Managing multiple clients' social media accounts without the right tools? That's like trying to juggle flaming torches while riding a unicycle — technically possible, but you're gonna get burned.
The reality is that most social media management tools cost anywhere from $0 to $3,500 per month, and pricing depends on the number of users and social channels, which is why costs vary so widely. But here's the thing — you don't need to spend a fortune to get serious results.
We've put 10 top social media management tools through their paces to help you find the perfect fit for your agency. Some of these tools will surprise you with what they can do (and what they can't).
The 10 best social media management tools for agencies
Finding the right platform isn't just about features — it's about finding something your team will actually want to use every day. Choosing the right social media management software means balancing features and affordability. Not all tools offer the same capabilities at each price point.
Here's our breakdown of the tools actually worth your time:
1. Sked Social — the no-BS choice that won't drain your budget
Let's talk about what actually matters: Sked Social is designed for large social media teams, making it the ideal platform for agencies with multiple clients, multi-location franchises and multi-brand enterprises . But here's what makes it special — you're not paying through the nose for features you'll actually use.
While other platforms nickel-and-dime you for every extra user, Sked gives you unlimited team members on every plan. That's right — add as many people as you want without watching your bill explode.
Why agencies choose Sked Social
- Real auto-publishing that works: Auto-publish everything—including Instagram Stories with link stickers, Instagram posts with location, people, and shoppable tags, plus LinkedIn Docs, and TikTok carousels
- One inbox for everything: Manage all DMs, comments, and mentions across numerous brands and platforms, all from one centralized inbox
- Approval workflows that don't suck: Create approval workflows with as many steps as you need, including automated rules like "publish only if approved"
- Reports that clients understand: Easily create one-off or recurring presentation-ready PDF reports, letting AI summarize insights that you can edit to add nuance or send as-is
- AI that's useful: Brainstorm content ideas, write captions, and respond to reviews with Captivate AI
- Seamless design workflow: Sked’s Media Library with integrated image and video editing tools makes going from design to published post a smooth experience.
What platforms does it support?
Instagram, Facebook, TikTok, LinkedIn, YouTube, Pinterest, X, Google Business Profile, plus notifications-based publishing to Threads and Snapchat.
Pricing that makes sense
Plans start from $49/month for the Launch plan. Pick the plan with the features you need, then add as many social accounts as you like. No hidden fees, no surprise add-ons .
Why should agencies consider Sked Social?
Sked Social offers teams and marketers advanced publishing capabilities, a foolproof workflow for internal and external approvals, features that align with needs, and better support—all at a more affordable price than other popular tools like Hootsuite or Sprout Social . It's built by social media managers who get what you need day-to-day.
2. Sprout Social — enterprise social listening with comprehensive features
Sprout Social is an AI-powered social media management platform designed to unify marketing, customer care and consumer intelligence across 30+ digital channels. It's got serious enterprise credibility but comes with an enterprise price tag to match.
What you're getting
- Unified social media management: Bring together publishing, engagement, listening, analytics and customer care into one connected ecosystem
- Schedule posts up to 180 days in advance with their Social Media Calendar that helps teams plan and organize content with precision
- Advanced social listening and monitoring capabilities
- Comprehensive analytics and reporting
The reality check
Sprout Social's pricing is user-based and starts at $199 per user per month. Basic scheduling features like Instagram grid planning and bulk scheduling are only available in higher-tier plans starting at $299 per seat per month
For a team of five, you're looking at $1,000+ per month just to get started.
3. CoSchedule — content marketing calendar integration
CoSchedule tries to be your complete content marketing command center, combining social media with broader content planning.
What sets it apart
- Marketing calendar that includes both social and blog content
- Smart Queues automate posting without individual scheduling — create recurring schedules and queue up posts
- Team collaboration features
- ReQueue feature for automated content recycling
Best for
Agencies managing both social media and content marketing.
4. SocialPilot — cost-effective social media scheduling tool
What you'll get
- Manage 50+ social profiles across Facebook, Instagram, LinkedIn, X, Pinterest, TikTok, and more from a single dashboard
- Bulk scheduling for up to 500 posts at once
- White-labeling options for agencies
- Robust reporting tools for team members and clients to access analytics across multiple profiles
5. Hootsuite — established platform for performance reporting
Hootsuite's been around forever in internet years, and while it shows some age, it still delivers solid performance reporting capabilities. It makes it simple to manage content across all your social media platforms, letting you plan, create, and schedule posts from a central location.
What still works
- Built-in AI tools that generate captions, hashtags, and post ideas
- Bulk schedule up to 350 posts at once
- Social listening capabilities for brand monitoring
- Crisis management features like suspending scheduled posts
Hootsuite pricing:
Professional plan costs $99 per month for up to ten social profiles. Team plan jumps to $249 monthly for twenty profiles. Enterprise pricing requires a sales call.
Collaborate effortlessly, save time and spend less
Why settle for a lackluster social media management tool when you could be using Sked Social? With unlimited collaborator access, streamlined approvals and advanced auto-post technology that lets you schedule to all major platforms, Sked Social offers everything you need.
Get Started for FREE6. Agorapulse — agency software with social listening focus
Agorapulse puts social listening and community management at the forefront, making it valuable for agencies focused on reputation management and audience engagement.
Key capabilities
- Social listening with customizable unified inbox
- Centralized platform that facilitates team collaboration
- Automated client reporting features
- Media library for organized content storage
- Audience analysis with follower categorization tools
Pricing approach:
Free plan available with paid plans starting from $49/month.
