Hootsuite has been around for years and has helped countless businesses and creators manage their social media. But recently, if you’ve scrolled through Reddit threads, you’ve probably noticed a growing wave of users voicing concerns.
From steep pricing to a somewhat complex interface and even customer support hiccups, more and more people are starting to wonder if it’s time to explore Hootsuite alternatives.
If you’ve been thinking the same, you’re not alone. We get it, switching from a tool you’ve used for years isn’t easy. You’ve got data, schedules, and workflows already set up, and the thought of moving everything over to a new platform can feel overwhelming. But don’t worry; we’re here to make that transition smoother for you.
After diving into real user feedback (yes, including those Hootsuite Reddit discussions) and testing tools ourselves, we’ve pulled together a guide on the best Hootsuite alternatives for social media management in 2025.
Whether you’re looking for a cheaper Hootsuite alternative, something simpler, or a platform with stronger analytics, this list has got you covered.
Why Are People Really Looking for Hootsuite Alternatives?
Hootsuite has been a go-to name in social media management for years, but lately, users are finding it harder to stick around. As platforms change and expectations rise, many feel that Hootsuite hasn’t kept up. That’s why discussions about alternatives to Hootsuite—from Reddit threads to business forums—are getting louder every day.
So, what’s driving the search for something new? Let’s dig in.
1. Steep Pricing That Feels Hard to Justify
One of the biggest reasons users switch is cost. Many feel that Hootsuite has become too expensive, especially for small businesses, startups, or solo creators. With subscription prices climbing over the years, it often feels like you’re paying premium rates for features that other cheaper Hootsuite alternatives now offer at a fraction of the price.
Budget-conscious teams are increasingly searching for the best free Hootsuite alternatives or cheaper alternatives to Hootsuite for social media that don’t compromise on quality.
2. A Complex Interface That Slows You Down
Hootsuite is packed with features, but sometimes more isn’t better. Many users find the dashboard cluttered and confusing, especially when managing multiple accounts. Instead of making life easier, the interface often demands extra time to learn and navigate.
That’s why newer Hootsuite alternatives for social media scheduling focus on simplicity, speed, and usability right from the start.
3. Customer Service That Leaves You Hanging
Another common frustration? Support. Many users report delays or unhelpful responses when they need assistance the most. Social media moves fast, and waiting days for a reply is impractical. This gap has led many to seek free alternatives to Hootsuite or more affordable platforms with responsive customer support.
Here’s what users have been saying about Hootsuite’s poor customer service on G2.
“There is no live chat feature or phone support available. Hootsuite is an expensive program and for this price I would expect expert 24/7 tech support. This alone may be the reason I cancel my subscription,” said Patrick T, Chief Marketing Officer on G2.
4. Features That Feel Outdated
Social media has evolved; hello, TikTok scheduling, AI-powered posting, and smarter collaboration tools. But many feel that Hootsuite hasn’t innovated at the same pace. Some of its features feel outdated, especially when compared to modern social media scheduling software that’s more intuitive, flexible, and aligned with today’s workflows.
Multiple users left a review on G2, out of which one user talked about how this platform lacks up-to-date features for specific platforms.
“Hootsuite lacks up-to-date features specific to certain platforms. It also lacks a lot of features that can hurt further engagement like lack of collaboration on instagram, music selection for facebook and meta, or images only on tiktok,” said a verified reviewer on G2.
5. Analytics That Don’t Go Deep Enough
Sure, Hootsuite gives you basic numbers, but if you’re serious about strategy, you’ll want more than surface-level metrics. Brands now need insights into audience behavior, platform-specific trends, and competitor tracking. That’s where Hootsuite alternatives with better analytics step in, giving teams the data they need to make smarter decisions.
“The biggest drawback is the analytics, which often seem exaggerated and inconsistent with native platform data, making performance tracking unreliable,” said Muhammad U., a Social Media Specialist on G2.
To help you find a better fit, we’ve rounded up top-rated Hootsuite alternatives that combine power, flexibility, and ease of use. Let’s get straight to these:
Hootsuite Alternative #01: SocialBu
When digging through Reddit threads and user reviews while researching Hootsuite alternatives, SocialBu’s name kept popping up, and for all the right reasons.
