If you’ve ever used Sprout Social, you probably know it’s packed with features. But let’s be real; not everyone needs (or wants to pay for) all that. Whether you’re a solo creator, part of a small team, or just trying to keep things simple and affordable, Sprout Social can start to feel a bit… too much.
If you’ve found yourself thinking, “There has to be something better for me,” you’re not alone. In this blog, we’ll first look at why many users start exploring Sprout Social alternatives—and then we’ll dive into 11 great tools that might just be a better fit for you.
In this blog, we’ll start by breaking down the common reasons why people look for alternatives to Sprout Social; and then explore 11 amazing tools that could be a much better fit for your needs, goals, and budget.
Why Look for Sprout Social Alternatives?
Sprout Social is a powerful tool, no doubt. But for many users, it ends up being more than they bargained for, both in terms of features and cost. Let’s break down the main reasons people start searching for alternatives.
1. It’s Just Too Expensive
Sprout Social’s pricing can quickly add up, especially if you’re managing multiple profiles or working with a team. For solo creators, freelancers, or small businesses, it often feels like you’re paying for a bunch of features you’ll never use.
2. It Feels Overwhelming
Yes, it’s packed with tools—but that also makes it complicated. The interface isn’t exactly beginner-friendly, and there’s a steep learning curve if you just want to schedule posts and get on with your day.
3. Limited Smart Automation
While Sprout Social does a great job with analytics and team collaboration, it’s not built for smart automation. If you’re looking for AI-assisted scheduling, auto-replies, or easy workflow automation, you’ll likely be disappointed.
4. It’s Not Built for Everyone
Sprout Social is designed with large teams and agencies in mind. But what if you’re a solo content creator, a small business owner, or someone who just wants a no-fuss social media tool? That’s where simpler and more focused alternatives shine.
1- SocialBu – All-in-One Social Media Scheduler
If you’re searching for Sprout Social alternatives that are easier on your wallet but still packed with useful features, SocialBu is definitely worth a look. It’s one of the most affordable tools like Sprout Social, offering powerful scheduling, automation, and analytics, all in one clean and easy-to-use platform.
Key Features
Here’s what makes SocialBu a strong Sprout Social competitor, especially if you’re looking for something simpler, smarter, and more cost-effective:
Automation and Auto-Posting
SocialBu lets you set up auto-posting with RSS feeds so your best content keeps going out, without you lifting a finger. Great for keeping things active, even when you’re not.
Team Collaboration
Working with others? You can set up roles, manage approvals, and keep brand workspaces separate, perfect for agencies or businesses with multiple clients or pages.
Simple Yet Powerful Analytics
Track your post performance and audience behavior with built-in analytics. You also get tracking and easy-to-understand reports, without digging through complicated dashboards.
Visual Planner and First-Comment Scheduling
Use the drag-and-drop calendar, schedule in bulk, and even auto-post your first comment on Instagram to boost reach. Plus, it supports 12+ platforms, including Mastodon and Bluesky.
What Is the Difference Between SocialBu and Sprout Social?
Here’s a quick look at how SocialBu holds its own in the Sprout Social vs SocialBu comparison:
- Way More Affordable: Plans start at just $19/month, compared to Sprout Social pricing that begins at $199/month. That’s a huge saving!
- Unlimited Scheduling: No limits on the number of posts you can schedule—unlike apps like Sprout Social that often have restrictions.
- Built-In AI Tools: Need help writing captions or coming up with ideas? SocialBu has a smart AI assistant ready to help—something most platforms like Sprout Social don’t include.
- Generous Free Plan: SocialBu offers a free alternative to Sprout Social with two social accounts and up to 40 scheduled posts per month. Great if you’re just starting out!
Pricing
SocialBu offers straightforward plans that scale with your needs:
- Free: $0/month (2 accounts, 40 posts/month)
- Standard: $19/month (12 accounts, unlimited posts)
- Super: $59/month (30 accounts, unlimited posts)
- Supreme: $199/month (150 accounts, unlimited posts)
Takeaway
SocialBu delivers a compelling alternative for anyone seeking an affordable Sprout Social competitor without sacrificing essential features. Its automation, AI-powered content tools, and intuitive interface combine all publishing workflows into one platform.
