Starts atFree plan · paid from $5/mo
- Free planup to 3 channels, 10 scheduled posts per channel
- Free trial14 days on paid plans
Head-to-head
Buffer vs Later: which scheduler is better for a new creator?
At a glance
Starts atPaid from $18.75/mo billed yearly
- No free plan
- Free trial14-day free trial (billing info may be required)
Buffer has a free plan and paid plans from $5/mo per channel. Later has no free plan listed, only a free trial, and starts at $18.75/mo billed yearly for up to 8 profiles. For a beginner on a budget, Buffer is the cheaper start. Later suits Instagram-heavy creators who want a visual calendar and link-in-bio.
Quick verdict
Side-by-side comparison
| Detail | Buffer | Later |
|---|---|---|
| Free plan | Yes: up to 3 channels, 10 scheduled posts per channel | No free plan listed |
| Free trial | 14 days on paid plans | 14-day free trial; billing info may be required |
| Entry paid plan | Essentials: $5/mo per channel, or $60 per channel billed yearly | Starter: $18.75/mo billed yearly |
| What the entry plan covers | Unlimited posts (5,000 fair use), 1 user | 1 social set (8 profiles), 30 posts per profile, 1 user |
| Next plans | Team: $10/mo per channel ($120 per channel billed yearly), unlimited users | Growth: $37.50/mo billed yearly, 2 sets, 180 posts per profile, 2 users. Scale: $82.50/mo billed yearly, 6 sets, unlimited posts, 4 users |
| Monthly billing | Shown | Monthly prices not shown on Later's pricing page (checked 16 Oct 2026) |
| Standout features | Simple per-channel pricing | Visual calendar, link-in-bio, social sets |
Post limits matter for daily posting
Later Starter caps you at 30 posts per profile. If you post one TikTok a day, that is about a month of posts. Buffer Essentials has unlimited posts, with a 5,000 fair-use limit. If you post more than once a day, check Later's caps before you pay.
Cost for 3 platforms
For TikTok, Shorts and Instagram, Buffer Essentials costs $15/mo, or $180 a year billed yearly. Later Starter is $18.75/mo billed yearly, which is $225 a year, and covers up to 8 profiles. If you add many more profiles, Later's social set can work out cheaper than paying Buffer per channel.
Which one for a Shorts creator?
- Brand new, want free: Buffer Free.
- Posting daily to 3 platforms: Buffer Essentials.
- Instagram first, want a visual grid and link-in-bio: Later Starter, if 30 posts per profile is enough.
- Many profiles, small team: Later Growth, or Buffer Team for unlimited users.
Common questions
Does Buffer have a free plan?
Yes. Buffer pricing: Freemium, from $5/channel. Prices change, so check the official site.
Does Later have a free plan?
No. Later pricing: From $18.75/mo. Prices change, so check the official site.
Which is better, Buffer or Later?
Pick Buffer if you want to start free and post to a few channels with no post cap on paid plans. Pick Later if you plan Instagram visually, want link-in-bio, and are happy to pay a yearly plan.
Related: Buffer alternatives, tools to schedule posts, schedule Instagram Reels, free social media schedulers.
Sources: buffer.com/pricing, later.com/pricing, later.com/terms. Checked on 11 October 2026. Based on published plans, not a hands-on test.