15 Best Hootsuite Alternatives and Competitors for 2024 [Free & Paid]

_15 Best Hootsuite Alternatives and Competitors for 2024 [Free & Paid]

Table of Contents

Social media management is crucial for businesses and individuals looking to maintain a strong online presence. While Hootsuite has been a popular choice, it’s not the only option available. There are many Hootsuite alternatives and competitors that offer unique features, better pricing, and more intuitive interfaces. Whether you’re a small business, a nonprofit, or a large enterprise, there are tools out there that can help you manage your social media presence effectively. In this guide, we’ll explore the 15 best Hootsuite alternatives and competitors for 2024, including both free and paid options.

What is Hootsuite? Tool Overview

Hootsuite is a comprehensive social media management tool designed to help users manage multiple social media accounts from a single dashboard. Founded in 2008, it has grown to become one of the leading platforms in the industry.

Hootsuite Plans & Price

Hootsuite offers several pricing plans to cater to different needs:

 

  1. Free Plan: Limited features and up to 2 social profiles.
  2. Professional Plan: $19/month for 10 social profiles and advanced features.
  3. Team Plan: $99/month for 20 social profiles, including team collaboration tools.
  4. Business Plan: $599/month for 35 social profiles, advanced analytics, and priority support.
  5. Enterprise Plan: Custom pricing for larger organizations with more extensive needs.

Does Hootsuite Have a Free Plan?

Yes, Hootsuite offers a free plan, but it comes with limited features. Users can manage up to 2 social profiles, schedule up to 5 posts, and access basic analytics. For those who need more robust features or manage multiple accounts, exploring Hootsuite alternatives might be beneficial.

Why Should You Explore a Hootsuite Alternative?

Hootsuite has been a go-to tool for social media management for many years. However, it’s not the only option available, and it might not be the best fit for everyone. Exploring alternatives to Hootsuite can uncover tools that better meet your specific needs, budget, and workflow. Here are some compelling reasons to consider a Hootsuite alternative:

Cost

 

Hootsuite’s premium plans can be a significant expense, particularly for small businesses or individuals managing their social media. The Professional plan starts at $19 per month, and the costs can escalate quickly with the Team and Business plans at $99 and $599 per month, respectively. For those on a tight budget or who only need basic features, there are more affordable options available. Some alternatives offer free plans with substantial capabilities or more cost-effective pricing structures, making them more accessible for smaller operations.

Features

 

While Hootsuite is feature-rich, it may lack some specific functionalities that other tools provide. For instance, certain Hootsuite alternatives focus on specialized areas such as competitor analysis, visual content planning, or enhanced collaboration features. Competitors.app excels in providing detailed competitor insights, while Planable offers a visual content calendar that’s highly intuitive for team collaboration. Exploring different tools can help you find one with unique features that align more closely with your specific needs, potentially increasing your productivity and social media effectiveness.

User Experience

 

The user experience can vary significantly between different social media management tools. Hootsuite’s interface, while comprehensive, can sometimes feel overwhelming or cumbersome, especially for new users. Alternatives like Buffer and Later are known for their clean, user-friendly interfaces that simplify the social media management process. A more intuitive workflow can save time, reduce the learning curve, and make daily operations smoother and more enjoyable. If you find Hootsuite’s interface challenging, trying out other tools might provide a more streamlined experience.

Specific Needs

 

Different organizations have unique requirements that might not be fully met by Hootsuite. Nonprofits, for instance, may benefit from tools that offer specific discounts or features tailored to fundraising and community engagement. Small businesses might need a tool that emphasizes cost-efficiency and ease of use. Industries with particular social media needs, such as visual content scheduling for fashion or hospitality, might find tools like Planoly or Later more aligned with their strategies. By exploring Hootsuite alternatives, you can find a solution that is better suited to the unique demands of your industry or organizational structure.