Many users pointed out that it feels like the kind of tool Hootsuite once was: simple, affordable, and genuinely helpful. SocialBu is designed as an all-in-one social media scheduling platform that makes managing multiple accounts easier, smarter, and more affordable.
For small businesses, creators, and even nonprofits, it has quickly become one of the best alternatives to Hootsuite for social media scheduling in 2025.
Why SocialBu Stands Out Compared to Hootsuite?
1. Affordable, Transparent Pricing
One of the biggest complaints about Hootsuite is the steep price tag. SocialBu flips that by offering plans that are budget-friendly and actually scale with your needs. For small businesses and teams hunting for cheaper Hootsuite alternatives, SocialBu is a refreshing option that doesn’t cut features just to save money.
One of the most talked-about things about SocialBu on Trustpilot was its pricing.
2. Smarter, In-Depth Analytics
Unlike Hootsuite’s often surface-level reports, SocialBu provides insights that go beyond just likes and shares. You get data on engagement trends, platform performance, and even competitor analysis, making it one of the strongest Hootsuite alternatives with better analytics. For marketers who want to refine their strategy instead of just tracking numbers, this is a game-changer.
3. Simple, Clean Interface
SocialBu was built with usability in mind. Instead of cluttered dashboards, you get a clean, intuitive layout that makes scheduling posts, collaborating with teams, and managing multiple accounts seamless. If you’ve ever felt bogged down by Hootsuite’s complexity, you’ll find SocialBu to be less complicated than Hootsuite and far easier to learn.
4. Support That Actually Supports You
One of the top frustrations users share about Hootsuite is slow or unhelpful customer service. SocialBu shines here with quick, responsive support that’s invested in solving problems. It’s no surprise that many Reddit threads recommend it as one of the best Hootsuite alternatives for small businesses and teams that can’t afford downtime.
Let’s see what users on G2 have to say about SocialBu’s customer service.
5. Modern Features That Keep Up With Social Media
Social media changes fast, and SocialBu keeps up. From AI-powered post scheduling to TikTok and Instagram tools, to bulk scheduling and automation, SocialBu offers up-to-date features that Hootsuite often lacks. For anyone frustrated with outdated workflows, this makes it one of the top Hootsuite competitors worth switching to.
Comparison Table – SocialBu vs. Hootsuite
Here’s a quick comparison of SocialBu and Hootsuite for a better understanding.
Features | SocialBu | Hootsuite |
AI-Powered Scheduling | Yes (Advanced AI-based post scheduling) | Yes (Basic AI scheduling) |
Social Media Automation | Yes (Smart automation for replies, posts, and workflows) | No (Limited automation) |
Analytics & Insights | Advanced analytics | Standard analytics |
Content Recycling | Yes | No |
Bulk Upload & Scheduling | Yes (With AI hashtag suggestions) | Yes |
Team Collaboration | Yes (Unlimited team members on paid plans) | Yes (Limited users per plan) |
Content Approval Workflow | Yes | Yes |
Pricing (Starter Plan) | Starts at $8/month | Starts at $99/month |
Customer Support | 24/7 Live Chat & Email Support | No live chat, slower response time |
Overall Rating (G2) | 4.7/5 | 4.1/5 |
Client Testimonials
Let’s hear from the people who have been using SocialBu for a while and find out what they have to say about this content-scheduling software.
Hootsuite Alternative #02:Hopper HQ
If your social media strategy leans heavily on Instagram, Hopper HQ is one of the top Hootsuite alternatives worth checking out. Originally designed as an Instagram-first scheduler, it has expanded to support multiple platforms while keeping its focus on simplicity and visual content planning.
In fact, on Reddit and other forums discussing what are good alternatives for Hootsuite, Hopper HQ is often recommended for creators and brands who value a straightforward, visual approach.
Why Hopper HQ Works as a Hootsuite Alternative?
1. Simple and Easy to Use
One of Hopper HQ’s biggest strengths is its clean and intuitive interface. Unlike Hootsuite’s sometimes overwhelming dashboard, Hopper HQ is straightforward and designed for quick scheduling. For small businesses and creators, it feels less complicated than Hootsuite and easier to get started with right away.