Moreover, the combination of generous free tiers, broad network support, and agency-friendly collaboration features ensures that teams of any size can efficiently scale their social media efforts.
Ratings and Reviews
Authentic user feedback underscores SocialBu’s strong market position:
- G2: 4.6 out of 5 average rating from verified users, praising its ease of use and powerful scheduling capabilities.
- Capterra: 4.5 out of 5 based on 59 reviews, with high marks for value for money and customer support.
These real-world ratings confirm that SocialBu is one of the top Sprout Social alternatives, delivering cost efficiency and robust functionality.
2- Hootsuite – Best for Enterprises (No Complexity)
If you’re looking for platforms like Sprout Social but want something that delivers powerful features with more flexibility, Hootsuite is a strong contender. It’s been one of the most recognized names in social media management since 2008 and remains a top choice for brands that need enterprise-grade tools without feeling locked into a rigid system.
Key Features
Here’s a look at what makes Hootsuite similar to Sprout Social, but better for those who want something flexible and scalable.
Smart Post Timing with AutoSchedule
Hootsuite helps you publish when your audience is most active by automatically suggesting the best post times.
Unified Inbox and Listening Streams
Stay on top of all conversations, comments, messages, and mentions across multiple platforms in one easy-to-use inbox. It’s perfect for tracking engagement efficiently.
Bulk Upload and Asset Library
Quickly upload hundreds of posts and manage approved content in a shared library. This helps teams maintain brand consistency and save time.
Custom Reports and ROI Tracking
Create detailed reports across platforms. You can track UTM codes, measure campaign results, and even keep an eye on competitors, ideal for deeper insights.
How Is Hootsuite Better Than Sprout Social?
In the Sprout Social vs Hootsuite comparison, Hootsuite wins in a few key areas:
- Lower Starting Cost: Hootsuite’s Professional plan starts at $99 per month, which is more budget-friendly than Sprout Social pricing, which starts $199.
- Supports More Users for Less: Hootsuite’s Team plan allows 3 users and up to 20 accounts, making it a better deal than seat-based pricing models like Sprout Social.
- Stronger Integration Options: With over 100 integrations, including Slack, Google Drive, and CRM tools, Hootsuite gives more flexibility than many sites like Sprout Social.
- No Limits on Scheduling: You get unlimited scheduled posts on paid plans, something many Sprout Social alternatives don’t always offer.
Pricing
Hootsuite’s tiered pricing helps you match features to your team size without surprise overage fees:
- Professional: $99/month for one user and 10 social accounts
- Team: $249/month (annual) for 3 users and 20 social accounts
- Enterprise: Custom pricing for 5+ users and 50+ social accounts
Takeaway
Hootsuite delivers a full suite of multi‑platform social media tools, with enterprise‑grade listening, a vast app ecosystem, and flat‑fee team plans that rival other Sprout Social competitors. Its scheduling and automation features scale from solopreneurs to global brands, making it a go‑to for anyone who needs a proven, extensible solution without per‑seat pricing surprises.
Ratings and Reviews
Real user sentiment highlights Hootsuite’s market position:
- G2: 4.2 out of 5 stars from over 6,000 reviews, noted for “comprehensive scheduling” and “powerful listening streams.”
- Capterra: 4.4 out of 5 rating, with users praising its “integration breadth” and “team management,” while some mention a steeper learning curve.
If you want some excellent Hootsuite alternatives, find them here!
3: Buffer – Best for Simplicity and Solo Creators
If you’re looking for a no-fuss Sprout Social alternative that just gets the job done, Buffer is a great pick. It’s one of the most trusted free alternatives to Sprout Social, especially for solo creators, small businesses, and nonprofits that want to schedule content without getting lost in complicated dashboards.
Key Features
Here are the essential Buffer capabilities that make it one of the best alternatives to Sprout Social for basic scheduling and analytics:
Smart Queues and Easy Scheduling
Just set your posting times once, and Buffer will keep your content flowing automatically. No need to manually schedule every single post.
First Comment and Link Management
Want to boost Instagram reach? Buffer lets you schedule the first comment. It also shortens URLs automatically to keep your captions neat and trackable.
