Sprout Social is a tool that’s long been in the game of social media management and is also well-known for its automation, scheduling, and analytics.
However, does being in the industry for a long time and having all the essential tools make it the best?
For some, yes, but for other business owners, it might not be the ideal choice for many reasons.
Short Summary
- Sprout Social is a great tool, but frequently too expensive for small teams and agencies.
- Numerous substitutes offer comparable or superior features at more affordable costs.
- The most adaptable, reasonably priced, and user-friendly choice is Social Champ.
- Hootsuite, Agorapulse, Later, SocialPilot, Buffer, and Zoho Social are some more Sprout Social alternatives.
- Analytics, teamwork, content recycling, and visual planning are just a few of the areas where each tool shines.
One of those reasons can be its expensive pricing and a steep jump between its tiers. I mean, who would want to pay another $100 just to get a few more features?
There are many Sprout Social alternatives that have a lot of similar features, but without the high jump or expensive tiers.
In this blog, we will mention all the social media management tools that are on par with Sprout Social, so you can compare what you already have and what you can get with other tools.
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Our Top Sprout Social Alternative Picks
Among the top contenders for Sprout Social alternatives, five have stood the test of time and remain the best social media management tools for businesses and creators.
Here are our top five social media management tools, which we believe should be yours as well.
| Tool | Starting Price | Key Features | Best for |
|---|---|---|---|
| Sprout Social | $199/month | Engagement, analytics, content planning, customer care | Enterprises & data-focused marketers |
| Social Champ | $4/month | Publishing and scheduling, social media calendar, social inbox, social listening, analytics | Startups, SMBs, marketing agencies, & large enterprises |
| Hootsuite | $99/month | Publishing, analytics, social listening, customer support, ad management | Agencies & multi-brand teams |
| Agorapulse | $79/month | Publishing, collaboration, engagement, reporting, listening | Small to medium businesses and large organizations |
| NapoleonCat | $79/month | Social inbox, publisher, AI assistant, analytics, team collaboration | Agencies, e-commerce, small businesses, enterprises |
| Loomly | $49/month | Publish and schedule, collaboration, content creation, engagement, reporting | SMBs, agencies, and large enterprises |
Your Budget Deserves Better!
Every dollar overspent on Sprout is a dollar you could put into ads or growth. Social Champ frees your budget without cutting capability.
Top Sprout Social Alternatives Compared by Features & Pricing
Still looking for more options? Don’t worry, we won’t leave you hanging!
Here’s the comparison table containing all the other social media tools that also make waves. While they might not be the best, unlike the ones mentioned above, they may still do the job for you.
| Tool | Starting Price | Key Features | Best for |
|---|---|---|---|
| Later | $16.67/month | Planning & scheduling, AI features, analytics, team collaboration, social inbox, social listening, link in bio | Content creators, freelancers, solopreneurs, and small businesses |
| Metricool | $18/month | Planner, analytics, social inbox, team collaboration | SMBs, content creators, social media managers, and agencies |
| SocialPilot | $25.50/month | Scheduling, analytics, client management, white-label reporting, and team collaboration | Agencies, SMBs, and social media managers |
| Sendible | $29/month | Smart queues, CRM integration, white-label reports, and client collaboration | Agencies, expanding businesses, and social media managers |
| Buffer | $5/month | Content creation, publishing, analytics, engagement, collaboration | Creators, solopreneurs, and small businesses |
| SocialBee | $24/month | Content creation, scheduling, analytics, engagement, social listening | Content-heavy workflows |
| Planable | $33/month | Content creation, planning, collaboration, engagement, analytics | Marketing agencies and growing teams |
| CoSchedule | $19/month | Calendar, social publishing, content creation, AI tools, analytics | Marketing teams seeking integrated planning |
| ContentStudio | $19/month | Publishing and scheduling, planning and collaboration, analytics and reporting, social inbox, RSS feed management | Marketing agencies and content creators |
| Zoho Social | $10/month | Publishing, monitoring, analytics, and CRM integration with the Zoho suite | SMBs and CRM-focused teams |
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Top 15 Sprout Social Alternatives Ranked by ROI, Ease, and Support
Although Sprout Social is a popular choice, companies are frequently pushed to search for more effective, affordable, and user-friendly alternatives due to its high cost and complexity.