Joe M, a Digital Marketing Manager, left a review for Hopper HQ’s clean interface on G2, saying, “The UI is so clean and easy to use. I love the calendar view. ”
2. Focused, Visual Analytics
While not as advanced as enterprise-level platforms, Hopper HQ offers analytics that help track performance on Instagram, Facebook, LinkedIn, and Twitter. It’s a strong option for those who found Hootsuite’s reporting too basic but still want actionable insights without the heavy price tag. For many, this makes Hopper HQ one of the more practical Hootsuite alternatives with better analytics.
Here’s what a user said about Hopper HQ’s analytics on G2.
3. Helpful Customer Service
Users often highlight Hopper HQ’s approachable and responsive support team. Where Hootsuite’s customer service can sometimes feel slow or impersonal, Hopper HQ provides a more supportive experience, especially for smaller teams that can’t afford long delays.
Hopper HQ’s customer service has always been praised. A user on Trustpilot left a nice review on its customer service.
4. Instagram-First Scheduling (Bonus!)
What really sets Hopper HQ apart is its strength in Instagram scheduling. With features like visual content planning, carousel post scheduling, and hashtag management, it’s one of the best alternatives to Hootsuite for Instagram analytics and scheduling. For creators and brands focused on visual platforms, this is where Hopper HQ really shines.
Takeaway
Hopper HQ keeps things simple with an easy-to-use interface, helpful analytics, and reliable customer service — all while excelling at Instagram scheduling. If Hootsuite feels too complex or pricey, Hopper HQ is a cheaper Hootsuite alternative that delivers what most creators and small businesses need.
Starting Price
The pricing of Hopper HQ starts at $19/month for the starter plan if billed monthly.
Also Read: You might also like our overview of social media scheduling tools: 19 Best Social Media Scheduling Tools Free For 2025
Hootsuite Alternative #03: SocialPilot
For anyone frustrated with Hootsuite’s pricing or complexity, SocialPilot often comes up as one of the best Hootsuite alternatives for managing multiple accounts in 2025. Designed for small businesses, agencies, and even nonprofits, it balances affordability with a wide range of professional features.
While researching alternatives to Hootsuite, I came across multiple user reviews and recommendations pointing to SocialPilot as a tool that grows with you, without the steep learning curve.
Why SocialPilot is a Strong Alternative to Hootsuite?
1. Easy to Use
SocialPilot’s interface is clean, intuitive, and much easier to navigate than Hootsuite’s crowded dashboard. Whether you’re scheduling posts, managing multiple accounts, or reviewing analytics, everything feels straightforward.
One SocialPilot user on G2 mentioned how easy to use, simple, and intuitive the tool is.
2. Posting Flexibility
SocialPilot shines when it comes to flexible scheduling options. You can queue posts, recycle evergreen content, bulk schedule, or even adjust posting times based on engagement. For teams that want social media scheduling software that adapts to their workflow, this is a huge plus.
As one reviewer put it on G2 that SocialPilot is an excellent choice and provides great flexibility.
3. Multi-Platform Posting
Unlike some tools that specialize in just one or two platforms, SocialPilot supports a wide range, Facebook, Instagram, LinkedIn, Twitter, Pinterest, and more. For businesses juggling multiple platforms, this makes it one of the most practical alternatives to Hootsuite for social media scheduling.
A G2 review highlighted how helpful it is to manage everything in one place as SocialPilot creates templates for different platforms.
4. Up-to-Date & Continuously Evolving
Social media changes fast, and SocialPilot consistently updates its features to keep pace. From supporting new content formats to adding integrations, it ensures you’re not stuck with outdated workflows, a common complaint among Hootsuite users.
As one user noted on G2, however, SocialPilot is actually evolving and useful.
5. Strong Team Collaboration (Bonus!)
SocialPilot also offers features for team management, including role-based access and approval workflows. For agencies or businesses managing multiple clients, it’s a budget-friendly social media tool that doesn’t force you to upgrade just to collaborate.
Takeaway
With its easy-to-use interface, posting flexibility, and multi-platform support, SocialPilot is a powerful yet affordable Hootsuite substitute. Add to that its evolving features and built-in collaboration tools, and it’s clear why many reviews consider it one of the best cheaper alternatives to Hootsuite for social media management in 2025.
