It's close: Threads edges it 8.2 to 8.1, so the right pick depends on what you need. Threads wins on 3 of the 5 scores, Later on 2.
People who like short text posts and already use Instagram
Brands and creators who plan a polished Instagram feed
Score by score
The details
| Feature | Threads | Later |
|---|---|---|
| Category | Social Media & Creator Tools | Social Media & Creator Tools |
| Category rank | #13 of 17 | #15 of 17 |
| Developer | Meta | Later |
| Pricing | Free | Free + paid plans |
| Usable for free | Yes | Yes |
| iPhone & iPad | ✓ | ✓ |
| Android | ✓ | ✓ |
| Web | ✓ | ✓ |
Common questions
Is Threads better than Later?
It's close: Threads edges it 8.2 to 8.1, so the right pick depends on what you need. Threads wins on 3 of the 5 scores, Later on 2.
Which is cheaper, Threads or Later?
Threads: Free with ads; you do not need a paid plan to post, reply or message. Later: Free plan with 12 posts per profile a month; Starter is $18.75 a month, billed yearly. On value for money, Threads scores higher.
Do Threads and Later work on the same devices?
Yes, both run on iPhone & iPad, Android, Web.
Which is more private, Threads or Later?
Later scores higher on privacy (7.0/10). The App Store label says usage data may be used to track you. Contact info, identifiers, usage data and your content are linked to you. Later needs access to the social accounts you connect.
Strengths and weaknesses
Threads
- Quick to find people you know from Instagram
- Calmer feel than X for everyday chat
- Free to post, reply and message
- No direct pay program for creators
- Links a lot of personal data to you
- Feed leans on suggested posts
Threads is the friendliest of the big text apps. Posts are short, up to 500 characters, and you can add photos, videos or a longer block of text. It grew out of Instagram, so finding people you know is quick, and it now has 500 million monthly users. It is free with ads. Threads does not pay creators directly, and Meta links a lot of data to you.
Full Threads 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
