Buffer Review (2026)
Simple scheduling with a generous free tier.
From $6/mo · Free plan: yes · 12 platforms
What is Buffer?
Buffer is one of the original social media scheduling tools and still one of the easiest to recommend. You connect your social channels, set a posting schedule, and drop content into a queue — Buffer publishes everything automatically at the times you chose. It supports every major network, including X (Twitter), Instagram, TikTok, LinkedIn, Facebook, Pinterest, YouTube Shorts, Threads, Bluesky, and Mastodon.
Where Buffer wins is simplicity and pricing. The free plan is genuinely usable — 3 channels and 10 scheduled posts per channel — and paid plans start at $6 per month per channel. It also includes an AI assistant for drafting and repurposing posts, a start-page builder, and clean engagement analytics without the bloat of enterprise suites.
Key features
- Queue-based scheduling. Set posting times once, then just add content to the queue — Buffer slots everything in automatically.
- All major platforms. Publishes directly to X, Instagram (including Reels), TikTok, LinkedIn, Facebook, Pinterest, YouTube Shorts, Threads, Bluesky, and Mastodon.
- AI assistant. Drafts posts, rewrites hooks, and repurposes one update into platform-specific variations.
- Tailored posts per network. Customize one post for each platform in a single composer view before scheduling.
- Analytics and best-time suggestions. Engagement reports plus recommended posting times based on your audience activity.
Supported platforms
Pricing
Free plan with 3 channels and 10 scheduled posts per channel. Paid plans start at $6/month per channel with unlimited scheduling, analytics, and an AI assistant. A 14-day free trial is available on paid tiers.
Best for
Creators and small teams who want dependable, no-frills scheduling across many platforms at the lowest possible price.
Pros & cons
Pros
- Genuinely useful free plan
- Per-channel pricing scales with you
- Supports newer networks like Threads, Bluesky, and Mastodon
- Extremely easy to learn
Cons
- Analytics are lighter than enterprise suites
- No unified social inbox on lower tiers
- Per-channel pricing adds up with many accounts
Buffer alternatives
FAQ
Is Buffer free?
Yes. Buffer's free plan lets you connect up to 3 social channels and keep 10 scheduled posts per channel at any time — enough for a light posting schedule without paying anything.
How much does Buffer cost?
Paid plans start at $6 per month per social channel (billed monthly), which unlocks unlimited scheduled posts, analytics, and the AI assistant. Connecting 5 channels would cost about $30/month.
Does Buffer post automatically?
Yes. Buffer publishes directly to every supported platform, including Instagram Reels and TikTok — no push-notification reminders required.
What platforms does Buffer support?
X (Twitter), Instagram, TikTok, Facebook, LinkedIn, Pinterest, YouTube Shorts, Threads, Bluesky, Mastodon, and Google Business Profile.