15 Best Hootsuite Alternatives for 2025 (Expert Verified)

Hootsuite is the OG of social media marketing platforms. It’s an icon, a trailblazer, and for many years, it’s been the moment in social media management.

But with great power comes great responsibility, and lately, Hootsuite hasn’t quite been delivering. Some even argue that the platform has moved past its prime.

For starters, not all Hootsuite users are fans. Many cite frustrations with the platform’s steep pricing—starting at a hefty $99/month—and a perceived lack of customer loyalty.

Reports of overnight price hikes without prior warning have further fueled dissatisfaction. Just look at what this user has to say:

But the grievances don’t stop there. Customers have voiced concerns about unresponsive customer support, difficulty canceling subscriptions, and unexpected additional charges.

These pain points have left users searching for alternatives—tools that are not only dependable but also kinder to their budgets.

In this guide, I’ll share some top tools I’ve personally tried and tested—alternatives like Social Champ—that offer better features, better pricing, and, crucially, better scheduling.

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Quick Overview of Hootsuite Alternatives

Why Should You Consider Hootsuite Alternatives?

Hootsuite is a big player in the market, so I had big expectations for it.

However, after some hands-on testing and digging into user reviews, I’ve noticed a few things that might make you think twice before committing to it.

Let me break it down for you.

Approval Workflows: Not Ideal for Testing

One of the standout features of any social media management tool is how it handles approvals, especially for teams.

Hootsuite does offer approval workflows, but there’s a big catch—you only get access to this feature on their Business plans.

This is frustrating for smaller teams or individuals because you can’t test the approval process on trial or lower-tier plans.

The only way to see it in action? Book a demo. That’s a bit of a letdown when you’re evaluating tools.

No Centralized Media Library

Here’s another area where Hootsuite falls short: there’s no central media library.

This might not seem like a big deal initially, but when managing multiple brands or campaigns, having a dedicated space for your assets is a game-changer.

Sure, there’s a workaround where you can connect Google Drive or Dropbox, but let’s be honest—that’s clunky and far from seamless.

Difficulty in Cancellation

Canceling a Hootsuite subscription can be more complicated than you might expect. Many users have shared frustrations about hidden terms, such as the 60-day notice period required to avoid auto-renewal.

This policy is often buried in small print or overlooked during onboarding calls, leaving businesses locked into their 12-month contracts even if they’ve tried to cancel ahead of time.

For agencies and businesses already dealing with platform glitches or changes impacting their workflows, this lack of flexibility can be a significant pain point.

High Pricing for Limited Features

Hootsuite’s pricing structure is another sticking point. Here’s what you get:

• Professional Plan: Costs $99/month for one user and up to 10 social accounts. This includes scheduling, basic social listening, Canva integration, posting times, and a hashtag generator.
• Team Plan: Costs $249/month for up to three users. You get everything in the Professional Plan, plus the ability to share the account and assign direct messages to team members.
• Enterprise Plan: This plan supports at least 5 users and 50 social accounts, offering advanced features like approval workflows, asset management, a content library, and automated engagement tools. It also includes Single Sign-On (SSO), unlimited ad spend, and free Hootsuite Academy training, making it ideal for large teams.

Keep in mind, these prices don’t include taxes, so the final cost can add up quickly. For the price, you’d expect more robust features, but that’s not the case.

Compared to alternatives, Hootsuite can feel overpriced for what it delivers.

Customer Support (Or Lack Thereof)

One thing that stood out during my experience was Hootsuite’s customer support—or lack thereof.

Responses can take days, which is less than ideal when you’re trying to resolve urgent issues.

And I am not the only one who experienced this. As I was studying reviews, unresponsive customer support was a common theme among Hootsuite users. Just take a look at this review on Trustpilot

Laggy Features

Some of Hootsuite’s more advanced features come with a lag.

This is especially frustrating when you’re trying to work with a large team only to face delays or glitches that slow everyone down.

Combine that with slow customer support, and you’ve got a recipe for frustration.

I wanted to see if my experience was unique, so I checked user reviews. Turns out, it’s not just me. Here’s an example from G2 that echoes my experience:

Hootsuite is undoubtedly popular, but it has its share of shortcomings.

If you’re looking for a tool that’s feature-rich, affordable, and reliable, you might want to explore some alternatives like this user:

There are plenty of tools like Social Champ that offer better approval workflows, centralized media libraries, and responsive support—all at a more reasonable price.

Keep reading to discover some of the best Hootsuite alternatives I’ve tested!

15 Best Hootsuite Alternatives for 2025

1. Social Champ

   

   If you’re looking for a social media management tool that actually fits your budget, then you absolutely need to try out Social Champ!

   This tool can be your personal social media assistant, handling everything from scheduling and publishing to analytics and listening, all while being super affordable.

   Seriously, it’s packed with features that rival (and sometimes surpass!) Hootsuite, but without the hefty price tag.

   Whether you’re a solopreneur, a bustling agency, or somewhere in between, Social Champ has you covered.

   Plus, it’s a one-stop shop for all your social media needs, offering a complete suite of services. Oh, and did I mention it integrates with Google Analytics 4 (GA4)? Yep, it does that too!

   Let’s explore the tool in detail and see why Social Champ might just become your new favorite social media management tool!

   What Is Social Champ?

   Social Champ is an all-in-one social media management platform designed to make your job easier.

   It’s your complete solution for managing, optimizing, and growing your social media presence.

   From crafting the perfect posts and scheduling them across multiple platforms to tracking your performance and engaging with your audience, Social Champ handles it all.

   It’s designed to be intuitive and user-friendly, so even if you’re not a social media pro, you’ll be up and running in no time.

   It offers a complete range of social media services, so you can manage every aspect of your social presence from one central dashboard.

   Don’t believe us? Trust the word of Social Champ’s users. The platform is rated 4.2 on Trustpilot!

   

   Key Features

   Social Champ covers all your social media management bases with these core features:

   • Publish (Scheduling): Schedule posts across multiple platforms with ease.

   

   • Engage (Social Inbox): Manage all your social interactions from one central inbox.

   

   • Analytics: Track your social media performance with in-depth analytics.

   

   • Social Listening: Monitor brand mentions and industry trends.

   

   • Calendar: Visualize your content schedule with a drag-and-drop calendar.

   

   But that’s not all! Social Champ also boasts a ton of other helpful features, including:

   • Bulk Upload: Schedule numerous posts at once.
   • Workspace/Client Management: Easily manage multiple brands or clients by separating their accounts through Workspaces.
   • AI-Recommended Best Time to Post: Use AI to determine the ideal time to post your content based on when your audience is most active.

   

   • Champ AI Suite: Access AI-powered tools for content creation and image creation.
   • Integrations: Connect with Canva, Google Drive, Giphy, Google Analytics, Zapier, and more.
   • Team Collaboration: Work easily with your team with approval workflows and collaboration features.
   • Auto RSS: Automatically share content from your RSS feeds.
   • Recycle Post: Repurpose your top-performing content with Recycle.
   • Approval Workflows: Ensure all content is approved before publishing.
   • Competitor Analysis: Track your competitors’ social media performance.

   

   • Shareable Calendar: Easily share your content calendar with clients or team members.
   • Drag-and-Drop Visual Calendar: Plan your content visually.
   • Instagram Grid View: Preview your Instagram feed before posting.

   

   • White-Label Reporting: Create branded reports for your clients.
   • 12 Platform Connections: Manage a wide range of social media platforms.
   • Social Inbox Enhancements: Enjoy team collision detection, message labeling, and sorting options.

   Pros and Cons

   Here’s a balanced look at what makes Social Champ stand out and where it could improve:

   Pros:

   • Unbeatable Pricing: Offers premium features at the most affordable price point compared to other tools.
   • Comprehensive Feature Set: Packed with a wide range of features, rivaling more expensive platforms.
   • User-Friendly Interface: Easy to navigate and use, even for beginners.
   • Excellent Customer Support: Known for its responsive and helpful support team.
   • Regular Updates: Constantly adding new features and improvements, which you can check out on its Product Roadmap.

   Cons:

   • Learning Curve: While user-friendly, mastering all the features may take some time.
   • Mobile App Limitations: The mobile app may not be as feature-rich as the desktop version.

   Pricing Breakdown

   Here are the tiers of Social Champ’s pricing:

   Feature	Starter	Unlimited	Enterprise
   Price (Annually)	$4	$8	Custom
   Social Media Accounts	1	1	Custom
   Users	1	Unlimited	Unlimited
   Workspaces	1	Unlimited	Unlimited
   Unlimited Post Scheduling	✔	✔	✔
   Analytics and Reporting	✔	Advanced	Advanced
   Social Inbox	✔	✔	✔
   Boost Ads	✔	✔	✔
   Email and Chat Support	✔	Priority Email and Chat	1 on 1 Dedicated Support
   Post Approval System	❌	✔	✔
   Client Management	❌	✔	✔
   Social Listening	❌	✔	✔
   Competitor Analysis	❌	✔	✔
   Salesforce Integration	❌	❌	✔
   HubSpot Integration	❌	❌	✔
   SSO	❌	❌	✔
   API Access	❌	❌	✔
   Custom Integrations	❌	❌	✔

   Best For

   Social Champ is a great fit for:

   • Social Media Managers: Streamline client management and reporting.
   • Small Businesses: Manage social media effectively on a budget.
   • Agencies: Scale social media management for multiple clients.
   • Content Creators: Schedule and promote content across different platforms.
   • Individuals: Manage personal social media presence with ease.

