11 Best Hootsuite Alternatives to Try in 2025 (Free & Paid)

Every business has unique social media needs, and while Hootsuite works for many, it might not check all your boxes. Whether you’re after better pricing, a more intuitive interface, or features tailored to your strategy, the good news is that strong Hootsuite alternatives are out there.

From lean startups to growing agencies, the right platform can streamline your workflow and boost your impact. This guide will walk you through the best Hootsuite alternatives in 2025, each with its strengths, use cases, and standout features.

Keep reading to find your perfect match.

Why Are People Really Looking for Hootsuite Alternatives?

Hootsuite had its golden days, but recently, more and more users have been leaving. And it’s not hard to see why. As platforms evolve and teams seek more agile, cost-effective solutions, many users explore tools that better align with their current needs and workflows.

Let’s break down what’s not working anymore.

1. The Price Tag Keeps Climbing

One of the biggest blockers? Hootsuite’s pricing. Over the last couple of years, the cost has skyrocketed, especially for features that used to be more accessible. For solo creators, startups, or lean teams, it often feels like you’re paying enterprise prices for basic functionality.

Many newer social media management tools offer smarter automation, collaborative features, and transparent pricing designed to scale with your team, not against it. These modern solutions prioritize usability and flexibility, helping social media managers do more with less hassle.

2. The Interface? Modern Social Tools Put Usability First

While Hootsuite offers many features, its interface can feel overwhelming, especially for those just starting. The layout prioritizes functionality, but the complexity can slow down workflows and require extra time to master.

In contrast, many newer platforms prioritize simplicity and clarity, making it easier to schedule, collaborate, and monitor content without the clutter. A clean, intuitive dashboard can make a big difference in daily productivity.

3. Still Too Much Manual Work

Effective social media management isn’t just about posting—it’s about saving time through smart workflows. For a tool that’s supposed to save time, Hootsuite’s approach can sometimes add extra steps instead of streamlining them. Want to recycle evergreen posts? Auto-schedule based on engagement data? Pull in content from RSS feeds? These features require manual input or oversight, limiting hands-off efficiency. 

Many modern platforms are embracing automation to help teams work faster and smarter. With intuitive, built-in workflows, they reduce manual effort and free up time for strategy and creativity.

4. Analytics That Don’t Go Deep Enough

Sure, Hootsuite gives you basic performance metrics. But you’ll need more firepower if you want detailed insights—what’s working, when your audience is active, and how content performs across platforms.

More affordable Hootsuite alternatives are stepping up here, offering in-depth analytics that actually helps refine strategy instead of just reporting numbers.

5. Collaboration Features Are… Kind of Locked Away

Hootsuite does support teams, but many of the most useful features, like role-based permissions or approval workflows, are reserved for higher plans. If you’re working with even a small team, this can quickly become a hassle. But now available alternatives include collaboration tools that are right out of the box—no upsell is required.

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

SocialBu is a powerful and cost-effective social media management tool that simplifies content scheduling, automation, and analytics. With its AI-powered features, seamless multi-platform support, and user-friendly interface, SocialBu makes managing social media effortless for businesses, marketers, and individuals.

Feature Comparison

AI-Powered Post Scheduling

SocialBu takes post-scheduling to the next level with AI-driven recommendations. It suggests the top-performing posts to help you understand which type of content works best for you. This enables you to understand audience engagement trends, ensuring maximum reach and interaction.

Additionally, SocialBu allows users to schedule and customize posts across multiple platforms in one go, making the process smooth and efficient.

On the other hand, Hootsuite offers basic scheduling features but lacks AI-powered recommendations. While it does have a scheduling tool, users must manually determine the best times to post, which can be time-consuming and less effective in maximizing engagement.

Smart Social Media Automation

With SocialBu, users can automate repetitive social media tasks like auto-replies, post recycling, and scheduled content updates. Its smart automation features reduce manual work and keep social media accounts active even when you’re away.

Hootsuite provides some automation options, but they are limited in comparison. It lacks advanced AI-driven content recycling and smart automation workflows, requiring more hands-on management.

Advanced Analytics with AI Insights

SocialBu offers in-depth performance tracking with AI-powered insights. It helps users understand what type of content performs best, tracks engagement trends, and provides actionable suggestions for improvement. The detailed reports make it easy to optimize social media strategies.

Hootsuite provides analytics, but its insights are more basic and may require manual interpretation. Users need to upgrade to higher-tier plans to access deeper analytics, which increases costs significantly.

