Later vs Buffer: Two popular social media schedulers compared. Find out which one fits your workflow, budget, and content style.
Later started as an Instagram-first scheduling tool and has expanded to support all major platforms while keeping its visual DNA. Its drag-and-drop content calendar and visual planner make it easy to plan a cohesive feed aesthetic. Later also offers link-in-bio tools, hashtag suggestions, and best-time-to-post analytics.
Buffer makes it easy to plan, schedule, and publish content across all major social platforms from one clean dashboard. Its straightforward interface lets you queue posts, analyze performance, and collaborate with team members. Buffer is known for its simplicity and transparent pricing, making it a favorite among solo creators and small businesses.
Later is the better pick for visually-driven creators who focus on Instagram and TikTok, thanks to its drag-and-drop visual calendar and link-in-bio tools. Buffer is better for creators who want simplicity, a strong free plan, and solid multi-platform support without the visual clutter. Both are excellent for solo creators and small teams.
| Feature | Later | Buffer |
|---|---|---|
| Rating | 4.4 | 4.5 |
| Pricing | Free plan available, Starter from $25/mo | Free plan available, Essentials from $6/mo per channel |
| Best For | Instagram-focused creators who care about visual feed planning | Solo creators and small teams who want no-fuss scheduling |
| Visual Planner | ||
| Auto-Publishing | ||
| Linkin.bio | ||
| Hashtag Suggestions | ||
| Best Time to Post | ||
| User-Generated Content | ||
| Post Scheduling | ||
| Analytics Dashboard | ||
| Link-in-Bio Page | ||
| AI Assistant | ||
| Engagement Tools | ||
| Start Page |
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