   Our Verdict

   Social Champ truly stands out as a top Hootsuite alternative due to its incredible value for money.

   It delivers a rich set of features, including advanced analytics, social listening, AI-powered tools, and GA4 integration, at a fraction of the cost of its competitors.

   If you’re looking for a powerful yet affordable social media management solution that covers all your bases, Social Champ is definitely worth checking out.

   

   Everything You Need in One Platform!

   Get all the features you need—scheduling, engagement, analytics, and more—all in one powerful tool. Start your free trial today!

   Free 14-Day Trial

2. Planable

   

   If you’re someone who struggles to organize their social media calendar, Planable can be a great Hootsuite alternative for you.

   It’s a platform built for collaboration, allowing marketers, designers, and clients to work together easily on social media campaigns.

   Think of it as a shared workspace where everyone can see, comment, and approve content before it goes live.

   That being said, it does have a Trustpilot rating of 2.1.

   

   Let’s explore its features and see where it shines.

   Key Features

   • Visual Content Calendar: A drag-and-drop interface makes planning and scheduling a breeze. You can see your content laid out in a calendar view, making it easy to spot gaps and plan ahead.
   • Collaboration Hub: Team members can leave comments, provide feedback, and approve content directly within the platform. No more endless email chains!
   • Client Approvals: You can share content previews with clients and get their approval before posting. This eliminates the risk of miscommunication and ensures everyone is on the same page.
   • Multi-Workspace Organization: Agencies handling multiple brands will appreciate the ability to create separate workspaces for each client.
   • Content Versioning: You can also track changes and revert to previous versions if needed, ensuring you always have a backup of your content.

   Pros and Cons

   Pros:

   • Enhanced Teamwork: Planable truly shines when it comes to collaboration. It fosters transparency and keeps everyone aligned.
   • Simplified Approvals: The client approval process is a game-changer, reducing back-and-forth and ensuring client satisfaction.
   • Visual Appeal: The interface is clean and intuitive, making it easy to navigate and understand your content schedule.
   • Focus on Feedback: The platform encourages feedback at every stage, leading to better content and stronger campaigns.

   Cons:

   • Limited Direct Publishing: Unlike Hootsuite, Planable focuses more on planning and collaboration, with fewer direct publishing options.
   • Potentially Higher Cost: Depending on your team size and needs, Planable’s pricing could be higher than some other alternatives.
   • Trustpilot Score: The low Trustpilot rating (2.1) is a point of concern and warrants further investigation into user experiences.
   • Technical Issues and Security Concerns: Some users have reported experiencing technical difficulties within the platform and have even labeled it as a “security hazard.” This is definitely something to consider and research further before committing.

   

   Pricing Breakdown

   Here’s a breakdown of Planable’s pricing:

   Feature	Basic	Pro	Enterprise
   Price	$33/workspace/month	$49/workspace/month	Custom
   Workspaces	1+	1+	Custom
   Total Posts	60/workspace	150/workspace	Unlimited
   Users	Unlimited	Unlimited	Unlimited
   Social Pages/Workspace	10	Custom	Custom
   Approval Levels	3	Custom	Custom
   Views	Feed, Calendar	Feed, Calendar, Grid & List	Custom
   Analytics	Add-on	Add-on	Add-on
   Publishing	Limited	9 platforms	Custom

   Best For

   Planable is an ideal solution for:

   • Marketing Agencies: Streamlining workflows and managing client approvals is crucial for agency success, and Planable excels in this area.
   • Social Media Teams: Collaboration is key for effective social media management, and Planable provides the tools to keep teams in sync.
   • Content Creators: Planning and visualizing content is essential for creators, and Planable’s visual calendar helps bring their strategies to life.

   Our Verdict

   While Planable might not have all the direct publishing bells and whistles of Hootsuite, it shines in its collaborative capabilities.

   The focus on visual planning, feedback, and approvals makes it a valuable tool for teams looking to improve their social media workflow.

   If seamless teamwork and client satisfaction are your top priorities, Planable is definitely worth considering, but be sure to weigh the pros and cons and investigate the reasons behind the low Trustpilot score before making a decision.

3. SocialBee

   

   SocialBee can be a great Hootsuite alternative for those who need advanced automation and scheduling.

   While it boasts a solid 4.2 rating on Trustpilot, let’s explore its features and see how it stacks up against Hootsuite.

   

   Key Features

   • Content Categories: You can organize your content into categories (e.g., promotional, educational, inspirational) for easy scheduling and recycling. This is a unique feature that Hootsuite doesn’t offer.
   • Evergreen Posting: SocialBee lets you keep your content calendar full by automatically reposting evergreen content. This saves you time and ensures consistent activity on your profiles.
   • Customizable Scheduling: You can also set specific posting schedules for each category and platform, optimizing your reach and engagement. While Hootsuite offers scheduling, SocialBee’s category-based scheduling adds a layer of sophistication.
   • Visual Content Calendar: You can further plan and visualize your content schedule with a clear calendar view.
   • Analytics & Reporting: Track your social media performance with built-in analytics and reporting tools.

   Pros and Cons

   Let’s take a look at some of its pros and cons:

   Pros:

   • Powerful Automation: SocialBee’s automation features, especially evergreen posting and content categories, are a major time-saver and can significantly boost your social media efficiency.
   • Content Recycling: The ability to recycle evergreen content is a game-changer for maintaining a consistent presence without constantly creating new content.
   • Clear Organization: Content categories and a visual calendar make it easy to organize and plan your social media strategy.
   • Solid User Reviews: A 4.2 Trustpilot rating suggests generally positive user experiences and satisfaction with the platform.

   Cons:

   • Potentially Overwhelming: The sheer number of features and customization options might be overwhelming for beginners.
   • Interface Differences: Users accustomed to Hootsuite’s interface might find SocialBee’s layout and navigation a bit different, requiring a learning curve.

   

   • Pricing Can Add Up: Depending on your needs and usage, SocialBee’s pricing can become expensive, especially as you add more profiles and team members.

   Pricing Breakdown

   Here’s a breakdown of SocialBee’s pricing tiers for Standard users:

   Feature	Bootstrap	Accelerate	Pro
   Price (Annually)	$24 (billed annually)	$40 (billed annually)	$82 (billed annually)
   Social Profiles	5	10	25
   Users/Workspace	1	1	3
   Workspaces	1	1	5
   Analytics	3 Months of Data	2 Years of Data	2 Years of Data

   Here’s a breakdown of SocialBee’s pricing tiers for agencies:

   Feature	Pro 50 (Small)	Pro 100 (Medium)	Pro 150 (Large)
   Price (Annually)	$149	$274	$374
   Social Profiles	50	100	150
   Users/Workspace	5	5	5
   Workspaces	10	20	30

   Best For

   SocialBee is an excellent fit for:

   • Businesses with a Strong Content Strategy: If you have a diverse library of content and want to maximize its lifespan, SocialBee’s categories and evergreen posting are invaluable.
   • Agencies Managing Multiple Clients: The ability to create multiple workspaces and manage numerous social profiles makes SocialBee suitable for agency use.
   • Experienced Social Media Managers: Those comfortable with automation and seeking advanced features will appreciate SocialBee’s capabilities.

   Our Verdict

   SocialBee stands out with its focus on automation and content organization.

   The evergreen posting and content categories provide unique advantages over Hootsuite, making it a great choice for users who prioritize efficiency and maximizing their content’s reach.

   While the interface and feature set might require some adjustment for Hootsuite users, the benefits of SocialBee’s automation and organizational tools make it a worthwhile alternative to explore.

   Just be sure to factor in the pricing and potential learning curve before making your decision.

4. Sendible

   

   Looking for a platform that packs a punch when it comes to social media management?

   Sendible aims to be your all-in-one solution, offering various features for agencies and businesses.

   While it holds a 2.3 rating on Trustpilot, let’s dive into its functionalities and see if it aligns with your needs.

   

   Key Features

   • Publishing & Scheduling: Plan and schedule your content across multiple social networks with a unified calendar.
   • Engagement Tools: Monitor social mentions, reply to messages, and engage with your audience directly from the platform.
   • Analytics & Reporting: Track key metrics, generate reports, and gain insights into your social media performance.
   • Team Collaboration: Facilitate teamwork with role-based permissions, approval workflows, and shared calendars.
   • Client Management: Manage multiple clients with dedicated workspaces, branded reports, and streamlined communication.

   Pros and Cons

   Pros

   • Comprehensive Feature Set: Sendible offers a wide range of features, covering publishing, engagement, analytics, and team collaboration, aiming to be a one-stop shop for social media management.
   • Agency-Focused Tools: The platform caters to agencies with features like client management, white-label reporting, and team collaboration tools.
   • Integration with Other Tools: It integrates with various marketing and productivity tools, extending its functionality.