Below, we break down the top 15 Sprout Social alternatives, along with their advantages and disadvantages in terms of ROI, usability, and customer service.
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Social Champ
Social Champ’s Dashboard Social Champ is a social media management tool that is affordable yet practical at the same time.
Startups and solopreneurs find Social Champ appealing because it is among the less expensive options compared to Sprout Social.
Tools like bulk scheduling, automatic RSS posting, and a straightforward dashboard are among its key features.
The ROI is high for users who require simple publishing tools without a high price tag. The platform is made to be user-friendly for everyone, and support is responsive.
Key Features
- Schedule and publish across 11+ social media platforms, including Facebook, Instagram, Threads, Pinterest, TikTok, Google Business Profile, X, LinkedIn, Mastodon, YouTube, and Bluesky.
- Create visual cues, come up with content ideas, and write captions using the integrated AI Suite.
- Plan weeks and months worth of content with the help of a social media calendar.
- Oversee all discussions from a single inbox that collects messages and comments from various platforms.
- Use internal notes, approval workflows, and role-based access to work together as a team.
- Create comprehensive analytics by breaking down engagement, reach, and content performance into exportable, white-labeled reports.
- To improve your social strategy, keep an eye on your brand mentions, competitor activity, and industry trends.
Why Pay More for the Same Features?
Social Champ gives you bulk scheduling, content recycling, team roles, and detailed reports without the hefty price tag of Sprout Social.
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Hootsuite
Hootsuite’s Homepage As one of the oldest social media management tools, Hootsuite provides a variety of features like social listening, comprehensive analytics, and teamwork tools.
Your needs determine the return on investment with this tool; larger businesses stand to gain the most with Hootsuite, while smaller teams might find it more expensive.
Because of its many features, ease of use can be a challenge, but once mastered, it’s a strong tool.
With its wealth of training materials and customer service, Hootsuite is a dependable yet expensive option.
Key Features
- Planning and scheduling posts on Facebook, Instagram, X (Twitter), LinkedIn, Pinterest, and YouTube, use a visual content calendar.
- Integrated media library, draft management, and post editor
- Customizable reports and cross-platform analytics
- Real-time tracking of keywords, mentions, and hashtags using social listening streams
- Ad campaign management for Facebook, Instagram, and LinkedIn directly within the dashboard
- Permissions and team assignments for improved internal processes
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Agorapulse
Agorapulse’s Dashboard Agorapulse stands out with its social ROI tracking feature, giving businesses clear insights into how campaigns drive results.
Its social inbox combines the interactions, including all comments and messages from various platforms.
When compared to Sprout, ROI is outstanding because it offers premium features at a lower cost.
It’s easy to use, and their support staff is frequently complimented for being informed and quick to respond.
It’s perfect for teams looking for insights without having to pay for enterprise services.
Key Features
- A single inbox that houses all of the conversations.
- Strong tools for analyzing competitors to help you stay ahead of the game.
- Effective cooperation through clearly defined roles and responsibilities within the team.
- A well-planned publishing schedule for methodical content creation.
- A CRM that is integrated and intended to improve customer relationships.
- ROI reporting that demonstrates the effectiveness of social media campaigns.
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NapoleonCat
NapoleonCat’s Homepage You might not have heard of NapoleonCat as much as other social media management tools, but it truly stands out for its engagement management and moderation.
Its automation tools save time and increase return on investment by handling repetitive tasks.
Even though its analytics are good, brands that handle a lot of comments will find it especially helpful.
Although the community is smaller than that of well-known competitors, support is still beneficial.
Key Features
- Facebook, Instagram, X (Twitter), LinkedIn, and Google Business Profile reviews, comments, and messages are all collected in one location.
