Buffer vs Sprout Social: which is better? Comparison 2026

By our public methodology Buffer scores 83 out of 100 and Sprout Social scores 68. Below: the factors and facts where they differ, each fact with its source.

Best Social Media Management Tools 2026: Compared How we rank

1

Buffer

83/100
4

Sprout Social

68/100

Score breakdown

BufferSprout Social
Price7710
Engagement and teamwork100100
Networks100100
Account security and track record5075

Pros and cons

Buffer

  • Low monthly price
  • Reply to comments and messages in one place
  • Posts can go through approval
  • AI helps write posts

Sprout Social

  • Reply to comments and messages in one place
  • Posts can go through approval
  • AI helps write posts
  • Own link-in-bio page
  • High monthly price
  • No permanent free plan
  • Few or no free accounts

Facts side by side

FactBufferSprout Social
Cheapest paid plan, monthly billing$6.00 buffer.com$99.00 sproutsocial.com
Social accounts on the cheapest paid plan1 buffer.com5 sproutsocial.com
Free planYes buffer.comNo sproutsocial.com
Social accounts on the free plan3 buffer.com0 sproutsocial.com
Shared inbox for comments and messagesYes buffer.comYes sproutsocial.com
Approval workflowsYes buffer.comYes sproutsocial.com
AI writing assistantYes buffer.comYes sproutsocial.com
Built-in link-in-bio pageYes buffer.comYes sproutsocial.com
TikTokYes buffer.comYes sproutsocial.com
YouTubeYes buffer.comYes sproutsocial.com
PinterestYes buffer.comYes sproutsocial.com
ThreadsYes buffer.comYes sproutsocial.com
BlueskyYes buffer.comYes sproutsocial.com
Public APIYes buffer.comYes sproutsocial.com
Two-factor authenticationYes buffer.comNot verified
Single sign-on (SSO)Not verifiedYes sproutsocial.com
SOC 2 auditNot verifiedYes sproutsocial.com
Founded2010 buffer.com2010 sproutsocial.com
Company headquartersUnited States buffer.comNot verified
CompanyBuffer, Inc. buffer.comNot verified

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