Unified Composer and Drag-and-Drop Planner
Write and schedule posts for all your networks in one place. You can also use a visual board to plan content ideas and organize your week at a glance.
Basic Analytics That Are Useful
Track likes, comments, and follower growth. While it’s not enterprise-level reporting, it’s more than enough for creators and small teams who just want to see what’s working.
How Is Buffer Better Than Sprout Social?
When it comes to Buffer vs Sprout Social, Buffer is a clear winner for those who want something light, fast, and budget-friendly:
- Great Free Plan: Buffer offers a free forever plan with 3 channels and 10 posts per channel. It’s one of the best free social media management tools like Sprout Social for individuals or small teams.
- Affordable Pricing: Paid plans start at just $5 per month per channel. That’s way lower than Sprout Social pricing, which starts at $199 and charges per user.
- Collaboration Made Simple: The Team plan supports unlimited users for just $10 per channel per month, making it ideal for small agencies or remote teams.
- Minimal Learning Curve: The clean layout means no time wasted learning the platform. That’s why Buffer remains a favorite among tools similar to Sprout Social, especially for beginners.
Pricing
Buffer’s per‑channel model gives you granular control over costs:
- Free: $0/month for 3 channels, 10 posts each
- Essentials: $6 per channel/month for unlimited posts and analytics
- Team: $12 per channel/month for unlimited users and advanced features
- Agency: Flat $100/month for higher-volume needs
Takeaway
Buffer excels as a simple social media scheduling tool. It offers transparent pricing, a free tier, and essential analytics for anyone who wants to focus on content over bells and whistles.
Its publishing workflows and content calendar apps make it one of the most approachable Sprout Social competitors for teams that value speed and simplicity.
Ratings and Reviews
Verified users consistently praise Buffer’s straightforward experience:
- G2: 4.3 out of 5 stars, lauding its “ease of use” and “reliable scheduling” for multiple platforms.
- Capterra: 4.5 out of 5 rating based on 1,500+ reviews, with high marks for “value for money” and “simple analytics.”
Find some cool Buffer alternatives here!
4: MavSocial – Best for Visual Content & Multi-Brand Agencies
If your brand is all about visuals and creative assets, MavSocial is a great option to consider. It’s more than just a Sprout Social alternative—it also comes with ad management tools and a built-in media library that makes handling branded content easier than ever.
Key Features
Here is a quick breakdown of some of the key features that set MavSocial apart from other Sprout Social alternatives.
Bulk Scheduling and Automation
No need to post one by one. You can schedule content in bulk, set posts to repeat, and keep your calendar full without constant effort.
Built-In Media Library
MavSocial includes a digital asset library where you can store all your brand’s images, videos, and other creative files. It’s perfect for teams that post a lot of visual content and want quick access to media.
Team Collaboration and Approvals
Control user permissions and manage multiple brands with ease. On agency plans, you even get unlimited client access, making it ideal for those managing content across different businesses.
Ad Reporting and Campaign Insights
You get detailed analytics for your posts and ad campaigns, including performance reports for Facebook and Instagram ads. That makes it great for teams doing both organic and paid social.
Visual Calendar and Link Tracking
Plan content using a clean calendar view. You can also categorize posts for evergreen content recycling and use shortened links with built-in tracking.
How Is MavSocial Better Than Sprout Social?
Let’s take a quick look at MavSocial vs Sprout Social to see how it holds up:
- Stronger Media Management: Unlike many Sprout Social competitors, MavSocial offers a digital asset library that helps creative teams stay organized.
- More Affordable Plans: MavSocial starts at just $29 per month, which is much cheaper than Sprout Social pricing at $199.
- Ad Campaign Support: While apps like Sprout Social are focused mostly on organic posting, MavSocial also helps you manage and schedule paid ads.
- Better for Agencies: Unlimited client access on agency plans makes MavSocial one of the best platforms like Sprout Social for multi-brand teams.
