Top 8 Social Media Scheduling Tools Compared

Managing social media is tough. But using the right scheduling tool can save you 10+ hours a week, boost engagement by up to 30%, and improve ROI for 67% of marketers. This guide compares 8 tools to help you pick the best one for your needs.

Quick Overview of Tools:

1. Coso.ai: AI-powered content creation, trends analysis, starts at $99/month.

2. Hootsuite: Advanced analytics, AI tools like OwlyWriter, starts at $99/month.

3. Buffer: Simple scheduling, AI assistant, starts at $6/month.

4. Sprout Social: Enterprise-grade analytics, starts at $249/month.

5. Later: Best for Instagram visuals, starts at $25/month.

6. CoSchedule: Unified marketing calendar, custom pricing.

7. Zoho Social: CRM integration, starts at $15/month.

8. Agorapulse: Team-friendly workflows, starts at $99/month.

Quick Comparison

Key Takeaways:

• Budget-Friendly: Buffer ($6/month) is great for basics.

• AI-Powered: Coso.ai and Hootsuite excel in automation.

• Visual Content: Later specializes in Instagram.

• Enterprise-Ready: Sprout Social offers scalability.

Choose based on your budget, team size, and goals. Read on for detailed comparisons of each tool.

Best Social Media Management Tools Compared (2025)

1. Coso.ai

Coso.ai is an AI-powered platform designed to simplify content creation and scheduling for social media. It works by analyzing your product catalog, blog posts, and media assets, while also leveraging Google Trends to identify trending topics and evergreen opportunities. The result? Your social media stays relevant and engaging with minimal effort.

Key Features

• AI-driven content creation tailored to your brand's voice

• Automatic population of content calendars

• Alerts for trending topics

• Support for videos and infographics

• User-friendly approval workflows

• Expert onboarding and account management

Pricing Plans

Coso.ai offers flexible pricing options to meet different needs:

Proven Impact

Coso.ai has a track record of delivering results. For instance, 257 posts generated over 53,733 impressions, showcasing its ability to drive engagement.

What Users Say

Here’s what some users have shared about their experience with Coso.ai:

"Coso makes sure all our social media content is on-brand, and we only spend a couple of minutes per week approving content!"

– John, Founder at Bua Nua (SaaS Business)

"We've seen a great improvement in the quality of content going out each week. And it's always very localized to things going on in the area. Awesome service!"

– Vanessa, Owner at Links Taxis

Coso.ai is a great fit for small to medium-sized businesses looking to maintain consistent social media engagement without investing hours of manual work. Up next, we’ll see how Hootsuite stacks up in terms of features and efficiency.

2. Hootsuite

Hootsuite is a social media management platform that combines AI-driven content creation tools with scheduling features. It supports major platforms like Facebook, Instagram, LinkedIn, Twitter, TikTok, YouTube, Pinterest, WhatsApp, and Threads beta.

AI-Powered Features

Hootsuite's OwlyWriter AI simplifies content creation by generating captions, recommending hashtags, and reworking top-performing posts to increase engagement. Another tool, Blue Silk AI, summarizes data into actionable insights and tracks brand mentions.

"OwlyWriter AI is a phenomenal tool that really helps crank out great verbiage on the fly or whenever my team is in a pinch. I've seen better numbers since my team has been using OwlyWriter AI. I love it and I don't know how I lived so long without it."
– Joel Acosta, Digital Media Manager, Concert Golf Partners

These features make it easier to plan and execute a content strategy efficiently.

Pricing Structure

Hootsuite offers tiered pricing to cater to different business needs, but it's on the higher side:

Platform Performance

Hootsuite's integrated tools are designed to save time and improve efficiency. For example, its AI chatbot features can reduce workload by up to 80%. Key highlights include:

• Content Creation: OwlyWriter AI helps craft ad copy variations for testing.

• Trend Analysis: AI tools identify emerging trends to guide your content.

• Automation and Analytics: Manage multiple platforms and track performance seamlessly.

• Detailed Reporting: Comprehensive insights to measure success.