- Smart rules that minimize spam and save time by automatically hiding, deleting, or responding to messages and comments.
- A cooperative calendar for organizing and publishing content on popular platforms.
- Team response times and support performance metrics are tracked in detail.
- Engagement metrics, post-level insights, and exportable PDF reports for client or internal use.
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Loomly
Loomly’s Dashboard Loomly is popular among creative teams and agencies for its visual content calendar and approval workflows.
For teams that appreciate structure in their planning process, the return on investment is strong. Even less tech-savvy marketers can use it because of its clear and simple interface.
It also offers a strong support with knowledge-based materials and responsive chats.
Although it might not provide the most comprehensive analytics, it is excellent at organizing content and facilitating teamwork.
Key Features
- Facebook, Instagram, Twitter/X, LinkedIn, Pinterest, Google Business Profile, TikTok, and YouTube are among the popular platforms that are supported.
- Real-time post optimization recommendations and integrated content inspiration.
- Personalized approval procedures that include internal remarks, roles, and permissions.
- Previews that show the appearance of posts on various platforms prior to publication.
- A centralized library for managing, reusing, and storing document, video, and image assets.
- Instagram direct publishing is one of the major networks’ native scheduling and publishing options.
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Later
Later’s Dashboard Later is perfect for fashion, lifestyle, and e-commerce brands because it was developed with Instagram and visual content in mind.
For creators looking to monetize their work, its drag-and-drop calendar, AI caption tools, and “link in bio” features yield a high return on investment.
With its straightforward interface and visual previews, it’s among the simplest tools to learn.
Support is good, but its analytics might not be as comprehensive as Sprout’s, especially for more sophisticated brands.
Key Features
- Drag-and-drop scheduling for a visual content calendar
- AI-driven content concepts and caption writing
- Incorporated “Link in Bio” feature to increase traffic from Instagram’s media library, which stores and arranges branded images.
- In-app analytics to monitor performance, reach, and engagement
- Social Inbox for handling direct messages and comments
- Simple social listening instruments for monitoring brand mentions
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Metricool
Metricool’s Homepage Metricool markets itself as a comprehensive platform for scheduling and analytics.
Giving detailed performance insights across blogs, social media, and even advertisements is how it generates return on investment.
Because of the dashboard’s simplicity, tracking what works across channels is simple.
Although it might lack Planable’s or Loomly’s collaborative capabilities, data-driven teams greatly value it.
Key Features
- Planning and scheduling content for Facebook, Instagram, LinkedIn, TikTok, X (Twitter), Pinterest, YouTube, and Google Business Profile is made easier with this visual calendar.
- Analytics on posts, advertisements, and audience behavior in real time
- White-labeled reports that can be downloaded for internal and client use
- Message and inbox management for effective interaction
- SmartLinks for tracking traffic and optimizing Instagram bios
- Using third-party integrations and user permissions for team collaboration
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SocialPilot
SocialPilot’s Dashboard SocialPilot is another tool that is widely praised for its balance of features, usability, and affordability.
Because it provides sophisticated scheduling, client approval processes, and analytics at a significantly lower cost than Sprout, its ROI is outstanding.
Although the platform is scalable for agencies handling numerous accounts, it is sufficiently easy for novices.
Support is a reliable choice for expanding businesses because it is regularly rated as responsive.
Key Features
- Bulk scheduling that saves time and enables large-scale publishing.
- Tools specifically made for the smooth management of numerous clients.
- A visual content calendar for well-organized and planned posts.
- Reports with a white label that give stakeholders or clients branded insights.
- Integrated collaboration tools that maintain team productivity.
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Sendible
Sendible’s Dashboard Sendible is designed with agencies in mind, with features like client dashboards, white-label reporting, and content approval workflows.
It simplifies reporting and brand management, its return on investment is high for companies with several clients.
The interface is clear and simple. For higher plans, dedicated account assistance is available, and customer service is prompt.