Pricing
- Advanced: $29/month for one user and 10 profiles
- Pro: $78/month for 3 users and 30 profiles
- Business: $249/month for five users and 40 profiles (add‑ons available)
- Enterprise: $399/month for unlimited profiles and advanced ad management
Takeaway
MavSocial shines as a visual-focused Sprout Social alternative by combining DAM, organic posting, and ad tools into one platform. Its lower price point and creative‑asset workflows make it an excellent choice for agencies and teams that need publishing workflows and post automation tools without breaking the bank.
Ratings and Reviews
- G2: 4.7 out of 5 stars based on 120+ reviews, praised for its digital library and ad scheduling ease.
- Capterra: 4.5 out of 5 stars from 85+ reviews, noted for strong visual tools and value for money.
5: CoSchedule -Best for Marketing Teams
CoSchedule is more than just a social media scheduler. It’s a full marketing management tool built for teams that want to plan everything, social posts, blog content, emails, and tasks—all in one place. If you’re looking for Sprout Social alternatives that go beyond social and tie into your wider content strategy, CoSchedule might be the one.
Key Features
Below, you’ll find a detailed look at CoSchedule’s capabilities, comparisons to Sprout Social, and guidance on which teams will benefit most from this Sprout Social competitor.
ReQueue for Smart Recycling
One of CoSchedule’s best features is ReQueue. It automatically republishes your top-performing posts to fill empty slots in your calendar. That way, your best content keeps working for you without the need to manually reschedule it.
Unified Marketing Calendar
Plan your social media alongside blogs, newsletters, product updates, and more. The drag-and-drop interface makes it easy to stay on top of all your campaigns from one place.
Built-in Task Management
Assign tasks, set deadlines, and track everything within your calendar. Perfect for teams who want to connect their social media work to larger projects.
Top Content Reports and Analytics
CoSchedule offers simple analytics that show you what content is performing best, helping you make smarter decisions going forward.
Easy Multi-Platform Publishing
Schedule and publish to Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, LinkedIn, Pinterest, and even WordPress. It’s a complete publishing hub for marketing teams.
How Is CoSchedule Better Than Sprout Social?
Here’s how it stacks up in the Sprout Social vs CoSchedule comparison:
- More Than Just Social: While tools like Sprout Social focus only on social platforms, CoSchedule lets you manage blogs, emails, and campaigns in one place.
- Smarter Evergreen Posting: ReQueue is a unique feature among apps like Sprout Social, helping you automatically repost top content to keep your calendar full.
- Marketing Workflow Integration: With task tracking and campaign planning, CoSchedule is better than sites like Sprout Social for full marketing teams.
- Affordable Entry Point: Pricing starts at just $19 per user per month, offering a more flexible and affordable option for teams looking for alternatives to Sprout Social.
Pricing
- Social Calendar (Basic): $19/user/month (up to 3 users and three profiles, $5/additional profile)
- Agency Calendar: $59/user/month (up to 3 users and five profiles, $5/additional profile)
- Content Calendar and Marketing Suite: Custom pricing for expanded workflows
- Free Plan: Single user with limited features
Takeaway
CoSchedule stands out among Spring Social alternatives by offering robust publishing workflows, cross‑channel calendar integration, and unique post‑recycling automation. Its unified planning approach makes it ideal for teams that view social media as one piece of a larger marketing puzzle.
Ratings and Reviews
- G2: 4.5 out of 5 stars from 200+ reviews, lauded for its ReQueue feature and calendar interface.
- Capterra: 4.4 out of 5 stars based on 150+ reviews, highlighted for ease of use in project and social planning.
6: MeetEdgar – Best for Hands-Free Evergreen Posting
If automation is your top priority, MeetEdgar is one of the smartest Sprout Social alternatives to consider. It’s built to keep your content active without constant check-ins, making it perfect for creators, coaches, and small teams who want to stay consistent without spending hours scheduling posts.
Key Features
Below, we explore how MeetEdgar stands out among tools like Sprout Social and why it might be the right choice for your workflow.
Evergreen Content Automation
Instead of posting something once and forgetting it, MeetEdgar recycles your top content so it keeps getting shared. This helps you stay visible without always creating something new.
Unlimited Scheduling
No restrictions on how many posts you can schedule. That means your queue is always full and your channels stay active, which many Sprout Social competitors limit in lower-tier plans.