Limitations

One major downside is the cost, as highlighted by a user:

"Although I do have a lot of positives to say about Hootsuite, the one pretty negative downside is the pricing tiers for the service. It is pretty expensive and might be a barrier for any company who is looking to use a management tool over using the platform-provided options. If I was working independently or for a small business, I would have to use a different platform or service simply because $400 a month for 3 users is a bit much in my eyes."

Additionally, while the platform is packed with features, it can take some time to fully understand and use them effectively.

3. Buffer

Buffer is a well-known social media management tool trusted by over 100,000 users. While it started as a simple scheduling app, it now includes AI-driven features for content planning.

AI-Powered Features

Buffer's AI Assistant is integrated directly into its content composer. It can help users brainstorm ideas, rewrite posts, and tailor content for specific platforms.

"Buffer's AI Assistant is a game-changer for my social media strategy. It effortlessly generates engaging content ideas and suggests trends, saving me valuable time." – Thibault B.

Supported Platforms and Integrations

Buffer works with 11 major platforms, including Facebook Pages, Instagram Business, LinkedIn Pages, X/Twitter, TikTok, Pinterest, YouTube Shorts, Google Business Profile, Threads, Bluesky, and Mastodon. It also integrates with tools like Canva, Dropbox, Google Drive, and WordPress, making content creation more efficient.

Pricing Options

Buffer offers plans to suit different needs:

All paid plans include a 14-day free trial, and choosing annual billing saves you 20%.

User Experience and Ratings

Users consistently rate Buffer highly: 4.5/5 overall, 4.7/5 for ease of use, 4.8/5 for support, and 4.7/5 for cost-efficiency.

"Buffer is my favorite social media management tool because it's so straightforward. In a few clicks, I can choose a time slot and platform and schedule a post." – Melissa King

Platform Reliability

Buffer is known for its reliable Instagram integration. A December 2024 review by Efficient App highlighted its smooth video uploads. Additionally, over 7.8 million posts were published through Buffer last month, showcasing its dependable infrastructure.

4. Sprout Social

Sprout Social is a powerful platform designed for enterprise-level social media management. It processes over 600 million social messages every day, using AI to enhance engagement on a large scale.

AI-Powered Features

Sprout Social uses AI to make managing social media simpler and more effective. Here's how:

Platform Integration

Sprout Social connects seamlessly with a wide range of tools and platforms, including:

• Social Networks: Facebook, Instagram, LinkedIn, Pinterest, Threads, TikTok, X (formerly Twitter), YouTube

• Messaging Apps: Facebook Messenger, WhatsApp

• Business Tools: Salesforce, HubSpot, Zendesk, Google Analytics, Tableau

These integrations help businesses streamline their processes and improve their social media performance.

Performance and Results

Sprout Social's Optimal Send Times feature can increase reach by up to 60%.

"Without Sprout, I may be missing messages, comments, complaints. The scheduling and publishing calendar has also made efficiency so easy to the point where I can work and schedule content a week or two ahead." - Assunta Catalano, Social Media Manager at KISS

Pricing Structure

Sprout Social offers several pricing options to cater to different needs:

Every plan comes with a 30-day free trial. For businesses needing deeper insights, Advanced Listening is available as an add-on for brand monitoring.

Platform Reliability

Sprout Social's infrastructure is built to handle large-scale activity, with brands posting an average of 10 times daily across multiple networks in 2024. Next, we’ll take a closer look at how Later stacks up in terms of features and usability for businesses of all sizes.

5. Later

Since its launch in 2014, Later has established itself as a go-to platform for Instagram-focused businesses. With over 8 million users, it specializes in managing and strategizing visual content.

Visual Content Management

Later simplifies organizing and managing visual content with its intuitive Media Library and drag-and-drop tools - perfect for businesses prioritizing Instagram.

AI-Powered Tools

Later leverages AI to enhance content creation and engagement:

• AI Caption Writer: Automatically generates captions from your images.

• Hashtag Suggestions: Recommends hashtags tailored to your post's content.