   Cons

   • User Interface Challenges: Some users have complained about Sendible’s user interface, finding it unintuitive and difficult to navigate.
   • Downgrading Difficulties: Users have reported difficulties in downgrading their subscriptions, encountering obstacles and complexities in the process.
   • Billing and Refund Issues: Concerns have been raised regarding billing practices, with some users alleging charges without offering refunds, impacting their satisfaction.

   

   • Trustpilot Score: The low Trustpilot rating of 2.3 raises a red flag and suggests potential issues with user experience and satisfaction that warrant careful consideration.

   Pricing Breakdown

   Here’s a breakdown of Sendible’s pricing tiers:

   Feature	Creator	Traction	Scale	Advanced	Enterprise
   Price (Monthly)	$29	$89	$199	$299	$750
   Social Profiles	6	24	49	100	400
   Users/Calendars	1	4	7	20	80
   Unlimited Scheduling	✔	✔	✔	✔	✔
   AI Content Assist (New)	✔	✔	✔	✔	✔
   Monitoring & Replying	✔	✔	✔	✔	✔
   Reporting	✔	✔	✔	✔	✔
   Team Collaboration	❌	✔	✔	✔	✔
   Assignment & Approval	❌	✔	✔	✔	✔
   Client Dashboards	❌	✔	✔	✔	✔
   User Management	❌	✔	✔	✔	✔
   Custom & Automated Reports	❌	❌	✔	✔	✔
   Content & Hashtag Library	❌	❌	✔	✔	✔
   Campaigns (New)	❌	❌	✔	✔	✔
   Account Manager	❌	❌	✔	✔	✔
   Bulk Posting Custom Tags	❌	❌	❌	✔	✔
   Advanced User Permissions	❌	❌	❌	✔	✔
   Live Report Sharing	❌	❌	❌	✔	✔
   White Label Add-on	❌	❌	❌	✔	✔

   Best For

   Sendible is geared towards:

   • Marketing Agencies: The platform’s client management features, reporting capabilities, and team collaboration tools make it suitable for agencies managing multiple clients.
   • Businesses with Larger Teams: The user roles and permission settings facilitate teamwork and streamline social media management for larger organizations.

   Our Verdict

   Sendible offers a comprehensive suite of features, targeting agencies and businesses with its client management and team collaboration tools.

   However, the low Trustpilot rating and user feedback regarding the interface, downgrading process, and billing issues are significant concerns that need to be carefully evaluated.

   While the platform boasts a wide range of functionalities, potential users should thoroughly research and consider these drawbacks before making a decision.

   Exploring other options might be prudent if you prioritize user experience and hassle-free billing.

5. Sprout Social

   

   Geared toward larger enterprises with sophisticated needs, Sprout Social positions itself as a comprehensive social media management and intelligence platform.

   It aims to be a central hub for managing complex workflows, accommodating large teams, and providing in-depth analytics that drives strategic decision-making.

   Sprout Social goes beyond basic scheduling and publishing, focusing on social listening, customer care, and detailed reporting to provide a holistic view of social media performance.

   While it carries a concerningly low 1.7 rating on Trustpilot, let’s explore what makes it stand out and where it might fall short.

   

   Key Features

   • Advanced Analytics: Sprout Social emphasizes in-depth analytics, providing valuable insights into audience behavior, campaign performance, and social media ROI. It offers customizable reports, trend analysis, and competitive benchmarking.
   • Social Listening: You can monitor brand mentions, track relevant conversations, and identify industry trends with its social listening tools. This includes sentiment analysis and the ability to filter conversations by keywords, location, and demographics.
   • Team Collaboration: It allows you to streamline teamwork with shared inboxes, task assignments, and clear communication channels. It offers role-based permissions and approval workflows to ensure efficient collaboration.
   • Customer Care: You can manage social media customer service with features like message prioritization, saved replies, and private messaging. It integrates with helpdesk systems for streamlined support workflows.
   • Workflow Automation: Sprout Social automates repetitive tasks, such as scheduling posts and generating reports, freeing up your team for more strategic work. This includes automated publishing and campaign tracking.

   Pros and Cons

   Pros:

   • Powerful Analytics & Insights: Sprout Social excels in providing extremely detailed insights, helping businesses understand their audience and optimize their social media strategies.
   • Robust Social Listening: The platform’s social listening capabilities are comprehensive, allowing businesses to track brand sentiment and identify emerging trends.
   • Enterprise-Level Functionality: Sprout Social is built to handle the complexity and scale of large organizations, offering advanced features and integrations.

   Cons:

   • Trustpilot Score: The low Trustpilot rating of 1.7 is a significant cause for concern, indicating widespread dissatisfaction among users.
   • Customer Service Issues: Users have reported negative experiences with Sprout Social’s customer service, citing slow response times, unhelpful support, and difficulty resolving issues.

   

   • Cancellation Challenges: Cancelling subscriptions has been described as a difficult and frustrating process, with users encountering obstacles and potential billing issues.
   • High Cost: Sprout Social is positioned as an enterprise solution, and its pricing reflects that, making it potentially unaffordable for smaller businesses.

   Pricing Breakdown

   Here’s a more detailed breakdown of Sprout Social’s pricing tiers.

   Feature	Standard	Professional	Advanced	Enterprise
   Price (Annually)	$199	$299	$399	Contact for Pricing
   Social Profiles	5	Unlimited	Unlimited	Custom
   Keyword/Location Monitoring	✔	✔	✔	Custom
   AI Content Generation	✔	✔	✔	Custom
   Review Management	✔	✔	✔	Custom
   Reporting	Group, Profile, Post	Group, Profile, Post	Group, Profile, Post	Custom
   Competitor Analysis	❌	✔	✔	Custom
   Optimal Send Times	❌	✔	✔	Custom
   AI-Powered Suggestions	❌	✔	✔	Custom
   Message Tagging	❌	✔	✔	Custom
   Sentiment Analysis	❌	❌	✔	Custom
   Helpdesk Integrations	❌	❌	✔	Custom
   Team Productivity Reports	❌	❌	✔	Custom
   Message Spike Alerts	❌	❌	✔	Custom
   White-Glove Onboarding	❌	❌	❌	✔
   Custom Plan Tailoring	❌	❌	❌	✔
   Dedicated Support	❌	❌	❌	✔
   SSO Setup	❌	❌	❌	✔
   Priority Customer Support	❌	❌	❌	✔

   Best For

   Sprout Social is best suited for:

   • Large Enterprises: The platform’s advanced features, scalability, and focus on analytics and insights make it a good fit for organizations with extensive social media operations.
   • Businesses with Dedicated Social Media Teams: Sprout Social’s team collaboration tools and workflow automation are ideal for larger teams managing social media accounts.

   Our Verdict

   Sprout Social is designed for enterprise-level social media management. The platform’s strengths lie in its advanced analytics, social listening capabilities, and team collaboration tools.

   However, the extremely low Trustpilot rating, coupled with specific complaints about customer service and cancellation difficulties, raises serious red flags.

   While the platform’s functionality might be appealing, potential users should thoroughly weigh these concerns and consider whether the potential benefits outweigh the reported challenges.

   Given the user feedback, exploring alternative enterprise social media management solutions might be a prudent approach.

6. Later

   

   Later focuses on visual content planning and scheduling, particularly for Instagram and other visually-driven platforms.

   It aims to help businesses and creators curate a cohesive aesthetic and strategically plan their visual content.

   While it holds a low Trustpilot rating of 1.5, let’s examine its strengths and weaknesses to see if it’s the right fit for your needs.

   

   Later’s primary focus is on visual content planning.

   It provides tools and features specifically designed to help users create visually appealing feeds, plan content around a cohesive theme, and optimize their visual storytelling.

   This emphasis on visual aesthetics and planning sets it apart from Hootsuite, which offers a broader range of social media management features.

   Key Features

   • Visual Content Calendar: Later offers a drag-and-drop visual calendar that allows you to plan and preview your feed’s aesthetic before publishing.
   • Instagram Grid Planner: Specifically designed for Instagram, this feature helps you arrange your posts to create a visually appealing grid.
   • Hashtag Suggestions: Later provides hashtag suggestions to help you increase the discoverability of your content.
   • Linkin.bio: You can create a customizable landing page with multiple links to drive traffic from your social media profiles.
   • Analytics and Insights: Later lets you track key metrics and gain insights into your social media performance, with a focus on visual content engagement.

   Pros and Cons

   Let’s take a look at Later’s pros and cons:

   Pros:

   • Excellent Visual Planning Tools: Later excels in providing tools for visual content planning and scheduling, particularly for Instagram.
   • Aesthetic Focus: The platform’s emphasis on visual aesthetics helps businesses and creators maintain a consistent and appealing brand image.
   • User-Friendly Interface: Later’s interface is generally considered intuitive and easy to navigate, even for beginners.

   Cons:

   • Limited Functionality Compared to Hootsuite: Later focuses primarily on visual content planning and lacks some of the broader social media management features offered by Hootsuite, such as in-depth analytics across multiple platforms.
   • Low Trustpilot Score: The extremely low Trustpilot rating of 1.5 is a significant red flag, suggesting widespread user dissatisfaction and potential issues with the platform.
   • Customer Service Concerns: Users have reported negative experiences with Later’s customer service, citing slow response times and unhelpful support.

