BuffervsMetricool
Buffer and Metricool both help you grow on X (formerly Twitter), but they are built for different jobs. Buffer publishes and schedules tweets to X profiles, with basic analytics and reply/engagement tools across a multi-channel queue. Metricool schedules X posts and reports on tweet performance, follower growth and best posting times, though X requires a +$5/account add-on. This guide breaks down their pricing, features, pros and cons so you can pick the right one in 2026.
Buffer is best for beginners who want cheap, simple multi-channel scheduling. Metricool is best for teams wanting one tool to schedule and measure across networks. Pricing is broadly comparable: Buffer is Free + from $5/mo per channel, Metricool is Free + from $18/mo (X is a +$5/account add-on).
Buffer vs Metricool: at a glance
| Buffer | Metricool | |
|---|---|---|
| Category | Scheduling & publishing | Analytics & insights |
| Pricing | Free + from $5/mo per channel | Free + from $18/mo (X is a +$5/account add-on) |
| Starting price | free to start | free to start |
| Free tier | Yes | Yes |
| Best for | Beginners who want cheap, simple multi-channel scheduling | Teams wanting one tool to schedule and measure across networks |
| What it does for X | Publishes and schedules tweets to X profiles, with basic analytics and reply/engagement tools across a multi-channel queue. | Schedules X posts and reports on tweet performance, follower growth and best posting times, though X requires a +$5/account add-on. |
Buffer vs Metricool pricing: which is cheaper?
Pricing is broadly comparable: Buffer is Free + from $5/mo per channel, Metricool is Free + from $18/mo (X is a +$5/account add-on). Buffer is priced free to start (Free + from $5/mo per channel), and Metricool is free to start (Free + from $18/mo (X is a +$5/account add-on)). If you want to test before paying, both have a free tier.
Buffer and Metricool pros and cons
Buffer
- +Generous free plan: schedule posts and ideas at no cost
- +Cheapest paid entry of any tool here at $5/mo per channel
- +Clean, beginner-friendly cross-channel scheduling and analytics
- +Works across X, LinkedIn, Instagram, Threads, and more
- –Per-channel pricing adds up across many accounts
- –No X-native power features like auto-retweet or evergreen recycling
- –Analytics and engagement tools are basic versus enterprise suites
Metricool
- +Real permanent free plan for one brand
- +Combines scheduling, analytics and ads reporting in one place
- +Manages X alongside every other major social network
- +Good value once you manage several brands
- –X/Twitter is a paid add-on (+$5 per connected account) on every tier
- –Free plan excludes X analytics entirely
- –Analytics depth is broad rather than X-specialist deep
When should you choose Buffer?
Choose Buffer if beginners who want cheap, simple multi-channel scheduling. It is a scheduling & publishing tool, so it shines when your priority is publishes and schedules tweets to X profiles, with basic analytics and reply/engagement tools across a multi-channel queue. Its biggest edge: generous free plan: schedule posts and ideas at no cost.
When should you choose Metricool?
Choose Metricool if teams wanting one tool to schedule and measure across networks. It is a analytics & insights tool focused on schedules X posts and reports on tweet performance, follower growth and best posting times, though X requires a +$5/account add-on. Its biggest edge: real permanent free plan for one brand.
Buffer vs Metricool: which is better for growing on X?
Both are solid for what they do. Buffer wins for beginners who want cheap, simple multi-channel scheduling. Metricool wins for teams wanting one tool to schedule and measure across networks. Neither does the daily engagement (replies, follows, DMs) that compounds fastest on X, that is the gap an autonomous agent like X-Autopilot fills.
Buffer and Metricool help you publish or analyze. If your real gap is the daily engagement, X-Autopilot runs replies, follows and DMs in your voice from your own Mac. Compare all 40+ X tools →
Buffer and Metricool alternatives
Not sold on either? See our guides to X tool alternatives, or browse every option in the X tools directory. For autonomous engagement specifically, X-Autopilot is the closest thing to a hands-off option.
Buffer vs Metricool: FAQ
Is Buffer better than Metricool?+
Neither is strictly better, they fit different jobs. Buffer is best for beginners who want cheap, simple multi-channel scheduling. Metricool is best for teams wanting one tool to schedule and measure across networks. Pick the one whose strength matches your bottleneck.
What is the difference between Buffer and Metricool?+
Buffer is a scheduling & publishing tool; Metricool is a analytics & insights tool. Buffer publishes and schedules tweets to X profiles, with basic analytics and reply/engagement tools across a multi-channel queue. Metricool schedules X posts and reports on tweet performance, follower growth and best posting times, though X requires a +$5/account add-on.
Which is cheaper, Buffer or Metricool?+
Pricing is broadly comparable: Buffer is Free + from $5/mo per channel, Metricool is Free + from $18/mo (X is a +$5/account add-on).
Does Buffer or Metricool have a free plan?+
Buffer has a free tier. Metricool has a free tier.
Which is better for growing on X (Twitter), Buffer or Metricool?+
Both are solid for what they do. Buffer wins for beginners who want cheap, simple multi-channel scheduling. Metricool wins for teams wanting one tool to schedule and measure across networks. Neither does the daily engagement (replies, follows, DMs) that compounds fastest on X, that is the gap an autonomous agent like X-Autopilot fills.
What is a good alternative to Buffer and Metricool?+
For engagement rather than scheduling or analytics, X-Autopilot runs replies, follows and DMs in your voice, a different category from both. Browse the full set in the X tools directory.
Browse the full X tools directory or all comparisons.