• Best Time to Post: Identifies optimal posting times based on audience activity.

Pricing Structure

Later offers flexible plans to suit various needs:

Additional options include extra social sets ($10/month), more users ($3.33/month), and 100 AI credits ($3.33/month). Annual plans come with a 17% discount.

Platform Performance

Later consistently earns high marks from users, with an overall rating of 4.3/5:

• Ease of Use: 4.5/5

• Support: 4.3/5

• Features: 4.0/5

"Later's social listening tool makes it quick and easy to monitor what people are saying about our brands. The toolset is focused on showcasing the most relevant social data and leaves out a lot of the noise that often prevents you from getting clear, actionable insights."

• Neal Malone, PR & Social Media Management Supervisor at Connelly Partners

Tips for Using Later

To get the most out of Later:

• Ensure your Instagram account is set up as a Business Profile and linked to a Facebook page.

• Download Later's mobile app for smoother Instagram integration.

• Use AI credits wisely to create impactful content.

• Take advantage of the visual planning tools to maintain a cohesive content strategy.

Later’s focus on Instagram and its evolving AI tools make it a strong choice for brands emphasizing visual storytelling. Up next, we’ll explore how CoSchedule can complement these features.

6. CoSchedule

CoSchedule is an all-in-one marketing platform that combines social media scheduling with broader campaign management. Teams using CoSchedule report up to 125% more work completed and over 90% on-time delivery rates. Let’s break down its standout features before diving into tools that focus exclusively on social media.

Core Platform Features

CoSchedule’s unified calendar streamlines marketing efforts by integrating various activities:

AI-Powered Tools

CoSchedule offers "Hire Mia", an AI editor designed to simplify content creation. Its AI Social Assistant helps craft engaging posts while ensuring brand consistency across different platforms.

Pricing Options

CoSchedule provides several pricing plans to suit different needs:

Additional Costs:

• Extra social profiles: $5/month

• Twitter/X profiles: $8/month (Social Calendar), $25/month (Agency Calendar)

• Actionable Marketing Institute access: $50–$100/month per team

Integrations

CoSchedule works seamlessly with a variety of tools:

• Content: Microsoft 365, Google Workspace, Canva

• Projects: Asana, Trello, Slack, Jira

• Marketing: Mailchimp, WordPress, Google Analytics

• Assets: OneDrive, Google Drive, Dropbox

Platform Performance

User ratings for CoSchedule highlight its effectiveness:

• Overall: 4.4/5

• Features: 4.8/5

• Ease of Use: 4.2/5

• Support: 4.3/5

"Since we've implemented CoSchedule, our company's doubled in size, and our team hasn't changed. Without this tool, we'd be floundering." - McKenna Keller, Content Manager at Evernest

Tips for Maximizing CoSchedule

• Use the unified calendar to manage all marketing activities in one place

• Leverage AI tools for content suggestions and optimal posting times

• Automate routine tasks with workflow tools

• Build social templates for consistent branding

CoSchedule is particularly useful for organizations that balance content marketing with social media management. While it might not have the depth of specialized tools like Later or Buffer, it shines as a comprehensive solution for marketing coordination. Next, we’ll explore how Zoho Social approaches social media management.

7. Zoho Social

Zoho Social is a platform designed for managing social media, offering seamless integration with other Zoho products. Its AI assistant, Zia, simplifies tasks like content creation and engagement.

Core Features and AI Capabilities

SmartQ Technology

SmartQ uses audience behavior insights to recommend the best posting times, helping boost content visibility and interaction across platforms.

Pricing Structure

Adding team members costs $10/month on paid plans.

Integration Ecosystem

Zoho Social integrates with tools like Zoho CRM, Zoho Desk, and Canva. It also supports content sharing through the zShare Extension. These integrations are designed to improve workflows and have been well-received by users.

Performance and User Experience

Zoho Social is rated highly (4.7/5) but has some limitations, particularly in advanced analytics and mobile functionality.