Key Features
- Plan and post content to Google Business Profile, Instagram, YouTube, LinkedIn, Facebook, X (Twitter), and other platforms.
- Integrated tools for content curation to identify and distribute popular articles.
- Bulk scheduling, recurrent posts, and intelligent queues.
- Unified inbox for account-wide engagement management.
- Personalized reports and dashboards for customers.
- Team-specific collaboration tools, user roles, and approvals.
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Buffer
Buffer’s Dashboard One of the easiest and least expensive substitutes for Sprout is Buffer.
It offers small businesses and individuals a great return on investment (ROI) with its AI writing tools, easy scheduling, and generous free tier.
Because of its simplicity, anyone can use it without any training.
Although it lacks enterprise-level analytics, users who value affordability and simplicity choose it because of its support and user-friendliness.
Key Features
- Scheduling and publishing content on various platforms is made easy.
- An engagement dashboard shows the tracking of interactions in real time.
- Basic analytics are available to track overall performance.
- A link-in-bio tool for the Start Page that allows you to share important links in one location.
- AI support for coming up with original post ideas and captions.
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SocialBee
SocialBee’s Dashboard SocialBee stands out with its content categorization feature, letting users recycle evergreen posts while balancing fresh content.
For users who wish to increase content visibility with the least amount of work, this produces a strong return on investment.
The platform has a structured scheduling workflow and is easy to use even for beginners. Users frequently praise the beneficial onboarding process, and support is dependable.
Key Features
- Increased value through clever categorization and content recycling.
- From a single dashboard, post scheduling is available on all major platforms.
- Unique URLs with tracking to gauge the effectiveness of campaigns.
- Zapier integration simplifies workflow automation.
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Planable
Planable’s Homepage Planable is made to facilitate smooth team workflows with real-time collaboration, approval chains, and visual previews.
For marketing teams or agencies that require precise procedures for content approvals, the return on investment is high.
Teams can see posts exactly as they will appear before publishing, which makes it incredibly user-friendly.
Direct and prompt assistance is provided, along with resources specifically designed for agencies.
Key features
- Collaborative post editing in real time with approvals and comments
- A calendar of visual content for various social media platforms
- Previews of posts on each platform side by side
- Engagement tools to monitor responses and respond to comments
- Fundamental performance metrics for post-insights
- Facebook, Instagram, LinkedIn, YouTube, TikTok, Twitter (X), and Google Business Profile are all supported.
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CoSchedule
CoSchedule’s Dashboard CoSchedule is another good tool for teams that focus more on content. It provides a single marketing calendar that includes projects, blogs, and email campaigns.
Teams that wish to coordinate all marketing efforts in one location will see the highest return on investment with CoSchedule.
However, you may require more training to use this tool, as compared to tools like Social Champ, Buffer, or Later, because the platform is more structured.
Particularly for premium users, support is strong, and their educational materials are comprehensive.
Key Features
- Centralized marketing calendar for tasks, emails, blogs, and social media posts.
- AI-driven content assistant for more efficient brainstorming and writing.
- Bulk scheduling for social media publishing on popular platforms.
- Project management features like approval processes and task assignments.
- Performance dashboards to monitor campaign success, team output, and post metrics.
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ContentStudio
ContentStudio’s Homepage ContentStudio offers analytics, social scheduling, and content curation on a single dashboard.
Teams managing a large amount of content across several platforms will find it ideal. The interface is effective for both analysts and marketers because it strikes a balance between depth and usability.
Although it might take some time to become proficient with some advanced features, customer service is dependable.
Key Features
- A single dashboard for controlling several social media accounts and posting blog entries to Medium or WordPress.
- Finding and curating trending content that keeps your brand current and engages your audience.
- Publishing curated content, evergreen posts, or RSS feeds using rules-based automation.
- Advanced analytics provides white-label reports and platform-specific insights.
- Collaboration tools facilitate task assignment, content review, and expedited approvals.