Pricing Plans

Comparison Table – SocialBu vs. Hootsuite

Here’s a quick comparison of SocialBu and Hootsuite for better understanding.

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

Hopper HQ is a social media scheduling tool known for its AI-driven best-time posting, bulk scheduling capabilities, and visual content planning. Its intuitive interface streamlines content management and influencers, focusing on platforms like Instagram and Facebook.

Feature Comparison

AI-Based Best Time Scheduling

Hopper HQ uses AI to analyze audience activity and engagement trends to determine the best times to post. This content scheduling software automatically suggests optimal posting times, helping users maximize reach and interactions without manual guesswork.

While offering a scheduling tool, Hootsuite lacks the same level of AI-driven optimization. Users must manually analyze engagement data or rely on general best practices, making the process less precise and time-consuming.

Bulk Upload & Scheduling

Hopper HQ allows users to upload and schedule multiple posts simultaneously, making content planning efficient. This is especially beneficial for businesses and agencies handling large amounts of content. The bulk scheduling feature simplifies workflow by enabling users to plan weeks or months of content.

Hootsuite also offers bulk scheduling, but its interface can be complex and less intuitive. Users may find it challenging to manage large content uploads efficiently, requiring more time for adjustments.

Grid Preview for Instagram & Facebook

Hopper HQ provides a visual grid preview feature for Instagram and Facebook. This feature lets users see how their content will appear on their profiles before publishing. It helps maintain a cohesive aesthetic, which is crucial for brands focusing on visual appeal.

Hootsuite lacks a built-in grid preview for Instagram and Facebook. Users may need to rely on third-party tools or manually check their profiles after posting, which adds extra steps to the content planning process.

Starting Price

The pricing of Hopper HQ starts at $19/month for the starter plan if billed monthly.

G2 Rating: 4.6/5

Hopper HQ has an impressive 4.6/5 rating on G2. Users praise its intuitive interface, seamless scheduling process, and robust visual content planning.

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

SocialPilot is an affordable and user-friendly social media management tool for small businesses, agencies, and marketers. It offers a collaborative team environment, automated content suggestions, and a client management dashboard, making it an ideal choice for businesses looking to streamline their social media efforts.

Feature Comparison

Team Collaboration Features

SocialPilot enables seamless team collaboration. It allows users to assign roles, manage approvals, and collaborate on real-time social media strategies.

Hootsuite offers team collaboration but at a much higher price point, making it less accessible for small businesses or startups with limited budgets.

Automated Content Suggestions

SocialPilot provides AI-powered content suggestions that help users discover trending topics and engage their audience with relevant posts. This feature ensures a steady stream of fresh content ideas without requiring extensive research.

Hootsuite does not have an integrated content suggestion tool. Users need to research trends or manually use external sources for inspiration.

Client Management Dashboard

SocialPilot includes a dedicated client management dashboard, making it easy for agencies and freelancers to handle multiple client accounts from a single platform while organizing their workflows.

Hootsuite lacks a built-in client management feature, requiring users to navigate multiple dashboards or integrate third-party tools to manage different clients efficiently.

Starting Price

$30/month is the starting plan for this Hootsuite alternative, named Essentials.

G2 Rating: 4.5/5

SocialPilot has a solid 4.5/5 rating on G2, with users praising its affordability, ease of use, and robust scheduling features. Many highlight its value for money compared to other high-end tools, making it an excellent choice for businesses with limited budgets.

Hootsuite Alternative #04: Sendible

Sendible is a powerful social media management tool for businesses and agencies prioritizing data-driven decision-making. With AI-based sentiment analysis, competitor benchmarking, and a built-in social CRM, Sendible helps users track engagement, analyze trends, and manage customer relationships effectively.

Feature Comparison

AI-Based Sentiment Analysis

Sendible’s AI-driven sentiment analysis scans comments and mentions to determine whether the audience’s sentiment is positive, neutral, or negative. This feature helps brands monitor their online reputation and adjust their messaging accordingly.

Hootsuite lacks built-in sentiment analysis. Users must manually review comments or rely on third-party integrations, making reputation management more challenging.

Competitor Benchmarking

Sendible, a content scheduling software, offers competitor benchmarking, allowing users to compare their social media performance against industry rivals. It provides insights into engagement rates, follower growth, and content effectiveness, helping businesses refine their strategies.

Hootsuite provides analytics but does not offer dedicated competitor benchmarking within its core features. Users may need additional tools or manual tracking to compare performance.