   

   • Pricing Can Be High for Basic Features: While Later offers various plans, the cost can be relatively high, especially if you need more advanced features or manage multiple profiles.

   Pricing Breakdown

   Here’s a breakdown of Later’s pricing tiers:

   Feature	Starter	Growth	Advanced	Agency	Enterprise
   Price (Annually)	$16.67	$30	$53.33	$133.33	Contact for Pricing
   Social Sets	1	3	6	15	30
   Users	1	3	6	10	20
   Posts per Profile	30	150	Unlimited	Unlimited	Unlimited
   Analytics	Limited (3 months data)	Full (1 year data)	Full (1 year data)	Full (1 year data)	Full (1 year data)
   AI Credits	5	30	50	100	200
   Linkin.bio	Customizable Page	Customizable Pages	Customizable Pages	Customizable Pages	Customizable Pages
   Brand Collab Tools	✔	✔	✔	✔	✔
   Team Management	❌	✔	✔	✔	✔
   Team Collaboration	❌	❌	✔	✔	✔
   Content Approval Workflows	❌	❌	❌	✔	✔
   Single Sign-On	❌	❌	❌	❌	✔
   Social Listening Onboarding	❌	❌	❌	❌	✔
   Prioritized Support	❌	❌	❌	❌	✔
   Extra Social Sets	Not Available	$10/month each	$10/month each	$10/month each	$10/month each
   Extra Users	Not Available	$3.33/month each	$3.33/month each	$3.33/month each	$3.33/month each
   Extra AI Credits	$3.33/month (100 credits)	$3.33/month (100 credits)	$3.33/month (100 credits)	$3.33/month (100 credits)	$3.33/month (100 credits)

   Best For

   Later is best suited for:

   • Businesses and Creators Focused on Visual Content: If your social media strategy heavily relies on visual content, particularly on Instagram, Later’s visual planning tools are a valuable asset.
   • E-commerce Businesses with a Strong Visual Brand: Later can help e-commerce businesses curate a visually appealing feed and drive traffic to their products through Linkin.bio.

   Our Verdict

   Later excels in providing tools for visual content planning and scheduling, particularly for Instagram.

   Its focus on aesthetics and user-friendly interface makes it a great choice for businesses and creators looking to enhance their visual presence.

   However, the extremely low Trustpilot score and user feedback regarding customer service raise significant concerns.

   While the platform’s visual planning capabilities are appealing, potential users should carefully weigh these concerns and consider whether the benefits outweigh the potential challenges.

   If visual planning is your top priority and you’re willing to navigate potential customer service hurdles, Later might be worth exploring.

   However, be sure to thoroughly research user feedback and consider alternative solutions before making a decision.

7. Buffer

   

   Buffer aims to be a user-friendly and straightforward social media management platform, emphasizing ease of use and simplicity.

   It’s designed to help individuals and smaller teams efficiently schedule and publish content.

   While it holds a 2.0 rating on Trustpilot, let’s explore its features and see if it aligns with your social media management approach.

   

   Key Features

   • Intuitive Interface: Buffer is known for its clean and easy-to-navigate interface, making it accessible to users of all skill levels.
   • Content Scheduling: With a straightforward scheduling tool, you can schedule and publish posts across multiple social media platforms.
   • Analytics & Reporting: It helps you track key metrics and measure your social media performance with basic analytics dashboards.
   • Engagement Tools: You can also engage with your audience through a centralized inbox for managing comments and replies.

   Pros and Cons

   Let’s take a look at some of Buffer’s pros and cons:

   Pros:

   • Ease of Use: Buffer’s intuitive interface makes it easy to learn and use, even for beginners.
   • Simplified Scheduling: The platform streamlines content scheduling, allowing users to efficiently plan and publish their posts.
   • Affordable Pricing: Buffer offers a range of pricing plans, including a free option, making it accessible to individuals and small businesses with budget constraints.

   Cons:

   • Limited Functionality Compared to Hootsuite: Buffer lacks some of the more advanced features offered by Hootsuite, such as social listening, in-depth analytics, and better team collaboration tools.
   • Trustpilot Score: The low Trustpilot rating of 2.0 raises concerns about user satisfaction and potential issues with the platform.
   • Security Concerns: Users have reported challenges with Buffer’s security, citing getting hacked as a major concern.

   

   • Basic Analytics: While Buffer offers analytics, they are considered basic compared to the more in-depth reporting capabilities of Hootsuite.

   Pricing Breakdown

   Here’s a breakdown of Buffer’s pricing tiers:

   Feature	Essentials	Team
   Price (Monthly)	$5	$10
   Billing	Monthly/Yearly	Monthly/Yearly
   Social Channels	1 (+$5 per channel)	1 (+$10 per channel)
   Scheduled Posts/Channel	Unlimited	Unlimited
   Ideas	Unlimited	Unlimited
   User Accounts	1	Unlimited
   AI Assistant	✔	✔
   Analytics	Advanced	Advanced
   Engagement Inbox	✔	✔
   Hashtag Manager	✔	✔
   First Comment Scheduling	✔	✔
   Access Levels	❌	✔
   Content Approval Workflows	❌	✔

   Best For

   Buffer is best suited for:

   • Individuals and Small Businesses: The platform’s simplicity and affordable pricing make it a good option for those with basic social media management needs.
   • Users New to Social Media Management: Buffer’s intuitive interface makes it easy to learn and use, even for beginners.

   Our Verdict

   Buffer provides a user-friendly platform for basic social media management, particularly for scheduling and publishing content.

   Its simplicity and affordability make it accessible to a wide range of users. However, the low Trustpilot rating and user feedback regarding customer support are important considerations.

   Additionally, its limited functionality compared to Hootsuite might make it less suitable for users with more advanced needs.

   While Buffer can be a good starting point for basic social media management, potential users should carefully weigh the user experience concerns and evaluate whether its features meet their specific requirements before deciding.

8. ContentStudio

   

   ContentStudio is a social media management platform that emphasizes content creation, planning, and automation.

   It provides a comprehensive suite of tools for managing various aspects of social media, from content ideation to publishing and analytics.

   While its Trustpilot rating is 4.2, it’s crucial to note that this is based on a limited number of reviews (only 6), so it might not be fully representative of the overall user experience.

   

   Let’s dive into its features and assess its suitability for your needs.

   Key Features

   • AI Content Creation: ContentStudio offers AI-powered tools to assist with content creation, including generating ideas, writing copy, and optimizing content for different platforms.
   • Content Discovery: The platform helps you discover trending topics, relevant articles, and engaging content to curate and share with your audience.
   • Multi-Channel Publishing: Schedule and publish content across various social media platforms, blogs, and websites.
   • Visual Content Calendar: Plan and visualize your content schedule with a drag-and-drop calendar interface.
   • Analytics & Reporting: Track key metrics and measure your social media performance with built-in analytics and reporting tools.

   Pros and Cons

   Let’s take a look at its pros and cons:

   Pros:

   • Content Focus: ContentStudio’s emphasis on content creation and discovery makes it a valuable tool for businesses that prioritize content marketing.
   • AI Assistance: The AI-powered features can help save time and effort in content creation and optimization.
   • Wide Range of Features: The platform offers a comprehensive set of tools for managing various aspects of social media, from content planning to publishing and analytics.

   Cons:

   • Limited Trustpilot Reviews: While the current Trustpilot rating is positive, it’s based on a very small sample size, making it difficult to gauge overall user satisfaction.
   • Potential Cost: Depending on your needs and usage, ContentStudio’s pricing plans might be more expensive compared to some other alternatives.
   • Learning Curve: The wide range of features might require some time and effort to learn and master, especially for beginners.

   Pricing Breakdown

   Here’s a breakdown of ContentStudio’s pricing tiers:

   Feature	Standard	Advanced	Agency Unlimited
   Price (Annually)	$19	$49	$99
   Social Accounts	5	10	25+
   Workspaces	1	2	Unlimited
   Users	1	2	Unlimited
   AI Content Creation	✔	✔	✔
   Publishing & Scheduling	✔	✔	✔
   Visual Content Calendar	✔	✔	✔
   Social Media Analytics	✔	✔	✔
   Media & Assets Library	✔	✔	✔
   Auto First Comment	✔	✔	✔
   X (Twitter) Threads	✔	✔	✔
   Reels & Shorts Scheduling	✔	✔	✔
   Carousel Posts Scheduling	✔	✔	✔
   Social Inbox	❌	✔	✔
   Competitor Analytics	❌	✔	✔
   Campaign & Label Analytics	❌	✔	✔
   Exports & Schedule Reports	❌	✔	✔
   Content Categories	❌	✔	✔
   Evergreen Recycling	❌	✔	✔
   Bulk Upload Posts via CSV	❌	✔	✔
   Schedule Posts via RSS	❌	✔	✔
   Grid View for Planning	❌	✔	✔
   Blog Publishing	❌	✔	✔
   Content Discovery	❌	✔	✔
   Influencer Discovery	❌	✔	✔
   Team Collaboration	❌	✔	✔
   Approval Workflow	❌	✔	✔
   White Label	❌	❌	✔ (Add-on)
   EasyConnect	❌	❌	✔
   Complete Client Management	❌	❌	✔
   White Label Reports	❌	❌	✔
   Dedicated Onboarding	❌	❌	✔
   Concierge Setup	❌	❌	✔
   Priority Support	❌	❌	✔

   Best For

   ContentStudio is best suited for:

   • Content Marketers: The platform’s content creation and discovery features make it a valuable asset for businesses that prioritize content marketing.
   • Agencies: The agency-focused plan with white-labeling and client management tools caters to the needs of social media agencies.
   • Businesses of All Sizes: ContentStudio offers a range of plans to accommodate businesses with varying needs and budgets.