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Zoho Social
Zoho Social’s Dashboard Businesses that already use Zoho CRM, Desk, or other Zoho tools will find Zoho Social to be a great option due to its integration with the larger Zoho ecosystem.
With AI-powered features, a unified inbox, and sophisticated analytics, the platform is user-friendly. Particularly in the Zoho One subscription, support is highly regarded.
Key Features
- Plan postings on Google Business Profile, LinkedIn, Pinterest, Instagram, Facebook, and X (Twitter).
- Keyword tracking, custom streams, and real-time brand monitoring.
- Workflows for team collaboration in publishing and approval.
- Integrated social inbox for central conversation management.
- Smooth interaction with Zoho CRM for social media tactics that support sales.
- Performance analytics with post insights and reports that can be customized.
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Find Your Perfect Match: Best Sprout Social Alternative for Every Use Case
Not every business needs the same set of tools. Some want affordability, others need agency workflows, whereas some simply want a user-friendly platform.
Here are some Sprout Social alternatives for specific cases:
- For Budget-Conscious Businesses: Social Champ is the most cost-effective choice for startups on a tight budget without sacrificing features like automation and bulk scheduling.
- For Enterprise-Level Analytics: Hootsuite and Social Champ excel at enterprise-level analytics and monitoring, but Social Champ is more affordable.
- For Collaboration: Social Champ’s publishing calendar and team features make it a cost-effective substitute for Sprout Social, which is designed for workflows. Although both are good options.
- For Visual-First Creators: Later shines for TikTok and Instagram, but Social Champ offers wider publishing coverage while still supporting these platforms.
- For Analytics-Focused Teams: Social Champ combines analytics, publishing, and engagement in a single tool. Metricool also delves deeply into metrics.
- For Agencies and SMBs: SocialPilot is a good option for agencies and SMBs, but Social Champ provides client and team features at a lower cost.
Featured Article: Sprout Social vs Social Champ – Detailed Comparison in 2025
Expert Buying Checklist: Choosing the Right Alternative to Sprout Social
Selecting the best Sprout Social substitute can be difficult with so many options available.
The key is to prioritize features that support your business objectives while keeping cost and usability in mind.
Before choosing a tool, compare and assess them using this professional checklist.
- Budget Fit: Does the platform provide the features you require at a cost that is appropriate for the size of your company?
- Supported Platforms: Are all of your favorite social media platforms, including YouTube, Instagram, LinkedIn, and TikTok, covered?
- Publishing Features: Is a visual content calendar, auto-publishing, and bulk scheduling available?
- Collaboration Tools: Can your group approve content before it goes live, assign roles, and leave comments?
- Engagement Management: Does it provide a unified inbox for messages, comments, and reviews across platforms?
- Analytics and Reporting: Can you produce branded or white-label reports, and are insights sufficiently detailed for your requirements?
- Content Curation and Recycling: Does the tool facilitate the discovery of trending content and evergreen posting?
- Automation Options: Is it possible to automate repetitive tasks, integrate with Zapier, or establish rules?
- Scalability: Whether you’re an agency, enterprise team, or solopreneur, will the tool expand with your company?
- Quality of Customer Support: Is there trustworthy assistance available by phone, email, or chat when you need it most?
Social Champ Fills This Checklist!
A single inbox. A single calendar. A single dashboard. Social Champ brings it all together. Try it yourself, and see the difference!
Conclusion
Although Sprout Social is a strong platform, it’s not the only choice, nor is it always the most economical.
There are many options that can offer comparable or better value, depending on your priorities, including scalability, analytics, affordability, and teamwork.
With a balanced combination of scheduling, engagement, analytics, and team features at a fraction of Sprout’s cost, Social Champ is the most adaptable and affordable option among all the tools we looked at.
It’s a wise investment for companies looking for a dependable all-in-one solution that doesn’t break the bank.
The platform that best suits your objectives, procedures, and financial constraints is ultimately the best one.
By carefully weighing your options using the above checklist, you can identify the tool that will confidently help your brand grow in addition to managing your social media accounts.