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Need an alternative to Hootsuite with lower pricing, more features, or better support for visual channels like Instagram? Here are Hootsuite's top 10 competitors in 2024.
If you're searching for a robust and reliable social media management tool, Hootsuite might be one of the first platforms that come to mind. But is it really the best option for your business? If you’re more focused on visual content creation or simply searching for something more budget-friendly, there are plenty of Hootsuite alternatives that may better suit your needs.
In this blog post, we’ll explore the 10 best alternatives to Hootsuite—from the best free alternatives to Hootsuite to Hootsuite alternatives for small businesses—and why each platform might be a better fit for your social media strategy.
Why switch from Hootsuite?
Hootsuite has been a social media management giant for years, but it’s far from perfect. Here are a few reasons why social media managers are seeking out competitors to Hootsuite and looking for cheaper Hootsuite alternatives.
- Expensive pricing. Hootsuite’s pricing can be a major deterrent for small businesses and individuals. The platform’s lowest tier doesn’t offer a free plan, and as you scale your social media accounts or add team members, the cost can quickly pile up. Hootsuite charges per user for larger teams, which can be prohibitively expensive for agencies or enterprises managing multiple clients or social media profiles.
- Image and video features. Hootsuite has always been a text-focused platform, making it an excellent fit for managing posts on Twitter (now X) and LinkedIn. However, it may fall short for brands heavily reliant on visual platforms like Instagram, TikTok, and Facebook. Visual-first platforms need tools designed explicitly for streamlined image and video content creation.
- Customer service. Another common complaint is Hootsuite’s customer support and customer service. According to reviews, delays in response times and difficulty resolving technical issues are frequent points of frustration for users. In social media management, timely support can make all the difference.
What to look for in Hootsuite competitors
Choosing the best Hootsuite alternative comes down to identifying what your business really needs most from a social media management platform. Here are some key features to look out for:
- Social media scheduling. the ability to schedule posts across multiple social media platforms, including visual-heavy channels like Instagram, TikTok, and Facebook.
- Social media analytics: deep insights into post performance, audience demographics, and other key metrics to inform your social media strategy.
- Social media approval workflows: collaboration tools that streamline approval workflows and processes for larger teams or agencies with multiple clients.
- Social media inbox management: a single, unified social media inbox for managing DMs and comments across platforms.
- AI tools for social media management: AI-powered tools to help automate tasks like content creation, engagement, and social media analytics.
- Support for multiple social media channels: a wide range of supported platforms, from LinkedIn to Instagram, to ensure you can manage your social media profiles in one place.
- Flexible pricing: tiered pricing options with transparent and scalable cost structures that cater to everyone from solo entrepreneurs to large enterprises.
Our picks for 2024’s best Hootsuite alternatives
- Sked Social. A cheaper alternative to Hootsuite for agencies, franchises, and enterprise brands.
- Buffer. The best free alternative to Hootsuite for individuals and small businesses.
- Agorapulse. A strong alternative to Hootsuite for smaller teams with limited users.
- Sprout Social. A more powerful platform than Hootsuite, at a higher price point.
Other platforms to consider
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1. Sked Social
Sked Social is a powerful and cost-effective alternative to Hootsuite, offering an all-in-one solution for scheduling, publishing, and managing your social media content. Ideal for businesses of all sizes, from small agencies to enterprise-level brands, Sked Social stands out due to its visual-first approach to scheduling posts, especially on platforms like Instagram.
The platform allows teams to collaborate seamlessly with approval workflows, ensuring all content is on-brand and ready to go before it hits your audience's feeds. Sked Social is both affordable and comprehensive, offering deep integration with popular social platforms, extensive analytics, and user-friendly automation features.
View of platform vs. platform comparison in our Sked vs. Hootsuite guide.
Best for
Sked Social is perfect for agencies, franchises, and enterprise brands looking for a cheaper, more flexible alternative to Hootsuite without sacrificing functionality. It's especially beneficial for brands that prioritize Instagram content.
Key features
- Visual-first content calendar: Plan, schedule, and manage all visual posts with drag-and-drop functionality.
- Multi-platform publishing: Publish to multiple social media platforms from one unified dashboard, saving time and effort.