   Our Verdict

   ContentStudio stands out with its emphasis on content creation and discovery, offering AI assistance and a range of tools to streamline content marketing efforts.

   While the platform appears promising, potential users should carefully consider their specific requirements and potentially explore alternative solutions before making a decision.

   It’s advisable to thoroughly research user feedback and potentially opt for a trial period to experience the platform firsthand before committing to a paid plan.

9. Agorapulse

   

   Agorapulse positions itself as a social media management platform with a strong focus on engagement and community building.

   It helps businesses connect with their audience, monitor conversations, and build meaningful relationships.

   While it holds a Trustpilot rating of 3.0, let’s investigate its features and assess if it aligns with your social media management needs.

   

   Key Features

   • Social Inbox: Agorapulse’s unified social inbox helps you manage all your social media interactions in one place, including comments, mentions, and direct messages.
   • Engagement Tools: The platform offers features like automated moderation, saved replies, and tagging to streamline your engagement efforts.
   • Publishing & Scheduling: Plan and schedule your content across multiple social media platforms with a user-friendly calendar.
   • Analytics & Reporting: Track key metrics and gain insights into your social media performance with detailed analytics dashboards.
   • Social Listening: Monitor brand mentions and track relevant conversations to stay informed about what’s being said about your business.

   Pros and Cons

   Let’s take a look at its pros and cons:

   Pros:

   • Strong Focus on Engagement: Agorapulse excels in providing tools and features to facilitate meaningful engagement with your audience.
   • Unified Social Inbox: The centralized inbox streamlines social media interactions and helps you stay on top of conversations.
   • User-Friendly Interface: The platform is generally considered intuitive and easy to navigate, making it accessible to users of all skill levels.

   Cons:

   • Limited Customization: Compared to Hootsuite, Agorapulse offers fewer customization options in terms of dashboards and reporting.
   • Trustpilot Score: The Trustpilot rating of 3.0 suggests potential concerns about user satisfaction and platform reliability.
   • Pricing Can Be High: Depending on your needs and usage, Agorapulse’s pricing plans might be more expensive compared to some other alternatives.

   Pricing Breakdown

   Here’s a breakdown of Agorapulse’s pricing tiers:

   Feature	Standard	Professional	Advanced	Custom
   Price (Annually)	$79 (billed annually)	$119 (billed annually)	$149 (billed annually)	Custom
   Social Profiles	10	10	10	Custom
   Additional Social Profiles	$10/mo each	$10/mo each	$10/mo each	Custom
   Posts Scheduling	✔	✔	✔	✔
   Unlimited Posts	✔	✔	✔	✔
   Draft Posts	✔	✔	✔	✔
   Unified Publishing Calendar	✔	✔	✔	✔
   Standard Social Inbox	✔	✔	✔	✔
   Automated Inbox Assistant	✔	✔	✔	✔
   Instant Translations	✔	✔	✔	✔
   Report Export	✔	✔	✔	✔
   Basic Social Media ROI	✔	✔	✔	✔
   Custom Report Date Range	✔	✔	✔	✔
   White-Label Reporting	✔	✔	✔	✔
   Google Chrome Extension	✔	✔	✔	✔
   Mobile Application	✔	✔	✔	✔
   Google Analytics Integration	✔	✔	✔	✔
   Instagram Product Tagging	❌	✔	✔	✔
   PulseLink in Bio	❌	✔	✔	✔
   Instagram Grid View	❌	✔	✔	✔
   First Comment Scheduling	❌	✔	✔	✔
   X (Twitter) Threads Scheduling	❌	✔	✔	✔
   Team Workflow	❌	✔	✔	✔
   Canva Integration	❌	✔	✔	✔
   Calendar Notes	❌	✔	✔	✔
   Basic Ad Comment Monitoring	❌	✔	✔	✔
   TikTok & LinkedIn Ad Comments	❌	✔	✔	✔
   Monitoring	❌	❌	✔	✔
   Team Performance Reports	❌	❌	✔	✔
   Priority Email & Chat Support	❌	❌	✔	✔
   Content Library	❌	❌	✔	✔
   5 Shared Calendars	❌	❌	✔	✔
   Bulk Publish Content	❌	❌	✔	✔
   Content Queues	❌	❌	✔	✔
   Advanced Spam Management	❌	❌	✔	✔
   Advanced Ad Comments Monitoring	❌	❌	✔	✔
   Saved Replies	❌	❌	✔	✔
   Inbox Bulk Actions	❌	❌	✔	✔
   Publishing Content Labels	❌	❌	✔	✔
   Advanced Social Media ROI Reports	❌	❌	✔	✔
   Power Reports (Customized)	❌	❌	✔	✔
   Unlimited Social Profiles	❌	❌	❌	✔
   Unlimited Shared Calendars	❌	❌	❌	✔
   Unlimited Inbox Moderation Rules	❌	❌	❌	✔
   Priority Email, Chat & Video Call	❌	❌	❌	✔
   Dedicated Account Manager	❌	❌	❌	✔
   Quarterly Business Reviews	❌	❌	❌	✔
   Single Sign-On (SSO)	❌	❌	❌	✔
   CRM Integration	❌	❌	❌	✔
   Schedule Facebook Boosted Posts	❌	❌	❌	✔
   Open Reports API	❌	❌	❌	✔

   Best For

   Agorapulse is best suited for:

   • Businesses Focused on Audience Engagement: If building relationships and fostering a strong community is a priority, Agorapulse’s engagement tools are a valuable asset.
   • Social Media Managers Handling Multiple Accounts: The unified inbox and streamlined workflow can help manage interactions efficiently across different profiles.

   Our Verdict

   If your focus is on engagement and community building, Agorapulse can be a good option, especially with its unified inbox and tools to simplify social media interactions.

   That being said, the platform does have a low rating on Trustpilot, so it’s essential to opt for a trial and explore the tool before making a commitment.

10. Zoho Social

    

    Zoho Social is part of the larger Zoho suite of applications, offering a cost-effective solution for social media management.

    It aims to provide essential features for scheduling, publishing, and engaging with your audience.

    While its Trustpilot rating of 4.1 is promising, it’s important to note that it encompasses the entire Zoho platform, not just Zoho Social.

    

    Let’s explore its specific features and assess its suitability for your needs.

    Key Features

    • Straightforward Interface: Zoho Social is known for its user-friendly interface, making it easy to navigate and use, even for beginners.
    • Essential Scheduling & Publishing: Schedule and publish posts across multiple social media platforms with a simple and efficient workflow.
    • Engagement Tools: Manage social media interactions, track mentions, and engage with your audience through a centralized dashboard.
    • Reporting and Analytics: Monitor key metrics and track your social media performance with basic analytics dashboards.
    • Integration with Zoho Ecosystem: It integrates with other Zoho applications, such as CRM and Marketing Automation, enhancing your overall marketing workflow.

    Pros and Cons

    Let’s take a look at its pros and cons:

    Pros:

    • Cost-Effective: Zoho Social offers affordable pricing plans, making it accessible to individuals and small businesses with budget constraints.
    • User-Friendly Interface: The platform’s intuitive interface makes it easy to learn and use, even for those new to social media management.
    • Integration with Zoho Apps: It integrates easily with other Zoho applications, which can be a significant advantage for businesses already using the Zoho ecosystem.

    Cons:

    • Limited Functionality: Compared to Hootsuite, Zoho Social lacks some of the more advanced features, such as social listening, in-depth analytics, and team collaboration tools.
    • Customer Service: Several users of the Zoho ecosystem have complained about its customer service, with clients being unable to cancel their subscription.

    

    • Basic Analytics: The analytics dashboards are considered basic compared to the more comprehensive reporting capabilities offered by Hootsuite.

    Pricing Breakdown

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    Feature	Standard	Professional	Premium	Agency	Agency Plus
    Price (Annually)	$10 (billed annually)	$30 (billed annually)	$40 (billed annually)	$230 (billed annually)	$330 (billed annually)
    Social Channels	1 brand (11 channels)	1 brand (11 channels)	1 brand (14 channels)	10 brands (140 channels)	20 brands (280 channels)
    Team Members	1	1	3	5	5
    24/5 Email Support	✔	✔	✔	✔	✔
    Client Invite	❌	❌	❌	✔	✔
    Portal Customization	❌	❌	❌	✔	✔
    Scheduling/Emailing Reports	❌	❌	❌	✔	✔
    Agency-Branded Reports	❌	❌	❌	✔	✔
    Custom View for Clients	❌	❌	❌	✔	✔
    Free Login for Clients	❌	❌	❌	✔	✔

    Best For

    Zoho Social is best suited for:

    • Individuals and Small Businesses on a Budget: The platform’s affordability makes it a good option for those with limited budgets.
    • Users Seeking Simplicity: The straightforward interface and essential features cater to users looking for a simple and easy-to-use social media management tool.
    • Businesses Already Using Zoho Products: The integration with other Zoho applications can be a significant advantage for businesses already invested in the Zoho ecosystem.

