The verdict
On the data we hold, Buffer comes out ahead. Here is why, point by point.
What the data says
- Both cover 9 of the 9 features we compared.
- Only Buffer has a free plan to start on.
- Both have an API and an MCP server, so either works with AI employees.
- In our Organic social ranking, Buffer places 6 and SocialPilot 7 of 14.
Side by side
| 13 points compared | ||
|---|---|---|
| Starts at | $5/mo | €16.15/mo |
| Free plan | Yes | No |
| API | Yes | Yes |
| MCP server | Yes | Yes |
| AI content assistant | Yes | Yes |
| AI post drafting | Yes | Yes |
| Analytics & reporting | Yes | Yes |
| Bulk post upload | Yes | Yes |
| Multi-network publishing | Yes | Yes |
| Post approval workflow | Yes | Yes |
| Post scheduling & queues | Yes | Yes |
| Team collaboration | Yes | Yes |
| Unified social inbox | Yes | Yes |
| Links |
Plans and pricing
Buffer
- FreeUp to 3 channels, 10 scheduled posts per channel, 1 user, includes API access.Free
- EssentialsPer channel; $6 monthly or $5 per month billed yearly; unlimited scheduled posts and 1 user.$6/mo
- TeamPer channel; $12 monthly or $10 per month billed yearly; unlimited team members and approval workflows.$12/mo
SocialPilot
- Essentials5 social accounts and 1 user; EUR 19 per month, or EUR 16.15 per month billed yearly.€19/mo
- Standard10 social accounts and 3 users; EUR 38 per month, or EUR 32.30 per month billed yearly.€38/mo
- Premium20 social accounts, 6 users, client approval and white-label reports; EUR 95 per month, or EUR 80.75 yearly rate.€95/mo
- Ultimate40 social accounts, unlimited users, advanced white label; EUR 190 per month, or EUR 161.50 yearly rate.€190/mo
Prices as the vendors list them. They change often; the final price is on their sites.
Who each is for
Choose Buffer if…
Creators, small businesses and agencies that want to plan, schedule and publish social posts across several channels from one calendar, with light analytics and a shared inbox.
Choose SocialPilot if…
Marketing agencies and multi-location brands that publish to many social accounts and need client approvals, white-label reports and review requests handled in one scheduler.
Other options worth a look
Tool·Client acquisitionSchedule social posts, analyse engagement, and manage paid campaigns across multiple platforms in one place.Organic social
From €16/mo yearlyFree plan
Tool·Client acquisitionSchedules posts, monitors conversations and reports on performance across multiple social media networks.Organic social
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Tool·Client acquisitionManage publishing, engagement, analytics, and social listening across brands from one dashboard.Organic social
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Tool·Client acquisitionSchedules and publishes visual content across Instagram, TikTok, Facebook, Pinterest, LinkedIn and more.Organic social
From $18.75/mo yearlyAffiliate link
Tool·Client acquisitionSchedules, publishes and analyses social media content across multiple platforms from one calendar.Organic social
From $5/moFree plan
Tool·Client acquisitionCreate, schedule and analyse LinkedIn posts with AI to build your personal brand and generate leads.Organic social
From $32/mo yearlyAffiliate link