7. Buffer — straightforward social media scheduling
Buffer is one of the best social media scheduling tools that simplifies planning, publishing, and collaboration . It's built around simplicity and ease of use.
What works well
- AI Assistant generates new post ideas, rewrites copy, repurposes existing posts, and translates content
- Cross-posts video content to Reels, Shorts, and TikTok
- Imports media from Canva, Dropbox, OneDrive, Google Drive, and Unsplash with a browser extension for easy content curation
Pricing structure
Free plan available with paid plans starting at $6/month. Agency plans start at $120/month.
8. Zoho Social — CRM integration specialist
Zoho Social is designed for businesses of all sizes and agencies, especially those already invested in the Zoho business ecosystem.
Integration advantages
- Smart scheduling based on engagement data
- CRM integration for comprehensive lead management
- Collaboration tools with built-in communication features
Best fit scenario
Agencies already using Zoho's business tools or needing strong CRM integration with their social media management.
9. Later — visual content management platform
Later started as an Instagram-focused tool and maintains its visual-first approach. It's particularly strong for agencies working with visually-driven brands.
Visual-first features
- Instagram feed mockups for aesthetic planning
- User-generated content curation tools
- Link in bio functionality for traffic direction
- Best for content creators thanks to ease of use and affordable pricing
The trade-off
Most advanced features are Instagram-specific. Other platforms get basic scheduling functionality.
10. Statusbrew — affordable multi-brand management
Statusbrew offers 1:1 feature parity with the big leaders at a fair price. It's designed specifically for agencies managing multiple brands without the typical enterprise pricing model.
What makes it different
- Unified inbox across all platforms
- Visual content calendar with drag-and-drop scheduling
- Reporting engine with 250+ metrics
- Flat pricing model without per-user charges
Pricing reality
Plans start at $129/month for 3 users and 10 social profiles.
4 essential features for agency success
When you're evaluating social media management tools for your agency, focus on these game-changing capabilities:
1. Collaboration that actually works
Sked Social's unlimited user collaboration lets you work with clients, team members, and stakeholders without restrictions. User permissions ensure access is tailored to each person's needs, and approval workflows ensure your publishing process is automated and friction-free .
Look for:
- Unlimited or generous user limits
- Custom approval workflows that match your process
- Internal and external commenting systems
- Role-based access that makes sense
2. Multi-platform publishing capabilities
The goal is to manage as many of your social networks as possible in one app with powerful scheduling tools that let you batch your social media posts.
Must-have features:
- Native publishing to all major platforms
- Platform-specific optimization
- Bulk scheduling that actually works
- Cross-platform content adaptation
3. Analytics and reporting that impress clients
Detailed analytics on post performance are essential. The more expensive the app, the more powerful the analytics you should expect.
Essential reporting capabilities:
- Client-ready reports that look professional
- Performance tracking across platforms
- Competitor analysis insights
- ROI measurement tools
4. Pricing that scales with your agency
Pricing varies significantly based on features, user seats, and support options. Start by listing your must-have features and determining how many users and accounts you'll need.
Watch out for:
- Per-user pricing that becomes ridiculous as you scale
- Hidden fees for basic features
- Account limits that don't align with agency needs
- Platforms that charge extra for essential functionality
Agency challenges that the right tools solve
Let's be honest about what agencies are dealing with in 2025:
Tight budget pressures
Small businesses typically pay between $500 to $1,500 per month for basic social media management services. This should maintain a positive business reputation and gradually grow brand awareness. Your tools need to deliver value without eating into margins.
Team coordination complexity
Enterprise social media management requires cross-functional teamwork involving marketing, customer service, and executive teams. Each team member needs specific roles and permissions to ensure responsibilities are clear and workflows are streamlined..
Constant platform changes
Companies are increasingly using social media marketing scheduling tools to streamline their efforts by planning, scheduling, and automating posts across various platforms. When Instagram changes their API again, you need tools that adapt quickly.
Client reporting expectations
Generate polished account summary reports to share with your team or clients in a single click. Easily create recurring presentation-ready PDF reports with AI-summarized insights .
Best social media scheduling tools trends for 2025
The social media management landscape keeps evolving. Here's what's actually making a difference:
AI-powered content creation
Key features now include AI-driven content creation, predictive analytics, and sentiment analysis. Generative AI tools automate copywriting, image suggestions, and video editing. The best tools integrate AI naturally without replacing human creativity.
Advanced social listening capabilities
Enterprise apps now offer powerful social listening where you can scan for posts about your business or competitors. This isn't just nice-to-have anymore — it's becoming essential for reputation management.
Visual planning and calendar interfaces
Visual calendars have gained popularity with engaging, interactive ways to manage time and tasks using colors, icons, and customized themes. They make complex content strategies easier to visualize and manage.
Find the best social media management tools for your agency
Here's the reality: Choosing the right social media management software comes down to understanding your needs, budget, and growth plans. You don't need to overthink it, but you do need to be honest about what matters most.
For most agencies, the sweet spot lies in platforms that offer enterprise-level features without the enterprise price tag. Tools like Sked Social deliver unlimited users, comprehensive publishing capabilities, and client-ready reporting at prices that won't break your budget.
The best tool is the one your team will actually use every day without complaining. Take advantage of free trials — test these platforms with your real workflows, not just demo content.
Ready to streamline your agency's social media management? The right platform can transform how your team collaborates, publishes, and reports on social media success. Choose wisely, and you'll spend less time wrestling with tools and more time creating content that drives results.
Ready to see why agencies choose Sked Social?
Don't settle for tools that nickel and dime you for basic features. Get everything you need in one platform—without the premium price tag. Get started with a 7-day free trial.