Category-Based Queues
Organize content into categories like tips, blog posts, or promotions. Then set time slots for each category and let Edgar handle the rest. It’s a great way to keep your feed balanced and on-brand.
Simple Performance Insights
While the analytics are basic, you still get important numbers like clicks and likes per post and per account. It’s enough to see what works without getting lost in data.
How Is MeetEdgar Better Than Sprout Social?
Here’s what makes MeetEdgar vs Sprout Social an interesting comparison:
- Focused on Smart Automation: Edgar’s content recycling is something you won’t find in many apps like Sprout Social, making it ideal for long-term engagement.
- Super Low Cost: With plans starting at just $29.99 per year, it’s one of the most budget-friendly Sprout Social alternatives on the market.
- More Profiles, Fewer Limits: The top-tier Edgar plan supports up to 25 social profiles, giving you more flexibility than many platforms like Sprout Social at a similar price point.
- Stress-Free Scheduling: If you want a free alternative to Sprout Social with a focus on set-it-and-forget-it automation, MeetEdgar is one of the best choices out there.
Pricing
- Eddie Plan: $29.99 per year for up to 5 accounts and 10 weekly automations
- Edgar Plan: $49.99 per year for up to 25 accounts and 1,000 weekly automations
- 30‑day free trial
Takeaway
MeetEdgar excels as a post automation tool that prioritizes evergreen content over social listening or engagement. Its category‑based queues and unlimited scheduling make it an excellent Sprout Social free alternative for individuals and small teams who need a reliable, low‑cost scheduler without extra complexity.
Ratings and Reviews
- G2: 4.3 out of 5 stars from real users, praising its “evergreen automation” and ease of use
7: eClincher – Best for Local SEO and Review Management
If you’re looking for a social media tool that also handles local listings and online reviews, eClincher is one of the most versatile Sprout Social alternatives out there. It’s designed for businesses and agencies that want everything—scheduling, engagement, analytics, and local SEO—managed from one place.
Key Features
Let’s have a look at the breakdown of some of the top features of eClincher that makes it better than other Sprout Social alternatives.
Smart Queues and RSS Automation
Set up category-based scheduling to keep your content balanced and let RSS feeds automatically fill your calendar with fresh content. Similar to MeetEdgar and CoSchedule, but with added flexibility.
Unified Smart Inbox
Manage all messages, mentions, and comments from one inbox. You can even assign conversations to team members, which helps keep things organized and efficient.
Advanced Analytics and White Label Reports
All paid plans come with detailed analytics, competitor tracking, and white label reporting. Unlike Sprout Social enterprise plans that lock this behind higher tiers, eClincher includes it by default.
Local Listing and Review Monitoring
Sync and manage your Google Business and Yelp listings, monitor reviews, and keep your business information consistent across platforms. A feature most Sprout Social competitors simply don’t offer.
Publishing and Hashtag Help
Schedule posts, connect Canva or Google Drive for assets, and get AI-generated hashtag suggestions tailored to each platform.
How is eClincher Better Than Sprout Social?
Let’s see how eClincher compares in the Sprout Social vs eClincher conversation:
- Better Local SEO Tools: eClincher includes review and listing management, which you won’t find in many apps like Sprout Social.
- Built-In White Label Reporting: Every paid plan includes white label features, which makes eClincher more flexible than most Sprout Social competitors.
- Custom Analytics: You get competitor insights and customized dashboards without needing an enterprise contract.
- Wider Network Coverage: Beyond Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter, eClincher also covers platforms like Yelp and Google listings, making it a broader Sprout Social alternative.
Pricing
- Standard: $149 per month for 1 User (up to 2), and 15 Profiles (up to 20)
- Professional: $349 per month for 5 Users (up to 10), and 25 Profiles (up to 40)
- Enterprise: Custom pricing for large-scale deployments
- All plans come with a 14‑day free trial.
Takeaway
eClincher is a comprehensive multi‑platform social media tool that bridges social posting with local SEO and listing management. Its unified inbox and AI‑powered workflows make it a powerful, affordable Sprout Social alternative for teams that need more than just scheduling and analytics.
Ratings and Reviews
- G2: 4.6 out of 5 stars from verified reviewers, highlighting its local‑listing features and comprehensive inbox
- Capterra: 4.7 out of 5 stars based on 120+ reviews, with praise for its white‑label reporting and robust analytics.