Social Media CRM

Sendible integrates a social CRM that stores customer interactions. This makes tracking conversations, managing leads, and providing personalized responses easier. This is particularly beneficial for businesses that prioritize customer engagement.

Hootsuite lacks a built-in CRM, requiring businesses to integrate external customer relationship tools to track and manage social interactions.

Starting Price

The creator plan is the first pricing plan Sendible offers at $29/month.

G2 Rating: 4.6/5

Sendible has an impressive 4.6/5 rating on G2. Users highlight its robust analytics, easy-to-use interface, and strong reporting capabilities. Many appreciate its ability to centralize social media performance data while providing actionable insights.

Hootsuite Alternative #05: Crowdfire

Crowdfire is a social media management tool that excels in content discovery, curation, and scheduling. It’s perfect for businesses, bloggers, and influencers looking to keep their feeds active with fresh and relevant content. With its AI-powered content suggestions, smart auto-scheduling, and seamless integration with multiple platforms, Crowdfire stands out among the best Hootsuite competitors.

Feature Comparison

AI-powered Content Suggestions

Crowdfire’s AI-driven content curation suggests relevant articles, blog posts, and images tailored to your niche. This feature ensures that your social media accounts remain engaging without the constant need to create new content manually.

Hootsuite focuses more on scheduling and analytics but lacks built-in AI-powered content curation. Therefore, Crowdfire is a better Hootsuite alternative for businesses that rely on curated content.

Auto-Scheduling with Smart Queue

Crowdfire’s Smart Queue automatically schedules posts at the best times for maximum engagement. Users can plan content efficiently, ensuring a consistent online presence across all platforms like Hootsuite, but at a more affordable price.

Hootsuite offers post-scheduling but lacks automated best-time recommendations unless users pay for advanced analytics. Crowdfire is a more accessible option for users looking for a free Hootsuite alternative.

Article & Image Curation

Crowdfire lets users discover and share high-quality articles, trending blog posts, and eye-catching visuals directly from its platform. Similar to Hootsuite, it is a top free social media management tool for marketers and small businesses.

Hootsuite does not have a built-in article discovery tool, requiring users to source content manually or integrate third-party tools.

Starting Price

Crowdfire Plus begins at $9.99/month.

G2 Rating: 4.2/5

Crowdfire has a 4.2/5 rating on G2. Users appreciate its content curation capabilities and ease of use. Many find it a cheaper Hootsuite alternative that provides valuable automation and scheduling tools.

Hootsuite Alternative #06: Buffer

Buffer is one of the best Hootsuite alternatives for individuals, startups, and small businesses looking for an affordable yet powerful social media management tool.

It is one of those free social media management tools like Hootsuite, which offers a simple, user-friendly interface, cost-effective social scheduling, and collaborative features. This makes it a cheaper Hootsuite alternative for those who need an efficient tool without breaking the bank.

Feature Comparison

Affordable Social Scheduling

Buffer provides cost-effective post-scheduling across multiple platforms, like Hootsuite. Its free plan allows users to schedule posts for Twitter, Facebook, Instagram, LinkedIn, and Pinterest, making it a free social media management tool.

Hootsuite offers social scheduling but charges significantly more for similar features. Those looking for a cheaper Hootsuite alternative will find Buffer’s budget-friendly plans more appealing.

Post Performance Analytics

Buffer’s free and low-cost plans include basic post analytics, allowing users to track engagement, reach, and performance. This is an excellent Hootsuite alternative for small businesses and content creators without the high price tag.

Hootsuite provides in-depth analytics but locks most features behind expensive premium plans, making Buffer a better choice for those looking for a free alternative to Hootsuite with essential analytics.

Team Collaboration & Permissions

Buffer allows teams to collaborate efficiently with approval workflows and permission settings, making it one of the top Hootsuite competitors for budget-conscious businesses.

Hootsuite also offers team collaboration, but at a higher cost. Buffer is a cheaper Hootsuite alternative for small teams.

Starting Price

The Essentials plan of Buffer costs $6/month per channel.

G2 Rating: 4.3/5

Buffer holds a 4.3/5 rating on G2, with users praising its intuitive design, affordability, and essential scheduling tools. Many users looking for a free alternative to Hootsuite appreciate Buffer’s free plan, which supports up to three social media accounts.

Hootsuite Alternative #07: Sprout Social

Sprout Social is a premium social media management tool designed for large businesses and enterprises that need advanced analytics, AI-driven social listening, and in-depth customer engagement tools. It’s one of the top Hootsuite competitors, offering more enterprise-grade features and a comprehensive social media CRM.

