Buffer vs Later
Both sit in social media. Here is how they differ on the things you can actually check.
On price: Buffer starts $13.75 a month cheaper than Later ($5 against $18.75, 73% less) on its Essentials tier. Both figures were read from the vendors' own pricing pages on the dates shown below.
Buffer
buffer.com
Queue-based publishing across the major networks with a clean interface, basic analytics and a free tier for three channels.
Later
later.com
Repositioned from visual social planning to influencer marketing: it runs creator campaigns and a creator network for brands, with the social scheduling and visual planner it was originally known for still part of the platform.
| Buffer | Later | |
|---|---|---|
| Entry price | $5/mo | $18.75/mo |
| Entry plan | Essentials | Starter |
| Paid annually | $5/mo | $18.75/mo |
| Price checked | 21 Sept 2026 | 21 Sept 2026 |
| Pricing model | Free plan | Free plan |
| Free plan | Yes | Yes |
| Category | Social Media | Social Media |
| Around since | 2010 | 2014 |
Every price here was read from the vendor's own pricing page, most recently on 21 Sept 2026. Entry tier only — vendors change pricing without notice.
Buffer vs Later, answered
- Is Buffer cheaper than Later?
- Yes. Buffer starts at $5 a month against Later's $18.75, 73% less. Buffer's figure is its annual rate — the vendor publishes no month-to-month price we could read. Later's figure is its annual rate — the vendor publishes no month-to-month price we could read.
- Do Buffer or Later have a free plan?
- Both do. Buffer and Later each publish an ongoing free tier rather than a time-limited trial.
- What is the difference between Buffer and Later?
- Buffer: Queue-based publishing across the major networks with a clean interface, basic analytics and a free tier for three channels. Later: Repositioned from visual social planning to influencer marketing: it runs creator campaigns and a creator network for brands, with the social scheduling and visual planner it was originally known for still part of the platform.