8: Loomly – Best for Visual Content Planning and Team Collaboration
Loomly is a clean and creative Sprout Social alternative designed for teams that want help from start to finish—brainstorming ideas, planning posts, getting feedback, and publishing content all in one place. If you need a visual editorial calendar with built-in inspiration and guided workflows, Loomly is a strong option.
Key Features
Some of the key features of Loomly are as follows:
Post Ideas and Creative Prompts
Struggling with content ideas? Loomly offers inspiration through RSS feeds, trending topics on Twitter, and daily events or holidays. It helps break creative blocks quickly.
Easy Collaboration and Feedback
Team members can comment, suggest edits, and approve content in real time. You can set up different roles for creators, reviewers, and approvers to keep workflows smooth.
Visual Calendar and Smart Publishing
Drag and drop posts across a highly visual calendar. Loomly also supports first comment scheduling for Instagram and includes a built-in link in bio tool to drive more traffic where you want it.
Basic Analytics Made Simple
All plans include engagement metrics and follower growth stats so you can see what’s working without needing to dig into complex reports.
How Is Loomly Better Than Sprout Social?
Loomly’s focus on content calendar apps and guided publishing distinguishes it from broader social media suites:
- More Guidance, Less Guesswork: Loomly gives you checklists, live post previews, and prompts to improve your content quality—features that many Sprout Social competitors do not focus on.
- Support for Nonprofits and Free Trial: With a 15-day free trial and 50 percent nonprofit discount, Loomly is a standout free alternative to Sprout Social for mission-driven teams.
- Editorial Focused Design: While apps like Sprout Social offer lots of features, Loomly is designed around a content-first workflow. That makes it ideal for teams who plan campaigns like editors, not just social media managers.
- Clean and User-Friendly: Loomly’s interface is visual and intuitive, which helps reduce the learning curve compared to platforms like Sprout Social.
Loomly’s plans scale with your needs and user count:
- Free: $0 per month for one user and three social accounts
- Beyond: Customized plan with customized price
Takeaway
Loomly excels as a Sprout Social competitor by centering on content planning and publishing workflows. Its visual calendar and idea prompts ensure teams never run out of creative momentum, while its nonprofit discounts and trial options make it an accessible Sprout Social pricing alternative.
Ratings and Reviews
- G2: 4.6 out of 5 stars, praised for ease of use and “fantastic scheduling calendar”.
- Capterra: 4.6 out of 5 stars from 500+ reviews, citing “intuitive interface” and “excellent guidance on post optimization”.
9: SocialPilot – Best for Agencies & White-Label Reporting
If you manage clients or run a social media agency, SocialPilot is one of the most practical and affordable Sprout Social alternatives you can choose. It brings together bulk scheduling, advanced analytics, and white-label features that are usually locked behind expensive enterprise tiers on other platforms.
Key Features
Here is a breakdown of some key features of SocialPilot:
Bulk Scheduling and RSS Auto-Posting
Save time by uploading and scheduling multiple posts at once. You can also set up RSS feeds to automatically publish new content, keeping your channels active with minimal effort.
Client Dashboards and Custom Branding
Each client can get their own separate dashboard, and agencies can use custom domain emails to offer a fully branded experience. It’s one of the few platforms like Sprout Social that really caters to agency workflows.
Advanced Reporting and UTM Tracking
Track performance across channels with detailed analytics. UTM link tracking and exportable reports help you monitor ROI and share results with clients quickly.
Flexible Publishing Tools
Use first comment scheduling, set up recurring posts, and connect tools like Canva or Zapier to streamline your content creation process.
How Is SocialPilot Better Than Sprout Social?
Here’s how SocialPilot holds up in the Sprout Social vs SocialPilot comparison:
- Much Lower Starting Price: The Essentials plan starts at $30 per month, while Sprout Social pricing begins at $199 per user. That makes SocialPilot one of the most cost-effective Sprout Social alternatives available.
- Unlimited Scheduling for Everyone: Unlike many apps like Sprout Social, SocialPilot doesn’t cap your scheduled posts on any of its paid plans.