    Our Verdict

    Zoho Social offers a cost-effective solution for basic social media management, particularly for scheduling and publishing content.

    Its simplicity and affordability make it accessible to a wide range of users. However, the limited functionality compared to Hootsuite is an important consideration.

    While Zoho Social can be a good starting point for basic social media management, you should carefully weigh these factors and evaluate whether its features meet their specific requirements.

11. Loomly

    

    Loomly is a social media management platform that emphasizes content creation, collaboration, and optimization.

    It aims to help businesses and creators develop engaging content strategies and streamline their social media workflows.

    While it holds a Trustpilot rating of 3.0, let’s delve into its specific features and assess if it aligns with your needs.

    

    Key Features

    • Content Ideation & Creation: Loomly provides tools and resources to help you brainstorm content ideas, create engaging posts, and optimize them for different platforms.
    • Collaboration & Approval Workflows: The platform facilitates team collaboration with features like shared calendars, task assignments, and content approval workflows.
    • Content Library & Asset Management: Organize and manage your social media assets, including images, videos, and copy, in a centralized library.
    • Automated Publishing & Scheduling: With automated publishing tools, schedule and publish your content across various social media platforms.
    • Analytics & Reporting: Track key metrics and measure your social media performance with built-in analytics dashboards.

    Pros and Cons

    Let’s take a look at its pros and cons:

    Pros:

    • Strong Content Focus: Loomly’s emphasis on content ideation, creation, and optimization makes it a valuable tool for businesses that prioritize content marketing.
    • Collaboration & Approval Tools: The platform’s collaboration features streamline teamwork and ensure content quality through approval workflows.
    • User-Friendly Interface: Loomly is known for its intuitive and easy-to-navigate interface, making it accessible to users of all skill levels.

    Cons:

    • Trustpilot Rating: The Trustpilot rating of 3.0 suggests probable concerns about user satisfaction and platform reliability.
    • Feature Limitations: Compared to Hootsuite, Loomly might lack some of the more advanced features, such as social listening and in-depth analytics.
    • Feature Issues: Users have reported challenges with certain features of the tool, which might impact workflow efficiency and overall user experience.

    

    Pricing Breakdown

    Here’s a breakdown of Loomly’s pricing tiers:

    Feature	Base	Standard	Advanced	Premium
    Price (Annually)	$32	$60	$131	$277
    Social Media Accounts	10	20	35	50
    Users	2	6	14	30
    Interactions	✔	✔	✔	✔
    Post Analytics	✔	✔	✔	✔
    Hashtag Manager	✔	✔	✔	✔
    Post Preview & Optimization Tips	✔	✔	✔	✔
    Approval Workflows	✔	✔	✔	✔
    Advanced Analytics	❌	✔	✔	✔
    Content Export	❌	✔	✔	✔
    Slack & Teams Integrations	❌	✔	✔	✔
    Custom Roles	❌	❌	✔	✔
    Custom Workflows	❌	❌	✔	✔
    Scheduled Reports	❌	❌	✔	✔
    Custom Branding	❌	❌	❌	✔

    Best For

    Loomly is best suited for:

    • Content-Focused Businesses: If content creation and optimization are central to your social media strategy, Loomly’s tools are a valuable asset.
    • Small to Medium-Sized Teams: The platform’s collaboration features and pricing plans make it suitable for small to medium-sized teams.

    Our Verdict

    Loomly stands out with its emphasis on content creation, collaboration, and optimization, offering a range of tools to streamline social media workflows.

    The platform’s user-friendly interface makes it accessible to various users. While Loomly excels in content-focused features, potential users should carefully weigh these factors and evaluate if they align with their specific needs.

12. CoSchedule

    

    CoSchedule is a marketing platform that includes social media management as one of its key features.

    It aims to help businesses and marketing teams organize and execute their entire marketing strategy in one place.

    While it holds a Trustpilot rating of 2.9, let’s check out its specific social media functionalities and assess if it aligns with your needs.

    

    Key Features

    • Unified Marketing Calendar: CoSchedule’s central hub is a powerful marketing calendar that integrates all your marketing activities, including social media, content, email, and more.
    • Social Media Publishing & Scheduling: You can plan and schedule your social media content alongside other marketing initiatives, ensuring a cohesive and coordinated approach.
    • Content Optimization: CoSchedule offers tools to optimize your social media content for different platforms and audiences.
    • Team Collaboration and Workflows: The platform facilitates team collaboration with features like task assignments, approval workflows, and shared calendars.
    • Analytics and Reporting: You can track key metrics and measure your social media performance within your overall marketing efforts.

    Pros and Cons

    Let’s check out its pros and cons:

    Pros:

    • Integration with Marketing Efforts: CoSchedule’s strength lies in its ability to integrate social media management with other marketing activities, providing a holistic view of your marketing strategy.
    • Marketing Calendar: The unified calendar is a valuable tool for planning and coordinating all your marketing initiatives in one place.
    • Collaboration and Workflow Features: CoSchedule streamlines teamwork and ensures efficient execution of marketing campaigns.

    Cons:

    • Security Concerns: Some users have expressed security concerns with the platform on Trustpilot.

    

    • Social Media Focus: While CoSchedule includes social media management, its primary focus is on broader marketing functions, so its social media features might not be as extensive as dedicated platforms like Hootsuite.
    • Pricing Can Be High: CoSchedule’s pricing plans can be relatively expensive, especially for smaller businesses or individuals with limited budgets.

    Pricing Breakdown

    Here’s a breakdown of CoSchedule’s pricing tiers:

    Feature	Social Calendar	Agency Calendar	Content Calendar	Marketing Suite
    Price (Annually)	$19	$49	Contact for Pricing	Contact for Pricing
    Users	Up to 3	Up to 3	Up to 5	Custom
    Social Profiles	5	5	10 or more	Custom
    Scheduled Messages	Unlimited	Unlimited	Unlimited	Unlimited
    Additional Profiles	$5/mo each	$5/mo each	Can be added	Can be added

    Best For

    CoSchedule is best suited for:

    • Marketing Teams Seeking Integration: If you’re looking for a platform that integrates social media management with your overall marketing strategy, CoSchedule is a valuable tool.
    • Businesses Prioritizing Content Marketing: CoSchedule’s content calendar and optimization tools make it a good fit for businesses focused on content marketing.

    Our Verdict

    CoSchedule offers a unified marketing platform with features for planning, executing, and analyzing your marketing strategy, including social media management.

    Its strength lies in its ability to integrate social media with other marketing activities, providing a holistic view of your efforts.

    Dedicated platforms like Social Champ or Buffer might offer more specialized features if your primary focus is solely social media management.

    However, if you’re seeking a platform to manage all your marketing activities in one place, CoSchedule is worth exploring.

13. Metricool

    

    Metricool is a social media management platform that strongly emphasizes data analytics and performance tracking.

    It aims to give businesses and marketers in-depth insights into their social media campaigns and help them make informed decisions.

    Boasting a high Trustpilot rating of 4.6, let’s explore its features and assess if it aligns with your needs.

    

    Key Features

    • Comprehensive Analytics: Metricool offers detailed analytics dashboards to track key metrics across various social media platforms, providing a holistic view of your social media performance.
    • Customizable Reports: You can generate custom reports to visualize your social media data and share insights with your team or clients.
    • Social Media Planning and Scheduling: It allows you to schedule and publish your content across multiple platforms with a user-friendly calendar interface.
    • Competitor Analysis: You can track your competitors’ social media performance and benchmark your results against theirs.
    • Advertising Management: It lets you manage and analyze your social media advertising campaigns, optimizing your ad spend for better ROI.

    Pros and Cons

    Let’s take a look at its pros and cons:

    Pros

    • In-depth Analytics: Metricool’s strength lies in its comprehensive analytics capabilities, providing valuable insights into your social media performance.
    • Customizable Reporting: The ability to generate custom reports allows you to tailor your data visualization to your specific needs.
    • Competitor Analysis: Tracking your competitors’ social media activity can help you identify opportunities and refine your strategy.

    Cons

    • Pricing Can Be High: Metricool’s pricing plans can be relatively expensive, especially for smaller businesses or individuals with limited budgets.
    • Potential Overwhelm for Beginners: The wide range of features and data points might be overwhelming for users new to social media analytics.
    • Billing Issues: Users have reported instances of being charged despite cancelling their subscriptions, which can be a significant concern.

