Later vs Buffer 2025: Which One Should You Pick?
TL;DR - Quick Answer
9 min readBuffer 2025 offers better value with more features at a lower price. Later excels in simplicity but costs more for similar functionality.
Quick answer: Later is better for visual/Instagram planning with Link in Bio ($25/month). Buffer is simpler with a free plan and more platforms.
Visual focus vs simplicity. See our Later review and Buffer review.
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Pricing Side-by-Side
Later Pricing
Buffer Pricing
Example: 5 channels on Buffer Essentials = $30/month
🤔 Quick Knowledge Check
You manage 3 social accounts on a tight budget. Which is cheaper?
Cost Comparison by Scenario
Solo Creator (3 accounts)
Growing Creator (5 accounts)
Small Team (6 accounts, 3 users)
Features That Matter
Visual Planning
Later:
- Visual feed planner
- Grid preview
- Drag-and-drop calendar
- Best Time to Post
- Feed aesthetics
Buffer:
- Simple queue view
- Calendar view
- Basic preview
- Less visual focus
Winner: Later. Visual planning is its core strength.
Link in Bio
Later:
- Linkin.bio included
- Clickable Instagram feed
- Traffic analytics
- Multiple link blocks
Buffer:
- No Link in Bio
- Need third-party tool
Winner: Later. Linkin.bio is a big advantage.
🤔 Quick Knowledge Check
You're an Instagram influencer who needs a clickable Link in Bio. Which tool?
Simplicity
Later:
- Moderate complexity
- Visual-focused workflow
- Media library
- More features
Buffer:
- Very simple
- Queue-based
- Browser extension
- Minimal learning curve
Winner: Buffer. Easiest to use.
Platform Support
Later: Instagram, TikTok, Facebook, Twitter/X, LinkedIn, Pinterest, YouTube
Buffer: Facebook, Instagram, Twitter/X, LinkedIn, Pinterest, TikTok, YouTube, Mastodon, Bluesky, Threads
Winner: Buffer. More platforms including Threads and Bluesky.
AI Features
Later:
- Caption writing assistance
- Best time suggestions
- Limited AI
Buffer:
- AI Assistant
- Post ideas
- Caption suggestions
Winner: Tie. Both have basic AI helpers.
Pros and Cons
Later Pros
- ✅ Excellent visual planner
- ✅ Linkin.bio included
- ✅ Best Time to Post
- ✅ Better for teams (pricing)
Later Cons
- ❌ No real free plan
- ❌ Fewer platforms
- ❌ More complex
- ❌ Higher starting cost
Buffer Pros
- ✅ Usable free plan
- ✅ Very simple
- ✅ More platforms
- ✅ Great browser extension
Buffer Cons
- ❌ No Link in Bio
- ❌ Basic visual planning
- ❌ Per-channel pricing adds up
- ❌ Limited feed preview
Who Should Use Which?
Pick Later if you:
- Focus on Instagram/TikTok
- Need visual feed planning
- Want Link in Bio
- Care about aesthetics
- Have a team
Pick Buffer if you:
- Want free scheduling
- Value simplicity
- Need Threads/Bluesky
- Work solo
- Just want to post
Neither Has AI Content Generation
Both help schedule, but neither creates full content.
If you need AI content + video templates:
🤔 Quick Knowledge Check
You need visual grid planning for Instagram AND support for Threads. Best approach?
Best Alternative: SocialRails
Want visual planning AND AI content creation?
Try SocialRails free →Quick Answers
Is Later or Buffer cheaper? Buffer has a free plan. Later is cheaper for teams with paid plans.
Which has better visual planning? Later. Grid preview and feed planning are its specialty.
Which has Link in Bio? Later only. Linkin.bio is included.
Which supports more platforms? Buffer. Includes Threads, Bluesky, Mastodon.
Which is easier to use? Buffer. Very simple and straightforward.
Summary
Later: Best for visual creators who need Instagram feed planning and Link in Bio.
Buffer: Best for users who want simple, free scheduling with more platform options.
Best alternative: SocialRails at $29-99/month with AI content and video templates.
Create content, post everywhere
Let AI do the work. Ideas, posts, images, carousels. Scheduled in seconds.
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