Starting Price
$30/month is the starting plan for this Hootsuite alternative, named Essentials.
Hootsuite Alternative #04: Sendible
Sendible is another tool that often comes up in conversations about Hootsuite competitors and social media management alternatives. It’s especially popular among agencies and marketing teams thanks to its balance of affordability, collaboration, and automation features.
While browsing reviews on Capterra and G2, I noticed a recurring theme: Sendible makes life easier for teams that need structure, without overwhelming them with complexity.
Why Sendible Stands Out as a Hootsuite Alternative?
1. Approval Workflow
One of Sendible’s strongest features is its approval workflow system. This allows managers to review, edit, and approve content before it goes live — perfect for agencies or larger teams managing multiple accounts.
2. Customer Service & Interface
Sendible’s interface is clean and user-friendly, making it far less intimidating than Hootsuite’s dashboard. On top of that, their customer service is consistently praised for being responsive and helpful.
3. Affordable
Compared to Hootsuite’s steep pricing, Sendible offers plans that are both budget-friendly and scalable. Small businesses and nonprofits especially appreciate that they don’t need to overspend to access powerful features.
4. Automated Posting & Scheduling
Sendible makes scheduling a breeze with automated posting features that save teams hours every week. You can set up recurring posts, auto-scheduling, and even smart queues to maximize engagement.
A G2 user noted how automation “cut posting time in half and gave us more room to focus on strategy.”
5. Team Collaboration
Sendible also supports strong collaboration features, letting multiple users manage accounts, assign tasks, and communicate within the platform. This is a huge win for teams managing several brands or clients.
On G2, a reviewer shared, “Sendible has made reviewing and approving posts so much easier. ”
Takeaway
Sendible combines affordable pricing, a clean interface, and strong automation with team-focused features like approval workflows and collaboration tools. If you’re looking for a Hootsuite replacement that simplifies your workflow while keeping your team organized, Sendible is one of the best alternatives to Hootsuite for social media scheduling and management in 2025.
Starting Price
The creator plan is the first pricing plan Sendible offers at $29/month.
Hootsuite Alternative #05: Buffer
Buffer has long been seen as one of the most popular Hootsuite alternatives, and for good reason. While researching alternatives for Hootsuite, I came across several Reddit threads where users consistently praised Buffer’s clean interface and detailed analytics.
It’s the kind of tool that feels modern and easy to use, yet still powerful enough for brands, small businesses, and creators looking for a simpler approach to social media scheduling and analytics.
Why Buffer is a Solid Alternative to Hootsuite?
1. Helpful Features
From post scheduling to queue management, Buffer offers a wide range of helpful features designed to make social media management easier without the complexity. The tool feels less overwhelming than Hootsuite, making it ideal for beginners and pros alike.
One Trustpilot reviewer mentioned how Buffer is even better than native X.
2. RSS Feeds
Buffer allows you to connect RSS feeds directly, making it easy to pull in fresh content for sharing. This is a game-changer for those who curate industry news or want to keep their feeds active without spending hours searching for content.
In one Trustpilot review, a user highlighted how RSS integration is one of the best features Buffer has to offer.
3. AI Content Generation
One of Buffer’s newest and most exciting additions is AI-powered content generation. This feature helps create captions, repurpose posts, and suggest improvements, giving busy marketers a productivity boost while keeping posts engaging.
As noted in G2 reviews, the AI feature is a real time-saver.
4. Affordable
Buffer has always positioned itself as a budget-friendly social media tool, especially compared to Hootsuite’s steep pricing. With transparent pricing tiers, you only pay for what you need, whether you’re a solo creator or a growing business.
A G2 review pointed out how Buffer has a great price structure.
5. Analytics
Analytics is one of Buffer’s strongest selling points. It goes deeper than Hootsuite by offering clear reports on performance, audience behavior, and engagement trends across platforms. For many teams, this makes it a top choice when exploring alternatives to Hootsuite with better analytics.
As mentioned in multiple G2 reviews (and echoed in Reddit threads), Buffer’s analytics have helped brands increase their online visibility.
Starting Price
The Essentials plan of Buffer costs $6/month per channel.