    

    Pricing Breakdown

    Here’s a breakdown of Metricool’s pricing tiers:

    Feature	Starter	Advanced	Custom
    Price (Annually)	From $18 (billed annually)	From $45 (billed annually)	Contact Support
    Social Profiles	Varies	Varies	Custom
    Scheduled Posts	Unlimited	Unlimited	Unlimited
    Competitor Analysis	100	Unlimited	Custom
    Analytics	Advanced	Advanced	Custom
    Reporting	Downloadable	Downloadable	Custom
    Advertising Management	✔	✔	Custom
    Team & Client Access	✔	✔	Custom
    Role Management	❌	✔	Custom
    Post Approval System	❌	✔	Custom
    Custom Templates	❌	✔	Custom
    Looker Studio Connection	❌	✔	Custom
    Zapier Integration	❌	✔	Custom
    Google Drive Integration	✔	✔	Custom
    Canva Integration	✔	✔	Custom

    Best For

    Metricool is best suited for:

    • Data-Driven Marketers: If you prioritize data analysis and performance tracking, Metricool’s in-depth analytics dashboards are a valuable asset.
    • Agencies Managing Multiple Clients: The platform’s reporting and team collaboration features make it suitable for agencies managing social media for multiple clients.

    Our Verdict

    Metricool excels in providing detailed social media analytics and reporting.

    The platform’s competitor analysis and advertising management features further enhance its utility for data-driven marketers.

    However, the pricing can be high, and potential billing issues are a concern that should be considered.

14. NapoleonCat

    

    NapoleonCat is a social media management platform that caters specifically to teams, emphasizing collaboration, workflow management, and efficient social media customer service.

    It aims to streamline social media processes and empower teams to work together effectively. While it holds a Trustpilot rating of 3.7, let’s explore its features and assess if it aligns with your team’s needs.

    

    Key Features

    • Team Collaboration: NapoleonCat offers a range of features to facilitate teamwork, including shared inboxes, task assignments, and internal communication tools.
    • Social CRM: The platform includes a social CRM system to help you manage customer relationships and interactions on social media.
    • Automated Moderation: You can automate repetitive tasks like comment moderation and response routing to save time and effort.
    • Analytics and Reporting: It lets you track key metrics and measure your social media performance with built-in analytics dashboards.
    • Publishing and Scheduling: You can and schedule your content across multiple social media platforms with a user-friendly calendar.

    Pros and Cons

    Let’s take a look at its pros and cons:

    Pros:

    • Team-Focused Features: NapoleonCat excels in providing tools and features that facilitate teamwork and streamline social media workflows for teams.
    • Social CRM Integration: The built-in social CRM system helps you manage customer relationships and interactions more effectively.
    • Automation Capabilities: Automated moderation and other automation features can significantly improve efficiency and save time.

    Cons:

    • Trustpilot Rating: While the Trustpilot rating of 3.7 is decent, it’s essential to consider that user experiences can vary.
    • Pricing Can Be High: Depending on your team size and needs, NapoleonCat’s pricing plans might be more expensive compared to some other alternatives.
    • Potentially Overwhelming for Small Teams: The wide range of features might be overwhelming for very small teams or individuals with basic social media management needs.

    Pricing Breakdown

    Here’s a breakdown of NapoleonCat’s pricing tiers:

    Feature	Standard	Pro	Custom
    Price (Monthly)	$27	$63	Starts from $465
    Social Profiles	3	3	Unlimited
    Users	1	1	Unlimited
    AI-Powered Content Publisher	✔	✔	✔
    Comments Management	✔	✔	✔
    Data Analytics	✔	✔	✔
    Automated Moderation	❌	✔	✔
    TikTok Ads Moderation	❌	✔	✔
    Social CRM	❌	✔	✔
    Custom Reports	❌	❌	✔
    Custom Data Retention	❌	❌	✔
    Priority Support	❌	❌	✔
    Dedicated Customer Success Manager	❌	❌	✔

    Best For

    NapoleonCat is best suited for:

    • Social Media Teams: The platform’s team-focused features and collaboration tools make it ideal for teams managing social media accounts.
    • Businesses Prioritizing Customer Service: The integrated social CRM system helps businesses manage customer relationships and interactions more effectively.

    Our Verdict

    NapoleonCat excels in providing tools and features that facilitate teamwork and streamline team social media workflows.

    The integrated social CRM system and automation capabilities further enhance its utility for businesses focused on customer service and efficiency.

    If your primary focus is individual use or if you have very basic social media needs, exploring alternative solutions might be more suitable.

15. Statusbrew

    

    Statusbrew is a social media management platform designed with a focus on growing businesses.

    It offers tools for managing social media presence, engagement, and customer support. Currently, it holds a Trustpilot rating of 3.2.

    

    Let’s take a look at its features and assess if it aligns with your needs.

    Key Features

    • All-in-One Social Inbox: You can manage all your social media interactions, including comments, mentions, and direct messages, in a unified inbox.
    • Automated Comment Management: It helps you automate repetitive tasks like comment moderation and response routing to save time and effort.
    • Social Media Publishing: You can schedule and publish your content across multiple social media platforms with a user-friendly calendar.
    • Social Media Reporting: It also lets you track key metrics and measure your social media performance with built-in analytics dashboards.
    • Team Collaboration: The tool facilitates teamwork with features like user roles, task assignments, and approval workflows.

    Pros and Cons

    Let’s take a look at its pros and cons

    Pros:

    • Focus on Growing Businesses: Statusbrew offers features tailored to the needs of growing businesses, such as automated moderation and team collaboration tools.
    • All-in-one Social Inbox: The unified inbox streamlines social media interactions and helps you stay on top of conversations.
    • Automation Capabilities: Automated comment management and other automation features can significantly improve efficiency.

    Cons:

    • Limited Customization: Compared to Hootsuite, Statusbrew might offer fewer customization options in terms of dashboards and reporting.
    • Pricing Can Be High: Depending on your needs and usage, Statusbrew’s pricing plans might be more expensive for smaller businesses or individuals with limited budgets.

    Pricing Breakdown

    Here’s a breakdown of Statusbrew’s pricing tiers, as shown in the image you provided:

    Feature	Lite	Standard	Premium	Enterprise
    Price (Annually)	$69 (billed annually)	$129 (billed annually)	$229 (billed annually)	Custom
    Users	2	5	8	Unlimited
    Social Profiles	5	10	15	Unlimited
    Social Media Publishing	✔	✔	✔	✔
    Best Time Posting Queue	✔	✔	✔	✔
    Bulk Scheduling	✔	✔	✔	✔
    All-in-one Social Inbox	✔	✔	✔	✔
    Hide Organic Comments	✔	✔	✔	✔
    Email Support	✔	✔	✔	✔
    BrewLink-in-bio	❌	✔	✔	✔
    Social Media Reporting	❌	✔	✔	✔
    Google My Business Integration	❌	✔	✔	✔
    Rule Engine	❌	✔	✔	✔
    Email & Chat Support	❌	✔	✔	✔
    Al Sentiment Analysis	❌	❌	✔	✔
    Assignment & Approval Workflows	❌	❌	✔	✔
    Team & SLA Reporting	❌	❌	✔	✔
    Competitor Benchmarking	❌	❌	✔	✔
    Agent Collision Detection	❌	❌	✔	✔
    Priority Email & Chat Support	❌	❌	✔	✔
    HubSpot & Salesforce Integration	❌	❌	❌	✔
    API & Webhook Support	❌	❌	❌	✔
    SAML Single Sign-on Support	❌	❌	❌	✔
    Real Time Team Logging	❌	❌	❌	✔
    1:1 Onboarding & Training	❌	❌	❌	✔

    Best For

    Statusbrew is best suited for:

    • Growing Businesses: The platform’s features and pricing plans are tailored to the needs of businesses experiencing growth.
    • Teams Requiring Collaboration: The team collaboration tools and workflows make it ideal for teams working together on social media management.

    Our Verdict

    Statusbrew offers a comprehensive set of features designed to help up-and-coming businesses manage their social media presence effectively.

    The all-in-one social inbox, automated comment management, and team collaboration tools are valuable assets

    If your business is very small or if you have very basic social media needs, exploring alternative solutions might be more suitable.

    However, if you’re experiencing growth and require a platform to streamline your social media efforts, Statusbrew is worth considering.

Key Features to Look for in a Hootsuite Alternative

Finding the right social media tool can feel like a big decision. But don’t worry; I’m here to help you navigate the options and find the perfect fit for your needs.

1. Budget-Conscious Choices: Finding Value Without Breaking the Bank

   Nobody wants to overspend. Find a social media management tool that fits your budget and delivers the features you need.

   For example, suppose you’re a small business managing 3-4 social profiles. In that case, you might find the base price plan sufficient, while a larger agency with multiple clients might need a higher-tiered plan with more user seats and advanced reporting.

   When examining the tool’s pricing, here’s what you need to consider:

   • Tiered Pricing: Most platforms offer tiered pricing plans. Carefully evaluate each tier and identify the features you absolutely need versus the “nice-to-haves.” Don’t pay for features you won’t use.
   • Free Trials & Freemium Options: Take advantage of free trials to test-drive a platform before committing. Some platforms offer freemium versions with limited features, which can be a good starting point for smaller businesses or individuals.
   • Consider Your ROI: Think about how the tool will contribute to your overall marketing goals. Will it save you time? Improve engagement? Drive more traffic? A good tool should offer a clear return on your investment.

2. Teamwork Makes the Dream Work: Collaboration Features

   Effective teamwork is crucial for successful social media management.