Best Hootsuite Alternatives & Competitors: Head to Head Comparison

Best Hootsuite Alternatives & Competitors: Head to Head Comparison

Feature/Tool

Key Features

Pros

Cons

Pricing

Best For

Hootsuite Comparison

Competitors.app

Competitor tracking, social media monitoring, performance reporting

In-depth competitor insights, customizable reports

Limited social media management, higher learning curve

From $19.90/month

Competitor analysis and insights

Excels in competitor analysis, fewer management tools

Buffer

Post scheduling, analytics, team collaboration

Clean interface, affordable plans, browser extensions

Limited analytics in lower-tier plans, fewer integrations

From $15/month

Simple social media scheduling

Simpler interface, more affordable

Planable

Visual content calendar, collaboration, content scheduling

Intuitive visual calendar, strong collaboration

Limited integrations compared to Hootsuite, fewer advanced

  analytics

From $39/month

Visual content planning and team collaboration

Better for visual planning, fewer integrations

Sprout Social

Social media management, advanced analytics, CRM features

Comprehensive analytics, CRM integration, strong support

Higher price point, steeper learning curve

From $99/user/month

Large teams needing advanced analytics and CRM

Advanced analytics, CRM capabilities

Agorapulse

Social inbox, monitoring, reporting, content scheduling

Unified social inbox, strong support, comprehensive reporting

Expensive for small businesses, limited integrations

From $99/month

Teams focused on customer engagement and reporting

Better for social inbox and support

The 15 Best Hootsuite Competitors & Alternatives in 2024

Hootsuite Alternative #1: Competitors.app

Competitor Intelligence Dashboard

Competitors App is a comprehensive competitor monitoring tool tailored for marketers aiming to scale their teams. It serves as a single source of truth, providing insights across all marketing channels. From social media posts, ads, and mentions to website changes, reviews, SEO, and backlinks, Competitors App tracks it all. It also offers AI summaries, competitor benchmarking, and brand analysis. With integrations like Slack, Zapier, and Microsoft Teams, it seamlessly fits into your workflow, making market presence monitoring and reporting effortless.

What It is Best For

Competitors App excels in offering an all-encompassing view of your competitors’ activities. It’s ideal for marketers who need to track multiple channels simultaneously, including social media, PR news, and websites. The tool is particularly beneficial for those who require detailed competitive analysis, market trend insights, and real-time data updates. Its user-friendly interface and affordable pricing make it accessible for both small businesses and large enterprises looking to maintain a competitive edge in their industry.

Key Features

– Competitor tracking and analysis

– Social media monitoring

– Performance reporting

Pros and Cons

Detailed competitor insights

Easy to use interface

Customizable reports



Limited social media management features

Higher learning curve for new users



Pricing

Competitors.app offers a variety of pricing plans starting from $19.90/month, depending on the number of tracked competitors and features needed.

Hootsuite vs Competitors.app

Competitors.app excels in providing in-depth competitor analysis, which is not a core focus of Hootsuite. However, Hootsuite offers more comprehensive social media management tools.

Hootsuite Alternative #2: Buffer

Buffer dashboard

Buffer is renowned for its simplicity and ease of use, making it an excellent choice for individuals and small businesses. It allows users to schedule posts, track performance, and collaborate with team members efficiently. With a clean interface and affordable pricing plans, Buffer streamlines the process of managing multiple social media accounts. It’s particularly well-suited for those who need a straightforward tool without the complexity of more extensive platforms.

What It is Best For

Buffer is best for those who need a cost-effective, intuitive solution for managing their social media presence. It is ideal for beginners and small business owners who want to easily schedule posts and monitor social media performance without dealing with overly complex features. Buffer’s extensive browser extensions and straightforward interface make it perfect for users looking to simplify their social media workflows and keep their strategies consistent.

Key Features

 

– Post scheduling

– Analytics and reporting

– Team collaboration tools

Pros and Cons

Clean and simple interface

Affordable pricing plans

Extensive browser extensions

 

Limited analytics in lower-tier plans

Fewer social network integrations than Hootsuite

Pricing

 

Buffer’s pricing starts at $15/month for the Pro plan, which includes 8 social accounts and 100 scheduled posts per account.

Hootsuite vs Buffer

Buffer is known for its user-friendly interface and affordability, making it an excellent choice for individuals and small businesses. Hootsuite offers more extensive analytics and social network integrations.