- Collaboration tools: Teams can easily collaborate, review, and approve content with built-in approval workflows.
- In-depth analytics: Get detailed insights and performance metrics to optimize your social media strategy.
- Bulk scheduling: Upload and schedule multiple posts simultaneously, streamlining content creation.
Pros
- Affordable pricing: A cost-effective alternative to other platforms, especially for larger teams with complex needs.
- Instagram-first focus: Tailored specifically for Instagram, making it ideal for brands with a strong visual presence.
- Powerful collaboration tools: Built-in workflows make it easy for teams to work together and ensure content quality.
- Robust analytics: Get deep insights into post-performance and audience engagement with customizable reports.
Cons
- Limited third-party integrations: Sked Social has limited integration options and third-party tools.
- Learning curve for new users: While powerful, it may take time for beginners to grasp the platform.
Customers say
- “I searched high and low for a scheduling platform like Sked. Not only is it a great platform, but they have top-notch customer service as well!” - Source
- “Sked Social has been a game-changer for managing my social media accounts. The interface is super user-friendly, making scheduling posts across different platforms a breeze.” - Source
- “Sked allows us to streamline our social process in ways that save our team hours of work. Unlimited user seats are also a huge benefit, helping us meet the internal needs of our dynamic team. Sked is the perfect fit for our agency!” - Source
Cost
Sked Social offers a 7-day free trial, with paid plans starting at $25 per month, depending on team size and feature needs.
2. Buffer
Buffer is a simple and intuitive social media management tool with a strong focus on ease of use and affordability. While it doesn’t have as many advanced features as Hootsuite, Buffer shines for those looking for a straightforward way to manage their social media presence and social media posts across multiple platforms. Its user-friendly interface makes it great for small businesses or individuals without complex scheduling needs.
Buffer’s main strength is its streamlined approach, making it a fair competitor to Hootsuite. Offering fewer but still highly effective features, its simplicity is a huge advantage for teams wanting a lighter tool without the overload of complex functionalities.
However, where Buffer falls short is its lack of advanced analytics and limited collaboration tools. Hootsuite and even Sked Social offer more robust options in this area, making Buffer less appealing for larger teams or enterprises.
Best for
Buffer best suits small businesses, individual creators, and entrepreneurs seeking an affordable, easy-to-use solution.
Key features
- Simple post-scheduling interface perfect for social media beginners or small teams.
- In-built analytics provide basic performance insights across social platforms.
- Browser extension for easy content curation and post-scheduling on the fly.
- Customizable posting queues ensure consistent scheduling and brand presence.
- Content planning calendar gives a clear overview of scheduled posts across platforms.
Pros
- Simple to use, making it ideal for teams without a dedicated social media manager.
- Affordable pricing structure perfect for small businesses or solo entrepreneurs.
- Integrates well with key platforms such as Twitter, Facebook, Instagram, and LinkedIn.
Cons
- Lacks advanced collaboration tools, making managing campaigns difficult for larger teams.
- Limited analytics options, meaning deeper insights will require external tools.
Customers say
- “One of the drawbacks of using Buffer is that all scheduled content must be pre-edited since the editing options are quite limited.” - Source
- “Buffer is a streamlined visual platform that is easy to implement and use.” - Source
Cost
Buffer’s free plan includes basic post-scheduling, while paid plans start from $6/month.
3. Agorapulse
Agorapulse is a robust alternative to Hootsuite, offering extensive social media management and reporting features. This platform focuses heavily on engagement, social listening, and collaboration, making it a top choice for social media teams with complex needs.
Agorapulse excels at providing comprehensive analytics and user management tools. Its social inbox offers a competitive advantage, allowing users to efficiently manage interactions across various platforms in one place.
However, Agorapulse’s pricing is higher, and its post-scheduling capabilities can feel clunky compared to Sked Social or Hootsuite.
Best for
Agorapulse is best for medium to large teams managing multiple brands and social media profiles across platforms.
Key features
- Comprehensive social media inbox for managing conversations across platforms in one place.
- Advanced reporting features to provide deep insights into your social media performance.
- Team collaboration tools designed to streamline social media workflows across departments.
