Best forSimple scheduling
THE SIMPLE VERSION
What is Buffer?
Buffer combines an Ideas board, platform-specific composer, queue, calendar, AI Assistant, publishing and basic engagement. Free supports three channels with ten queued posts per channel; paid Essentials starts per channel and adds unlimited scheduling and analytics.
✓ A good fit if you want to…
- Want the least confusing social scheduler
- Manage three or fewer channels
- Need unlimited AI drafting on Free
– Choose another tool if you…
- Need deep social listening
- Manage many paid channels
- Need complex approval governance
YOUR FIRST 10 MINUTES
Start in three steps
- 1Connect only what you needStart with one approved profile and review its permissions.
- 2Create a platform-specific draftUse verified claims, approved media and a real human voice.
- 3Preview before publishingCheck account, crop, link, accessibility, date and timezone.
TRY THIS FIRST PROMPT
Turn this approved idea into separate posts for Instagram, LinkedIn and Facebook. Keep the facts unchanged and explain what you adapted for each platform.
POPULAR USES
What can it help with?
PLANS
Free or paid?
Three channels and ten queued posts per channel.
Best for a first real test.Unlimited scheduling, AI Assistant and advanced analytics.
Best for regular individual use.Adds approval and collaboration workflows.
Best for heavier or team use.✓Free is enough if…Use Free while three channels and ten queued posts per channel cover your real schedule.
+Consider paid if…Upgrade when unlimited scheduled posts, advanced analytics or engagement tools save regular time.
*US annual-billing prices checked 24 August 2026. Buffer charges per channel; taxes and monthly rates vary.
GOOD TO KNOW
Safety and privacy
Publishing can be immediate
A wrong profile, date or timezone can make an approved draft public in the wrong place.
Protect private material
Connected profiles, drafts and uploads pass through Buffer; review permissions and remove access when finished.
Keep human control
Approve claims, media rights, disclosures, replies and every final post.
STILL CHOOSING?See the important differences side by side.
OFFICIAL EVIDENCE
Sources and freshness
We use official product and help pages for plan, access and privacy claims.
- Product and core workflow
- Free, trial and paid access
- Account permissions and publishing safeguards