Hootsuite Alternative #3: Planable

planable dashboard

Planable is designed for teams that emphasize content creation and collaboration. It provides a visual content calendar, making it easy to plan, schedule, and approve social media posts. Its intuitive interface and strong collaboration features facilitate seamless teamwork and content approval workflows. Planable is ideal for marketing teams and agencies that need to coordinate and visualize their social media strategies effectively. 

What It is Best For

Planable is best suited for marketing teams and agencies that focus heavily on collaborative content creation. With its visual content calendar, Planable simplifies the entire process of planning, scheduling, and getting posts approved. This tool is perfect for environments where multiple team members need to work together seamlessly to ensure all content meets quality standards before publication. Its robust collaboration features support efficient team workflows and coordination, making it indispensable for managing complex social media strategies.

Key Features

– Visual content calendar

– Collaboration and approval workflows

– Content scheduling



Pros and Cons

Intuitive visual calendar

Strong collaboration features

Easy content approval process



Limited integrations compared to Hootsuite

Fewer advanced analytics

Pricing

Planable offers pricing starting at $39/month for the basic plan, which includes 3 workspaces and unlimited posts.

Hootsuite vs Planable

Planable’s visual content calendar and collaboration features make it ideal for teams that focus heavily on content creation and planning. Hootsuite, on the other hand, provides more robust social media management and analytics

Hootsuite Alternative #4: Sprout Social

social-media-competitor-analysis-tool-sproutsocial

Sprout Social is a comprehensive social media management tool designed for larger teams and enterprises. It offers advanced analytics, CRM integration, and robust social media management capabilities. With its detailed insights and strong customer support, Sprout Social helps businesses manage their social media interactions and customer relationships effectively. Its centralized platform makes it easier to oversee multiple accounts and track performance comprehensively.

What It is Best For

Sprout Social is best suited for organizations that need powerful analytics and CRM features to manage their social media presence. Ideal for larger teams and enterprises, it provides detailed insights into social media performance, facilitating data-driven decision-making. The platform’s robust management capabilities and excellent customer support make it a go-to solution for businesses seeking a comprehensive tool to streamline social media interactions and customer relationship management.

Key Features

 

– Social media management

– Advanced analytics

– CRM features

Pros and Cons

Comprehensive analytics

Strong customer support

CRM integration



Higher price point

Steeper learning curve

Pricing

Sprout Social’s pricing starts at $99 per user/month, which includes 5 social profiles and essential features.

Hootsuite vs Sprout Social

 

Sprout Social offers advanced analytics and CRM capabilities, making it a great choice for larger teams and businesses. Hootsuite’s lower-tier plans are more affordable and suitable for smaller teams.

Hootsuite Alternative #5: SocialPilot

Social pilot dashboard

SocialPilot is an affordable and robust social media management tool tailored for agencies and large teams. It provides bulk scheduling, client management tools, and extensive social media integrations. Designed to help users efficiently manage numerous social accounts, SocialPilot is an excellent choice for those needing to handle high volumes of social media activities while keeping costs low.

What It is Best For

SocialPilot is ideal for agencies and large teams seeking a cost-effective solution for managing multiple social media accounts. Its features, including bulk scheduling and client management tools, are perfect for handling substantial social media workloads. The platform’s extensive integrations and strong scheduling capabilities make it particularly suited for teams that require efficient and scalable social media management at an affordable price.



Key Features

– Post scheduling

– Bulk scheduling

– Client management tools

Pros and Cons

Affordable pricing

Strong bulk scheduling features

Extensive social media integrations



Basic analytics

User interface can be improved

Pricing

SocialPilot’s pricing starts at $30/month for the Professional plan, which includes 25 social accounts and unlimited scheduling.

Hootsuite vs SocialPilot

 

SocialPilot’s affordability and bulk scheduling make it an excellent option for agencies and large teams. Hootsuite offers more advanced analytics and user experience.

