Starts atFree trial · paid from $29/mo
- No free plan
- Free trial7 days, card charged if you stay
Head-to-head
Blotato vs Buffer: do you need AI content creation or just a scheduler?
At a glance
Starts atFree plan · paid from $5/mo
- Free planup to 3 channels, 10 scheduled posts per channel
- Free trial14 days on paid plans
Buffer is a scheduler: free for 3 channels, then $5 per channel per month. Blotato makes the content too: AI writing, images and faceless videos, plus posting to 20 accounts on Starter at $29/month. Blotato has no free plan, only a 7-day trial that charges your card if you stay. If you film your own Shorts, Buffer is enough.
Quick verdict
Side-by-side comparison
| Detail | Blotato | Buffer |
|---|---|---|
| Free plan | No. 7-day trial, card charged if you stay | Yes: 3 channels, 10 scheduled posts each, 30 days insights |
| Entry paid plan | Starter: $29/month | Essentials: $5/month per channel |
| Next plan | Creator: $97/month | Team: $10/month per channel |
| AI content | 1,250 AI credits on Starter, 5,000 on Creator | 5 AI reply suggestions a week on Free |
| Accounts | 20 on Starter, 40 on Creator | 3 on Free, then per channel |
| API | Yes, social media API on Starter | Free: 1 API key |
| Best for | AI content pipelines | Simple scheduling |
Which one for Shorts, TikTok and Reels?
Three channels (TikTok, Reels, Shorts) cost $0 on Buffer Free with 10 queued posts each, or $15/month on Essentials. Blotato is $29/month and adds AI video and up to 900 TikTok posts a month.
How to choose
- Ask if you need AI to make the posts.
- If no, start Buffer Free.
- If yes, run Blotato's 7-day trial and cancel before day 7 if it is not right.
- Compare Buffer Essentials for your channel count against $29.
Questions people ask
Is Buffer free?
Yes, for up to 3 channels with 10 scheduled posts per channel.
Does Blotato have a free plan?
No. Every plan has a 7-day free trial, and your card is charged if you stay.
Can Blotato post to TikTok?
Yes. Starter allows up to 900 TikTok posts a month.
Related: Blotato, Buffer, Postiz vs Blotato, Buffer vs Later, Buffer alternatives, scheduling tools.
Sources: blotato.com/pricing, buffer.com/pricing. Checked on 16 October 2026. Based on published plans and terms, not a hands-on test.