Buffer is the better app overall, scoring 8.7 to 8.1. Buffer wins on 4 of the 5 scores, Later on 1.
Solo creators and small teams who post to several apps
Brands and creators who plan a polished Instagram feed
Score by score
The details
| Feature | Buffer | Later |
|---|---|---|
| Category | Social Media & Creator Tools | Social Media & Creator Tools |
| Category rank | #2 of 17 | #15 of 17 |
| Developer | Buffer | Later |
| Pricing | Free + paid plans | Free + paid plans |
| Usable for free | Yes | Yes |
| iPhone & iPad | ✓ | ✓ |
| Android | ✓ | ✓ |
| Web | ✓ | ✓ |
Common questions
Is Buffer better than Later?
Buffer is the better app overall, scoring 8.7 to 8.1. Buffer wins on 4 of the 5 scores, Later on 1.
Which is cheaper, Buffer or Later?
Buffer: Free for 3 channels; Essentials is $5 a month per channel, billed yearly. Later: Free plan with 12 posts per profile a month; Starter is $18.75 a month, billed yearly. On value for money, Buffer scores higher.
Do Buffer and Later work on the same devices?
Yes, both run on Web, iPhone & iPad, Android.
Which is more private, Buffer or Later?
Buffer scores higher on privacy (8.0/10). The App Store label links contact info, identifiers, usage data, diagnostics and your content to you, with no tracking. There are no ads. Buffer needs access to the social accounts you connect.
Strengths and weaknesses
Buffer
- Free plan is useful on its own
- Clean and easy to learn
- Works with Bluesky, Threads and Mastodon
- Paid plans charge per channel
- Free plan holds only 10 posts per channel
- First-comment scheduling needs a paid plan
Buffer is the easiest way to plan posts for many apps at once. Write a post, pick your channels, and it goes out at the time you choose. The free plan covers three channels with 10 scheduled posts each, which is plenty for one creator. It works with 12 networks, including Instagram, TikTok, Threads, Bluesky and YouTube. Paid plans charge per channel, so costs climb if you run many accounts.
Full Buffer review
Later
- Best visual planner for an Instagram grid
- Helpful best time to post tips
- Link in Bio page is built in
- Pricey next to Buffer
- Starter allows only 30 posts per profile a month
- Free plan has no carousels or Stories scheduling
Later is the scheduler for people who care how their Instagram grid looks. You drag posts around a visual planner, get tips on the best time to post, and build a link in bio page. It also posts to TikTok, Threads, YouTube, Pinterest and more. The catch is price. Starter costs $18.75 a month billed yearly and caps you at 30 posts per profile. The free plan allows just 12.
Full Later review