- Stronger for Agencies: Dedicated client folders, collaboration tools, and white-label options make it ideal for agencies managing multiple brands or clients.
- White-Label Reports Without Extra Contracts: Higher plans let you create branded reports without needing to negotiate a costly Sprout Social enterprise plan.
SocialPilot’s tiered plans grow with your requirements:
- Essentials: $30 per month, unlimited posts, basic analytics
- Standard: $50 per month, advanced analytics and reporting dashboard
- Premium: $100 per month, client folders, and white‑label options
- Ultimate: $200 per month, top‑tier support, and full feature set
Takeaway
With its bulk scheduling, analytics platforms, and white‑label reporting, SocialPilot ranks among the top Sprout Social competitors for agencies and teams prioritizing cost efficiency and powerful client management.
Ratings and Reviews
- G2: 4.5 out of 5 stars from 13,000+ users, celebrated for “intuitive interface” and “exceptional customer support”.
- Capterra: 4.4 out of 5 stars based on 1,500+ reviews, highlighting “value for money” and “bulk scheduling reliability”.
10: Later – Best for Creators & Instagram-First Workflows
Later is one of the most intuitive and visually focused Sprout Social alternatives out there. It started as an Instagram planner, but has grown into a full social media scheduler that supports platforms like TikTok, Pinterest, Facebook, LinkedIn, and more. What makes Later stand out among tools like Sprout Social is its emphasis on content aesthetics and creative flow.
Key Features
Loomly offers the following key features:
Hashtag Suggestions and Caption Support
Later helps you generate relevant hashtags and write better social media captions directly inside the platform, which is perfect for boosting reach on Instagram and TikTok.
Smart Posting Time Suggestions
Get recommendations on the best times to post based on your audience’s activity. These suggestions are unique for each profile, helping you improve engagement without the guesswork.
Visual Content Calendar with Grid Preview
Use the drag-and-drop calendar to plan your content days or weeks. With the live Instagram grid preview, you can make sure your feed stays on-brand and visually cohesive.
Auto-Publishing for Instagram Feed and Stories
You can schedule both posts and stories to go live automatically, eliminating the need for manual uploads. It’s a big win for busy creators and marketers.
Link in Bio Tool for Conversions
Later’s built-in Linkin.bio tool lets you turn your Instagram bio link into a clickable landing page. It’s ideal for e-commerce, blogs, and anyone who wants more from that single link.
How Is Later Better Than Sprout Social?
Here is what makes Later better than Sprout Social:
- Made for Visual Brands: While Sprout Social competitors focus more on data and engagement, Later is built with visuals in mind. Its grid view and creative checklist make it easier to publish beautiful content.
- Simple but Powerful Scheduling: If you want to keep your calendar full without juggling a dozen settings, Later’s approach is more straightforward than many apps like Sprout Social.
- Affordable for Solo Creators: Later offers a free plan for one profile, and its paid plans start at just $20 per month when billed annually. That’s a solid deal compared to Sprout Social pricing, especially for individuals.
- Great Learning Resources: Later provides helpful content around hashtags, best times to post, and strategy tips, without pushing you toward an expensive Sprout Social enterprise plan.
Pricing
- Free: 1 social profile, 30 posts per month, basic scheduling
- Starter: $25 / mo (billed monthly) for one social set, one user, 500 posts per month
- Growth: $45 / mo (monthly) for three social sets, 3 users, 500+ posts
- Advanced: $80 / mo (monthly) for six social sets, six users, advanced analytics
- Premium: $200 / mo (monthly) for nine social sets, nine users, priority support
All plans include unlimited basic scheduling workflows and priority chat support.
Takeaway
Later, it stands out among Sprout Social’s competitors by emphasizing visual planning and simplicity. Its tailored tools, from hashtag generators to grid previews, help you maintain a cohesive brand presence without wrestling with complex dashboards or AI overload.
Ratings and Reviews
- G2: 4.5 / 5 stars for ease of use, calendar interface, and design‑first workflows
- Capterra: 4.4 / 5 stars from 600+ reviews, praised for “intuitive grid preview” and “direct scheduling of Stories”
11: Zoho Social – Best for Agencies That Need Power and Affordability
Zoho Social is a robust Sprout Social alternative that covers everything from post scheduling and inbox management to local listings and white label reporting. It’s especially popular with agencies and marketing teams that need full control over multiple brands without paying premium rates.