- Social listening capabilities allow brands to monitor conversations and trends in real time.
- Schedule and queue posts across multiple social networks, ensuring consistent content delivery.
Pros
- Great social inbox for streamlined interaction management across platforms.
- Robust analytics that offers deep performance insights across all social channels.
- Ideal for large teams needing comprehensive collaboration and approval workflows.
Cons
- Expensive compared to competitors, especially for smaller businesses or startups.
- The post-scheduling system can be less intuitive than competitors.
Customers say
- “Agorapulse is incredibly intuitive and user-friendly, making it easy for me to schedule posts, engage with our audience, and track performance across multiple platforms. The reporting features are also robust, providing valuable insights.” - Source
- “The ability to schedule posts, engage with followers, monitor social media conversations, and generate in-depth analytics all in one platform is a major advantage.” - Source
Cost
Agorapulse’s pricing starts at $99/month, which includes up to 10 social profiles.
4. Sprout Social
Sprout Social is a premium alternative to Hootsuite that’s well-regarded for its advanced analytics and easy-to-use interface. An excellent choice for brands looking for a high-end, all-in-one platform, Sprout Social stands out for teams requiring detailed social media insights and reporting.
Sprout Social’s standout strength lies in its exceptional reporting and analytics features, offering insights surpassing Hootsuite’s granularity. Additionally, the user interface is intuitive, which makes managing multiple social platforms feel effortless.
However, its high price point might be a dealbreaker for smaller teams or startups, as Sprout Social caters more to enterprise-level users.
Best for
Sprout Social is best suited for large enterprise brands that require in-depth reporting and analytics to guide their social strategy.
Key features
- Advanced analytics and reporting that provide deep insights into social media performance.
- Social listening tools allow brands to track conversations and trends in real time.
- Smart inbox that combines messages from all platforms for streamlined interaction management.
- Calendar view provides an easy way to schedule and manage content across multiple accounts.
- Content planning and publishing tools designed to scale with large teams.
Pros
- Advanced analytics features are superior to most competitors, including Hootsuite.
- Ideal for large enterprises that need detailed reports to guide decision-making.
- Exceptional user interface makes navigating the platform intuitive and streamlined.
Cons
- Premium pricing makes it inaccessible to smaller businesses or startups with limited budgets.
- Fewer integrations with third-party apps compared to some alternatives.
Customers say
- “Sprout Social is great for scheduling social media posts without the headache.” - Source
- “As useful as Sprout Social is, implementing it as a team of one was difficult, and I had to spend many hours troubleshooting.” - Source
Cost
Sprout Social starts at $249 monthly for a single user, with plans scaling based on team size.
5. Sendible
Sendible’s versatile, user-friendly platform offers social media management that competes well with Hootsuite. It’s particularly well-known for its rich feature set, providing everything from content scheduling to analytics and client management, making it ideal for agencies.
Sendible’s biggest strength is its ability to easily manage multiple clients. It offers a centralized dashboard perfect for agencies juggling several accounts. It also integrates well with key platforms, including WordPress, YouTube, and Google My Business.
On the downside, Sendible’s interface can be overwhelming for new users, and its pricing, while affordable for agencies, may be too steep for freelancers or smaller businesses.
Best for
Sendible is ideal for social media agencies or consultants managing multiple clients with varying content needs.
Key features
- Centralized dashboard makes managing multiple social profiles across clients seamless and efficient.
- Integrated analytics that tracks performance across all major platforms, including YouTube and Google.
- Custom reporting tools allow for personalized insights tailored to client needs.
- Visual content calendar makes scheduling and managing content for various clients easy.
- Client management features let you approve posts and share reports directly with clients.
Pros
- Great for agencies needing a centralized system to manage multiple clients’ social media profiles.
- Advanced integrations with YouTube, Google My Business, and WordPress.
- Custom reporting capabilities help agencies deliver tailored insights to clients.
Cons
- User interface can feel cluttered and overwhelming for new users unfamiliar with the platform.
- Pricing may be prohibitive for freelancers or small businesses without an agency-style budget.
