Buffer
Social media publishing, analytics, and engagement for busy teams
Head to head, verified 2026-10-01
Buffer vs Planable
Price, free plans, the 16 networks we track, API and MCP support, and pros and cons, side by side. All numbers come from the vendors' own pages.
The short version
Generated from the data, not from opinion. Each line is a fact you can check on the profile pages.
- Buffer is the cheaper entry point at $6 per month, against $39 for Planable.
- Both have a free plan.
- Buffer supports 11 of the 16 networks tracked here. Planable supports 9.
- Only Buffer supports Bluesky and Mastodon.
- Both offer a documented public API.
- Buffer and Planable ship an MCP server so AI agents can operate the scheduler directly.
- Buffer also leans toward creators and small business.
- Planable also leans toward agencies and teams.
- On G2, Buffer rates 4.3 from 1010 reviews and Planable rates 4.6 from 141 reviews.
Side by side
| Buffer | Planable | |
|---|---|---|
| Starting price | $6/mo | $39/mo |
| Free plan | Yes | Yes |
| Free trial | 14 days | Not listed |
| Networks | 11 of 16 | 9 of 16 |
| Public API | Yes | Yes |
| MCP server | Yes | Yes |
| Open source | No | No |
| Self hosted | No | No |
| Best for | Creators, Small business | Agencies, Teams |
| G2 rating | 4.3 (1010) | 4.6 (141) |
| Founded | 2010 | 2016 |
| Headquarters | Not published | New York, United States |
Network support
| Network | Buffer | Planable |
|---|---|---|
| X (Twitter) | Yes | Yes |
| Yes | Yes | |
| Yes | Yes | |
| Yes | Yes | |
| Threads | Yes | Yes |
| Bluesky | Yes | No |
| Mastodon | Yes | No |
| TikTok | Yes | Yes |
| YouTube | Yes | Yes |
| Yes | Yes | |
| Google Business Profile | Yes | Yes |
| No | No | |
| Telegram | No | No |
| Discord | No | No |
| Snapchat | No | No |
| Tumblr | No | No |
Features
| Feature | Buffer | Planable |
|---|---|---|
| Scheduling | Yes | Yes |
| Visual calendar | Yes | Yes |
| Analytics | Yes | Yes |
| Unified inbox | Yes | Yes |
| AI writing | Yes | Yes |
| Approval workflow | Yes | Yes |
| Bulk upload | Yes | Yes |
| RSS automation | Yes | Not advertised |
| Link in bio | Yes | Not advertised |
| Mobile app | Yes | Yes |
| White label | Not advertised | Not advertised |
| Team collaboration | Yes | Yes |
Plans
Buffer
| Free | Free | Publishing and basic tools; limited channels |
| Essentials | $6/mo | Publishing and analytics, priced per channel |
| Team | $12/mo | Team collaboration and publishing, priced per channel |
Planable
| Free | Free | First 50 posts free with no time limit |
| Basic | $39/mo | Monthly billing per workspace; optional approval, four social pages, unlimited users |
| Pro | $59/mo | Monthly billing per workspace; required approval and public API |
Strengths and limits
Buffer strengths
- Simple publishing workflow
- Free plan
- Per-channel scaling
Buffer limits
- Per-channel pricing
- Advanced features require higher tiers
Planable strengths
- Strong approval flows
- Unlimited users on paid plans
- Visual collaboration
Planable limits
- Analytics and inbox may be add-ons
- Workspace-based pricing
Buffer vs Planable questions
Is Buffer cheaper than Planable?
Buffer has a free plan. Paid plans start at $6 per month. Planable has a free plan. Paid plans start at $39 per month.
Which supports more social networks, Buffer or Planable?
Buffer supports X, LinkedIn, Instagram, Facebook, Threads, Bluesky, Mastodon, TikTok, YouTube, Pinterest and Google Business. Planable supports X, LinkedIn, Instagram, Facebook, Threads, TikTok, YouTube, Pinterest and Google Business.
Does Buffer or Planable have an API?
Both publish API documentation. Buffer: https://developers.buffer.com/. Planable: https://api.planable.io/api/v1/docs.
Can an AI agent use Buffer or Planable?
Buffer and Planable documents an MCP server or agent integration. In Hey Tasky, create_post saves a draft for review; schedule_post authorizes automatic publishing.
Keep comparing
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