Feature Comparison

AI-Driven Social Listening

Sprout Social, one of the famous Hootsuite competitors free offers AI-powered social listening tools that track brand mentions, audience sentiment, and emerging trends. This feature helps enterprises understand their audience and improve engagement strategies.

Hootsuite provides essential social listening but lacks AI-driven insights, making Sprout Social the better alternative for brands focused on audience sentiment analysis.

Advanced Reporting & Analytics

Sprout Social delivers in-depth performance reports, including custom reporting, audience demographics, and competitor benchmarking. These features help businesses optimize their social media strategy.

Hootsuite has analytics, but its advanced reporting is only available in higher-tier plans. Thus, Sprout Social is the better option for enterprises that need comprehensive data insights.

Customer Engagement Inbox

Sprout Social’s Unified Social Inbox consolidates messages, comments, and mentions from multiple platforms, allowing teams to respond efficiently. It also features AI-powered response suggestions for faster interactions.

Hootsuite offers a similar feature, but Sprout Social’s AI-driven automation makes it a better Hootsuite alternative for large teams handling customer support.

Starting Price

The standard pricing plan of Sprout Social comes at $245/month per seat.

G2 Rating: 4.4/5

Sprout Social has a 4.4/5 rating on G2. Users appreciate its detailed reporting, AI-powered insights, and robust customer engagement features. Though pricier than Hootsuite, it provides more advanced tools, making it a better enterprise alternative.

Hootsuite Alternative #08: Agorapulse

Agorapulse is a powerful social media management tool for businesses and one of the cheaper Hootsuite alternatives
prioritizing customer relationship management (CRM), engagement, and collaboration. It offers a unified social inbox, advanced social listening, and content approval workflows, making it a strong alternative to Hootsuite.

Feature Comparison

Unified Social Inbox

Agorapulse’s social inbox consolidates messages, comments, and reviews from multiple platforms, making it easy for teams to manage conversations and respond promptly. Automated labeling and filtering help businesses prioritize essential interactions.

Hootsuite also has an inbox feature, but it’s less structured and lacks advanced filtering. Therefore, Agorapulse is a better Hootsuite alternative for businesses focused on customer engagement.

Social Listening & Engagement

Agorapulse includes AI-powered social listening tools that help businesses track mentions, monitor brand reputation, and analyze audience sentiment.

Hootsuite offers basic social listening, but its tools are less advanced than Agorapulse’s AI-powered insights. Thus, Agorapulse is a better alternative to Hootsuite for brands that need real-time audience monitoring.

Content Approval Workflow

Agorapulse’s collaborative content approval system ensures that all posts go through a structured review process, making it perfect for teams that require multi-level approval workflows.

Hootsuite also provides team collaboration, but Agorapulse’s customizable workflows and approval settings make it a better choice for brands managing multiple stakeholders.

Starting Price

Agorapulse features the Standard pricing plan of $99/month.

G2 Rating: 4.5/5

Agorapulse has a 4.5/5 rating on G2. Users praise its intuitive interface, seamless CRM features, and excellent customer support. Many businesses looking for Hootsuite competitors prefer Agorapulse for its engagement-focused approach.

Hootsuite Alternative #09: Zoho Social

Zoho Social is one of the powerful sites like Hootsuite designed for businesses that want AI-powered analytics, intelligent scheduling, and advanced brand monitoring. It’s a cheaper Hootsuite alternative with robust automation and reporting features, making it an excellent choice for brands prioritizing data-driven decisions.

Feature Comparison

AI-Powered SmartQ Scheduling

Zoho Social’s SmartQ feature uses AI to determine the best time to post, ensuring maximum engagement. It analyzes audience behavior and schedules posts when they are most active.

Hootsuite also offers scheduling tools, but Zoho Social’s AI-powered optimization makes it a better alternative to Hootsuite for brands that rely on data-driven publishing.

Brand Monitoring & Social Listening

Zoho Social allows businesses to track brand mentions, hashtags, and competitor activity in real time, helping them stay ahead of trends and customer conversations.

Hootsuite provides basic social listening, but Zoho Social’s detailed monitoring and AI-driven sentiment analysis make it one of the best Hootsuite competitors for businesses that want deeper audience insights.

Custom Reports & Data Analytics

Zoho Social, one of the famous apps like Hootsuite, offers customizable reports with in-depth insights on engagement, performance, and audience demographics. Users can easily create automated reports and track KPIs.