Key Features
Some of the key features of Zoho Social are as follows:
SmartQ and Bulk Publishing
You can upload and schedule multiple posts at once or use SmartQ, Zoho’s AI tool that predicts the best times to post based on your audience’s activity.
Unified Inbox and Social Listening
Track comments, messages, and even reviews from platforms like Facebook and Yelp, all from one centralized inbox. This makes engagement smoother across all channels.
Detailed Analytics and White Label Reports
Every paid plan includes custom reports, competitive insights, and white label dashboards. This is perfect for agencies that want to deliver clean, branded reports without extra costs.
Client Portals and Brand Management
Manage unlimited brands on agency plans, invite clients through dedicated access links, and keep each brand’s work neatly separated. It’s everything an agency needs to scale efficiently.
How Is Zoho Social Better Than Sprout Social?
When comparing Sprout Social vs Zoho Social, here’s where Zoho shines:
- Better Value for Money: Pricing starts at just $15 per user per month, making it one of the most affordable Sprout Social alternatives available today.
- Local Listings and Reviews: Track and manage your Google Business and Yelp presence, something most apps like Sprout Social do not include.
- White Label Reporting for All: While Sprout Social enterprise plans lock white label reports behind expensive tiers, Zoho offers them on every paid plan.
- AI-Powered Scheduling: Zoho’s SmartQ gives real-time recommendations for post timing, which makes it smarter than many tools similar to Sprout Social.
- Free: 1 brand (6 channels) + one user, 15‑day trial
- Standard: $15/user/month (1 brand, six channels)
- Professional: $40/user/month (1 brand, six channels + advanced analytics)
- Premium: $65/user/month (unlimited brands, up to 3 users)
- Agency: $230/month for 10 brands + 10 users, white‑label and portal access
Ratings and Reviews
- G2: 4.6 out of 5 stars for its unified inbox and local listing features.
- Capterra: 4.7 out of 5 stars from 120+ reviews, praised for “white‑label reporting” and “value for money”.
There you have it: a list of the top Sprout Social alternatives available for free today. Give these tools a go and see for yourself.
Conclusion
With so many powerful tools like Sprout Social available today, finding the right fit really comes down to your specific needs; whether it’s affordability, automation, visual planning, or local SEO support. From agencies looking for white-label reports to solo creators in search of free social media management tools like Sprout Social, there’s something out there for everyone.
If you’re after a tool that’s simple, budget-friendly, and loaded with all the essential features, SocialBu is a great place to start. It offers everything from post scheduling to analytics, automation, and collaboration tools, without the high price tag of traditional Sprout Social competitors.
So before committing to a costly plan, give SocialBu a try; it might just be the free alternative to Sprout Social you’ve been looking for.
FAQs
Q: Who Is a Competitor to Sprout Social?
SocialBu, Hootsuite, Buffer, Later, and Agorapulse are key competitors offering similar social media management tools.
Q: What’s Better than Sprout Social?
SocialBu is an all-in-one social media scheduling tool that’s far better than Sprout Social as it’s way more affordable than Sprout Social, offers a generous free plan, provides unlimited scheduling, and has free built-in AI tools.
Q: What Is Cheaper than Sprout Social?
Numerous social media management tools, like SocialBu and SocialPilot, offer small businesses cost-effective plans and budget-friendly options.
Q: What Is the Alternative to Sprout Free?
SocialBu is a leading Sprout Social free alternative that allows basic scheduling without a paid subscription.
Q: Is There a Free Version of Sprout Social?
No free version exists, but a 30-day free trial is available for all paid plans.
Q: Why Is Sprout Social So Expensive?
Sprout Social’s cost is due to its per‑user pricing model and high‑tier add‑ons (advanced listening, enhanced reporting), which can push the monthly bill well above the base $199/user rate.
Q: What Is the Best Social Listening Tool?
Brandwatch, Sprout Social, and Talkwalker lead in real-time monitoring and sentiment analysis capabilities.