Hootsuite Alternative #06: Sprout Social
When digging through Reddit discussions about Hootsuite alternatives, Sprout Social often comes up as one of the strongest tools out there.
It’s known for being more than just a scheduling platform, offering advanced analytics, customer engagement tools, and even AI-powered insights. While Sprout Social is on the pricier side, many users see it as worth the investment because of the value it delivers in terms of features, usability, and support.
Why Sprout Social is a Powerful Hootsuite Alternative?
1. Easy to Use & In-depth Analytics
Sprout Social combines a clean, intuitive interface with some of the most advanced analytics in the social media management space. Whether you’re tracking engagement trends, measuring campaign ROI, or presenting client reports, the platform makes it simple.
One reviewer on G2 highlighted how Sprout Social’s analytics helps them make informed decisions about their social media posts.
2. Sentiment Classification Feature
One standout feature is sentiment analysis. Sprout Social can classify comments and messages as positive, negative, or neutral, giving brands a quick way to measure audience perception and respond proactively.
According to a G2 review, the sentiment classification is especially helpful when managing comments and messages.
3. Centralized Management
Sprout Social acts as a centralized hub for all your social media accounts, inboxes, and reporting. Instead of switching between multiple platforms or tabs, everything is streamlined into one dashboard.
As one user review on G2 put it, “Sprout makes socials so easy.”
4. Customer Service
Beyond features, Sprout Social is also praised for its excellent customer service. Whether you’re onboarding a team or troubleshooting an issue, their support team is quick, knowledgeable, and attentive.
A Trustpilot review appreciated the clean UI and excellent customer service of Sprout Social.
Takeaway
Sprout Social is a robust option for those looking for advanced analytics, sentiment tracking, and streamlined management in one tool. While not the cheapest solution, it’s often seen as one of the best Hootsuite alternatives for serious social media teams in 2025, especially if insights and customer engagement are a top priority.
Starting Price
The standard pricing plan of Sprout Social comes at $245/month per seat.
Hootsuite Alternative #07: Agorapulse
If you’ve been searching for a tool that feels like a natural Hootsuite replacement, Agorapulse deserves your attention. In fact, in several Reddit discussions, it’s frequently called the best alternative thanks to its balance of usability, robust features, and reliable support.
Unlike platforms that feel either too complex or too limited, Agorapulse strikes the right balance, powerful enough for agencies, yet simple enough for small businesses.
Why Agorapulse Stands Out as a Hootsuite Alternative?
1. Easy to Use & Up-to-Date
Agorapulse’s interface is refreshingly simple, which makes onboarding new team members a breeze. At the same time, the platform stays consistently up-to-date with the latest social media updates, ensuring you’re never stuck with outdated features.
One G2 reviewer shared how Agorapulse keeps evolving and changing with time.
2. Multi-Platform Support
From Facebook and Instagram to TikTok and LinkedIn, Agorapulse provides comprehensive multi-platform posting support. It allows seamless scheduling, monitoring, and engagement across all major networks in one centralized hub.
“The easability to schedule to specific accounts is perfect!,” said Nick C., Owner at Red Letter Creatives.
3. Analytics
When it comes to analytics, Agorapulse offers detailed, presentation-ready reports that go beyond surface-level metrics. Whether you’re a solo manager or running accounts for multiple clients, the insights are actionable and easy to share.
According to G2 reviews, Agorapulse’s reports are robust, providing valuable insights.
Takeaway
Agorapulse combines ease of use, timely updates, and powerful analytics into one platform, making it a top contender for those ready to move on from Hootsuite. No wonder Reddit users often rank it as one of the best Hootsuite alternatives for 2025, it’s reliable, modern, and built to scale with your needs.
Starting Price
Agorapulse features the Standard pricing plan of $99/month.
Hootsuite Alternative #08: Zoho Social
Zoho Social is another strong name that often comes up when people search for Hootsuite alternatives. It’s part of the larger Zoho ecosystem, which is already trusted by thousands of businesses worldwide.
What makes Zoho Social stand out is its balance of simplicity, affordability, and reliability, making it a great fit for both small businesses and larger teams who want a straightforward yet powerful tool.
Why Zoho Social Stands Out as a Hootsuite Alternative?