Hootsuite Alternative #6: Agorapulse

Agorapulse dahsboard

Agorapulse is recognized for its unified social inbox and robust customer support, making it a top choice for teams dedicated to customer engagement. The platform provides comprehensive reporting, content scheduling, and social media monitoring features. It is particularly well-suited for businesses that prioritize effective management of social media interactions and require detailed analytics to measure and enhance their performance.

What It is Best For

Agorapulse is best suited for teams that prioritize customer engagement and need in-depth reporting. Its unified social inbox allows businesses to manage all social media interactions in one place, while the strong customer support ensures smooth operations. Agorapulse is perfect for organizations that demand comprehensive analytics and monitoring features to track social media performance and refine their strategies based on detailed insights.

Key Features

– Social inbox

– Monitoring and reporting

– Content scheduling

Pros and Cons

Unified social inbox

Strong customer support

Comprehensive reporting

 

Expensive for small businesses

Limited integrations compared to Hootsuite

Pricing

Agorapulse’s pricing starts at $99/month for the Medium plan, which includes 10 social profiles and advanced features.

Hootsuite vs Agorapulse

Agorapulse excels in social inbox management and customer support, making it suitable for teams focused on customer engagement. Hootsuite provides a broader range of social media management tools.

Hootsuite Alternative #7: Sendible

sendible dashboard

Sendible is a versatile social media management tool that excels in combining robust monitoring and CRM features. It offers businesses detailed insights and a customizable dashboard to streamline their social media activities. With integrations across numerous social networks, Sendible provides comprehensive tools for scheduling, monitoring, and engaging with audiences, making it a powerful platform for effective social media management.

What It is Best For

Sendible is ideal for businesses that demand detailed insights and a highly customizable dashboard for their social media management. It is particularly suited for companies that need to engage with their audience effectively through strong monitoring and CRM capabilities. The platform’s versatility and extensive integrations with various social networks make it an excellent choice for those seeking robust scheduling, monitoring, and customer relationship management tools.

Key Features

 

– Post scheduling

– Social media monitoring

– CRM features

Pros and Cons

 

Customizable dashboard

Strong monitoring features

Integration with many social networks



Higher price point

Complex user interface



Pricing

Sendible’s pricing starts at $29/month for the Starter plan, which includes 6 services and basic features.

Hootsuite vs Sendible

Sendible offers strong monitoring and CRM features, making it ideal for businesses that need detailed insights and customer relationship management. Hootsuite’s more straightforward interface may be easier for new users.

Hootsuite Alternative #8: Planoly

Planoly dashboard

Planoly is perfect for Instagram-focused users, offering top-notch visual planning tools and an intuitive interface. It enables users to schedule and manage Instagram posts while providing valuable insights and analytics to track performance. Planoly is especially popular among influencers and social media managers who emphasize visual content and require a streamlined tool for Instagram planning.

What It is Best For

Planoly is best suited for influencers and social media managers who concentrate on Instagram. Its excellent visual planning tools and user-friendly interface make scheduling and managing Instagram posts straightforward. The platform’s insights and analytics assist users in tracking performance, and its affordable pricing ensures accessibility for those prioritizing visual content and seeking an efficient Instagram planning tool.

Key Features

– Visual content calendar

– Instagram scheduling

– Analytics and insights

Pros and Cons

Excellent for Instagram management

Visual planning tools

Affordable pricing

 

Limited to Instagram and Pinterest

Basic analytics

Pricing

Planoly offers a free plan with basic features and premium plans starting at $9/month for additional features.

Hootsuite vs Planoly

Planoly is perfect for Instagram-focused users who need visual planning tools. Hootsuite offers a wider range of social media management features and network integrations.

Hootsuite Alternative #9: CoSchedule

Coschedule dashboard

CoSchedule offers a unified marketing calendar and robust collaboration tools, specifically designed for content-focused teams. It centralizes marketing efforts, integrating various tools to streamline workflows and ensure cohesive strategy execution. CoSchedule excels at helping teams manage their content creation and marketing strategies efficiently, providing a comprehensive solution for planning and executing marketing campaigns seamlessly.

What It is Best For

CoSchedule is ideal for content-focused teams looking to consolidate their marketing activities in a single platform. Its unified marketing calendar and strong collaboration features make it perfect for coordinating content creation and marketing strategies. The platform’s comprehensive approach assists teams in planning and executing campaigns effectively, with integrations that simplify and enhance workflow management.