Hootsuite has standard analytics, but Zoho Social’s custom reporting and AI-driven insights make it a better Hootsuite alternative for companies that want detailed social media data.

Starting Price

Zoho Social has a standard pricing plan that starts at $15/month.

G2 Rating: 4.6/5

Zoho Social has an impressive 4.6/5 rating on G2. Users appreciate its AI-driven insights, affordability, and seamless integration with other Zoho tools. It’s one of the most popular alternatives to Hootsuite for businesses that need smart social media automation.

Hootsuite Alternative #10: Tailwind

Tailwind is a free alternative Hootsuite for Instagram and Pinterest marketing. It provides AI-powered scheduling, hashtag suggestions, and advanced visual content planning, making it an ideal Hootsuite alternative for businesses focusing on visual content and influencer marketing.

Feature Comparison

Smart Scheduling for Instagram & Pinterest

Tailwind’s AI-powered SmartSchedule determines the best time to post based on audience activity and engagement trends, ensuring maximum reach.

Hootsuite also supports Instagram and Pinterest scheduling but lacks Tailwind’s AI-driven optimization. Thus, Tailwind is a better Hootsuite alternative for businesses focused on visual platforms.

Hashtag Finder & Performance Analytics

Tailwind’s Hashtag Finder suggests the most relevant and trending hashtags based on post content, helping users reach a broader audience.

Hootsuite allows users to add hashtags manually, but Tailwind’s AI-powered suggestions make it better than Hootsuite for organically growing an audience.

Visual Content Calendar

Tailwind provides a drag-and-drop visual planner, allowing users to preview and organize content for Instagram and Pinterest.

Hootsuite offers a traditional scheduling calendar, but Tailwind’s visual-first approach makes it a better Hootsuite alternative for businesses that prioritize aesthetic consistency.

Starting Price

The Pro version of Tailwind retails for $24.99/month.

G2 Rating: 4.5/5

Tailwind has a solid 4.5/5 rating on G2. Users praise its intelligent scheduling, Pinterest optimization tools, and AI-generated hashtags. It’s one of the top apps, like Hootsuite, for marketers who want better tools for visual platforms.

Hootsuite Alternative #11: Later

Later is a visual-first social media scheduling tool designed for Instagram, Facebook, Twitter, TikTok, LinkedIn, and Pinterest. It’s one of the best free Hootsuite alternatives for businesses and content creators who need an intuitive, drag-and-drop planner to organize their social media posts effortlessly.

Feature Comparison

Drag-and-Drop Post Scheduling

Later offers a simple drag-and-drop content planner, allowing users to schedule posts visually while maintaining a cohesive Instagram feed.

Hootsuite provides a calendar-based scheduling system but lacks Later’s intuitive visual planner. Thus, Later is a better Hootsuite alternative for content creators and brands that prioritize aesthetics.

Instagram Link in Bio Feature

Later’s Link in Bio tool allows users to create a shoppable landing page that directs followers to products, blog posts, or other content.

Hootsuite doesn’t provide a built-in link-in-bio feature, requiring third-party tools instead. Later’s integrated approach makes it a better alternative to Hootsuite for Instagram marketers and eCommerce brands.

Hashtag Suggestions & Performance Analytics

Later’s AI-powered hashtag suggestions help users find high-performing hashtags to boost reach and engagement. It also provides detailed post-analytics to track performance.

Hootsuite offers basic hashtag support, but Later’s AI-driven hashtag recommendations and Instagram insights make it a cheaper alternative that optimizes reach better.

Starting Price

As for the Starter plan of Later, you are required to pay $25/month.

G2 Rating: 4.5/5

Later has a 4.5/5 rating on G2, with users highlighting its ease of use, visual scheduling, and Instagram-first approach. If you’re looking for platforms like Hootsuite optimized for visual content planning, Later is a strong contender.

Comparison Table of Hootsuite Alternatives

Final Verdict

With many social media management tools like Hootsuite, finding the right fit depends on your needs.

If you’re looking for AI-powered scheduling and automation, Sendible and Zoho Social stand out. Need content recycling? Social Champ has your back. Buffer and Crowdfire are great picks for budget-friendly options. If you run a business and need social CRM, Agorapulse or Sprout Social are solid choices.

But if you want the best overall Hootsuite alternative, with a perfect balance of smart automation, AI-powered insights, and seamless scheduling—all at an affordable price—SocialBu is the way to go.

Sign up for a free trial of SocialBu today and streamline your social media management with AI-powered scheduling, detailed analytics, and multi-platform support.

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.