"It is much easier to interact with leads and potential customers right from the dashboard and refer them over to the CRM program." - Shannon Johnson, Founder - The Sustainable Collective.co

Practical Applications

Zoho Social offers several benefits:

• Bulk scheduling for up to 350 posts

• Smooth team collaboration

• Easy mobile management

• Unified tools for customer interaction

Platform Limitations

That said, the platform does have some drawbacks:

• Bulk scheduling is capped at 350 posts, lower than some competitors' 500-post limits

• Agency plans are priced higher ($320/month) compared to alternatives ($100/month)

• Advanced analytics features are less comprehensive

"Zoho's ability to schedule bulk messages is my favorite feature! It's so quick and easy. Love it!" - Caitlin S, Sales Campaign Manager at CVirtual

Zoho Social stands out for its strong integrations and user-friendly tools, making it a solid choice despite its limitations.

8. Agorapulse

Agorapulse combines social media management with AI tools to simplify content creation and scheduling. Its intuitive interface and broad publishing options make it a go-to choice for managing major social platforms.

Core Features and Platform Support

AI-Powered Tools

Agorapulse's AI writing assistant helps teams craft engaging content quickly. Brigid Ayer from ArachnidWorks highlights its impact:

"We are loving it! With so many clients and so much content going out, it is nice to go in with a basic idea and have it jazzed up! We had previously utilized Rytr, ChatGPT, and even Canva's new AI writing tools but having it in the platform has been great."

This feature not only boosts productivity but also makes the platform more cost-effective.

Pricing Structure

Adding extra social profiles costs $10–15/month, depending on your billing cycle.

Performance Metrics

Here’s how Agorapulse measures up:

• Cuts content creation time by 50%

• Average customer support response time: 30 minutes

• 96% user satisfaction rate

• Teams switching from other tools save 30% on costs

Integration Options

Agorapulse integrates with key tools like CRM systems, Slack, Canva, and analytics platforms, making it a versatile choice for businesses.

Real-World Impact

Jamie Mendelsohn, Director of Customer Happiness at Lovepop, shares:

"Agorapulse has transformed our customer follow-up and engagement."

Platform Drawbacks

Keep these in mind:

• Pricing is higher than alternatives like SocialPilot

• Extra social profiles come with additional costs

• Some users report occasional glitches and development issues

• Limited support for newer social platforms

Agorapulse stands out with its well-rounded social media management tools, responsive support, and AI-driven features. It's particularly useful for agencies and larger teams managing multiple accounts. With its strong features and performance metrics, it remains a top choice for social media scheduling.

Tool Comparison Chart

Here's a breakdown of the top social scheduling tools and their features.

Core Features Comparison

Platform Support Details

Here's an overview of how many tools support key platform features:

AI Feature Comparison

The table below highlights the AI capabilities offered by these tools:

These features help improve content creation and overall performance.

Value Analysis

From budget-friendly options like Buffer to feature-packed tools like Sprout Social, there's something for everyone. Use this comparison to find the tool that aligns with your goals and budget.

Which Tool Should You Choose?

Looking to pick the right tool? Let’s break it down based on your needs and budget.

If you're a solopreneur or a small business with a tight budget, Buffer is a solid choice. Starting at just $6 per month per channel, it covers the basics of publishing and analytics without unnecessary complexity.

For businesses that are growing or have dedicated marketing teams, tools like Hootsuite or Zoho Social are worth considering. Hootsuite offers advanced analytics and tools for optimizing content, while Zoho Social shines with its CRM integration and team collaboration features.

For agencies or large-scale operations, Coso.ai and Sprout Social stand out. Coso.ai’s Social Media Co-Pilot plan ($99 per month) uses AI to generate content and comes with dedicated onboarding support. Sprout Social, capable of managing 600 million daily messages, provides powerful analytics and scalability tailored for enterprise needs.

When deciding, think about these key factors:

• Your content creation demands (like AI tools or visual planning options)

• The size of your team and how you collaborate

• Budget limitations

• Integration with other platforms you use

• The level of analytics you require

Pick the tool that matches your current goals but also leaves space for future growth in your social media strategy.

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