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
Mixpost vs Buffer: should you self-host your social scheduler?
At a glance
Starts atFree Lite; Pro $299 one-time
- Free option listed
- Free trial7 days, card required
Buffer is a hosted scheduler: free for 3 channels with 10 scheduled posts each, then $5 per channel per month. Mixpost runs on your own server. Pro costs $299 one-time with unlimited accounts and no seat fees. Mixpost suits creators or agencies who can manage a server. Buffer suits everyone else.
Quick verdict
Side-by-side comparison
| Detail | Buffer | Mixpost |
|---|---|---|
| Hosting | Hosted by Buffer | Self-hosted (PHP 8.3+, MySQL, Redis). Cloud plan on a separate page |
| Free option | Up to 3 channels, 10 scheduled posts per channel | Lite: Facebook Pages, X, Mastodon only |
| Paid price | Essentials: $5/channel/month. Team: $10/channel/month | Pro: $299 one-time. Enterprise: $1,199 one-time |
| TikTok and YouTube Shorts | Yes, auto publishing | Pro and Enterprise only |
| Accounts and users | Priced per channel | Pro: unlimited accounts and team members |
| Updates | Included | 1 year of updates. Renewal optional |
| Trial or refund | 14-day trial on paid plans | 14-day money-back guarantee |
| Best for | Solo creators | Agencies with many accounts |
For Shorts, TikTok and Reels
Both can auto publish to TikTok and YouTube Shorts (Mixpost on Pro only). If you post to 3 channels, Buffer Free may be all you need. At 10 channels on Buffer Essentials ($50/month), Mixpost Pro pays for itself in about 6 months if you already have a server.
How to choose
- Count your channels.
- Up to 3 channels and light posting? Buffer Free.
- Many channels and someone who can run a server? Mixpost Pro.
- Add server cost and upkeep time to Mixpost's $299.
Common questions
Is Mixpost free?
Mixpost Lite is free and open source, but only for Facebook Pages, X and Mastodon.
Does Buffer support TikTok?
Yes. Buffer lists auto publishing for TikTok business profiles and YouTube Shorts.
Is Mixpost a one-time payment?
Yes. Pro is $299 one-time and Enterprise is $1,199, with a year of updates.
Related: Postiz vs Mixpost, Buffer vs Later, Buffer alternatives.
Sources: buffer.com/pricing, mixpost.app/pricing. Checked on 16 October 2026. Based on published plans and terms, not a hands-on test.