Key Features

– Marketing calendar

– Content scheduling

– Team collaboration

Pros and Cons

Unified marketing calendar

Strong collaboration features

Integrates with various marketing tools

 

 Higher pricing

 Limited social media management features

Pricing

CoSchedule’s pricing starts at $29/month for the Marketing Calendar plan.

Hootsuite vs CoSchedule

CoSchedule’s marketing calendar and collaboration tools are excellent for content-focused teams. Hootsuite provides more comprehensive social media management capabilities.

Hootsuite Alternative #10: Later

Later dashboard

Later is a visual content planning tool that excels in scheduling for Instagram and Pinterest. With a user-friendly interface and affordable pricing, it has become a popular choice among social media managers and influencers. The platform’s visual content calendar enables users to efficiently plan and schedule posts, making it an excellent option for those prioritizing visual content and seeking a straightforward planning tool.

What It is Best For

Later is best suited for social media managers and influencers focused on visual platforms like Instagram and Pinterest. Its intuitive interface and visual content calendar simplify the process of planning and scheduling posts. The tool’s affordable pricing and ease of use make it ideal for those who emphasize visual content and require a reliable solution for managing their social media presence effectively.

Key Features

– Visual content calendar

– Instagram and Pinterest scheduling

– Analytics

Pros and Cons

User-friendly interface

Visual planning tools

Affordable pricing

 

Limited to Instagram, Pinterest, Facebook, and Twitter

  Basic analytics

Pricing

Later offers a free plan with basic features and premium plans starting at $12.50/month.

Hootsuite vs Later

Later’s visual content calendar and focus on Instagram make it a great tool for social media managers and influencers. Hootsuite’s broader range of features and network integrations may be more suitable for larger teams.

Hootsuite Alternative #11: SocialBee

Social bee dashboard

SocialBee offers robust content categorization and automation features, making it ideal for businesses with diverse content schedules. The platform supports evergreen posting and audience growth tools, enabling users to maintain a consistent social media presence. SocialBee is designed for those who need strong automation capabilities and straightforward content organization to streamline their social media management.

What It is Best For

SocialBee is best suited for businesses seeking efficient content categorization and automation solutions. Its evergreen posting and audience growth tools help maintain a steady social media presence with minimal manual effort. SocialBee’s powerful automation capabilities and easy-to-use content organization features make it perfect for managing varied content schedules, ensuring seamless and consistent social media activity.

Key Features

– Content categorization

– Evergreen posting

– Audience growth tools

Pros and Cons

Easy content organization

Strong automation features

Affordable plans

 

Limited advanced analytics

Basic reporting tools

Pricing

SocialBee’s pricing starts at $19/month for the Bootstrap plan, which includes 5 social profiles and essential features.

Hootsuite vs Later

SocialBee is ideal for those who need efficient content categorization and automation. Hootsuite offers more advanced analytics and broader social media management features.



Hootsuite Alternative #12: ContentStudio

content studio Dashboard

ContentStudio is a comprehensive tool tailored for teams that handle large volumes of content. It stands out in content discovery, curation, publishing, and collaboration, offering a unified social inbox and robust analytics. ContentStudio is ideal for those focusing on content marketing and social media strategy, as it helps streamline workflows and manage social media presence efficiently.

What It is Best For

ContentStudio is best suited for teams heavily involved in content marketing and social media strategy. Its strengths in content discovery, curation, publishing, and collaboration make it perfect for streamlining content workflows. With a unified social inbox and powerful analytics, ContentStudio supports effective social media management, making it a go-to solution for content-driven organizations seeking a comprehensive tool.

Key Features

– Content discovery

– Publishing and scheduling

– Social inbox

Pros and Cons

Strong content curation tools

Unified social inbox

Collaboration features

 

Higher price point

Steeper learning curve

Pricing

ContentStudio’s pricing starts at $49/month for the Pro plan, which includes 10 social accounts and essential features.

