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
Vista Social vs Buffer: which scheduler fits a creator?
At a glance
Starts atFrom $79/mo yearly ($99 monthly)
- No free plan
- Free trial14 days, no card
Buffer is the cheaper, simpler choice: free for up to 3 channels, then $5 per channel per month. Vista Social is a full social suite with an inbox, reviews and reporting. Professional costs $99/month or $950/year for 15 profiles. Solo creators usually fit Buffer. Agencies and brands fit Vista Social.
Quick verdict
- Choose Buffer if you post to a few channels and want to pay little or nothing.
- Choose Vista Social if you manage many profiles and need an inbox and reports.
- Both auto publish to TikTok and YouTube.
Side-by-side comparison
| Detail | Buffer | Vista Social |
|---|---|---|
| Free plan | Yes: 3 channels, 10 scheduled posts per channel | No. 14-day trial, no card |
| Entry price | Essentials: $5/channel/month | Professional: $99/month or $950/year, 15 profiles, 2 users |
| Higher plans | Team: $10/channel/month, unlimited members | Advanced: $199/month, 30 profiles. Scale: $449, 70 profiles |
| Networks | 12 incl. TikTok, YouTube Shorts, Instagram, Threads | 13 incl. TikTok, YouTube, Instagram, Snapchat, Reddit |
| Inbox and DMs | Not listed on pricing page (Oct 2026) | Yes, 10,000 DM contacts on Professional |
| Best for | Solo creators | Agencies and brands |
For Shorts, TikTok and Reels
Posting the same vertical video to TikTok, Reels and Shorts is three channels. That fits Buffer Free, or $15/month on Essentials. Vista Social's $99 entry makes sense once you manage client accounts or need one inbox for comments and DMs.
How to choose
- Count your profiles.
- Three or fewer: Buffer Free.
- Over about 20 channels on Buffer Essentials, you pass Vista Social's $99 price, so compare features.
- Need Snapchat or Reddit? Vista Social lists them. Buffer does not.
Common questions
Is Vista Social free?
No. It offers a 14-day free trial with no card.
Is Buffer free?
Yes, for up to 3 channels with 10 scheduled posts each.
Does Buffer post YouTube Shorts?
Yes. Buffer lists YouTube (Shorts) with auto publishing.
Related: Buffer vs Later, Buffer vs Hootsuite, Buffer alternatives, scheduling tools.
Sources: buffer.com/pricing, vistasocial.com/pricing. Checked on 16 October 2026. Based on published plans and terms, not a hands-on test.