1. Easy to Use
Zoho Social has a clean, intuitive interface that makes managing social media campaigns stress-free. It’s designed to minimize clutter and streamline tasks so that even beginners can feel comfortable quickly.
As one G2 reviewer noted, Zoho Social has been great so far for its user-friendly dashboard and ease of use.
2. Customer Support
One of Zoho Social’s biggest strengths is its dedicated customer support. The team is known for being responsive and helpful, ensuring that users don’t get stuck with issues or long wait times.
According to one G2 review, the support team responds quickly.
3. Multi-Platform Support
With Zoho Social, you can manage multiple platforms, from Facebook and Instagram to LinkedIn, Twitter, and more — all in one place. It’s particularly helpful for businesses handling several accounts across different networks.
“Zoho Social can be integrated with all major platforms, ” said Aanchal J, a Parenting Coach on G2.
4. Analytics
Zoho Social also offers solid analytics tools to help you measure performance and understand what works best for your audience. These insights can be turned into client-ready reports or used to refine your social strategy.
Takeaway
Zoho Social brings together ease of use, excellent customer support, multi-platform management, and reliable analytics — making it a budget-friendly yet powerful alternative to Hootsuite. For businesses that want a tool that “just works” without the complexity, Zoho Social is a smart choice.
Starting Price
Zoho Social has a standard pricing plan that starts at $15/month.
Hootsuite Alternative #9: Later
When it comes to visual content scheduling, Later has carved out a strong reputation as one of the top Hootsuite alternatives. It’s especially popular among creators, small businesses, and brands focused on Instagram, though it supports other platforms as well.
Many users appreciate its visual-first approach to scheduling, making it easier to plan content calendars with clarity and confidence.
Why Later Stands Out as a Hootsuite Alternative?
1. Ease of Use
Later is known for its drag-and-drop calendar that makes scheduling incredibly simple. You can visually plan posts and get a clear overview of how your content will look once published.
As one G2 reviewer mentioned, “Later’s ease of use is one of the best features ever. ”
2. Customer Support
Good support can make or break a tool, and Later shines here. Users frequently praise their helpful and approachable support team, which makes resolving issues far less stressful.
One Trustpilot user reviewed how Later did everything I needed it to do.
3. Auto-Scheduling
Later’s auto-scheduling feature helps eliminate repetitive posting tasks. Once you set it up, the platform takes care of publishing content at the best times, so you don’t need to hover over reminders.
Starting Price
As for the Starter plan of Later, you are required to pay $25/month.
Final Verdict
At the end of the day, choosing the right social media management tool comes down to what fits your needs — whether that’s affordability, ease of use, deeper analytics, or better customer support.
Hootsuite has long been a go-to option, but as we’ve seen, there are plenty of Hootsuite alternatives in 2025 that offer modern features, simpler interfaces, and pricing that won’t break the bank. From tools like Buffer and Sprout Social to Later and Zoho Social, you’ve got no shortage of options to explore.
But if you’re looking for a balance of budget-friendly pricing, up-to-date features, clean design, and excellent customer service, SocialBu really stands out. It’s no surprise that so many users on Reddit and beyond are calling it one of the best Hootsuite alternatives for social media management in 2025.
Ready to simplify your social media management? Try SocialBu today and see why it’s becoming the go-to Hootsuite alternative for creators, small businesses, and growing teams.
FAQs
Q: What Is the Best Hootsuite Alternative?
SocialBu is the best Hootsuite alternative as it features an interactive and user-friendly interface, affordable price plans that can be upgraded according to your needs or requirements, and a free trial.
Q: Is There Still a Free Version of Hootsuite?
No, there is no longer a free version of Hootsuite available. The free plan was discontinued in March 2023, and users have had to start with the paid version only.
Q: Is Hootsuite a CRM or CMS?
Hootsuite is neither a CRM nor a headless CMS. It is, in fact, a social media management tool that users can use to schedule their posts on multiple social media platforms, track engagement, and analyze the performance of their content.
Q: What Is the 80/20 Rule in Hootsuite?
As per the 80/20 rule, if you are just starting out on social media, 80% of your content should be focused on providing value to the audience while only 20% can be focused on directly promoting the product or brand.