   Features like role-based permissions, for example, allow a marketing team to grant content creation access to junior members while senior managers retain approval rights.

   A few team collaboration features you can look for include:

   • Multiple User Access: Essential for teams of any size, this feature allows multiple users to access and manage social media accounts.
   • Role-Based Permissions: Control who has access to what. Assign different roles (admin, editor, analyst) to team members to maintain security and streamline workflows.
   • Content Approval Workflows: Implement a review and approval process for content before it goes live. This is crucial for maintaining brand consistency and avoiding mistakes.
   • Shared Content Libraries: Centralize your content assets (images, videos, copy) for easy access by the whole team.
   • Team Collision Detection: Prevent team members from accidentally overwriting each other’s work. This ensures everyone stays on the same page and avoids duplicated efforts.

3. Time-Saving Scheduling: Content Planning Made Easy

   Stop wasting precious hours on manual posting.

   Advanced scheduling tools can simplify your content calendar and free up your time for more strategic tasks.

   For example, you can plan a whole month’s worth of content in one go with features like bulk scheduling.

   • Bulk Scheduling: Upload a CSV file with hundreds of posts and schedule them in advance. This is a huge time-saver for content-heavy periods or campaigns.
   • Drag-and-Drop Calendar: Visualize your content calendar and easily reschedule posts by dragging and dropping them.
   • Optimal Posting Time Suggestions: Leverage AI-powered suggestions to identify the best times to post for maximum engagement. Social Champ, for example, excels in this area.
   • Recurring Posts: Reshare evergreen content automatically to keep it in rotation without manual effort.
   • Automated Queues: Create queues of content that are automatically published at scheduled intervals.

4. Content Recycling: Maximize the Value of Your Best Content

   Get more mileage out of your top-performing posts.

   With features like content recycling, you can keep your audience engaged and expand your reach.

   For example, an evergreen post that received high engagement can be automatically reshared every few weeks to continue driving traffic.

   • Automated Resharing: Set up rules to automatically reshare your top-performing posts after a certain period.
   • Content Performance Analysis: Identify which posts are performing best and prioritize them for recycling.
   • Customizable Recycling Schedules: Control how often and when your content is reshared.

5. Agency-Level Organization: Separate Workspaces

   For agencies and freelancers managing multiple clients, organization is key.

   Separate workspaces, for instance, allow an agency to keep client data and content completely isolated from each other, ensuring clarity and preventing mix-ups.

   • Client Account Management: Manage multiple client accounts from a single dashboard.
   • White-Labeling: Present the platform as your own to clients.
   • Granular Permissions: Control client access to specific features and data.
   • Reporting & Analytics for Each Client: Generate separate reports for each client to track their performance.

6. Boosting Posts: Amplifying Your Reach

   Boosting posts isn’t just an extra—it’s integral to maximizing your social media impact.

   This feature allows you to strategically amplify your most successful content, reaching a wider audience and driving targeted traffic to your website.

   • Direct Boosting: Boost posts directly from the social media management platform.
   • Budget Management: Set budgets for boosted posts and track their performance.
   • Targeting Options: Target your boosted posts to specific demographics and interests.

7. Content Curation: Auto RSS Feeds

   Auto RSS feeds can be a lifesaver for busy social media managers.

   A tech brand, for example, can use RSS feeds to automatically share articles from other tech publications, keeping their audience engaged without constant content creation.

   • RSS Integration: Connect RSS feeds from relevant blogs and websites to automatically pull in content.
   • Automated Posting: Schedule RSS feed content to be posted automatically.

8. Actionable Analytics and Custom Reporting

   Understanding your social media performance is crucial, and custom reporting empowers you to showcase your results in a way that reflects your brand.

   This is especially ideal for agencies managing clients, as it allows for tailored reports showcasing specific metrics and incorporating brand elements.

   Here’s what makes custom reporting so powerful:

   • Branded Reporting: Add your own brand elements, like logos and colors, to your reports. This creates a professional and consistent look, especially valuable for agencies sharing reports with clients.
   • Data Visualization: Present data in easy-to-understand charts and graphs. Visualizations make it easier to identify trends and patterns, allowing you to grasp the story your data is telling quickly.
   • Scheduled Reports: Automatically generate reports on a regular basis (weekly, monthly, quarterly). This saves you time and ensures stakeholders receive timely social media performance updates.

9. AI-Powered Content Creation: Smart Assistance

   You can leverage the power of AI to create better content faster.

   With AI-powered tools, like the Champ AI Suite, you can generate variations of captions for a single post and quickly A/B test them to see which resonates best with your audience.

   • AI Content Generation: Use AI to generate content ideas, captions, and even full posts.
   • AI Image Generation: Create unique visuals with AI-powered image generation tools.
   • AI-Driven Optimization: Use AI to optimize your content for maximum engagement.

10. Social Listening and Competitor Analysis: Understanding Your Industry

    Social listening and competitor analysis tools empower you to understand what’s being said about your brand and your competitors, allowing you to take proactive steps.

    A company, for instance, can use social listening to quickly address customer complaints or concerns.

    • Brand Monitoring: Track mentions of your brand across social media.
    • Sentiment Analysis: Analyze the sentiment of social media conversations about your brand.
    • Competitor Analysis: Monitor what your competitors are doing on social media.

11. Integrations: Connecting Your Favorite Tools

    Your social media tool shouldn’t live in isolation. Make your workflow seamless by connecting your social media management platform to the other tools you use every day.

    Here are some key integrations you might need:

    • Canva: Design stunning visuals directly within your social media management platform. No more switching between apps! Create eye-catching graphics, social media posts, and other visual content without leaving your workflow.
    • Dropbox/Google Drive: Access and share your content assets (images, videos, documents) easily. Connect your cloud storage to easily upload, manage, and use your files directly within the platform.
    • ChatGPT/Other AI Tools: Leverage the power of AI for content creation and optimization. Integrate with AI tools to generate captions, refine your copy, brainstorm ideas, and even translate content, all within your social media management workflow.
    • Giphy: Inject some fun and personality into your social media posts with easy access to Giphy’s vast library of GIFs. Find the perfect GIF to express your message and engage your audience.
    • Bitly/Other URL Shorteners: Shorten and customize your links for cleaner sharing and better tracking. Use branded short links to reinforce your brand identity and track click-through rates effectively.
    • Google Analytics 4 (GA4): Gain deeper insights into your social media performance by connecting your Google Analytics account. This way, you can track website traffic, conversions, and other key metrics to understand the impact of your social media efforts and make data-driven decisions.

12. Reliable Customer Support: Your Safety Net

    Even the best tools can have hiccups. That’s why reliable customer support is essential – it’s your safety net when you need assistance.

    Look for a tool that offers:

    • Multiple Support Channels: Look for platforms that offer support via email, chat, and phone.
    • Fast Response Times: Choose a platform with a reputation for quick and helpful customer support.
    • Comprehensive Documentation: Access to FAQs, tutorials, and other resources can be very helpful.

    Finding the perfect Hootsuite alternative means carefully considering your needs and exploring the available features.

    Don’t rush the process – take your time and choose the tool that best fits your unique requirements.

    Platforms like Social Champ offer a comprehensive suite of the features discussed, empowering you to manage your social media effectively and achieve your marketing goals.

The Verdict: Top Picks by Use Case

• Best Overall Tool: Social Champ emerges as a top Hootsuite alternative, balancing affordability, ease of use, and a comprehensive feature set. Its flexible plans cater to various needs, making it a strong contender.
• Visual Content Planning (Instagram Focus): Later shines with its visual calendar and Instagram grid planner, ideal for visually-driven brands.
• Engagement & Community Building: Agorapulse excels in social listening and engagement tools, perfect for businesses prioritizing audience interaction.
• Content-Driven Marketing: ContentStudio’s content ideation and discovery features are invaluable for businesses focused on content marketing.
• Team Collaboration: NapoleonCat’s team-centric tools and social CRM make it a great fit for collaborative workflows.
• Data-Driven Analytics: Metricool’s in-depth analytics and reporting are ideal for data-focused marketers.
• Growing Businesses: Statusbrew offers a tailored approach for scaling businesses, balancing features and pricing.
• Budget-Conscious Users: Zoho Social provides an affordable solution for essential social media management tasks.
• Marketing Teams Seeking Integration: CoSchedule integrates social media with broader marketing efforts, ideal for holistic campaign management.
• Simplicity-Focused Users: Buffer’s user-friendly interface and straightforward features make it a good choice for beginners.
• Feature-Rich Platform: Sendible offers a wide array of features, catering to agencies and businesses with extensive needs.
• Content Collaboration Powerhouse: Loomly’s content focus and collaboration tools make it a valuable asset for teams.

Wrapping Up

We’ve covered a bunch of platforms, each with its own strengths. Some are budget-friendly, perfect for getting started.

Others are more of an investment but offer a whole suite of advanced features. Take your time, have a good look at the options, and don’t hesitate to try out a few free trials. It’s the best way to see if a platform really clicks with your workflow.

And hey, if you’re looking for a solid all-rounder that won’t break the bank, definitely check out Social Champ. It’s got a great balance of features and affordability, making it a seriously strong contender.

But no matter what you choose, happy posting!

Looking for a Platform That Does It All?

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