Hootsuite vs ContentStudio

ContentStudio excels in content curation and collaboration, making it a great choice for content-heavy teams. Hootsuite offers a more user-friendly interface and better pricing options for smaller teams.

Hootsuite Alternative #13: Metricool

Metricool dashboard

Metricool provides comprehensive analytics and competitor analysis at an affordable price, catering to analytics-focused teams and small businesses. It features social media analytics, ad management, and straightforward reports. Metricool enables users to gain valuable insights into their social media performance and track competitors, offering an intuitive interface for data-driven decision-making.

What It is Best For

Metricool is best for teams and small businesses that prioritize analytics and need detailed insights into their social media activities. With robust analytics, competitor analysis, and ad management capabilities, it supports data-driven decision-making. Metricool’s cost-effective pricing and easy-to-understand reports make it an excellent choice for those looking to refine their social media strategies based on comprehensive performance metrics.

Key Features

– Social media analytics

– Competitor analysis

– Ad management

Pros and Cons

Comprehensive analytics

Easy-to-understand reports

Affordable pricing

 

 Limited scheduling features

Basic interface

Pricing

Metricool’s pricing starts at $10/month for the Basic plan, which includes essential analytics features.

Hootsuite vs ContentStudio

Metricool provides excellent analytics and competitor analysis at an affordable price. Hootsuite offers a more comprehensive social media management suite.

Hootsuite Alternative #14: Pally

pally dashboard

Pally is specifically designed for brands that emphasize influencer marketing and need detailed analytics. It offers a suite of tools for managing influencer collaborations, tracking social media performance, and scheduling content. With its user-friendly interface and in-depth insights, Pally helps businesses effectively measure and optimize their influencer marketing campaigns.

What It is Best For

Pally is ideal for brands that prioritize influencer marketing and require comprehensive analytics to assess campaign effectiveness. It provides robust tools for managing influencer partnerships, analyzing social media metrics, and scheduling posts. Pally’s intuitive interface and detailed analytics make it an excellent choice for businesses looking to enhance their influencer marketing strategies and achieve precise, data-driven results.



Key Features

– Influencer marketing

– Social media analytics

– Content scheduling

Pros and Cons

✓ Focus on influencer marketing

✓ Detailed analytics

✓ User-friendly interface

 

✗ Limited integrations

✗ Higher price point

Pricing

Pally’s pricing starts at $25/month for the Basic plan, which includes essential influencer marketing and analytics features.

Hootsuite vs Pally

Pally is ideal for brands focusing on influencer marketing and detailed analytics. Hootsuite offers broader social media management tools and better integration options.

Hootsuite Alternative #15: VistaSocial

vista social dashboard

VistaSocial offers an affordable and comprehensive suite of social media management features tailored for small to medium-sized businesses. It includes tools for post scheduling, analytics, and social media monitoring. VistaSocial’s strong analytics and straightforward interface make it easy for users to manage their social media activities effectively, providing an efficient solution for businesses looking to enhance their social media presence.

What It is Best For

VistaSocial is best suited for small to medium-sized businesses seeking a cost-effective tool for social media management. It excels in providing balanced features for post scheduling, analytics, and monitoring, making it ideal for comprehensive social media management. The platform’s robust analytics and user-friendly interface ensure reliable performance without the burden of high costs, making it a practical choice for businesses aiming to streamline their social media operations.

Key Features

– Post scheduling

– Analytics and reporting

– Social media monitoring

Pros and Cons

Comprehensive social media management

Strong analytics

Affordable pricing



Limited advanced features

Basic user interface

Pricing

VistaSocial’s pricing starts at $49/month for the Professional plan, which includes 10 social accounts and essential features.

Hootsuite vs VistaSocial

VistaSocial provides a balanced set of social media management features at an affordable price. Hootsuite offers more advanced features and a more polished user interface.



What are the Best Free Hootsuite Alternatives?

For those on a tight budget, there are several free alternatives to Hootsuite that offer valuable features without the cost. Here are some of the best free Hootsuite alternatives, each with a summary of their free plans:

Competitors.app

competitors app logo square white bg

While Competitors App does not offer a free plan, it provides an excellent 15-day free trial that allows you to explore its comprehensive features.