Customers say
- “You can schedule content ahead of time to many accounts at once. It is also helpful for collaboration and planning.” - Source
- “The user interface could be cleaner and slightly more intuitive.” - Source
Cost
Sendible’s pricing starts at $29 per month for freelancers, with higher-tiered plans for agencies.
6. Planable
Planable’s visually intuitive social media tools excel in team-based content creation and planning. Unlike Hootsuite, Planable focuses more on collaborative workflows, making brainstorming and approving content easier.
Planable’s core strengths lie in its user-friendly interface and real-time collaboration. It offers faster feedback loops and better transparency, which gives it a major edge over Hootsuite when it comes to team communication.
However, Planable lacks in-depth analytics and advanced scheduling options in areas where Hootsuite and Sked Social excel. It’s best for teams looking for a collaborative platform, not advanced reporting.
Best for
Planable is ideal for marketing teams, and agencies focused on real-time collaboration and streamlined content approval processes.
Key features
- Collaborative workflows with real-time content creation and feedback loops.
- Simple, drag-and-drop content calendar for easy post-scheduling and organization.
- Client approval system for smooth content approval processes.
Pros
- Great for team-based content creation and feedback management.
- User-friendly interface for seamless workflow execution.
- Strong approval system that simplifies client communication.
Cons
- Lacks advanced analytics compared to some alternatives.
- Limited post-scheduling features, especially for complex campaigns.
- Not ideal for users seeking robust reporting and insights.
Customers say
- “The platform is easy to use, quick to learn, and helpful to manage various accounts. You really get your money's worth with all that you can do with Planable.” - Source
- “Planable is quite expensive, and even with the basic plan, some features are still locked.” - Source
Cost
Planable’s monthly pricing starts at $13 per user, with custom plans for larger teams.
7. ContentStudio
ContentStudio is a versatile social media management tool with solid content curation and automation features. It offers many of the same functionalities as Hootsuite but emphasizes finding and sharing trending content more.
ContentStudio’s biggest strength is its content discovery engine, which outshines Hootsuite by helping users find the latest trends to engage their audience. Its automation workflows are also a strong point, making maintaining a consistent posting schedule easier.
On the downside, ContentStudio doesn’t match Hootsuite’s advanced analytics capabilities or Sked Social’s user interface for large-scale campaigns, which may be a dealbreaker for enterprise teams.
Best for
ContentStudio is great for social media marketing managers who are focused on content discovery and automation, especially in digital marketing.
Key features
- Automated content curation that pulls from trending sources and news.
- Post-scheduling across multiple social channels and content types.
- Analytics that track basic engagement and content performance.
Pros
- Strong content discovery and curation engine.
- Customizable automation workflows for posting.
- User-friendly interface for scheduling across various channels.
Cons
- Limited analytics features compared to some alternative platforms.
- Less intuitive for large-scale content planning.
- Lacks advanced collaboration tools for team workflows.
Customers say
- “ContentStudio is an easy-to-use platform. It adapts my needs for my company, manages my social networks, and makes it easy for me to address my audience simply.” - Source
- “The UI is a little clunky, but otherwise, it is a brilliant solution!” - Source
Cost
ContentStudio’s monthly pricing starts at $49, with higher plans for more extensive automation and analytics features.
8. CoSchedule
CoSchedule is a marketing calendar platform designed to streamline content marketing and social media planning. While it lacks some of Hootsuite’s broader social media features, CoSchedule is more focused on campaign management and marketing workflows.
CoSchedule excels in campaign planning and coordination, making it easy to manage content marketing workflows across teams. Its centralized marketing calendar gives it an edge over Hootsuite regarding holistic content scheduling.
However, CoSchedule doesn’t offer the same depth in social media-specific analytics or advanced automation as Hootsuite or Sked Social, limiting its appeal to those focused solely on social.
Best for
CoSchedule is best suited for marketing teams needing a comprehensive content calendar to manage marketing and social media campaigns.
Key features
- Centralized marketing calendar that integrates all content efforts.
- Workflow management tools designed for collaborative teams.
- Social post-scheduling and task management in one interface.
Pros
- Strong focus on campaign planning and execution.
- Unified content calendar for social and marketing posts.
- Easy task management across teams and departments.
