3 tools that do the same job as Later, compared on checked pricing and features. Later's cheapest paid plan is $18.75 a month for one person, and one of the alternatives costs less. Two of the three have a free plan.
Prices checked against each vendor's own pricing page; Later's on October 5, 2026.
Cheapest paid plan that covers the team, per month before tax, at the yearly rate where one is published. Each tool's prices were checked against its own pricing page, most recently on October 5, 2026.
1. Buffer
Best for small businesses and solo marketers publishing to a handful of social accounts
Buffer is a social media scheduler with analytics and a comment inbox, suited to small businesses and creators who post to a few accounts. Paid plans charge per connected channel, starting at $6 a channel each month or $5 billed yearly, and Team allows unlimited users.
One person
$5/mo
Essentials · Later: $18.75/mo
Team of 10
$10/mo
Team · Later: $37.50/mo
Free plan
Free
Choose Buffer if…
You want it cheaper for one person: $5/mo on Essentials, against $18.75/mo for Later.
You want it cheaper for a team of 10: $10/mo on Team, against $37.50/mo for Later.
You need what Later lacks: saved replies & automation.
Stay with Later if…
You rely on what Buffer lacks: social listening, competitor benchmarking and paid & organic together.
Metricool is a social media planner with analytics, competitor tracking, ad reporting and an inbox, suited to freelancers and agencies handling several brands. Plans are priced by how many brands you manage, from $25 a month, or $20 billed yearly, for up to five.
One person
$20/mo
Starter · Later: $18.75/mo
Team of 10
$53/mo
Advanced · Later: $37.50/mo
Free plan
Free
Choose Metricool if…
You need what Later lacks: saved replies & automation.
Stay with Later if…
Price matters for one person: Later is $18.75/mo, Metricool $20/mo.
Price matters for a team of 10: Later is $37.50/mo, Metricool $53/mo.
Hootsuite is a social media management suite that combines publishing, a shared inbox, listening, analytics and ad management for marketing and customer care teams. Every plan is sold per user seat, from $99 a user a month billed yearly, or $149 month to month, on Standard.
One person
$99/mo
Standard · Later: $18.75/mo
Team of 10
$990/mo
Standard · Later: $37.50/mo
Free plan
No
Choose Hootsuite if…
You need what Later lacks: saved replies & automation.
Stay with Later if…
Price matters for one person: Later is $18.75/mo, Hootsuite $99/mo.
Price matters for a team of 10: Later is $37.50/mo, Hootsuite $990/mo.
You need a free plan: Later has one; Hootsuite doesn't.