Planoly

planoly logo

Planoly offers a visual content calendar and tools for Instagram scheduling and basic analytics. The free plan allows users to manage one social profile and schedule up to 30 posts per month.

Buffer

buffer logo

Buffer’s free plan includes post scheduling, basic analytics, and browser extensions. It allows users to manage up to 3 social accounts with a limit of 10 scheduled posts per account.

Later

Later logo

Later’s free plan offers a visual content calendar, Instagram scheduling, and basic analytics. It allows users to manage one social profile per platform and schedule up to 30 posts per profile.

Features To Look for in Tools Similar to Hootsuite

Features To Look for in Tools Similar to Hootsuite

When choosing a Hootsuite alternative, it’s crucial to evaluate the features that will best support your social media management needs. Here are key aspects to consider:

Scheduling and Automation

Importance: Scheduling and automation are core functionalities for any social media management tool. They enable you to plan your content in advance and maintain a consistent posting schedule without having to manually publish each post.

 

What to Look For:

– Ease of Use: The tool should have an intuitive scheduling interface that allows you to quickly schedule posts across multiple platforms.

– Automation Capabilities: Look for features like automatic posting at optimal times, bulk scheduling, and content recycling for evergreen posts.

– Calendar View: A visual content calendar can help you see your scheduled posts at a glance, making it easier to manage your social media strategy.

Analytics and Reporting

Importance: Detailed analytics and reporting are essential for measuring the effectiveness of your social media efforts. They provide insights into what’s working and what needs improvement.

 

What to Look For:

– Comprehensive Metrics: The tool should track a wide range of metrics, including engagement, reach, impressions, and follower growth.

– Customizable Reports: Being able to generate customized reports allows you to focus on the data that matters most to your goals.

– Historical Data: Access to historical data helps you analyze trends over time and make informed decisions based on past performance.



User Interface

Importance: A user-friendly interface can significantly reduce the time and effort required to manage your social media accounts. It also helps minimize the learning curve, especially for new users.

 

What to Look For:

– Intuitive Design: The tool should be easy to navigate, with a clean and organized layout.

– Customization Options: Being able to customize your dashboard to display the most relevant information can enhance your workflow.

Onboarding and Support: Look for tools that offer comprehensive onboarding tutorials and responsive customer support to help you get started quickly.

User Integrations

Importance: Integrations with other tools and social networks can streamline your workflow by allowing you to manage all aspects of your social media strategy from a single platform.

 

What to Look For:

– Social Network Integrations: Ensure the tool supports all the social networks you use, including Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, LinkedIn, Pinterest, and others.

– Third-Party Integrations: Check for integrations with other tools you rely on, such as CRM systems, email marketing platforms, analytics tools, and content creation software.

– API Access: If you need custom integrations, look for tools that offer API access to extend their functionality.

Pricing

Importance: Pricing is a crucial factor, especially for small businesses and individuals. It’s important to find a tool that fits within your budget while still offering the necessary features.

 

What to Look For:

– Free Plan: Many tools offer free plans with basic features, which can be a good starting point if you’re on a tight budget.

– Scalability: Look for pricing plans that scale with your needs, so you can upgrade as your requirements grow.

– Value for Money: Consider the overall value offered by the tool in terms of features and support, rather than just the cost.

How To Choose The Best Hootsuite Alternative

  1. Assess Your Needs

 

Start by identifying what you need from a social media management tool. Consider the following questions:

 

  • Which social networks do you manage? Make sure the alternative supports all the platforms you use.
  • How many accounts do you manage? Some tools have limitations on the number of accounts you can link.
  • What are your primary goals? Determine whether you need robust scheduling, advanced analytics, team collaboration, or specific features like content curation or influencer management.
  1. Determine Your Budget

 

Budget is a critical factor in choosing the right tool. Outline how much you are willing to spend and consider both short-term and long-term costs:

 

  • Free vs. Paid Plans: Free plans often come with limitations, but they can be sufficient for small businesses or individuals. Assess if a free plan meets your needs or if a paid plan offers necessary features that justify the cost.
  • Scalability: Choose a tool that can grow with your business. It should offer higher-tier plans that add more value as your requirements increase.



