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Buffer vs Zoho Social

Pricing, networks, publishing, AI and team features side by side. A green highlight marks a row where one tool has a feature the other doesn't.

Last updated Reviewed by the Social9 teamPrices checked November 2026

Buffer vs Zoho Social: which is better?

Choose Buffer for solo creators and small teams who want a simple queue; choose Zoho Social for teams already working in Zoho CRM. Buffer starts at $5/channel/month (billed yearly) and has a free plan, while Zoho Social starts at $10/brand/month (billed yearly) and has a free plan. Zoho Social lists more networks (14 vs 12).

Buffer

From $5

Zoho Social

From $10

Pricing

Starting priceAs each vendor lists it: some charge per user or per channel.
Buffer: $5/channel/month (billed yearly)
Zoho Social: $10/brand/month (billed yearly)
Free plan
Buffer: Yes
Zoho Social: Yes
Yearly discount
Buffer: 2 months free
Zoho Social: 33%

Networks

Networks you can publish to
Buffer: 12 networks
Zoho Social: 14 networks (advantage Zoho Social)
LinkedIn
Buffer: Yes
Zoho Social: Yes
X
Buffer: Yes
Zoho Social: Yes
Instagram
Buffer: Yes
Zoho Social: Yes
Facebook
Buffer: Yes
Zoho Social: Yes
Threads
Buffer: Yes
Zoho Social: Yes
TikTok
Buffer: Yes
Zoho Social: Yes
YouTube
Buffer: Yes
Zoho Social: Yes
Pinterest
Buffer: Yes
Zoho Social: Yes
Google Business Profile
Buffer: Yes
Zoho Social: Yes
Bluesky
Buffer: Yes
Zoho Social: Yes
Mastodon
Buffer: Yes
Zoho Social: Yes

Publishing

Content calendar
Buffer: Yes
Zoho Social: Yes
Posting queue
Buffer: Yes
Zoho Social: Yes
Bulk or CSV upload
Buffer: No
Zoho Social: Yes (advantage Zoho Social)
Best time to post
Buffer: Yes
Zoho Social: Yes
Recurring posts
Buffer: No
Zoho Social: Yes (advantage Zoho Social)

AI

AI writing
Buffer: Yes
Zoho Social: Yes

Team & agency

Approval workflow
Buffer: No
Zoho Social: Yes (advantage Zoho Social)
Client approvals
Buffer: No
Zoho Social: Yes (advantage Zoho Social)
White-label
Buffer: No
Zoho Social: No
Roles and permissions
Buffer: Yes
Zoho Social: Yes
Unified inbox
Buffer: No
Zoho Social: Yes (advantage Zoho Social)
Social listening
Buffer: No
Zoho Social: Yes (advantage Zoho Social)

Prices in USD, checked November 2026 on each vendor's own site. "Not listed" means our data doesn't cover it, not that the tool lacks it. Plans change, so check the vendor's page before you buy.

Buffer vs Zoho Social: FAQ

Is Buffer cheaper than Zoho Social?

Buffer starts at $5/channel/month (billed yearly); Zoho Social starts at $10/brand/month (billed yearly). Buffer charges per channel and Zoho Social charges per brand, so the total depends on how many of those you need. Prices checked November 2026.

Do Buffer and Zoho Social have a free plan?

Yes, both do: Buffer and Zoho Social each have a free plan.

Which supports more social networks, Buffer or Zoho Social?

Zoho Social lists 14 networks, against 12 for Buffer. Only Buffer lists Substack; only Zoho Social lists Snapchat, WhatsApp Business and Telegram.

Do Buffer and Zoho Social have AI writing?

Yes, both list AI writing.

What is the difference between Buffer and Zoho Social?

Buffer is built for solo creators and small teams who want a simple queue, with multi-platform scheduling, content calendar and AI Assistant. Zoho Social is built for teams already working in Zoho CRM, with social listening, CRM integration and AI Assistant (Zia).

Read the full reviews

Also worth a look: Social9

AI Autopilot that writes in your brand voice, all 11 networks, a free plan and paid plans from $12/month.