouTube features
- Free plan limited to 10 posts per channel
Later Pros & Cons
Pros
- Best visual calendar
- Instagram-focused features
- Link-in-bio tool
- Easy to use
Cons
- Limited for non-visual platforms
- Basic analytics
- Fewer platforms
- Limited team features on free
Key Specifications
| Spec | Buffer | Later |
|---|---|---|
| Rating | 4.3/5 | 4.3/5 |
| Pricing | Free – $120/mo | Free tier / From $25/mo |
| Year Founded | 2010 | 2014 |
| Headquarters | Remote-first | Vancouver, Canada |
| Employees | 90+ | N/A |
| Best For | Solo creators | N/A |
| Free Plan | Yes (3 channels) | N/A |
Our Verdict
Buffer wins overall. Choose Buffer if you value Solo creators and small businesses managing their own social media. Choose Later if you prioritize Instagram creators.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Buffer better than Later?
Based on our testing, Buffer scores higher with a rating of 4.3/5 compared to Later's 4.3/5. However, the best choice depends on your specific needs.
What is the main difference between Buffer and Later?
Buffer is known for: Simple, affordable social media scheduling tool for solopreneurs, creators, and small businesses.. Later is known for: Visual social media scheduling platform focused on Instagram and visual content..
Which is cheaper, Buffer or Later?
Buffer pricing: Free – $120/mo. Later pricing: Free tier / From $25/mo.
Can I use Buffer and Later together?
While both tools serve similar purposes in the Social Media Tools category, some users do use complementary features from both platforms.
What are the pros of Buffer?
Dramatically cheaper than Hootsuite ($6/channel). Dead-simple interface. Generous free plan
What are the pros of Later?
Best visual calendar. Instagram-focused features. Link-in-bio tool
Which social media tools should I choose?
Choose Buffer if you value Solo creators and small businesses managing their own social media. Choose Later if you prioritize Instagram creators.