Cons
- Less focus on social-specific analytics compared to Hootsuite.
- Lacks advanced automation features for large-scale posting.
- Not ideal for users seeking detailed engagement insights.
Customers say
- “This tool allows me to plan and organize my content in one place, making it easy to see what's coming up and ensure that I'm staying on track with my publishing schedule.” - Source
- “It would be nice to offer a simple social media scheduling feature.” - Source
Cost
CoSchedule’s monthly plans start at $29 per user, with customized pricing for larger teams.
9. Crowdfire
Crowdfire is a simplified social media management tool that emphasizes content scheduling and engagement. It’s not as feature-rich as Hootsuite but offers a more affordable solution for freelancers and small businesses.
Crowdfire’s strengths lie in its simplicity and affordability. It provides basic content scheduling and engagement features without the clutter of more complex platforms like Hootsuite, making it ideal for budget-conscious users.
However, Crowdfire lacks in-depth reporting and offers fewer integrations or automation features than Sked Social, making it a less attractive option for larger teams.
Best for
Crowdfire is perfect for freelancers, small businesses, and entrepreneurs looking for an affordable way to manage social media accounts.
Key features
- Simple post-scheduling interface with multiple platform integrations.
- Engagement features that allow easy interaction with followers.
- Basic reporting tools that track performance over time.
Pros
- Very affordable for small teams and individuals.
- Easy-to-use scheduling tools for quick content management.
- Strong focus on follower engagement and interaction.
Cons
- Limited analytics compared to more robust platforms like Hootsuite.
- Fewer automation options for large-scale posting.
- Lacks integration with advanced marketing tools.
Customers say
- “Crowdfire has been an incredibly great tool to manage all our social media accounts in one place.” - Source
- “At first the interface wasn't my favorite, but soon became more intuitive and more natural to navigate.” - Source
Cost
If you’re looking for a free alternative to Hootsuite, Crowdfire’s free plan includes basic scheduling. Paid plans start at $7.48 per month.
10. SocialPilot
SocialPilot is a comprehensive social media management tool offering a robust suite of features at a lower price than Hootsuite. It’s an excellent option for budget-conscious teams that still need advanced features.
SocialPilot offers many of the same features as Hootsuite, including post-scheduling, analytics, and collaboration, but at a significantly lower cost—making it an excellent choice for teams on a budget.
However, SocialPilot’s interface can feel less polished than Hootsuite’s, and it doesn’t have as many integrations or deep analytics, making it less ideal for enterprise-level users.
Best for
SocialPilot is ideal for small to medium-sized businesses looking for a budget-friendly alternative to Hootsuite with similar functionalities.
Key features
- Post-scheduling across multiple platforms with customizable queues.
- Content calendar for planning and organizing posts.
- Analytics that track engagement and performance across social platforms.
Pros
- Lower cost than Hootsuite, with many of the same features.
- Strong post-scheduling capabilities across major platforms.
- Comprehensive content calendar for easy planning and management.
Cons
- User interface can feel outdated and less intuitive.
- Lacks some advanced analytics features that Hootsuite offers.
- Limited integrations with third-party apps and tools.
Customers say
- “It's incredibly user-friendly, so I didn't have any trouble getting started. What I love most is how easy it makes scheduling posts across different platforms.” - Source
- “The ability to schedule social posts across multiple platforms for multiple websites with ease has been very helpful.” - Source
Cost
SocialPilot’s pricing starts at $30 per month for small teams.
Frequently asked questions
What are the best alternatives to Hootsuite with free plans?
Crowdfire and Buffer offer free plans with basic social media scheduling features, making them excellent budget-friendly alternatives to Hootsuite.
What are the best alternatives to Hootsuite for small businesses?
Buffer and SocialPilot are great for small businesses. Both offer affordable plans with essential features for managing social media without the hefty price tag.
What are the best alternatives to Hootsuite for enterprise brands?
Sprout Social and Agorapulse provide robust analytics and collaboration features, making them solid choices for enterprise brands. Sked Social also offers advanced tools for large teams.
What are the best alternatives to Hootsuite for social media agencies?
Sendible and Planable are excellent for social media agencies, offering strong collaboration tools and multi-client management features.