  1. Evaluate Key Features

Based on your needs, prioritize the features that are most important to you:

  • Scheduling and Automation: Look for easy-to-use scheduling tools that support automation, bulk scheduling, and a visual content calendar.
  • Analytics and Reporting: Ensure the tool offers detailed analytics and customizable reports to track your performance effectively.
  • User Interface: A clean, intuitive interface will save time and make managing your social media more efficient.
  • Integrations: Check if the tool integrates with all the social networks and third-party applications you use, such as CRM systems, email marketing platforms, and analytics tools.
  1. Compare Top Alternatives

 

Here’s a quick comparison of some of the top 3 Hootsuite alternatives:



 Competitors.app

– Pros: In-depth competitor analysis, customizable reports.

– Cons: No free plan, higher learning curve.

– Best For: Businesses focused on competitor tracking and analysis.

 

Buffer

– Pros: User-friendly, affordable, strong browser extensions.

– Cons: Limited analytics in lower-tier plans, fewer integrations.

– Best For: Individuals and small businesses looking for an easy-to-use scheduling tool

 

Planoly

– Pros: Visual planning tools, affordable, easy to use.

– Cons: Limited to Instagram and Pinterest, basic analytics.

– Best For: Instagram-focused users needing visual content planning.

  1. Test the Tools

 

Many tools offer free trials or free plans. Take advantage of these to test the tools:

 

  • Free Trials: Sign up for free trials to explore premium features.
  • User Reviews and Case Studies: Read reviews and case studies to see how other users have benefited from the tool.

 

  1. Make Your Decision

 

After evaluating your needs, budget, and the features of different tools, narrow down your choices. Consider:

 

  • Total Cost of Ownership: Calculate the overall cost, including any add-ons or extra features you might need.
  • Feature Fit: Ensure the tool meets your primary requirements without too many compromises.
  • Ease of Use: Prefer tools with a user-friendly interface to minimize the learning curve.

 

By following these steps, you can confidently choose the best Hootsuite alternative that aligns with your social media management needs, helping you achieve your goals more effectively and efficiently.

Best Alternatives to Hootsuite: Final Thoughts

The best Hootsuite alternative depends on your specific needs, budget, and the social media platforms you prioritize. Whether you’re a small business, a nonprofit, or a large enterprise, there is a social media management tool tailored to help you effectively manage your social media presence and achieve your marketing goals. Consider your unique requirements and explore the features of each alternative to find the perfect fit for your social media strategy.

FAQs about Hootsuite alternatives

1. Is Hootsuite free anymore?

Hootsuite still offers a free plan, but it comes with limited features.

2. Is Hootsuite the best tool for social media management?

While Hootsuite is a popular choice, the best tool depends on your specific needs and budget.

3. Is there a free alternative to Hootsuite?

Yes, there are several free alternatives to Hootsuite, such as Buffer, Later, and Planoly.

4. Is there anything similar to Hootsuite?

Many tools offer similar features to Hootsuite, including Competitors.app, Sprout Social, and Agorapulse.

5. What are the best Hootsuite alternatives for a small business?

For small businesses, Competitors.app, Buffer, SocialPilot, and Planable are excellent alternatives to Hootsuite.

6. What are the best Hootsuite alternatives for nonprofits?

Nonprofits might find Competitors.app, Agorapulse, Buffer, and Sendible to be suitable alternatives with features that cater to their needs.



7. Who competes with Hootsuite?

Several tools compete with Hootsuite, including Competitors.app,  Buffer, Sprout Social, Agorapulse, and Sendible.

8. Why is Buffer better than Hootsuite?

Buffer offers a simpler interface and more affordable pricing, making it ideal for individuals and small teams.

9. Do people still use Hootsuite?

Yes, Hootsuite remains a popular choice for social media management.

10. Is there a cheaper option to Hootsuite?

Yes, alternatives like Competitors.app, Buffer, SocialPilot, and Planoly offer more affordable pricing plans.