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Buffer vs Sprout Social
Both sit in social media. Here is how they differ on the things you can actually check.
On price: Buffer starts $74 a month cheaper than Sprout Social ($5 against $79, 94% 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.
Free planSocial Media
Visit BufferSprout Social
sproutsocial.com
Publishing, a unified social inbox, listening and analytics with polished reporting for agencies and brands.
Social Media
Visit Sprout Social| Buffer | Sprout Social | |
|---|---|---|
| Entry price | $5/mo | $79/mo |
| Entry plan | Essentials | Essentials |
| Paid annually | $5/mo | — |
| Price checked | 21 Sept 2026 | 21 Sept 2026 |
| Pricing model | Free plan | Free trial |
| Free plan | Yes | No |
| Category | Social Media | Social Media |
| Around since | 2010 | 2010 |
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 Sprout Social, answered
- Is Buffer cheaper than Sprout Social?
- Yes. Buffer starts at $5 a month against Sprout Social's $79, 94% less. Buffer's figure is its annual rate — the vendor publishes no month-to-month price we could read.
- Do Buffer or Sprout Social have a free plan?
- Buffer publishes an ongoing free plan; Sprout Social does not.
- What is the difference between Buffer and Sprout Social?
- Buffer: Queue-based publishing across the major networks with a clean interface, basic analytics and a free tier for three channels. Sprout Social: Publishing, a unified social inbox, listening and analytics with polished reporting for agencies and brands.
